Heritage Hills Baptist Church was transformed last weekend as more than 400 area youth piled into the gymnasium for the long awaited annual event, dnowconyers2011.
Like a scene from Phillips Arena, students rushed the stage when contemporary Christian recording artist Casey Darnell arrived. Darnell challenged the middle and high school students to “lead the way, to be Christ’s hands and feet.” The worship leader asked, “Who says that you can’t change anything?” Darnell was followed by keynote speaker Stuart Hall. Hall moved a large wooden cross in the middle of the stage, stood behind it and asked the audience if they could see him through the cross. “You and I have to deal with this. Not only what it means in history, but what it means to you now,” said Hall.
In “Cross Xperience,” students visited several stations to investigate how it must have felt to have been crucified. Opportunities were give to feel whips, nails and the wooden cross. Some students even tried to carry the life sized cross up a small hill.
Students were encouraged to reflect throughout the weekend. One student wrote, “I wasn’t exactly sure how severe Jesus’ beating and killing was. I can’t even fathom or imagine all of the pain that He went through. He is truly our Savior.”
While some of the groups were at the Cross Experience, others were helping to fill a container with donated items. The container was bound for Nakuru, Kenya. Jeff and Greta Beech of The Beech Foundation have been leading a ministry to help the residents with a mission, orphanage and school. Approximately 600 people live on a garbage dump.
“Initially, we were just asking for school supplies. We received a generous amount. But this year, we were surprised to receive general medicine, computer supplies, and even a dental delivery system (from the Flynns who lead the Asoddeca Dental Mission In Peru and are members at Heritage Hills,” said Jeff Beech. Students helped to load donations into the container.
Student Kylie Webb said,” I was really moved by it. It was a very humbling experience.”
Mark Walker, student pastor at Rockdale Baptist Church, told the youth, “This is what it’s all about. Our sin was traded for His righteousness - the Great Exchange.”
