1 inflatable unicorn. 40 team members. 600 young people. 1500 tiny ducks. Countless stories…
In reality, it’s hard to fully capture the incredible week we had at Spring Harvest Minehead this year. We ran a programme for 600 young people aged 11–16 and saw God moving powerfully among them.
As programme leader, I had the privilege of facilitating an amazing team made up of Youth for Christ members (past and present) and others who gave up their annual leave to serve. The team ranged from gap-year volunteers to experienced youth workers with over 40 years of experience.
And the reason this team does it? Because they know it’s a week that changes lives. With over 100 first-time commitments and a whole slew of testimonies, we saw young people find faith, gain courage to share their beliefs, and hear God’s voice for the first time.
We created a safe, fun environment where young people could explore the theme “No Greater Life,” focused on the greatest commandment. The programme included main sessions with games, testimonies, worship, prayer, and talks, alongside seminars and workshops covering interests like dance, football, and the relationship between science and faith. Our programme saw everything from small group competitions to collect the most tiny ducks, onstage karaoke, young people praying for each other, a whole venue bursting into spontaneously joyous dance in worship, a whole area for young people to engage in artistic worship and more.
But we know that, no matter what we plan or do, nothing matters unless God shows up. And He did – read below just a few of the testimonies shared with us by young people!
‘A’ struggled with ankle weakness and pain for years and was unable to walk for long periods of time and hadn’t been able to jump without pain. Her small group prayed for healing and she said her pain went from a 9 to a 0. She even got to jump around and dance in worship on the last night with zero pain!
‘C’ came last year and went to a seminar about how to share your faith. Since then she has started a Christian Union in her school (despite being told no at first – she kept persisting!).
‘J’ found faith and bought a Bible for the very first time.
‘E’ talked about how her mum had been diagnosed with cancer but heard God speak to her for the first time saying ‘You may feel like you’re carrying this alone but you’re not, keep going.’
Our heart is to see so many more stories like this, which is why we’re involved in several other events this year! You’ll find us at Spring Harvest France, Scotland’s Magnitude festival and Limitless Festival in Staffordshire. No matter where we go, our prayer remains the same: that young people across our nation would continue to encounter Jesus, take bold steps of faith, and discover there truly is no greater life than following Him.
Beth
British Youth for Christ