The annual WASP Weekend was held in the Faith Mission Centre, Portadown, from 10-13October. Eighty young people attended including some from Scotland and England. Mr Gareth Orr, a student at Reformed Theological College, spoke on the topic of faith, based on Hebrews 11. He highlighted the assurance that faith gives us and the hope for salvation and meeting our Saviour in Heaven. He mentioned how Hebrews 11 is like a “Hall of Faith” and we should use these people as examples in our own lives. Gareth also connected Genesis 1 with Hebrews, showing us that God is revealed through creation, something human beings cannot deny. He spoke on how precise God was in his creation of the world and how we have comfort in God’s power through creation. Gareth challenged us by reminding us that true faith doesn’t doubt God and His plan for our lives. He also spoke about Noah and Moses as examples of how to live a faithful life with God at the centre of our actions and choices. Gareth’s talks brought great encouragement to me and challenged me in my faith, and I’m sure others felt the same. Discussion groups were held over the weekend and were led by committee members and helpers, giving us an opportunity to further consider the talks together.
Other activities included a social, trip to McDonalds and team games. Old favourites were enjoyed as well as a new one, called Battleships, which involved throwing water balloons over a van as a way of attacking your opponents. The annual table tennis competition also took place with Jack Finch and Timothy Jemphrey battling it and Jack coming out on top, winning for a second year in a row.
Once again, we enjoyed a weekend of delicious food: from pancakes for breakfast to BBQs, chicken dinners, and apple crumble, we were always well fed. The weekend came to an end on Sabbath afternoon with a time of psalm-singing and praising God for His blessing on our weekend.
We enjoyed a rich time of fellowship, renewing old friendships and making new ones, as well as developing and growing in our faith with Christ. We all went our separate ways feeling blessed and encouraged, albeit very tired.
Thanks must go to Frank Bleijenberg, the Committee and cooks for all the hard work that they put into organising the WASP weekend. Thanks also to Gareth Orr for bringing us encouragement and challenge from God’s Word. Please continue to pray that God would use the talks to convict and convert sinners and to strengthen believers in their faith.
Anna Black (Fairview RP Church)
This article first appeared in the Covenanter Witness, and it is reprinted here by permission.
