Amazed: Reflections on NRG 2024

This incredible statement came from a youth who had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, followed by this reflection: “It’s so powerful to experience other teenagers on fire for God.”

Another youth with a similar experience shared, “I felt this fire… a complete experience of the presence of the Holy Spirit that I’ve never felt before.”

November 15-17, 2024 is a weekend I cannot possibly forget. Intimate times of prayer and worship, Nick Gough’s powerful messages, inspiring panels, and passionate youth response compounded to demonstrate that God is greater than my expectations. I have never seen such unity between volunteers, speakers, and students, to simply pursue the Lord, and have some fun.

From more relaxing times in the student common room to more energetic gym activities and breakout sessions at Forest Grove, all aspects and small details in between helped make NRG 2024 feel so complete. JJ Stone and DJ Toonie Hawk also brought the hype with their incredible performance during the Friday night after-party.

Yet, the weekend wouldn’t have felt complete without the Downtown Saskatoon evangelism trip on Saturday afternoon. Brave youth and leaders took to the streets, many for the first time, to share the good news and love of Jesus with locals. While some interactions were more challenging, any negative experiences were eclipsed by the incredible reports shared during Sunday’s morning session that were nothing short of miraculous, and properly heartwarming.

The story that rocked us all began with a local youth group handing out hot chocolate. Eventually, they encountered a certain homeless couple that had been missing their son for weeks, desperately searching for him. Taking a step of faith, one of the youth asked the couple if he could pray for them. After praying for the obvious need at hand, the following reactions could only be described as bewilderment—their prodigal son had appeared and was walking towards his parents.

And then the youth group led the family to Jesus.

Beyond incredible. In the response time, another youth testified: “These things are of God and he has a plan for me.” A common theme among the youth was a stronger and more applicable sense of God’s calling on their lives after witnessing the power of God in such community and reflecting on these moments with their peers.

As these stories ruminate in my mind, my reflections leave me convinced of Jesus’ passion for this generation, and how quickly and joyfully he desires to demonstrate his power to and through his children. Additionally, as someone with a heart to see Horizon grow, it was also encouraging to hear students express their new-found interest in growing their relationship with God through potential studies at Horizon.