Some of you have asked before about this event coming up... hope you can join us.
PAX,
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Trail of Hope is Coming!!!! by Chuck Harper
What is it? Its more than a Conference. Its Synergy… Its connecting with other youth leaders. Its learning whats going on in Native America. Its a chance to love on some kids and youth leaders like you will never have a chance to do otherwise. Its a chance to lift up the Name Of JESUS to hundreds of young people who might never see Him anywhere else.
In short, its a chance to serve HIM.
The conference will take place at Fort Lewis College, Durango CO on
June 29-July 2, 2008.
We anticipate 350 Native American Students from the I 40 window – and from Canada and other places, even other countries. But our focus in on the I 40 window. Those youth ministries in Native America from the Grand Canyon to the Rio Grande, along I 40.
It takes an army of people to Pray, to Give and to help.
We would love for you to join us if God might lead. Please make the decision prayerfully and carefully.
God bless…
Chuck and Cindy Harper Ofc 505-792-9629 Cell 505-235-6580
READ ABOUT THE LAST CONFERENCE:
TRAIL OF HOPE
SUMMER 2004 – CONFERENCE REPORT
It’s hard to believe that Trail of Hope Conference has come and gone. There are so many special ways we saw God at work, and on many levels. Many responded to a challenge to make their life count –and maybe full time service for Christ. A gigantic THANK YOU to all the special people who made everything possible!
There are many who came to Christ for the first time. One girl comes from a single parent family, (most kids on Reservations do) and a very traditional background. She told her youth leader just before the conference that she was not a Christian, nor would she ever be… but today- she is excited to be part of God's family after “getting her faith in Jesus”. Another young man – recently released from jail – mysteriously had the serious charges he faced dropped just days before the conference and was able to come with his cautious youth leader. He too came to Christ after hearing how Jesus can change a heart of vicious anger toward an abusive father.
Tears choked my breathing – the first time I walked into our youth leader training room, filled with “wall to wall” youth leaders from all across the US, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Australia. This was the first time in my life where I had been in the same room with almost 100 (yes, one hundred) of my heroes - those who work with kids in Native America! I could only picture their lives back on their reservations and cities, working with the kids they know! This group represented thousands of kids – who need to know Jesus! The room was stunningly adorned with many discipleship resources – most of which were “Free” to these unsung agents of HOPE. The many comments from the youth leaders were so refreshing and hopeful – “this is great stuff", “this will help me keep going”, and “I’m stayin' in the game!”
At the same time the leadership had their training sessions, the students were at their breakout training time. Max Torres and Fred Lynch hosted this “grand slam” training time.
The general sessions were incredible moments at the Conference too. Many said how they had never seen such a “professional” and well thought through program. Every light, video clip, song, and every word was carefully crafted to highlight the Biblical theme for each session. It was a special joy as all our speakers and musicians were especially chosen for their giftedness and expertise – not just because of Native heritage – though most of them were. I wish you were there to see Darren Nez – and his group of kids from his Church in Shiprock – leading the auditorium – filled with hundreds of kids and their leaders worshipping their Creator – Jesus. Dr. Don Bartlett opened the speaking with his famous “Macaroni at Midnight” story – and then challenged kids to receive Christ as savior. John Lynch taught us about Grace, and choosing to trust. Dobie Weasel in his humorous and eloquent way- used the story of Joseph to remind us of who we are in Christ and how we will never loose our value and worth, no matter how bad things may be. Dino Butler – wrapped it up with a tremendous challenge – to take the next step in our walk on this Journey. There is Hope, and a life: not just after the funeral, but an abundant life along the way!
Each evening was topped off with some high energy – and stirring concerts. We were so blessed to have the Supertones, Marcus EmCeeOne, Redcloud, The Sonflowerz, Rachael Washington and Tom Bee. The entire program was a “dream team”!
Each afternoon we were able to host some great recreation time. Some of the attendees were able to visit some of the local attractions like the US Olympic training center, Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy, etc. All those that stayed back enjoyed great sports and activities. The Twiss family coordinated the basketball program. We had some great ice hockey games, and the pool made a big splash.
Just before the recreation times, we had great workshops, hosted by some outstanding leaders. The topics included: Purity = no regrets, Dating and Relationships (“abandon the snaggin wagon”), Dealing with Grief and loss, Partnerships with Native and Non Native Ministries, Developing Summer Mission Teams, etc. We were also blessed to have three of these taught by qualified leaders from Focus on the Family staff.
We have often said that Trail of Hope is but a brief moment, but a monumental part of the journey. As our team looks back at the two years it took to put the conference and the follow-up plan together, we can’t believe how fast it came … and went. But now as we reminisce in all the special stories, and things we saw God do, we anticipate even greater stories resulting from the life changing moments that took place in those brief, short days just two weeks ago. Our days and months ahead are full: a youth leadership mentoring program launched at the conference, many events are on the same drawing board for times of encouragement and training with the same youth leaders. We hope you will continue to pray with us, so that we will know how to answer all the many questions: to know Gods leading IF and WHEN and WHERE the next conference will be.
We were briefly disappointed that we didn’t have 800 students and leaders that we planned for, but we were thrilled that over 300 students, and close to 100 youth leaders attended from at least 30 various tribes, and from 5 countries. Financially, we also have good news, although we don’t know the bottom line just yet, we will be very close to meeting budget. God’s promises are real!
We can’t thank you enough! It happened because many of you prayed. Many of you gave financially, and some of you came to Colorado Springs and helped! It took a mighty army of people to pave this trail, and we are so grateful for each one.
Thank you for making Trail of Hope possible!
On the journey together!
Chuck and Cindy Harper
For all our Team
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