Youth gather at the altar for prayer at a Friday night worship service

It has been a busy year for the youth group at Springdale Citadel, N.L.

The group, known as Pulse Youth Ministries, started with just three students last September, when youth pastor Robert Hancock started holding meetings at his home. Since then, Pulse has grown to 60 students, about half of whom have made first time commitments to Christ since attending the youth group. Most of the youth are in grades seven to 10 and are coming from outside the corps.

During the past school year, Hancock hosted a weekly Bible study at Indian River High School and the youth also met at the church on Friday nights for a worship service. Some of the youth group now attend Sunday services as well.

On May 18-20, Springdale corps hosted the “Unashamed” youth weekend, attracting 80 youth—60 from Springdale and 20 from Corner Brook, N.L. The weekend featured special guests Captain Julia Butler, Divisional Youth Secretary for Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ted Lynch, a Nashville-based recording artist. Hancock says a number of youth made first time commitments and recommitments that weekend.

“Pulse puts an emphasis on being an example of Christ and living out the Word,” says Hancock. “The eagerness of the youth has been amazing. They're not afraid to speak out and lift up God in their school and their community.”

Though school is out for the summer, Pulse will continue to have worship services on Friday nights and host other special events. For more information about Pulse, visit their Facebook page.