The Ontario Great Lakes Division hosted its annual Youth Together retreat at Jackson's Point Camp in May, engaging 230 young people in worship and fellowship. As Captain Marion Platt, divisional youth secretary, Florida Division, addressed the theme “Imago Dei,” young Salvationists took to social media with the hashtag #GodsGloriousSelfie, and shared snapshots of nature and friends to represent the collective face of God.

“The purpose of Youth Together is to deepen the faith of the youth and create an awareness of God's unconditional love and presence in their daily lives,” shares Captain Jennifer Hale, divisional youth secretary, Ontario Great Lakes Division.

Young Salvationists enjoy a game of bubble soccer

Along with paintball and bubble-soccer matches, participants joined The Singing Company, guest musicians from Chicago, in worship, shared personal testimonies and attended workshops. Major Dana Reid, director of field education at Winnipeg's College for Officer Training, led a workshop that catered to youth interested in pursuing officership.

“Young people go home fired up after the retreat weekend and we see a deeper engagement in corps with people wanting to get involved in further ministry and support their officers,” says Captain Hale. “To see the young people respond in such a powerful way was very encouraging.”