SWONEKY Youth Councils 2006

A love revolution was initiated the weekend of May 19-21, 2006 in the picturesque Camp SWONEKY. Over two hundred delegates participated in the weekend’s activities. Special guests included Lt. Colonels Burr, Cadets Geracia, Steve & Sharon Bussey, Becky Tirabassi, The Friday Spectacular and Kyle Madison, Scott Woolsey, Jennifer Coffill, & Melissa Johnson of Project 1:17.

The event began with a time of fellowship leading into the Revolution Rally. The SWONEKY Worship Arts Team presented several cameo performances throughout the program and weekend, as The Friday Spectacular led in praise and worship music. With intent to rev up and raise spirits, Tirabassi challenged youth to make conscious and drastic changes in their lives to draw nearer to God. The night continued with a fundraiser benefiting the TAM Hero Fund and a late night mission trip. Led by Project 1:17 and in partnership with Captain Rodney Fudge, thirty-five delegates and leaders made their way into downtown Cincinnati. As a late night mission trip they distributed food to the local homeless.

Saturday started off with early morning worship around the campfire led by the Geracia’s and TFS. A united session followed led by Tirabassi. In this meeting, youth were taught how to live the prayer focused life. Delegates then attended interest sessions: Change Your Life Daily, Can You Hear Me?, Jesus Freak, I’m Cool I Blog, Red Hot Revolution, Christian Mission, Radical Worship, and Revolutionary Love.

The evening meeting, led by Steven Bussey, was entitled "A Manifesto for Revolutionary Salvationists." Emphasis of personal commitment was placed upon this meeting rather than on Sunday. Youth were challenged to accept the call and become revolutionaries for Christ. Participants prayed in community, as the Holy Spirit moved and raised up new young leaders within the division. As a symbolic demonstration of these new commitments, the delegates were then commissioned by Majors Maynor.

Sunday was a time of celebration and sending out. Lt Colonel Burr spoke of the Revolution Challenge focusing on spiritual warfare. Mission games with a purpose wrapped up the weekend with the DYS’s taking a promised dip in slime. Throughout the weekend, the fire of the Holy Spirit rained down on the people of the SWONEKY division. Growth, promises, and commitment was made. The presence of God was evident and obvious, calling out “let the revolution now begin.”