"In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight"
~ Proverbs 3:6 ~
WORKSHOPS
* In process of adding more workshops *
ReFocus will provide time for students to attend two different workshops of choice during the conference, all designed to confront some of the obstacles and challenges that our youth face in the world we live in today. Whether it be battling temptations, finding time for God, social media, or other things, students will be free to pick two workshops that most interest them, led by leaders with a love for God and heart for student ministry. These workshop leaders all have a special interest in the workshop they will be hosting and will draw upon their own testimonies, experiences, and studies to help teach and lead the students in discussion and advice.
Missions In action
Rick and Jennifer Rodriguez
Rick and Jennifer Rodriguez are the coordinators for the Helping Hands Food Pantry at Three Crosses Church, where they have been longtime members. They have been serving in this mission since September of 2023. The food pantry serves food and other items to hundreds of individuals throughout the year that live right here in Marshall County.
Rick and Jennifer love to serve, and they love helping others find ways to serve and in doing so fulfill Jesus’ command to serve others as He has served us. We are so excited to have them with us at ReFocus Youth this year as they provide a provide a tour of the operations of Helping Hands Food Pantry, share their own personal testimony, and challenge the students of Marshall County to find ways to plug into mission and outreach both locally and abroad.
Gant Hall
Hope Overcomes
"Don't let the hard days win"
Steve Freeman
Steve is a teacher right here in the Marshall County School System with 18 years vested as well as a former youth leader and teacher. In his profession and personal experiences working with students, he has seen his fair share of struggles and challenges that face our youth today. His own past is filled with struggle as well that he is faithfully willing to share with the students as a message of hope in Christ.
Jesus nor Scripture promises that we will be free of storms and challenges in our lives, but Jesus does promise He will walk through the storms with us. As Steve leads this workshop through personal testimony and the wisdom of Scripture, it is our prayer that students will find their own supernatural peace that only Jesus can provide and a Hope that Overcomes whatever battle they are facing!
Education Wing
The Beauty of Worship
first session only
Altar Vue Worship Band
Calling all music and worship enthusiasts! Our ReFocus guest band Altar Vue will be leading a special workshop as they share from their experience and passion. The band will give valuable insights into some of what it takes to lead worship in both song and word as well as what it means to truly worship the God in spirit and in truth. We are blessed to have them lead worship for ReFocus and they look forward to meeting some of you!
Sanctuary
Self-esteem in christ
Girls and Boys separate sessions
Owen Hawthorne - Boys Sessions
Olivia Hawthorne - Girls Sessions
Owen Hawthorne is the youth minister at Briensburg Baptist Church with Olivia, his wife, by his side in both involvement and support in working with students. Along with the youth ministry at Briensburg Baptist, they have also found a place working within the Emmaus and Chrysalis Community and other means of local ministry.
With all this experience and their own personal testimonies, they have seen first-hand the positive effect on students that develop a strong, unwavering sense of "Christian" self-esteem. In a world constantly barraging students with what IT says is right and wrong, Christ provides a clear path to how a young Christian should live, where their identity lies, and where their value comes from. A correct understanding of these things is key to a student building a self-esteem that is strong and healthy.
With separate Boys and Girls sessions, this workshop will help leaders address issues that may be more gender-specific and give students a more comfortable setting talking among their peers.