Tag Archives: youth groups

In the summer of 1993, I made my first of several treks to Kings Island, formerly a Paramount themed amusement park just east of Cincinnati.  Today, its owned and operated by Cedar Fair, known as the sister park of Cedar Point which is located in Sandusky, Ohio, on the north shore of Lake Erie.  My first visit was as a youth pastor of a large church in Columbus, Indiana, taking a bus load of teenagers and foreign exchange students from the Netherlands.  To minimize the side effects of long lines, I began to play Euchre, the card game of choice in the mid-west.  Throughout the course of the day, I played more than a dozen full games, forming special bonds with several young people.

These shared experiences on roller coasters and playing games together, set the scene for one of the most memorable evenings I can recall.  During my 15 years in youth ministry, I have discovered that certain individuals have an aura around them, which draw you in their direction.  Thus, on the 90 minute ride home, I was led to a specific seat on the bus.  Initially, 3 girls and a guy began talking about wanting more, not satisfied with mere Christianity.  However, before the night was over 2 individuals, Cathy and Jackie, began sharing a vision for a special event.  This June conversation inspired a night in July where the Lord spoke to his children.

Once the logistics were worked out, acquiring a few rooms in the church, the multiple purpose room and prayer chapel, the 12 Hours of Power was conceived.  Receiving input from my core leadership group, we decided to split those in attendance up into 3 groups, rotating time praying in the chapel.  Those not praying participated in games, deep conversations and lots of Dew, the mountain variety.  For 12 hours, students fought the urge to sleep by shifting their attention toward the heavenly realm.  Unlike any other Lock In I’ve been a part of, the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon these youth.  In the days, weeks and months that followed, a mini revival broke out in Columbus, Indiana, driven by the love of Jesus within teenagers.  Idle talk was replaced by impromptu Bible Studies, students began breaking down, openly confessing sins among their peers and the spiritual climate rose to heights I have never seen since.  This is what has, can and will happen again when the Lord speaks to His children.

by Jay Mankus