Day 7 - The final meeting

The last meeting showcased what all the electives had been working on all week. The hula group, gospel choir, guitar class, hip-hop writing, creative writing, computer music and storytelling class all shared and performed their hard practiced work.

Major Ivan then challenged all the delegates not to let the spiritual fire die out as they leave, but to make disciples in the world, not of it. Delegates had a moment of prayer and meditation to think about the things they learned and not let it depart them when they go back home.

Empowered, refreshed and encouraged the delegation of WYI went out to save and to serve in the strength of the Lord.

To live is Christ, to die is gain.

Day 6

Outreach was the main event for today as delegates piled in buses and vans to go to various locations to serve for the day. Some did street evangelism in downtown Seattle while others served at nursing homes and even farms.

The day couldn't have gone any smoother. Delegates were blessed in their service as well as the people who were recipients of random acts of kindness. A lot of ministry and prayer went around to children at foster homes and in parks. A foster care child even asked a leader to pray that she be reunited with her mom.

On the farm delegates picked beans and packed onions ministering to the farm as well as some convicts who were working there as well. They were able to share that The Salvation Army is a church as well as a social service organization.

Back at camp the theme for banquet night was celebrity look-alike. It was just a relaxing time of Quiz night ending with a sharing of testimonies with everyone back at camp. The night ended with a time of fellowship, encouragement, empowerment and inspiration through testimonials of today's acts of service.

WYI Radio - Episode 3

Low Quality


High Quality

Day 5

The first annual WYI Dodgeball tournament commenced on the basketball blacktop this dramatic rainy day. Teams made up of divisions gathered together to pelt each other with colorful playground toys to determine which team would reign supreme. It was a violent battle but the victors beat down the competition like war-painted crazed island warriors. Team Hawaii Division triumphed over all even taking down the WYI staff team in the final battle.

For the evening meeting the improv comedy group Panic Squad performed for us singing songs, acting out sketches about wombats, ice cream trucks and Captain Chris.

Just a light night of fun and fellowship as delegates prepare for tomorrow's outreach service projects.

WYI Radio - Episode 2

Low Quality


High Quality

Day 4

The middle of the week brings a night of reflection. A station with the sense of touch lets delegates braid a lanyard of three strands to represent strength in unity with relationships.

When it's time to listen there's a hush that drowns out all distracting noises so one can hear God clearly by just being still.

The sight station challenges you to see yourself in a mirror as God sees you. How you truly are created.

The smell station triggers a memory with a scent. That memory brings you into prayer whether it be a happy or sad memory.

Finally delegates come to the fruit of the Spirit as there are cups of juice representing different fruits of the Spirit. Be it patience, love, or kindness, delegates choose a cup they know they need work in and pray that God will help them in that area.

At the end of the night we'd gone on a journey searching our own souls for God's purpose for us. A time for just the individual and God. A quiet time of reflection.

WYI Prayer Wall

Visit the WYI Prayer wall to see live updates of delegate's prayers and prayer requests on this night of reflection.

wyi-prayerwall.blogspot.com

WYI Radio - Episode 1

WYI Radio is up and running with podcasts from the WYI Radio show elective. Featuring interviews, updates and live music from Eric Himes and the WYI praise band!

Day 3

Natasha was abducted while she was walking to school. Her abductor threw her into a basement 9 feet by 4 feet where she lived for the next 8 years. She was ten years old when she was kidnapped.

She was trapped and needed a savior just like us being trapped in our own selfish desires and problems. Jesus wants us to come out and follow Him. We don't have to live trapped in a box of wrong doing, addiction or temptation. We are living in captivity and we don't have to.

Jesus has saved us. We are free to leave but only if we want to. Only if we step out, like Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water, can Jesus help us and take over.

What is Jesus calling you out of? What is it that keeps you captive?

At 18 Natasha finally broke free and ran away. Jesus has set us free. All we have to do is choose.

Day 2

The focus of the day was a celebration of our Salvation Army heritage for the right reasons as opposed to the wrong. Our heritage is that we are led by God in our Christian mission and always seek to save, serve and grow disciples. Doing all that we can to keep from being spiritually dead.

Several came up to give their testimonies because The Salvation Army is made of real people simply surrendering to God. Leaders, Musicians, Children, Pastors, Fighters. We are the Army!

Day 1

Day one of The Salvation Army Western Youth Institute 2009: Paradox started off strong. Delegates trickled into Camp Arnold, some traveled by van and some by aircraft. People were weary from travel but excited to be here.

The meeting that night was challenging. A paradox is an unlikely truth. It's not expected and this is how we should live out our faith in God, not by conforming to the expected patterns of people without hope.

Craig Bowler taught us that just like the guys who cut a hole in the roof to get their friend to the feet of Jesus to be healed, we need friends in our lives who will do anything to make sure we can get to the feet of Jesus. We can't do this on our own. We need encouragement and godly friends to lift us up when we fall.

In the middle of the meeting they made a Skype call to a good friend to see what it means to have that kind of friendship.

At the end Major Ivan Wild challenged all the young men and women to stand up and be the godly men and women they were called to be by lifting their Christian brothers and sisters up and taking spiritual responsibility in their communities.

We're off to a good start to learn what this Paradox is all about. To live is Christ and to die is gain.