We had an awesome time at Tri-State District Youth Retreat 2008! From the first moment of the first service, to the last note played on Saturday, we felt the power and presence of God in a powerful and real way. Bro. Michael Jadrnicek, our national ALJC Youth President did a phenomenal job bringing the Word to us in relevant and compelling messages.

With well over 700 young people this was also one of our best attended retreats! We had young people from all around the district, as well as many from outside the district, and even from other denominations! Reports are coming in of those who received the Holy Ghost and those who recommitted themselves to God this past weekend. Thank God for His changing power!

Friday night began with awesome worship and praise led by Bro. Jeremy Hill and our Tri-State Praise Team. They kicked us off with “I Want It All Back” our retreat theme song, setting the atmosphere for what God was going to accomplish. We also heard crazy-awesome music from Sis. Keisha Queen, as well as the First Apostolic Church of Maryville’s Youth Choir.

After hearing from our Section Youth Presidents we were into the Word with Bro. Jadrnicek as he preached to us “There’s No Substitute For My Praise” a landmark message challenging us to put praise and worship first, even above our talents and abilities. No one can praise Him like YOU can! No one can shout, dance, jump, and worship better than you — period!

On Saturday we were blessed again in praise and worship as we were led by Bro. Ben Christian and the Tri-State Praise Team. We also heard anointed music from Bro. Nathan Milstead, Bro. Blake Salyer, and the First Apostolic Church of Knoxville Youth Choir.

Bro. Jadrnicek brought the mail again that morning with the powerful message “I Can If I Will.” The decision is yours. How close will you be to God? How powerful will your walk be? How anointed will you be? God is perfectly able and willing to do awesome things with willing vessels, so the only question that remains is “do you have the will?”

Special thanks go to each and every youth who attended — without you there wouldn’t be much point in doing all of this! The District Youth Team would also like to thank the following people:

Bro. Michael Jadrnicek — Retreat Speaker
Bro. Jeremy Hill — Friday Night Worship Leader
Bro. Ben Christian — Saturday Morning Worship Leader
Sis. Ashley McCool — Retreat Music Coordinator
Bro. Nathan Milstead — Keyboard
Bro. Mitch — Organ
Bro. Chuck Richmond — Bass Guitar
Bro. Jeremy Stooksbury — Acoustic Guitar
Bro. Kirk Layton — Electric Guitar
Bro. Chad Burris — Drums
Bro. Nolan Carpenter — Percussion
Bro. Audie Miracle — TSD Secretary & Offering Taker Extraordinaire
Bro. Shannon Ellard — Sound Equipment and Audio Technician
Bro. Justin Massengill — Lighting Equipment and Visual Technician
Bro. Derek Daniels — Multimedia Technician

Our District Praise Team:

Sis. Elaine Triplett
Sis. Lauren Carpenter
Sis. Ashley McCool
Bro. Josh Wetherly
Bro. Victor Garcia
Bro. Jeremy Hill
Bro. Ben Christian
Sis. Brittany Baker
Sis. Samantha Hawkins
Sis. Candi Guinn

Special Music:

First Apostolic Church Maryville (Thanks for the looooong trip!)
First Apostolic Church Knoxville
Sis. Keisha Queen
Bro. Nathan Milstead
Bro. Blake Salyer

Our District Youth Staff:

Bro. Wes Comer (President)
Bro. Jared Burris (Secretary)
Bro. Jason Ferguson (Section A)
Bro. Allan McMillan (Section B)
Bro. Jeff Jaynes (Section C)