 | | Folk duo Chamberlain Davey playing at The Movement. |
A VISION to bring unchurched youth to Christ, which
germinated in northern B.C. almost a year ago, produced fruit long after
– and about 700 kilometres to the south.
It was while working as a youth pastor at the
Evangelical Free Church in Fort St. James (FSJ) that Shawn Wagner, 30,
dreamt of holding a youth winter event which would help in evangelizing and
discipling young people at the same time.
At that time, Wagner had just become a dad – and
found the new family responsibility daunting. The vision had to be shelved.
But not for long, though. When, last November, the
Wagners moved to Kamloops, the idea was revived in his heart.
Within four months of becoming the youth pastor at
Kamloops Evangelical Free Church, he saw his dream realized – when
The Movement, a ski and snowboarding event, took place February 27 –
March 1.
Wagner grew up in FSJ; he went to Bible school in New
Zealand for a year. Being mentored by close friends in Whistler and
Calgary for extended periods has deepened his relationship with God
and the Bible, more than formal schooling.
“Moving back to FSJ brought me in contact with
six young people who asked: ‘Can you open the church for
us?’” That was the seed sown in Wagner, for youth ministry.
He worked as a bi-vocational volunteer youth worker at
the FSJ church for two years (along with a job at a lumber mill),
eventually becoming part-time youth pastor for the next two years.
More than 100 youth frequented the church, 90 percent
of whom were from unchurched homes.
“After four fruitful years with them, the Lord
was nudging me to move on. It felt like someone new was needed to take the
young people to the next level.”
The Kamloops church welcomed the Wagners last year.
Shawn found his old niche among a fresh set of young people – in a
much bigger city, with a large youth population.
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After a short two months of preparation, The Movement
brought together over 200 youth from across the region. Local and outside
bands, such as Hathaway and Friday’s Cry, brought great music to the
event.
Worship team leader Robb Nisbet from Squamish was
assisted by Harrison Davey – and the Chamberlain trio, Matt, Andre,
and Tina.
Toronto rapper Manafest – aka Chris Greenwood
– sang and presented a sermon on Sunday.
Several young people gave their hearts to Christ for
the first time.
Young people from a variety of local churches attended
the interdenominational weekend event.
“I’m excited to be in Kamloops,” said
Wagner. “The response is overwhelming. My church has given super
support, in this debut event I had the privilege of organizing
here.”
Next year, Wagner hopes The Movement will attract young
people from across the province.
For more information, contact shawnwagner@shaw.ca.
–
Narayan Mitra
April 2009
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