After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

What are you going to do with your life?” The question seems innocuous enough. When I was very young, maybe about six or seven or possibly younger, I was certain that I was going to be an Olympic speed skater. My father had taught me to skate when I was very young and we would always go to the rink on Saturdays. I would race against the big boys, and I would always win. Looking back, I am quite sure that they probably let me win. But I decided, at age five, that I would one day be an Olympic speed skater.

Worship at Canada Youth 2006 featured a lot more than a stately organ and a gowned choir. Each two-hour service was packed with lively music, compelling sermons, dance and drama. Organized by Rev. Bob Geddes of South Gate Church, Hamilton, and Rev. Susan Kerr, the worship times featured participants and collaborators from across the country.

Two years ago, I attended a similar conference called Triennium, held at Purdue University in Indiana, so I had some idea of what CY06 would include. I looked forward to a week filled with energetic participants and staff, ready to share the love of God with everyone they met. I was not disappointed. From the moment I stepped on campus at Brock University, I found myself surrounded by leaders eager to help me feel comfortable. I was blown away by the enthusiasm of all attending the conference. Throughout the week at CY06, I had the opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy new styles of worship and learn new ways in which to praise God.

With more than 600 cheering fans singing, clapping and dancing along to their music, this newbie Christian band is on a natural high. “It’s a better response than we thought we’d get. It’s more than we could have imagined,” said Hillary Hulzinga. “We were told they’d go crazy, but we didn’t expect this. It’s such a thrill.”

“Youth are the future of the church!” How many times have we as youth leaders heard this statement? During the first week of July, I had the opportunity to attend Canada Youth 2006 as a youth ministry training track participant. If there was one message that played over and over in my mind, it was that “youth are the future of the church.” But what we kept discussing at CY was not so much the future of our youth, but how those youth can have an impact now. Watching the young people over the week allowed me to see how well they interacted in a Christian community with their peers, with adults and with God.

A man had seven sons and one day when he was very old and felt his time was at an end, he called his seven sons to him. He handed a stick to his eldest son and asked him to break it, which his son did with ease. He then handed two sticks to the youngest son. This son was asked to do the same and he broke the sticks in half with some effort. He then brought out a bundle of seven sticks tied together with twine and he asked if any of them could break the bundle. Each son took a turn but none of them could muster the strength to perform the task. Their father smiled and asked them to sit at his feet. The old man then said, “and so it is to be with you. On your own you can be easily broken but together you will be able to withstand anything.”

Rodger Nishioka has a passion for young people. His call to work with youth is one where his deepest joy meets a hunger in the world. “Selfishly, I gain so much more than I give. But that’s the nature of the kingdom and the gospel. It’s humbling. This gives me an opportunity to share what has been given to me.”