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Evening of Fun Shares Gospel with Students

By December 12, 2016No Comments

teens1_inlineSPOKANE, Wash.—The Northwest Youth Ministries is actively reaching students with the gospel, most recently through a fun evangelistic event called The Next Thing.

Northwest Youth Ministries is part of the Baptist Network Northwest, comprising churches and ministries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

On Oct. 14 and Nov. 4, 232 middle school and high school students and their leaders, representing nine churches, attended The Next Thing in Portland, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington. Deb Steele, wife of event coordinator Pete Steele, calls The Next Thing “fabulous nights of fun.” Students and their friends enjoyed go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf, bowling, watching a Spokane Chiefs hockey game, pizza, and prizes. But the main purpose is for the kids to hear the gospel.

Youth Pastor Blake Laberee of Riverside Baptist Church, Albany, Oregon, and Pastor Dennis Wilkening of First Baptist Church, Colville, Washington, both spoke and gave students the opportunity to respond by accepting Christ as their Savior.

“It was incredible to witness students responding to God drawing them to Himself,” Deb says. “One church brought 18 new students who were not previously part of their youth group. We are blessed to hear stories of conversations that have continued, and how some students are attending the churches that invited them to these events. Please pray with us that the gospel impact will continue as it reaches the friends and families of these students.”