Northern Youth Councils 2023

Rangatahi (youth) from across Auckland and Northland gathered together from 15 to 17 September for a time of whanaungatanga (connection) and growing in faith, Lieutenant Alana LePine reports.

Our hope this year was to intentionally create a safe space for young people to take the lead, each joining in with their own gifts and talents. This was seen in a worship team made up of young people from corps (churches) from Waitakere and Papakura, MCs and leaders of games from Roskill, Albany, Manukau and Waitakere Corps, speakers from Manukau Central and Westgate Corps, and young people from all corps contributing and leading right across the weekend.

The weather over the weekend couldn’t have been better. Praise God! This allowed us to enjoy the donut truck under the stars on Friday night, and an afternoon of outdoor challenges, fun and competition.

A highlight from the weekend was Open Mic Night where people shared testimonies, songs and dances, with the night ending in an epic Bambelala dance party. This song was heard chanted throughout the rest of the weekend and people were encouraged to Bambelala—Hold on to Jesus!

We have amazing rangatahi and leaders in Northern who are eager to grow as leaders and in their faith. Please pray for these people, the ministries and that The Salvation Army would continue to grow as a place where the next generations are seen, heard and included.