Lake Region—On Fri., Apr. 18, the Lake Region Conference (LRC) women's and youth ministries departments held their first "Teen Girls Retreat" in Syracuse, Ind. More than 256 teens and 50 chaperons participated.

The retreat theme was "Polishing God's Treasures," and programs focused on purity and preparing young women for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The opening message, "Jewels-R-Us," was delivered by keynote speaker and event facilitator Dora I. Weithers, author of Purity Circle. She embraced the teens with information on self-esteem and restoration.

The teens also attended workshops. "The Good and Bad About Dating" workshop was designed to discourage teen girls from spending time one on one with male friends without supervision, until they are ready to consider a serious relationship leading to marriage. The "Five Years from Now" workshop stimulated their thinking about purpose and destination (God's will for their lives).

Another message by Weithers, "Full Price; No Discounts," encouraged the girls to remain pure and receive the joys and advantages of living such a life.

On Sabbath afternoon, a scavenger nature hunt was offered. The teens were divided into groups to search for particular items in nature. Afterward, the groups re-assembled for praise reports. Each group related what they found to a Scripture verse. This proved to be a fun and encouraging event, since all wanted to share how the Lord had blessed.

The girls then refreshed and relaxed, and prepared themselves for dinner and the evening meetings, which began with a panel discussion entitled "The Complex Religion of Teens." This turned into a very informative discussion on their needs and concerns about parents, friends, siblings, the church and other challenges that teens face. Afterward, representatives from all the churches participated in a talent show. It was an awesome night, and everyone stayed and enjoyed the presentations. The night ended with an ice cream fellowship social.

One of the retreat highlights was the "Teen Power! Prayer Hour!" held each morning from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., hosted by Symone Cole from Conant Gardens Church. On Sabbath morning, 56 signed in for "Teen Power! Prayer Hour!" and more than 28 on Sunday morning.

The retreat concluded with a final message by Weithers, "Maintaining the Shine." She admonished the girls to take heed of the spiritual weapons they received during the weekend and use them to ward off the enemy, and to know that God is always there with them and for them to help maintain a life of purity.

Rita Taylor, Lake Region Conference women's ministries area leader and Teen Girls Retreat coordinator