Michigan—Seventh- and eighth-graders from 30 Mich. schools participated in this year’s LIFT program at Camp Au Sable, Oct. 3–6. LIFT (Lifestyle Improvement for Teens) is a three-day retreat designed to teach students the importance of spiritual, emotional, and physical health for personal growth and outreach.

Each morning and afternoon, classes were offered on a variety of topics relating to physical and spiritual health. Students learned how to make healthy snacks, ways to resolve family problems, creative ways to get exercise and have fun at the same time, and effective natural remedies for common illnesses. Classes were also offered to teach new ways to study the Bible, share your faith, and seek a stronger relationship with God.

Each morning, Joshua Szynkowski, a ninth-grade home school student from Pullman, Mich., talked to the students about daily communication with Jesus. The days were filled with classes and activities such as horseback riding, go carts, and canoeing.

In the evening, Chris Davisson, seventh-grade teacher at Village Elementary in Berrien Springs, Mich., asked students to expound on ways they shared God’s love in their church and community. This allowed teachers and students to learn new witnessing ideas in and around their homes.

Craig Harris, Cadillac (Mich.) Church pastor, spoke in the evening. He explained in unique and humorous ways that if we place God first in our lives, His presence will be reflected for the world around us to see. His challenge to the students was to grow with God, and shine His love and grace on everyone they meet.

Candy Clark, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent