*cue music (Do You Remember by Jay Sean ft. Sean Paul & Lil Jon)
“Do you remember, do you remember, do you remember,
All of the times we had…. Let’s bring it back (Let’s bring it back)!”
There’s actually a certain grace and gift given when it comes to memory. It’s definitely something many of us take for granted until it’s too late. Some have better long-term memory, some have short-term memory and some even have to work hard to retain or recall any memory. That’s why if we’ve ever talked one-on-one recently, you’ve probably heard me mention the need to journal! When we journal, blog or vlog, we have the ability to capture memories in a perspective that is unique to us. We can then go back to these memories and not only relive some of God’s graces, but learn from them and perhaps even receive a different grace that was not made known or ready for us before.
We’ve all done it whether we are conscious or not, especially with the digital age of social media. Go back through some of your original tweets, look up what your Facebook profile was from five years ago, or take a scroll down Instagram memory lane. No, not everything you have will be profound. Perhaps you stumble upon a photo that brings a smile to your face because of a joyous memory. Maybe you wrote about a time you were so hurt and down, but you look back and see how much stronger you are now and how God was working in your life then. Or maybe you look back and realize you should clean up and delete some of the things on social media (get rid of and stop adding “noise” to the world, but that’s a whole topic of its own!)
As we are nationally preparing for the 2018 Youth Conference to be held in Calgary, and with some people still on the fence about going, I couldn’t help but to think about my conference experiences. So here’s my attempt down memory lane. I challenge anyone reading this to answer the same questions and either share it with people, or at least journal it if you haven’t already (save your memories while you can).
What was your first conference? (Regional and/or National)
My first conference ever I believe was called “SHOUT” back in… Lord knows when… maybe 2009/2010? It was around the transition time of having Regional Youth Conference versus what they used to called Pre-Con. I don’t know all the technicalities, I just remember being young and overwhelmed and just exploring all the different activities and competitions going on. It was my first exposure to the greater community outside of my immediate cluster. It’s also where I met one of my best friends (which at the time I didn’t even know if we would be friends LOL)
My first National conference, I believe it was an Eastern National Conference, was 2011 Armed and Ready in Ottawa! I remember because me and two sisters (both really good friends of mine still to this day, one being that unknown friend previously mentioned) did banner and mural for our cluster. …we don’t talk about the banner situation.
What was the first thing you ever competed in?
ACADEMIC BOWL!!!
What was your first service role at a conference?
2013 Jesus Expo Set Design and Documentation (photographer/videographer)
This is still one of my favourite photos ever because this was my household at the time (plus Lance from the West) and their reactions moments before are priceless.
By the way, speaking of memories and YCOM… DID YOU KNOW, we have a national Flikr page where you can find many photos of major events: https://www.flickr.com/photos/90179179@N05/albums/page1
Furthest conference you’ve attended?
2014 Ignite, Vancouver. It was a special conference for us Canadians where we celebrated 20years of both SFC and CFCY in Canada. It was also my first time traveling completely alone! It was exciting, liberating and allowed me to grow in responsibility and independence alongside trusting in the Lord to not get completely lost.
Most memorable?
Each and every conference has its own special memory! And that’s why even though I’ve attended my fair share of conferences, I still go back because there is always a new way to encounter the Lord through new and different sessions, workshops, competitions, worships and even just meeting new people and the fellowships!
However, some highlights include:
2018 Full Blast in Manila, Philippines – FIREWORKS!
2013 Jesus Expo, Waterloo (Ontario) – Getting stuck outside in a thunderstorm after trying to get superglue off me from the set design that barely made it on stage because of its height. LOL
2015 Love Revolution, Sherbrooke (Quebec) – Eastern National American Conference, serving with brothers and sisters from the United States! Will never forget the techbooth and lighting.
2016 Christ Unlimited, Waterloo (Ontario) – Directing
I’d love to hear some of your stories and share in your memories! Our memories are blessings waiting to be shared! For anyone who hasn’t been to a regional youth conference or a national conference, I can honestly say it is an experience like no other. If you are up for fun, adventure and most importantly just open to whatever the Lord has in stored for you, there’s no doubt you’ll experience some of your most lasting memories.
Lord we thank You for the gift of fun, faith, freedom and friendship. As well for the memory to recount all that you have blessed us with. Amen.
In Christ,
Meagan Webb