North Country Baptist
Youth Ministry
Lock-In 2008

What do you get when you combine over 100 students, youth ministry leaders, a YMCA that offers volleyball, basketball, racket ball, swimming, rollerblading and more, with an all night event.  The 2008 Lock-In, of course.  Beginning at 10:00 PM, Friday night, February 15th and ending Saturday morning, February 16th at 6:00 AM, most students and adults stayed awake all night long.

  The night began with Rev. Eric Kraihanzel, Student Ministries Coordinator for the American Baptist Churches of PA and DE, distributing blindfolds and candy bars to everyone.  While blindfolded, the group needed to find others who had the same type candy bar.  Once each small group got together, they were able to remove their blindfold, eat their treat and introduce themselves to one another.  It was a great way to meet someone new.
  Following the group game, Eric shared a message about hearing instructions from Jesus.  Eric showed slides of very funny signs that caused everyone to laugh.  While some signs don't seem to communicate very well, Jesus wants to communicate with each of us.  Eric explained how important it is to listen for the voice of Jesus as he often chooses to speak through others.  Many students responded to Eric's message, indicating they wanted to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus.  
 It wasn't long before everyone was scattered throughout the YMCA doing the various activities available during the night.  Later, the group came back together to sing praise and worship songs as well as watch the youth drama team from Clinton Baptist Church bring the Gospel message to life through a powerful skit.  After eating their fill of pizza, the young people roller bladed and skated in the Y's large arena.  The activities were non-stop.
  It was a great night of fun and fellowship.  Youth spent time seeing old friends and making new ones, as well as experiencing the excitement of being a follower of Jesus.