Winterfest Celebrates 35 Years of Life-Changing Ministry
Church of God Winterfest, so much more than a weekend spiritual retreat for students, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary at the March 10-12 gathering at Thompson-Boling Arena on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
By B. Randall Parris
Winterfest has come a long way since 279 students and five youth leaders gathered for a winter youth retreat in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Now, thousands of students around the USA and the globe worship together annually. Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebrated this momentous occasion in several ways:
Thousands were blessed at the 35th anniversary celebration of Smoky Mountain Winterfest (click photo to enlarge)
Memories
Prior to the weekend encounter, a “memories” banquet was shared by many people who have played a part in Winterfest’s success over the years. Former International Directors of Youth and Discipleship were honored and they shared stories about how this ministry began and grew. Others, who are now in heaven, were remembered, too. A highpoint of the evening was when one of the earliest musical groups to minister at Winterfest, “Danny Murray and Harvest” sang some of the old songs that brought smiles and tears of joy to the entire room. The current International Director of Church of God Youth and Discipleship Dr. David Blair, has been involved with Winterfest since its earliest years. Blair shared, “Winterfest is a gift from God. It was only fitting that we share memories, give honor to those who have helped build this ministry and celebrate together. Winterfest is worth celebrating!”
Student pastor Jeremy Guyselman shared, “Winterfest honored both the past and the future with a video showing different youth directors passing a lit torch that ended up in the hands of a young man who carried it out and lit a fire in the front of the stage that would burn the rest of the weekend. This was memorable because ministry to students was not only a priority of the past, but is a major priority of the future!”
Moments
This year at Smoky Mountain Winterfest students experienced some truly remarkable moments. On Friday evening a special offering was received specifically for families who were victims of the recent loss of life and property in the fires that raged in Gatlinburg, the birthplace of Winterfest. What a special moment when people in an arena of primarily teenagers gave an offering of $35,000.00 for those families! Another noteworthy moment included a mass youth choir, alongside Winterfest icon Jason Crabb, who sang and worshiped with passion and anointing that marked the weekend. Almost three generations have experienced unforgettable moments at Winterfest.
Student pastor, Jared Waldrop said, “One thing that stands out is the way that the Winterfest weekend is a blessing to others – not just those in the arena – but to those outside the arena as well. The offering received for the victims of the Gatlinburg fire was an incredibly touching moment as well as the call for teens to get involved in global ministry through YWEA.”
Milestones
More than music or friendship or fun, Winterfest is about spiritual milestones. Local churches make Winterfest a priority and find, work and pray the way for students to get to Winterfest because pastors and youth pastors know that the event is where decisions for Christ are made; where the Holy Spirit fills hungry, young hearts; and where life-long calls to Christian ministry are answered. An arena filled with students’ voices lifted in praise is just a little taste of heaven.
Rob Bailey, International Assistant Director of Youth and Discipleship stated, “On the way home, a ‘revival atmosphere’ often begins on a bus or van and pours into parking lots and local churches. We already have reports of this exact experience from many student pastors as Winterfest sparks fires of renewal around the country!”
Happy 35th Anniversary, Winterfest! That is 35 years of memories, moments, and milestones that have changed the trajectory of thousands and thousands of young people. Heaven is fuller, the world is brighter, and the church is stronger because of the power and work of the Holy Spirit at Winterfest.
B. Randall Parris serves as the Global Youth Leadership Coordinator at the International Department of Youth and Discipleship and also served many years on the Winterfest Steering Committee.
