Group returns from ski trip

By Sam Waller

A group of about 35 youth and adult volunteers began the new year with the Albany Youth Ministry Winter Ski Trip and Christian Adventure.

The Jan. 2-6 trip to Crested Butte, Colorado, included three days of skiing as well as morning and evening activities.

“I’m super impressed with our kids from Albany and their desire to know more about Jesus and the Bible and how to implement that in their daily lives,” said Matthews Memorial Presbyterian youth minister Becky Wills, who oversaw this year’s trip.

Wills said the local group coordinated with an Amarillo Presbyterian group for off-the-slope activities.

“We had about 100 high school kids total,” Wills said. “In the mornings, we had breakfast with our MMPC kids, and one of our volunteers would share a quick message and testimony. In the evenings, we joined the Amarillo group for worship with their praise team.”

Wills said the groups studied Philippians during their evening sessions.

“Each night one of us shared the message in Philippians, then we’d break up into small groups,” she said. “We’d have more of a one-on-one discussion with our kids.”

This was Wills’ second year to participate in the trip after serving as a volunteer with her husband, Calan, last year. She said that experience made it easier to take on the leadership role this year.

“I knew what to expect, what our routine would be, how to better interact with our kids,” she said. “I was more goal-oriented with what we were doing and what we wanted to push our kids toward.”

Wills is already anticipating next year.

“I’d love for more Albany youth to be involved and go on the trip with us,” she said. “My desire is for these kids to have a link with Jesus. It just changes their lives forever.”

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