350 Middle and High School Students Volunteer through UM Army

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UM ARMY (United in Mission, Action Reach-out Ministry by Youth) is an organization which provides Christ-centered missions that serve people in need. The organization promotes spiritual growth and leadership in youth and young adults. Each summer, students from across Texas and other regions of the U.S. gather at churches to serve the community through volunteer work by repairing homes, building wheelchair ramps, and serving nonprofit organizations.  

UM ARMY Rio Texas has made it a priority to offer at least one camp in the Rio Grande Valley each year. This summer, FUMC Weslaco hosted 30 participants from Gruene UMC and Medina Valley UMC for a week of hard work, meaningful worship, and lots of fun.

The campers were divided into three work teams and were able to repair and replace a fence, paint, insulate, and drywall a house, build two ramps, and help with other projects at the host church. Near the end of the week, most of the homeowners attended the community celebration, joining the campers for an evening of dinner and worship. It was a powerful experience of shared connection and gratitude across cultures and generations. Additionally, the campers were able to complete their projects early on the last workday, allowing for an afternoon of beach fun on South Padre Island.

Along with the Weslaco camp, UM ARMY Rio Texas hosted a young adult camp in Corpus Christi as well as middle and high school camps in San Marcos, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio. Approximately 350 students from across the Rio Texas Conference and surrounding areas participated in these awesome service weeks.

Communion on the Beach at Youth 2023

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Every four years, youth from throughout The United Methodist Church gather for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship. Youth 2023 was filled with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, and service projects. It is a place where you can find inspiration, support, and opportunities to authentically experience what it means to be part of the Methodist and Wesleyan family.

This year’s event was held in Daytona Beach, Florida. Around 3,000 UMC students and adults descended upon the Ocean Center. There was communion on the beach each morning, powerful worship services, as well as evening service projects. The days were filled with workshops ranging from praying in color and art, to learning about the Wesley brothers and their stories. 

The Rio Texas Conference chartered a bus to provide transportation to those from our conference wishing to attend. Groups from San Marcos, Cedar Park, Kyle, and La Trinidad Seguin rode the bus. They met with other youth and leaders from the South Central Jurisdiction, and learned about upcoming opportunities to participate in both Jurisdictional and General Conference.

God truly rocked Daytona Beach.

About Youth Ministry Council

The Rio Texas Conference Youth Ministry Council equips and supports young leaders so they can become leaders of the Annual Conference. This young council works as Christ’s disciples for the transformation of the world. This diverse group of 7th-12th graders exhibit gifts for leadership. They strive to live into Christ’s great commandment, loving God and neighbor in all they do. 

Youth Ministry Council consists of youth and adults from across the Rio Texas Annual  Conference. These youth are leaders who want to make a difference in The United Methodist Church. Youth are confirmed members in their local church and serve in their local churches, their district, the conference, and beyond. The council consists of youth from each of the seven Rio Texas Conference districts and reflects the diversity of our conference. Members of this council serve as delegates to the Annual Conference. They also have opportunities to attend jurisdictional and global events.

The YMC meets monthly via Zoom to discuss topics important to themselves and the youth of our conference. They also meet quarterly in person for service projects, fellowship, and fun.  

This is a fun way to get involved in The United Methodist Church, have a voice in the things happening in our conference, and learn about all that it means to be United Methodist and a part of the Wesleyan tradition.

Applications for membership in the Youth Ministry Council will open on Thursday, August 17th and remain open until August 31st. Visit www.riotexas.org/ymc to find further information and to apply to join us!

2023 Youth Summer Camps Recap

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The Bible offers plenty of incredible visions given to different people across history. One of those is the one described by Prophet Ezequiel, in his book, in chapter 37:1-14. In my opinion, it is a dramatic scene that goes beyond any movie in theaters. For those who don’t know the passage, The Prophet describes himself in a valley full of dry bones and is asked by God a controversial question - Do you think these dry bones have life? The prophet gives a wise response: Instead of affirming or denying, he placed the question back to God - “you know better than I do.” Then God guided The Prophet step-by-step.

The Rio Texas Conference Summer Youth camps used the verse of Ezequiel 37:4 as the main theme. Like the passage, I was not sure how things would develop, and same as the prophet, I just responded, “You know better than I do.” I just trusted God and leaders who offered themselves. This year we hosted two camps: one from July 2-7 in Palacios, TX; and July 9-14 in Buda, TX.

We counted on the support from district and conference resources to secure a location. Rev. Phillip Higginbotham and Isabella Lopez met several times to brainstorm ideas for camp and make it affordable to all youth and campers. One of the recurring questions along the process was if our churches would come. We wondered if we would have enough campers. We moved ahead in faith. We counted on many leaders who secured music, pastors who offered their leadership skills, and youth coordinators who came together to support.  

The first camp in Palacios, TX was coordinated by Rev. Higginbotham. It was the first time the conference hosted camp at this location. While the proximity to the sea was inviting, it did not take away the summer heat concern. Rev. Marcus Johns from UT-Arlington Campus Ministry was the main speaker. He took the youth from prevenient grace, justifying grace, into sanctifying grace, and he did it in a way that was relatable to campers and easy to grasp. He affirmed the youth that they are loved by God. Rev. Johns highlighted all the gifts and people who supported and guided them throughout their journey—reminding them that they are an important part in their family, church, and community (especially among their peers). Like Ezequiel, they too could prophesize and speak the truth to friends and the people they encounter. He closed by reminding the campers, “this isn’t over;” encouraging them to share what they learned and experienced during camp with their peers and to not be ashamed of being different because they can inspire a new generation of believers. It was an invitation to not wait until next the camp or mission trip. They can share what they lived and experienced to everyone. The youth are the disciples who will proclaim the good news to others and bring life to many people.

A significant moment happened on the last full day at camp. It rained all morning. The adults were concerned because after lunch, the youth planned to have recreation time in the bay. As we got together to come up with solutions, a few students came and mentioned that they could sing and dance together instead of going outside in the rain. This time, the youth not only danced and sang together, but they bonded in a way I could not foresee. It was as if I was witnessing people coming to life—and having fun in a clean and respectful way!

At Buda Camp, the Coordinator was Isabella Lopez and the Main speaker was Rev. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wright, the CEO of Justice For Our Neighbors-Austin. This camp started with a real challenge that gave an opportunity to see fellowship among pastors and diversity in the youth. Rev. Lizzie was ill for few weeks. Five days before camp started, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and a possible rib fracture. She was looking forward to her time with the youth. Medicine and rest would put her close to recovery, but she was not able to participate the first two days of camp. Rev. Dr. Todd Salmi kicked-off the start of camp, and the next day Rev. Wes Cain blessed the youth on their first day of camp.

Rev. Wright later recovered and arrived. It was such a blessing. When she talked about the breath that God infused in the bones, she explained how youth can connect with God anytime if they paused to breathe and pray a short prayer. She also offered the Lectio Divina exercise to approach scripture in a prayerful way. She shared about a few of the sojourners that her ministry served, learned from, and loved. She reminded us that we show love to God every time we serve the least and the lost.

During the last night at camp, Isabella Lopez shared her testimony of how she received her call to be youth coordinator at a similar camp when she was only 12 years old. Now she was in Buda leading others to Christ. She encouraged youth to listen for God and walk with them:

I was truly blessed with the incredible opportunity to help plan and direct one of the conference summer camps that took place at Buda TX. As camp began, I had little to no expectation, knowing that many of the students we were serving had never attended a church summer camp before. In the days leading up to camp, I devoted myself to daily prayers for each and every registered participant. The most impactful aspect of the camp experience for me was witnessing the remarkable transformation of the students. Initially, these students barely sang along during worship, but by the end, they were joyfully screaming the lyrics, raising their hands, and dancing with abandon. I was humbled as students approached me, sharing their initial fear of singing and expressing how the spirit moved them to pour out their hearts in song. Even the quieter students returned home and couldn't stop talking about their camp experience. The evidence of their transformation was clear in their words and actions. It feels like just yesterday that I was a sixth grader attending a conference camp, being prayed over by the camp director. Now, almost 13 years later, I find myself in the privileged position of praying over students. This illustrates the beauty and power of camp ministry, emphasizing its significance for our students. These young individuals are not just the church in the present; they are our future pastors, youth leaders, children's leaders, lay leaders, and so much more. 

Like Prophet Ezequiel, I was not sure what God could do, but step-by-step I saw His transforming power in leaders, pastors, youth and their communities. I give thanks to the prayers of those who kept and keep praying for the youth leadership. I give thanks to those who invested—financially and spiritually—in our youth disciples.

I hopeful that God will continue giving visions of our church through our youth members.

Written by Rev. Miguel Padilla & Isabella Lopez

Mid-Winter Recap and Invitation to Summer Camp

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This past weekend, I heard the story of “Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody” for the first time. I tried to find out who wrote it, but it is hard to identify. Some people think it is a poem by Charles Osgood, but this story is commonly used by people teaching leadership. I am glad that when it comes to Youth Camp, this story is not the case here in Rio Texas. I had the opportunity to witness this in the last month. A group of Youth Coordinators stepped out in faith and offered their gifts to lead and organize three Mid-Winter retreats across south Texas.

The First Mid-Winter was offered by the Capital District, January 13 – 15, at T Bar M Camp. Rev. Ryan Jenson, Associate Pastor at Austin Oak Hill UMC was the leader of this group effort. He shared that multiple youth coordinators from the Austin-area offered to lead a part of the three-day weekend retreat. The theme was “Made for More.”

Each local church youth coordinator led an activity. We heard from two different worship groups: Texas State Musicians, and a father-daughter duo from Gruene UMC. The speakers were students from Texas State University and UT Wesley.

All the speakers spoke with passion about God’s call, God’s grace, and their personal experience and faith journey. The weather was a little cold, but the energy shared by facilitators, adults and students kept us warm throughout the weekend.

The second Mid-Winter was offered by The Coastal Bend and El Valle District on February 3-5, at Camp Zephyr. FUMC Palacios Rev. Phillip Higginbotham and Campus Minister/District Youth Coordinator Rev. Todd Johns led the camp. Superintendent Rev. Laura Brewster gathered many youth pastors and fundraised to keep the camp affordable for every child.

The theme was “Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T)”. Senior Pastor at Corpus Christi Kelsey Memorial Rev. John Fletcher shared how God is the greatest of all time; how through Christ, we are made great to serve others. Students had the opportunity to play, learn and create new relationships. Recreational activities kept students and adults involved and engaged with many activities. If you see a video where Pastor Phillip and I are intensely playing Tic Tac Toe with a ping pong ball, I let him win, do not let him tell you otherwise, LOL.

Last, but not least, Las Misiones hosted the third Mid-Winter, February 10-12, at Twin Oaks Camp in Buda. Isabella Lopez, Youth Coordinator at San Antonio Colonial Hills UMC, was the retreat leader. She recruited the District Lay Leader Mark Mitchell, people from her church, and other small churches to volunteer and offer their gifts for an awesome weekend for the youth.  

San Antonio St. Matthew UMC Rev. Kelly Conkelton taught the kids and teens to connect scripture with their daily lives and reminded them that they are loved by God–Jesus chose to incarnate and be with us. Students and adults had the opportunity to set up and serve meals as well as lead some activities at the camp. It was an interactive camp, and everyone contributed to make it a success.

I love that somebody stepped up and everyone helped to create a space for the youth to explore their faith, share their experiences and make new connections with youth from across the Rio Texas Conference. I am glad that the story of the four “Body’s” mentioned at the beginning is not what I saw in any of the Mid-Winters. Instead, I witnessed Acts 6:1-7, where disciples and people prayed over leaders, and they were filled of the Holy Spirit to serve and helped increase their witness around the region. I witnessed many pastors and lay leaders embodying and modeling discipleship to a new generation of leaders that we had the privilege to serve and mentor.

Some of the constants in all three camps were: the cooperation and collaboration from many leaders whose main objective was not to be in the spotlight, but to offer their best so others could have time with Jesus and growth in their discipleship. Pastors, youth leaders and parents worked together to create a welcoming space for youth, many of them experiencing camp for the first time.

Each Mid-Winter was led and offered to a particular district. However, churches from outside districts were also welcomed to join. I think this was a huge success because all were willing to share their resources and leadership to host groups from around the connection. I hope this will be the vision for youth ministry across Rio Texas, to share resources and leadership so together we could witness our faith to each other. I am grateful for all the pastors and youth leaders who offered their time, money, and gifts so that our youth had space to explore and express their faith. I cannot say I had a favorite camp because all three had a distinctive leadership, opportunities and experience that made each unique.

I cannot wait to see all the youth from across the Conference during summer camp. We will have two camps this year: one in Palacios July 2-7 and another in Buda July 9-13. Pre-Registration will be $275 before May 15. $300 between May 15 – June 12. Registration due date is June 12. If you have an adult or youth who feels called to serve in the planning team, please do not hesitate to contact me at mpadilla@riotexas.org. I would love to continue offering the best to our youth and our youth coordinators. Please keep all youth ministers and youth in prayer.