November 9 saw 1,200 young people and youth leaders pour into Westminster Chapel for ‘Sorted 2013’.
This annual one-day conference, which by now is a fixture for many of the capital’s youth groups, sought to challenge and encourage those present. Over three sessions some of the ‘whackier’ chapters of Daniel were explained to see what they meant for young people, in London, in 2013. Babylon seemed a world away at the start of the day, but as Jonty Allcock, pastor at Bushy Hill Park Community Church, unpacked these passages, their crucial relevance became clear.
Not so whacky Daniel
Session One asked who holds the power in our lives. In a world where power is everything, we studied Daniel 7.1-14, and we were asked to wonder where and in whom we put our power. Do we engage in the earthly power struggle, using our talents and skills wrongly? Or, instead of trying to take power, do we hope in the one, who (v.13) has already been given the power?
From this poignant opener we moved onto studying God’s plan, as we looked at Daniel’s prayer in 9.1-19. We should be inspired by God’s plan, as opposed to trying to force our own plan upon him. Between sessions Two and Three we took an extended break for lunch, to relax and grab some food. And, as hundreds of teenagers converged on the local fast food restaurants, ‘Sorted’ still had plenty to offer: four seminars run by UCCF, Christians in Sport, Festive and Changing Lanes. But back to the main sessions, and it was the last of Jonty’s messages which proved to be the most important. We read through Daniel 11.36-12.4. Entitled ‘The best is yet to come’, Jonty’s talk explained that although we suffer in a difficult is world now, deliverance coming. For the Christian there is such a future ahead. The day closed with some roaring worship. There really was an exciting feeling that here were some young people looking forward to that future.
We’re thankful to Capitol Youthworks for organising the event. Next year’s ‘Sorted’ event is eagerly anticipated!
