This week at our afterschool club, Recess, we had one of those big, deep conversations that make youth work so exciting. The topic we were focused on for the session was ‘Justice and fairness.’ We explored huge questions, debated different perspectives, and even ran a mock court to see how people’s views played out in practice. It was fun, engaging, and we could hear them still talking about it when they left!

What became clear very quickly was just how differently we all think about justice. Some leaned towards a version of absolute fairness—everyone gets exactly the same. Others argued for situational justice—different circumstances require different responses. The discussion was passionate, thought-provoking, and, at times, hilariously unpredictable.

As we wrapped up, I reflected with them on the problem of suffering and its relationship to belief in God. One of the classic objections to God’s existence is the presence of injustice in the world. I pointed out that a challenge with this argument is that if even we, in this room, struggle to agree on what justice even is in the first place, then how could we decide God and justice are incompatible? A couple of young people engaged with this idea, asking really thoughtful questions about why they personally reject the idea of God due to suffering and unfairness in the world.

I carefully suggested that sometimes we decide what kind of God we want before deciding whether or not He exists. I gave a silly example: Imagine you’ve been told about a guy named Tom. But you decide before meeting him that Tom is 19 feet tall, has three eyes, and pink hair. Well, because no one like that exists—that mean’s Tom himself can’t possibly exist, so you couldn’t ever possibly meet a Tom. In the same way, rejecting God because He doesn’t match our personal preferences might not be the best approach.

It was amazing to see the students pause and really take this in. You could almost see their grip on unbelief loosening just a little, their minds opening to fresh possibilities.

We love helping young people take small, meaningful steps in their thinking—never pushing, never forcing, just creating space for discovery. Because we believe that’s the most respectful and lasting way for them to encounter God for themselves.

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

Llandudno Youth for Christ proudly presents our three main regular projects, each catering to the diverse needs and interests of the youth, fostering growth, connection, and creative expression.

1. Redefine: Fortnightly Fun with Faith

Redefine is not just an event; it’s a community—a thriving space where young Christians and inquisitive seekers come together to redefine what it means to be a young believer. Every fortnight, the air is charged with excitement as laughter, games, and camaraderie fill the room. However, amid the joy, Redefine is a sacred space for reading the Bible, prayer, and heartfelt conversations about the challenges and triumphs of navigating faith in a dynamic world.

The success of Redefine speaks volumes about the hunger for authentic connection and exploration of faith among young people. With capacity reached, the call for more leaders is not just a need—it’s an invitation to be part of a transformative journey, shaping the spiritual landscape of the next generation. Could you be part of this team?

2. Recess: Weekly Reflections in School

In the hustle and bustle of school life, Recess emerges as a beacon of fun and introspection. This weekly meeting goes beyond the traditional boundaries of faith, reaching out to young minds without a church background. It’s an opportunity for them to ponder life’s profound questions—about the universe, God, and everything in between.

As Recess has also reached capacity, the need for more leaders is palpable. This project is not just about expanding numbers; it’s a chance to guide young minds through the labyrinth of life’s big questions, providing a safe space for exploration and understanding. Could you be one of these leaders?

3. Show Up and Write: Crafting Creativity in a Digital Realm

Enter the virtual realm of Show Up and Write, an online community that transcends geographical boundaries. Run by three published authors, this project is a haven for young writers, where encouragement flows as freely as ink on paper. The community is a space for sharing, honing craft, and navigating the unique challenges that young writers face. In a world driven by digital connection, this project stands as a shining example of the potential for community to flourish online.

In conclusion, Llandudno Youth for Christ’s three major projects, Redefine, Recess, and Show Up and Write, are not just initiatives—they are pillars of inspiration, growth, and creativity. As these projects continue to flourish, the call for more leaders echoes not only as a practical necessity but as an invitation to invest in the shaping of young lives, providing a foundation for faith, reflection, and creative expression that will resonate far beyond the borders of Llandudno.

In the dynamic world of John Bright School, this term’s assemblies took students on a journey of introspection and open-minded exploration. We now give a week of assemblies every half-term, which comes with amazing opportunities!

September: Plugged into Healthy Relationships

As the academic year kicked off in September, the first assembly set the tone with a theme centred around the importance of being “plugged into” healthy relationships, including the possibility of a connection with a God. To drive the point home, a memorable object lesson unfolded, featuring the unconventional combination of heavy metal music and an electric ukulele. Laughter filled the room as the unexpected pairing illustrated the importance of harmonious connections in our lives, whether with friends, family, or perhaps even with a higher power.

November: Embracing New Ideas and Different Beliefs

Amidst the intensity of Estyn inspections in November, the second assembly took a thought-provoking turn. A real church lectern took centre stage, adorned with a 350-year-old Bible… and a bright white wig and beard. The focus shifted to the significance of being open to new ideas and different beliefs. The historical elements added weight to the message, emphasising the importance of respecting diverse perspectives. It was a timely reminder that our intellectual and spiritual growth flourishes when we open our minds to the richness of the world around us.

We aim for the assemblies we do at Ysgol John Bright to not just be routine gatherings but transformative experiences, that encouraged students to reflect on their connections with others, and to embrace the diversity of thought and belief. These sessions exemplified the school’s commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of open-minded, compassionate individuals. We hope that this leads to deeper relationships and more opportunities to share the gospel.

We kicked summer off with most epic event. It was ‘Party Bingo’ night but trust me when I say it was nothing like your usual game. We pulled out all the stops – there were people busting moves on the dance floor like they were in a music video, and others diving headfirst into some intense games. And let’s not forget about the fancy dress theme – this time we decided to go all out and come dressed as the 90-year-old version of ourselves. Picture this: canes, wrinkly skin, and those crazy oversized glasses that look like they came straight from the future. It was hilarious! The whole night was filled with laughter, good vibes, and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Seriously though, what a great way to start summer.

That’s not all though. We have a whole raft of summer events this year. This starts with a week of ‘Camp-Not-Camp’, and if you’re wondering what that is, then we all hang out together for a week filled with amazing events, but we camp at home, in gardens, with friends.

So, what’s on that week? First up on our list is a legendary Nerf war, where we’ll battle it out in with foam darts and tactical strategies. But before indulging in the chaos, we’ll kickstart that day with breakfast on Zoom, connecting virtually to share a meal and catch up on each other’s lives. To explore our town in a unique way, we’ve also planned an exhilarating round town scavenger hunt (after another breakfast of course, in person this time) that will take us to hidden gems and secret spots, providing endless excitement along the way. As dusk settles, we’ll transform into movie buffs for a cinema night, accompanied by popcorn and laughter.

The last day will be the big one! We’re putting on a fun-filled day with inflatables at Ysgol John Bright. We’ll start off by challenging each other on an exhilarating 60ft inflatable obstacle course. It will be hilarious watching everyone try to make their way through the inflated tunnels, climbing walls, and slides. After that, we’ll strap ourselves into sumo suits and get ready for some belly-bumping action. To “cool down”, we’ll then hop onto a surf simulator where we will test our balance and agility while riding imaginary waves. And what’s a day of adventure without delicious food? We’re going to indulge in a Subway platter packed with mouth-watering sandwiches and sides that will recharge us for more fun-filled activities. Korey from Colwyn Youth for Christ will join us to give a gospel message and share one of his favourite American youth group ball games, ‘GaGa Ball.’!

Of course, no summer is complete without a sizzling BBQ party filled with deliciously charred burgers and mouth-watering grilled veggies to satisfy our taste buds. We’re also going to run a full-on games party mid-summer, and a ‘late nighter’ project that will run until midnight.

We hope this Summer will create lifelong memories for so many young people! We know that a lot of them won’t be able to go on holiday this year, and can’t manage the usual camps either, so we’re going to do everything we can to show them they’re loved.

Please be praying for us! It’s a lot to juggle (and, let’s be honest, there’s a lot that could go wrong!) and we hope that these projects will help young people grow into a closer-knit community, and one that will draw nearer to Jesus.

What to help support what we do? Consider giving to keep this work going and growing! 🙂 Thank you.