It was the privilege of my wife and me to chaperone the 1983 Young People’s Convention sponsored by our Lynden congregation. It was held on the beautiful campus of Trinity Western College in Langley, British Columbia. Providentially the Lord brought us in safety to this magnificent part of our continent. After viewing the majestic mountains, the sparkling lakes, and the splendid wood­lands one could only say, “Surely the LORD is in this place.” As a whole the convention went very well and was a very rewarding experience. As a chaperone, there were a couple of things that impressed me especially.

Firstly, there was evident a true spirit of unity, of oneness, among the young people. Though having a diversity of backgrounds, ages, and personalities, they were of one mind and one purpose. Here Easterners, Texans, Grand Rapidians, Californians, and Canadians freely mingled, making new friendships, renew­ing others, and strengthening still others. All of the activities – from volleyball and roller skating to singing and prayer – were done in the spirit of love and fellowship. This was the communion of saints!

Secondly, the spirituality and sensi­tivity of the young people were manifest. There was an openness and unashamed­ness on their part to discuss problems and struggles. This made the devotional periods (especially the evening ones) and the discussion groups very edifying and uplifting. In that period of a few short days I witnessed young pilgrims applying the principles of Scripture which we had discussed to their lives and to their friendships. The more mature pilgrims helped their less mature fellow sojourners.

Having witnessed the above however, I do not want to deny that there were problems. There were. Some were ser­ious; some not so serious. But then we must understand that while this was a gathering of “saved sojourners”, they are nevertheless sinful sojourners. And all of us – yes, also our young people – must learn that the gospel includes repentance and conversion and a fleeing for refuge under the shadow of the cross. And this we did learn by the power of God’s grace.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Lynden society for a wonderful time, the Lynden congregation for their zealous support, the speakers for their “whole­some words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ”, and the young people for their fellowship, their openness, and their obedience to Christ and to us their chaperones. Above all, thanks be to God for this blessed privilege. Thank Him, young people, and may He preserve you by His grace.