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YOKE exists to reach middle school students with the life-changing message of the Gospel. But we’re also committed to equipping the leaders that serve them. Our annual leadership retreat, held recently at the Carson Springs Conference Center in Newport, is a big part of this commitment. Leaders from all 26 of our schools came together to worship, learn, and experience community. We thought we’d let them tell you about it in their own words. 

​”YOKE Youth is simply amazing! Over 100 college students gave their weekend to worship, learn and grow in Christ so they can serve the middle-schoolers they give their time to each and every week! THIS is what the future looks like – #YOKEis serving, loving and caring! I am humbled to be able to serve with these young people!”  – H.S., Vine Middle Team

“I had an amazing weekend with an amazing group of young people – young leaders who are not ashamed to say “God first”!!! YOKE is awesome!!!” – S.B., Heritage Middle Team

“I’m so thankful for this weekend. I was running on below empty Friday, and I came home with a full tank and a full heart. Thank you YOKE for taking time to intentionally pursue your leaders. To pour into us. To draw us into hard places, knowing that Christ is there to stand in the gap when we can’t. Thank you for loving us well. Thank you for feeding us well. Thank you for offering a place of rest, physically and emotionally. I’m so blessed to be part of this organization. To God be the glory, great things HE has done!” – M.M., Powell Middle Team

“I can’t even begin to express what this weekend did for me! I’m so thankful for a YOKE staff who aggressively pursue their leaders. Giving us the opportunity to not only better ourselves as leaders, but also giving us the opportunity to grow our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I will no longer ask God to reveal to me His Will; I will choose to be in His Will! It’s time for me to stop waiting and just begin trusting in Him! I will choose Him!”  – B.N., Holston Middle Team

“Wow this weekend was incredible! I don’t know if I said this enough, but I LOVE YOKE. In my darkest times I can always count them to guide me in the right direction! A big shout out to staff for all their hard work this weekend and constantly loving on us no matter what! #YOKEISFAMILY” – Y.M., Vine Middle Team

“I’m thankful for the part of the YOKE retreat I was able to attend this weekend. I am so thankful for these wonderful leaders God has put in my life. It’s amazing that we get the opportunity to minister to middle-schoolers. I’m so thankful for the messages that were given today and last night. The Lord touched my heart.” – S.B., Karns Middle Team

A new semester brings new opportunities to serve. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of our team, visit our Serve page, or make a secure, online donation anytime on our Give page.