Youth rush to Kelowna

For the third year in a row, Willow Park MB church in Kelowna, B.C. organized a province-wide youth rally and it was a wild success. Held at the Grand Okanagan Hotel’s facilities Feb. 23–25, Rush drew 1,500 young people from 50 churches all over British Columbia.

Featured speaker Shane Claiborne spoke about living simply and focusing on what’s important in life. “He was awesome. He really left me with a lot to think about,” said Cody Fortin, who was attending his second Rush event.

Jon Buller and his band were one of many groups rockin’ the crowd at Rush. Photo: Dez Cresswell

The music, headlined by Grammy award-winning Jars of Clay, was also great, says Jonathon Viejou. He, too, attended last year, “and this year’s Rush was better. And bigger.”

The event included the chance to ski Big White, or go tubing, as Alyssa Penner did. Like others, she was hard pressed to pick one highlight. “All of it” was wonderful, she said.

Planners are already working on next year’s Rush, starting with the need for more room! “We need a bigger venue,” says Willow Park youth pastor Joel Feddersen. “We were really cramped at 1,500 and may look to rent the curling club or a huge circus tent or something.” He adds, “Only God knows, so we’re looking for his direction.”

—Barrie McMaster