NINETY teenagers are on a natural high following the January 21-24 experience of ‘Zero Gravity’ on the Sunshine Coast.
The camp, themed “Hero”, was designed to empower young people to live their faith daily.
Inspired to be empowered by faith as superheroes are empowered by strength or agility, organiser Luke Plant of Brisbane’s Emmanuel Covenant Community said the four days exceeded expectations.
“It was just amazing. Most of them expressed a tangible experience of God, a life-changing experience,” he said.
“We spoke of the calling God has for each of us to make a difference and the power He gives us in the Holy Spirit.”
One third of the teenagers attended the camp last year and were back for more, this time experiencing the World Youth Day Cross and Icon up close for two days.
Many prayer times centred on the extraordinary symbols of faith and all present appreciated the relaxed and unhurried atmosphere.
“We prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives,” Luke said.
“We spoke of how to continue to nurture that power with prayer every day, the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation by reading scripture and by being a part of a circle of Christian friends who can support and encourage us on the journey.”
The mixed group of males and females spent time reflecting on biblical figures who were called by God at an earlier age.
“People like the disciple John … Timothy, David and Samuel all made a difference in the church and in Israel,” Luke continued.
While 16 year-old Ema-Lee Langford of Nambour pleaded with her mum, Tracey, to go to a friend’s party instead of the camp, she ended up a reluctant participant at first.
Pleasantly surprised at the camp’s atmosphere and energy, Ema-Lee made new friends from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Harvey Bay.
“In the end I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be,” the teenager said.
“Meeting new people was the best part. I’d do anything to go to school with the people who went to Zero Gravity.
“I never thought young Catholics, even boys my age could be so open about their faith and about how much they love Jesus.”
Wishing her school friends could have the same experience, Ema-Lee spoke of how different she felt since returning home.
“Since Zero Gravity I’ve felt so much more relaxed and at peace. I see situations differently and I know that there’s no need to be mean to anyone.”
Ema-Lee’s mum is the Campus Minister of St Joseph’s, Nambour and she sent a dozen teenagers including her daughter to the camp, now describing them as “transformed”.
“The conversion of heart is absolutely fantastic,” mum, Tracey said.
“Some of them thought they were going to something ‘nerdie’ … they were pushed out of their comfort zone and the transformation is amazing,” she said.
Ema-Lee had arranged for Tracey to pick her up after the first day if the camp wasn’t enjoyable.
When Tracey arrived to “check up” on the students and her daughter, she too was surprised.
“Ema-Lee wouldn’t even talk to me because she was having such a great time.”
Fathers Graham Gatehouse, Michael McCarthy and Joe Duffy were on hand to offer pastoral support and to celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
2008 is the second year Emmanuel have hosted Zero Gravity.
Ema-Lee said she is sure to keep in touch with her new friends.
“Mum’s going to drive us to Brisbane for Friday night youth group, Voltage … we’ve all swapped mobile numbers and emails so we’ll be catching up,” she said.
