In the beginning, Quaker Friends traveled to YouthQuake from many geographic areas and walks of life. We gathered together in communion after the manner of Friends, discussions of our beliefs and as a community supporting each other in our own individual journeys. Early in the week the cold and bitter weather was reflective of our bias towards one another. It was difficult to see the challenges laid before us, paralleled the snow cloaking our view of the Rocky Mountains. Day by day the weather grew warmer along with the strengthening of our fellowship. We began to see that the differences between programmed and subprogram Friends did not weigh heavily in our ability to see God within each other and the light in the truths we both share.

We appreciated bible study lead by Max Carter and the passage he chose to focus on, John Chapter 4, because it was particularly poignant dealing with prejudice between two religious groups. We came to understand how uncomfortable unprogrammed worship could be to programmed Friends, as we struggled with the context of songs and sermons. In addition to scheduled events, Friends used free time to discuss faith and issues of the heart. Many of us were surprised at the bridges built and friendships formed between Friends of different backgrounds. The intensity of the gathering increased throughout the week as issues arose such as creation, abortion, and homosexuality.

Throughout our time it was difficult to encounter so many different views, but through the challenges our faith grew stronger. Not all of us left YouthQuake with the same beliefs as when we arrived, but a greater understanding was felt by all. For many of us, YouthQuake became a step in our spiritual journey, challenging us to expand our boundaries and push further on into this faith we call Quakerism.

By the end of the week the weather had cleared revealing to us the inspiration of the mountains. Our challenges, similar to these great peaks, lay before us in their beauty to climb and to explore. For most of us our journeys do not end at the conclusion of YouthQuake. Clarity has come to the road ahead of us and through the strengthening of our faith we walk forward into the future.

Mary Crauderuff (PYM), Nate Blood-Patterson (PYM), Joseph Shaffer (BYM), and Rachel Stacy (BYM) (Approved by the YouthQuake Participants from PYM and BYM)