It isn’t every day we are asked to be guest speakers at a District Youth Conference. Never mind that there were only 6 young people, we were hyped! Steve had the germ of an idea that he got from visiting a castle in Kyrenia. The anchors he saw there inspired him! He explained how spiritual anchors in our lives can keep us safe as they hold us, stabilize us, and keep us pointed towards Christ while all the world around us billows and surges.
First he started with a rope puzzle. The youth loved it! It wasn’t easy, it was perplexing! And they loved learning the trick to get free!
Then we explained the new For the Strength of Youth pamphlet that the church just released. There are 12 chapters, one for each month, and each of them teach amazing Gospel principles that will be discussed every week starting in September.
After our part was done we enjoyed dinner with everyone as we all got better acquainted. The Conference was held in a 200 year old house, with three floors pieced together to accommodate the family of 10 that used to live there. The family grew grapes and even made and sold wine.
Unbeknownst to any of us, it was an old EOKA Village that rebelled against the British in the 1950’s. Proud of the part they played, the village proclaimed it from the valley walls.
There is a lot of history here so it isn’t surprising to have a youth conference in a 200 year old house that’s older than our church, but it is a little mind-boggling.
For more fun, we ended up going to another village to play laser tag and figure out a laser maze. It was a hit for the kids. For us drivers, the mountain village roads were scary and even made 30 minute trips double!!
At the Adventure Mountain Park they shared this story:
The Adventure Mountain Park is located at “Doxa Soi o Theos”, a historic landmark for the people of Kyperounta village. For generations, the villagers cultivated the land, growing apples, plums, pears, peaches and a wide variety of other produce. To trade their harvest, they would embark on a long journey by foot, carrying their goods to the bustling markets of Morphou. There, they exchanged their produce for citrus fruits and other essential items before beginning the difficult return journey.
The way back was exhausting. They walked for days through mountains, loaded with supplies. When they finally reached the highest point before descending into Kyperounta, they would pause for a breath and exclaim: “Doxa Soi o Theos!”
“Glory to God. We made it!”
Since then this spot has been known as Doxa Soi o Theos!
These traditions are deep! As missionaries we are dismayed at how very difficult it is to teach Cypriots the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet, there is so much love for their ancestors here. It will be Malachi’s promise that will attract them!
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