Project 180 (On Hold for Now)

What is it About?

Megan and Destiny at the 2016 Tent Revival Meetings in North Park, Decatur, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Light of the World Gospel Ministries.

The Light of the World Gospel Ministries youth group started in January/February 2008. It didn’t get its current name of “Project 180” until 2012. The name was chosen as it references the verse 2nd Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” As a person comes into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they stop living for themselves and start living for the Lord, thus making a 180 degree turn. Project 180 began with only 3 youth members but now has grown to over 60 youth/young adults that call Light of the World their home church.

When We Meet

The group meets every Wednesday night during the school year in our main church building at 7:00 p.m. There, young people ages 14-30 gather to worship the Lord, learn more about His Word, encounter Godly fellowship, and encourage one another through life’s trials. The night starts with worship. Then prayer requests and praise reports (what God has done over the week) are shared. The leaders will then share some announcements if there is anything upcoming in the week. And then a word of prayer is given before one of the youth leaders brings a word from the Lord. Sometimes the leaders will bring a short message paired up with a inspirational video and other times they will set up a group discussion for the youth group members to ask and talk about certain topics. Project 180 concludes with a time of fellowship and snacks.

Youth Camp

What is Youth Camp?

Doug & Kailee Essmann hanging at a stream in Long Pine, NE. Photo courtesy of Light of the World Gospel Ministries.

Every summer (or fall season, when complications occur), the Project 180 group devotes time out of the busyness of life to get away for a five day long youth camp. The five days not only include time set aside for fun and games but more importantly, to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ on a newer and deeper level. At camp, one can focus on his/her personal relationship with Christ, along with building lasting friendships with fellow believers. Youth Camp is always the highlight of the year and God never fails to move mighty in every one.

Coach Ron Brown preaching at the 2015 Youth Camp in Long Pine, NE. Photo courtesy of Light of the World Gospel Ministries.

Over the past amazing years, God has been working individually and collectively, by taking the youth to a higher level spiritually.

Because of the different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences of each individual attending, you would think it would cause some sort of barrier. But because of God and the unity He brings, the consistent members have formed an unbreakable bond.

Where has God Taken the Youth?

God has taken the Project 180 group from being babies in the faith (drinking the milk) to mature believers (eating the meat). David Wilkerson, a well-known preacher, describes baby Christians as those who only understand the repentance and forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 5:13 states, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.” They are satisfied with just being saved and walking through life knowing they are going to heaven. Ultimately, they have no real impact in the lives of others. But this is not ideal for the victorious Christian.

A sign of maturity is transitioning from being receivers (taking from the Word and learning from it) to givers (telling others about what they have learned about Christ and the Bible). They begin ministering unto their fellow brothers and sisters and, in turn, encourage each other. Praise the Lord, when this happens!!

We are excited to see what God will do in the next weeks, months, and years to come!