Victory Life Lifeline Youth Group transforms at Desperation Conference 2025

Twenty-one members of Victory Life Church’s Lifeline Youth Group traveled to Colorado Springs from July 7 through 11 for a life-changing experience at the Desperation Conference (DESPO) hosted at New Life Church. 

The summer trip kicked off with the group loading up at 5 a.m. onto two vans, one rented for three chaperones and seven boys, and the church’s own van, carrying two chaperones and nine girls.

The group made a traditional stop at the Colorado River by late afternoon to stretch, unwind and symbolically shed the burdens of home. Just before dark fell in Colorado Springs, the vans arrived at a spacious Airbnb that accommodated the entire group comfortably.

The afternoon of the following day, the youth arrived at New Life Church for the conference opening. After registration, picking up swag and assembling for a massive group photo, they explored the surrounding area. Later, they attended the powerful welcome session highlighting the conference theme “Run the Race,” based on Hebrews 12:1-2. Activities concluded with a late- night hip-hop worship concert featuring Christian artists.

On day two of the conference, students split into five groups: high school boys, high school girls, middle school boys, middle school girls and youth leaders. These sessions addressed age‑specific topics and allowed deeper connection with biblical truths. Meal breaks and fellowship times between sessions created opportunities for shared stories and laughter over fast food outings.

Each evening, thousands gathered in the main hall for worship, scripture reflection and moments of spiritual renewal. The group described these large sessions as emotionally powerful and uniting.

The final afternoon brought news that youth groups attending DESPO from all over the United States had collectively raised over $40,000 to fund two wells in a community in need. This announcement underscored the conference’s global impact and sparked immense joy among attendees.

After the conference closed, the youth group gathered one last time in their Airbnb dining room for a meaningful reflection. Pastor September Barnes delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing unity and the importance of sharing Christ’s light with others.

Returning home, the group shared their conference experiences with their congregation. 

Sage Carlson reflected, “These kids are my brothers and sisters now, and God’s people always found us. At one point, we had about 50 people praying over each other in a circle during one of the concerts.” 

Landen Sinay, the oldest youth participant, added, “After all that we’ve been through, not only as a youth group, not only as friends and family, but as individuals, we have grown together in Christ.” 

He added, “This conference showed me that our experiences have shaped us for who we are today, and the Lord will continue to journey with us.”

Each youth who attended shared that they had chosen to dedicate or rededicate their lives to Jesus after personal encounters during the conference.

Victory Lifeline Youth Group extends heartfelt thanks to the community whose support made this trip possible. Throughout the year, the youth group built momentum toward the trip by hosting biblical experiences like the anointing experience, Meditation of the Heart, a prayer experience and a worship experience with a barbecue fundraiser. The prayer experience featured modified stations inspired by the 2024 DESPO conference’s prayer experience. A special thank you goes out to everyone who donated prizes or purchased tickets in the Memorial Day through the Fourth of July raffle, helping make this transformative journey a reality.