Lifeline Youth Group returns inspired from Third Annual Desperation Conference

After months of fundraising and preparation, 11 youth and leaders from Victory Life Church safely returned from their third annual trip to the Desperation Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The annual conference brings together thousands of students from across the country for several days of worship, Biblical teaching, fellowship and discipleship. This year’s theme, “All Things New,” centered on the transforming work God does in the lives of believers.

The trip was made possible through the generosity of the local community. Throughout the year, Victory Life Church’s Lifeline Youth Group held several fundraisers, including a community bake sale, a gun raffle and other donation efforts to help cover travel expenses.

“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who supported our youth,” Pastor September Barnes said. “Every raffle ticket purchased, every baked good bought and every donation made helped invest in these students and made this trip possible.”

While in Colorado Springs, the group participated in worship services, heard messages from nationally recognized speakers, attended breakout sessions and spent time together reflecting on what they were learning. The week also included opportunities for fellowship, prayer and conversations that continued long after each service ended.

For many students, the conference became more than just a trip; it became a reminder that lasting change begins with Christ.

“I learned that God doesn’t start by changing what people see on the outside; He starts by changing what happens on the inside,” said Gracie Barnes about her third trip to the conference.

Youth Pastor Summer Bradshaw said one of the greatest blessings was watching students grow in different ways throughout the week.

“I’m super proud of these kids. Some of them started to let things surface, and they’re still working through some things,” Bradshaw said. “We are blessed in knowing that we never expect the same Desperation experience each year. There were kids experiencing overwhelming salvation, some of them experiencing knowledge they already had finally falling into place. God is renewing our minds, and we saw real changes in these teens. We are absolutely thankful for this opportunity, and for what God is doing in our youth group.”

Lifeline member Liberty Post also reflected on how following Christ has continually transformed her life.

“When you start to read the Word and you start to learn about it like this, it starts to change your life a lot,” Post said. “I’ve noticed a big change from who I was a few years ago. I am definitely not the same person I was a few months ago, and I’m not even the same person I was a few days ago.”

Following their return home, the students shared testimonies during Victory Life Church’s July 12 service, giving the congregation an opportunity to hear firsthand how God worked throughout the week.

As the church looks ahead to next year’s conference, leaders say they remain grateful for a community that continues to invest in the next generation through prayer, encouragement and supporting fundraisers.

“We’re excited to see how the seeds planted this week continue to grow,” Bradshaw said. “Our prayer is that what began in Colorado will continue to shape these students as they live out their faith here at home.”