UM ARMY (United in Mission, Action Reach-out Ministry by Youth) is an organization which provides Christ-centered missions that serve people in need. The organization promotes spiritual growth and leadership in youth and young adults. Each summer, students from across Texas and other regions of the U.S. gather at churches to serve the community through volunteer work by repairing homes, building wheelchair ramps, and serving nonprofit organizations.

UM ARMY Rio Texas has made it a priority to offer at least one camp in the Rio Grande Valley each year. This summer, FUMC Weslaco hosted 30 participants from Gruene UMC and Medina Valley UMC for a week of hard work, meaningful worship, and lots of fun.

The campers were divided into three work teams and were able to repair and replace a fence, paint, insulate, and drywall a house, build two ramps, and help with other projects at the host church. Near the end of the week, most of the homeowners attended the community celebration, joining the campers for an evening of dinner and worship. It was a powerful experience of shared connection and gratitude across cultures and generations. Additionally, the campers were able to complete their projects early on the last workday, allowing for an afternoon of beach fun on South Padre Island.

Along with the Weslaco camp, UM ARMY Rio Texas hosted a young adult camp in Corpus Christi as well as middle and high school camps in San Marcos, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio. Approximately 350 students from across the Rio Texas Conference and surrounding areas participated in these awesome service weeks.

Attendees from Cedar Park, Kyle, and San Marcos at Youth 2023

Miguel Padilla and members of La Trinidad Seguin at Youth 2023

Meeting Rend Collective at Youth 2023

Bonnie Bevers, Harper Claes, and Madi Ramirez at Youth 2023

Bonnie Bevers and Madi Ramirez helping pack food with Rise Against Hunger at Youth 2023 service project

Beach Communion with the Rio Texas Conference group

Youth Choir at Youth 2023 (Madi Ramirez from San Marcos sang with this group)

Students from San Marcos, Kyle, and Cedar Park at Youth 2023

Madi, Harper, Jozi, M, and Micah at opening worship of Youth 2023

Every four years, youth from throughout The United Methodist Church gather for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship. Youth 2023 was filled with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, and service projects. It is a place where you can find inspiration, support, and opportunities to authentically experience what it means to be part of the Methodist and Wesleyan family.

This year’s event was held in Daytona Beach, Florida. Around 3,000 UMC students and adults descended upon the Ocean Center. There was communion on the beach each morning, powerful worship services, as well as evening service projects. The days were filled with workshops ranging from praying in color and art, to learning about the Wesley brothers and their stories.

The Rio Texas Conference chartered a bus to provide transportation to those from our conference wishing to attend. Groups from San Marcos, Cedar Park, Kyle, and La Trinidad Seguin rode the bus. They met with other youth and leaders from the South Central Jurisdiction, and learned about upcoming opportunities to participate in both Jurisdictional and General Conference.

God truly rocked Daytona Beach.

About Youth Ministry Council

The Rio Texas Conference Youth Ministry Council equips and supports young leaders so they can become leaders of the Annual Conference. This young council works as Christ’s disciples for the transformation of the world. This diverse group of 7th-12th graders exhibit gifts for leadership. They strive to live into Christ’s great commandment, loving God and neighbor in all they do.

Youth Ministry Council consists of youth and adults from across the Rio Texas Annual Conference. These youth are leaders who want to make a difference in The United Methodist Church. Youth are confirmed members in their local church and serve in their local churches, their district, the conference, and beyond. The council consists of youth from each of the seven Rio Texas Conference districts and reflects the diversity of our conference. Members of this council serve as delegates to the Annual Conference. They also have opportunities to attend jurisdictional and global events.

The YMC meets monthly via Zoom to discuss topics important to themselves and the youth of our conference. They also meet quarterly in person for service projects, fellowship, and fun.

This is a fun way to get involved in The United Methodist Church, have a voice in the things happening in our conference, and learn about all that it means to be United Methodist and a part of the Wesleyan tradition.

Applications for membership in the Youth Ministry Council will open on Thursday, August 17th and remain open until August 31st. Visit www.riotexas.org/ymc to find further information and to apply to join us!