THE STORY

Grace Youth Retreat began 19 years ago as a joint youth retreat among a few churches with the help of the Atlantic Korean American Presbytery (AKAP), a division of the Mid-Atlantic Synod of Presbyterian Church USA. In the first year, Grace Retreat 2001 was held at a retreat center near King’s Dominion with 130 participants from 9 different churches. Last year, there were over 200 participants from 4 states (MD, VA, NC, and NJ) and more than 30 churches, including churches from other denominations.

This summer we mark the 19th year of Grace Retreat. Our theme: El Roi: The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16:13-14). In the midst of her hopelessness and despair, Hagar heard the voice of the Lord speak the promise of His faithfulness to her present and future. We are captivated by this face of God who looks upon the Next Generation that we might respond as Hagar did: “I have now seen the One who sees me“.