The Jesus Army's Real and Wild youth event ran over four days. I had to sign in for every event the first on Wednesday night, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning and evening events. I got a bright orange wristband and a programme and dived into RAW "Deep" 2011!

Bright and early every morning there was teaching on the theme that ran through RAW: going deeper into God.

Before lunch, there were four workshops in various locations on the RAW site. There was time to go to one of these each day. Young men and women expressed their hearts, freed their minds, and got stuck in with the practicalities of each one.

We took the love of God to the streets of Northampton every afternoon. We split into teams, hopped onto buses and ended up at one of five locations around Northampton for "RAW Outdoors".

In the evening events, there were lots of different things to see and get involved with, including dramas about the day's theme every evening.

On Friday I went to a workshop for young women, which was all about purity - in mind, body and spirit. There was no condemnation and all were welcome. (There was a workshop for young men on the same topic in another tent.)

There were many interactive family-friendly activities at "RAW Outdoors" including barbecues, table football, 3-a-side football tournament, giant Jenga, jigsaws, teeshirt painting and Wii sports. I did some face painting and spent some time evangelising with my friends.

We were able to respond to the teaching and worship in exciting practical ways each evening during the main event. We could come before God: kneeling, crying, dancing, praying, I felt freedom and release and was able to enter into the fullness of what God wanted me to experience.

We also did things to help the neighbourhoods and estates like litter picking, car washing, gardening, and fence painting. It was great to get involved in the local community and lend a helping hand.

We were called to take the plunge and reach for something deeper and more beautiful: purity. It was an opportunity to respond to what we'd been hearing that day. Many took a white wristband to remind them of the call to purity in mind, body and soul.

Powerful prayer, fresh faith and new anointings were stirred during RAW. I received some words of knowledge and got prayer along with many of my friends. These times were filled with the presence of God and people were giving their lives to God, committing themselves to Jesus, and finding new vision in faith.

Mealtimes were a good time to re-charge, eat food, see friends and find out different peoples experiences of RAW. This was a chance to relax and enjoy being together before the afternoon activities.

There were several powerful baptisms during RAW. We all prayed and supported our new brothers and sisters as they joined Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection!

I had an awesome time at the end of every evening in the celebration worship time. Everyone around me was dancing for God and expressing praise to Jesus. A fantastic end to each evening and the end of RAW "Deep" 2011!

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For more on RAW (Real and Wild) visit: realandwild.com To watch a video on this year's RAW event (and other exciting videos) visit: youtube.com/jesusarmy

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