“Joe had a strong grasp of scripture, and did a fantastic job of connecting the scripture to the kids’ lives, and making his message relevant.  Where Joe truly excelled was connecting with the kids’, and building trust.  This isn’t something that is easily accomplished over a short weekend, but Joe was able to do it, and by building a relationship with the youth, was able to speak to them on a different level.  Joe is a gifted speaker, is passionate about faith, loves kids, and is just fun to be around.  We will be calling on Joe again down the road for future retreats!”

 

Seth Lovell
Director of Youth Ministries
Olivet Presbyterian Church

 

“I thought the Middle School Retreat was awesome!  Sitting in the back row during the worship times, it was the first time I have ever heard it so quiet during a speaker; they were engaged.” – Angela Corbet, Youth Director at Leesburg UMC

 

“Joe did a great job, maybe the best I’ve heard….I had one of the best small groups I’ve ever had and thought the material was excellent. A friend of mine with another youth group too mentioned how great her small group was!” – Dwayne Stinson, Youth Director at Reveille UMC

 

“Joe was awesome!  The topic and sessions were very applicable and kept the kids interested -- ALWAYS a good thing!  :)” – Amy Johnson, volunteer at Calvary UMC

 

“Wow! I’ve been to a “few” retreats in my time, but I can’t recall any better than the 2008 Conference Retreats. It takes a special person to connect to Middle Schoolers. Joe Torrence is the premier UM Youth speaker in the conference and perhaps beyond… His ability to draw students into the message that God has put on his heart, along with his obvious love of youth and passion for Jesus is a gift. His messages were done in such a way as to involve everyone in attendance. The small group follows up materials were well prepared, effective, simple, easy for new youth leaders, non-threatening and inviting to all youth to participate openly in the small group discussions following the worship sessions.” – Youth Director at Christ UMC

 

“I had one of my 6th-grade boys answer the question ‘what did you like best about the weekend?’ Say ‘the speaker, I just really connected with him, it was great’… found that great since 6th-grade boys usually say ‘running down the hill’ or ‘farting in the van’ lol! – Kristin Bloodworth, Youth Director at Braddock Street UMC

 

“I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVED EE this weekend. I've seen Joe before, and I was excited when I heard he was speaking this year, but I gotta tell you HE WAS ON FIRE this weekend. I can't WAIT for the Senior High weekend.” – Deb Angerman, Youth Director at Sudley UMC

 

“I attended the 2008 High School Retreat in Eagle Eyrie recently. First, let me compliment you and your staff for a job well done. Not only did our participating Youth learn and grow but I also learned a great deal that I believe has added to my growth as an adult with Jesus Christ our Savior.” – Kenny Sage, volunteer at Fairview UMC

 

Once again, thank you for being willing to serve as the speaker for our fall youth retreats and please know that your contributions to the weekends will have a lasting impact on the lives of many, many young people!