KEYNOTE SPEAKER—KEVIN GARRATT
Kevin Garratt is the co-founder and executive director of Nation to Nation, an organization that helps brings hope to vulnerable communities. Kevin and his wife Julia have lived in 7 different Chinese cities and worked in various capacities including teaching English (ESL), starting consulting companies, a training Centre, translation Co. and a Family Centre. Their dramatic story of detainment and deportation is documented in their 285-page memoir, Two Tears on the Window. They are now based on the Thai-Myanmar border. Kevin and Julia continue to share their hope story and work in difficult to access places assisting with community development, social enterprise, mentoring, crisis aid and spiritual formation. They have four adult children and four grandchildren.
Session 1: Hope in Trauma—775 Days In a Chinese Prison
Abducted by the Chinese Ministry of State Security, including six months in a “black jail”, Kevin & Julia Garratt were accused of being spies. In this moment by moment test of strength, courage and survival, hope appeared in unexpected and incredible ways. Their true story challenges everyone to find hope, LIVING HOPE, that changes not only your own life but the lives of those around you.
Session 2: Our First Responder
Did you ever think about Jesus as our First Responder? What is your first response when events, people and circumstances fill you with fear? Kevin & Julia now work on the Myanmar/Thailand border responding to crises caused by an ongoing civil war in Myanmar. Bombs are dropping and villages destroyed only 5-10 km from their home. They train a multi-nation team of young adults to respond to poor, fleeing, and at-risk children and youth, offering sustainable livelihood and introducing hope that changes lives — our First Responder’s specialty.
STUDENT LED WORKSHOPS
Student–led workshops are a unique opportunity for leadership students to learn what it takes to study, prepare, and present a workshop in front of their peers. They work alongside a leadership mentor teacher from their school to craft a workshop proposal and write their outline, and then bring it all together for an in–person presentation at the Student Leadership Conference.
MORE INFORMATION
Phone: 403.948.2332
Email: acsiwc_info@acsi.org
The ACSI Student Activities Program seeks to encourage and inspire students toward a standard of excellence in leadership, communication, and performance by enhancing the academic and fine arts education program of the Christian school. It provides opportunity for the practical application and development of skills necessary for confident Christian leadership. Each activity is planned to impact the educational and spiritual growth of each student, encouraging them to be a testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each event also seeks to provide opportunity for Christian fellowship and positive interaction between students and teachers of participating schools.