Modern Warfare

Warfare is one of those things you always sort of dream about doing as a kid, but never end up doing; especially once you realise that death is much more likely than defeating hordes of enemies singlehandedly (as if you didn't have expectations of your own brilliance at swordplay .. Maybe that was just me?!)

There are ways around this however.

These ways are known as Cardboard Warfare

Last friday night, one of the most epic events of recent history was witnessed as St. John Youth got its war on.

Some of you may know that I am a senior leader at St. Johns Illuminate Youth (the older age groups) essentially meaning that I get to orchestrate and organise events like this. I genuinely love it as I get to share my passion for christ with youth who have never heard the Good News; and also .. Cardboard Warfare.. Seriously! Anywhere which lets me play out some of the more out-there tangents which call my mind home just has to be awesome!

There are only a few requirements for Cardboard Warfare.

Copious amounts of Cardboard. Copious amounts of Duct Tape (we went through a ludicrous 340 metres). Imagination and Inspiration. One Battleground. 20 men. A fervour for fun. That is all that is needed.

 As you can see from the following photos (many have been left out due to privacy reasons) it was perhaps the greatest guys night in the history of youth events.

There are almost limitless things you can do once you have prepared the armour, weapons and shielding. We played numerous battle scenes, skirmishes on the flats of Diamond Creek with there being many victors and many, many laughs to be had (most of which was laid at the styling of the armour and weapons, which fell to pieces and many indiviudals swordplay, which also left much to be desired)

There was actually a point behind all of the 'warfare', believe it or not. 'Men' of all ages have failed to pick up the mantle of manhood and lead lives of virtue. This was an opportunity for me to talk about Manhood and the expectations that the world puts on young men and how to act; how all of that fades into meaningless when faced against the lives young Christian men need to live.

There needs to be a fundamental change in the way young men live and interact with the world around them. They need to pick up the mantle of manhood. Read this if you want to know my thoughts on what this means.

It will happen at the grassroots level.

I can only hope to be be a part of it.

^"Be watchful and stand firm in the faith; act like men and be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1. Play Laser Tag in a Suit
2. Play in my Church's Worship Band. 
3. Go on a spontaneous roadtrip
4. Watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain. 
5. Throw Darts at Paint-filled balloons.  
6. Go Paintballing
7. Go to the Zoo
8. Have a Picnic
9. Go wild whilist listening to Muse/Radiohead (whichever comes first) live. 
10. See three unknown/unsigned bands live.  
11. Finish an 80km bike ride in one day 
12. Go on a mission trip
13. Go campling with mates
14. Climb a big rock for no apparent reason
15. Go on a hike 
16. Go Microlighting 
17. Have A Cardboard War!