By JEREMIAH Mutzbauer

Flame On. How I’ ve waited for your season to come back around. Every year, I count the days until the next one as soon as the ball drops, striking the first of the year.

Many people call Flame On the biggest sleepover in the south. At the event’ s base, it may be merely that, but in my eyes, it is the biggest spiritual moment of youth AND adults in the United States. I have had the pleasure of attending first as a youth myself and now as an LIT, bridging the gap between the students and the adults. Every day starts and ends with a spirit-filled and energetic service led by those who are deeply involved and care about these students.

Now, in between each service? There are various activities, including small groups, which offer a more intimate setting. They allow students to come together in tighter-knit groups of seven to ten. Typically, LITs like myself will share a brief message that God has put on our hearts, and the groups will discuss topics that resonated with them and ask questions about the subjects discussed. Furthermore, all group activities offer an opportunity for prayer. As leaders, we want no moment for a student to receive prayer to pass, and we are honored

to stand with them.

Why is Flame On so important to me? Firstly, the change that I witnessed in my own life. I was the kid putting on a front at church every Sunday but running the opposite direction from God every other day of the week. The skeletons in my closet were more forthcoming than the light of Jesus to the world, and from the first Flame On I attended, leaders helped me battle the addiction and led me to the place I am today. I have met some of my dearest friends from Flame On, from my fellow LITs to leaders who have taken me under their wing and shaped me into a better leader.

Lastly, I have seen students’ lives transformed. I’ ve witnessed addictions broken, chains shaken off, and family relationships restored. As we know, there is no problem too big for God, and He continues to prove that each year at Flame On. Now to my favorite part of Flame On. I mentioned the services earlier, but there is one specific part that stands out, and that’ s the prayer loft, where the band is on the floor among the students, leaving the large stage in the main pavilion open. We use this as a prayer loft for students to come and sit at the feet of Jesus. Occupied by LITs and

youth leaders, students can come to us for prayer, but the best part? Looking around and seeing youth praying for each other, weeping with each other, comforting one another, and loving each other. This is my favorite part because it allows the kids to grow not only with each other but also grow their relationship with God. It also allows them to be bold with their faith.

Now, my personal advice is if you are an adult with children or grandchildren or a youth with friends, come one and come all to Flame On 2026. Reach out to your local chapter or state leadership, or scan this QR code for more information! We can’ t wait to see you! CMA

Jeremiah Mutzbauer is in the Youth Movement LIT program.

21

cmausa. org