News and Events
News and Events are reports of current happenings within the Apostolic Faith Church family.
2009 International Youth Conference, North East, MD
By Stephanie Davis and Taiwo Oladapo
It encouraged Christians to Aim Lower, Think Smaller, Give Up, and Go have a cup of Coffee.
Aiming lower meant aiming at a lower age and taking the gospel to little children who are more receptive to the gospel at over 60% rate as compared adults who are already set in their ways; Thinking smaller meant training little children to be effective witnesses to reach the next generation for Christ; Giving up meant giving up our resources to assist in kingdom work wherever they are needed; and going to have coffee meant fellowshipping with other Christians irrespective of organization to fulfill the Great Commission. Bro. Daniel emphasized, “The Great Commission is a charge” and we must actively evangelize!
Other lessons included "Identifying & Slaying the Giants in Life" which taught we will always have giants in our way but it takes prayer and faith to slay them. After defeating a giant we must cut off its head to have total victory over it. Another was, "Decisions, Priorities & Consequences" which compared the long term effects of decisions made by Joseph and Samson, who were both men called by God. For ages 13 to 16 it was "Practical Approaches to Keeping Christ First."
The nightly worship services were spirit filling from the first day and the enthusiasm of the young people was evident in every area of participation: praise/worship, orchestra, choir, and altar prayer services. On the opening night all seeking their deeper experiences were identified for prayer and encouragement. The sermon taken from Luke 15, speaking of the prodigal, or "wasteful," son who coming to his senses went to his father and was unexpectedly blessed with a celebration; a feast of a fatted calf. Min. Epps encouraged us to feast on the table God had spread for us as we receive the blessings we are seeking in prayer! On Thursday, we were admonished to stand on the word of God, like Peter who did not know better than to launch out into the deep at the word of Christ.
On Friday, the message was for us to wait on the Lord by faith, as the scripture says “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2: 1 – 4). Min. Epps used the experience of Elijah praying for rain as an example of tarrying for our blessings.
Saturday was for relaxation and games during the day which included activities like basketball, volleyball, and football tournaments, canoeing and speed boat rides. Youths had a great time canoeing and watching friends get turned-over into the four-feet deep water. Both young and "young at heart" enjoyed good weather outdoors laughing, sitting under trees, chatting at picnic tables, and strolling the grounds.
At night, our spirits were lifted in a powerful praise/worship concert. The Spirit permeated the entire service as we played and sang praises to God. In closing, Min. Johnny Wyatt gave a powerful exhortation on being "Armed and Dangerous" as young people. We learnt to use the old and effective weapon of pleading the blood of Jesus over any situation challenges us. Taken from 1 Sam 13 & 14, like Jonathan with only his armorbearer, the youth can trust in Jesus to provide the weapons needed to win the battle.
Closing service on Sunday started off with wonderful rendition by the orchestra. Remarks from visiting pastors and the IYC President, Rev. Eugene Segres, encouraged the young people to ‘hold fast’. Selections were sung by the IYC and young adult choirs. The final sermon rounded off the importance to stand firm, not coming-off of the wall taken from Neh 6:1-4 . We can build on what we received from God and take a stand not to come down. The Spirit of God was poured out on souls and young people returned to their churches testifying of receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost!
More photos here!