by Carrie Keju

For the past thirty-seven years, young people from various Apostolic Faith Churches have gathered in Brooklyn, New York, for the International Youth Conference. This year, a different location was chosen, and the youth conference was held in rural Maryland at a camp nestled on the Chesapeake Bay. Around 130 young people and adults gathered at the Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center, mainly to seek God, but also to engage in sports and group activities. The theme for this year’s conference was “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing His Will.” Starting with the first song at Wednesday night’s evangelistic service, drawing closer to God was the continual goal of those who attended.

The guest speaker, Demetrius McElveen, from Washington, D.C., opened the conference by exhorting the youth to ensure that the first brick of their spiritual foundation was laid correctly. Demetrius reminded the congregation that experiencing God is not dependent upon a building, site, or even a conference, but on each one’s will to seek Him. Young people need to move beyond motions, emotions, and gestures to focus on what they truly need to stand and grow in their relationship with God. Demetrius challenged the young people to check their spiritual foundations to ensure that they have an individual testimony of faith that is backed up by their actions. This inspiring sermon was followed by a prayer service that was blessed by God’s presence as young people took the opportunity to check their spiritual foundations.

On Thursday and Friday, there were break-out sessions for each age group. For the children’s church group (ages 9-12), the topics were “He Knows My Name” and “Never Too Young.” A discussion was held about how to dodge Satan’s temptations, which was also demonstrated with a dodge-ball game. Another group (ages 13-16) discussed experiencing God as a youth, living holy, and being a genuine Christian, and a third group (ages 17-29) focused on experiencing God through music. The discussion for those thirty and over involved experiencing God in relationships and at the workplace. All of these discussions were interactive and enjoyed by everyone in the different age groups.

Outdoor activities were available on Saturday, as those who chose to do so took advantage of the facilities offered by the camp. There were enough interested participants to organize both a basketball and volleyball playoff. A game room with ping pong and foosball, as well as several card and board games, provided fun entertainment. On the bay, there was time in the morning for canoeing, and speed-boat rides in the afternoon.

On Saturday night, the annual concert was truly blessed by God’s spirit as the young people lifted their voices in praise and worship. The musical portion of the concert was followed by an exhortation from Peter McPhun, from Washington, D.C., on “More of God, More of Prayer, and More of Consecration.” Taking this instruction to heart, many young people were blessed as they wholeheartedly sought more of God.

During the Sunday morning service, time was given for each of the pastors in attendance to briefly speak. The pastors encouraged the youth to push on, and the youth leaders to continue offering these opportunities for the young people to seek the Lord. Just before Demetrius McElveen preached, the combined youth choir gave a rousing rendition of “Felt Like Shouting,” and those who were there truly did feel like shouting! Using the fourth chapter of Nehemiah for his text, and looking back at the great things God had done over the past few days, Demetrius reminded the young people that God has a great work yet to be done, and they need God’s help to accomplish the task. God is not looking for a hero who will “go it alone.” Demetrius encouraged the young people to return to their respective homes and remember that although they may be physically distant, they are still spiritually linked. Each link is necessary, and there are no extra links in God’s chain. Each one has a vital role to play, and they need to be mindful of the battles others are fighting so they can rally around and support with prayer. Nehemiah found laborers wherever he could—nobles and common people, sons and daughters; each was necessary to close the distance on the wall. So it is with the Gospel—God is calling each Christian to close the distance and maintain the Gospel standard. Another revitalizing prayer service was enjoyed by many before breaking camp.

There were those who were saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit during the youth conference. One young lady said that when she came to the youth conference, she was unsaved and very miserable. As the conference progressed, God called after her heart and she yielded her life to Him. He not only saved her, but He mended her heart and took away the pain that was caused by the sin in her life, and in place of the pain God gave her joy!

Though this youth conference in the countryside was a different experience than the previous youth conferences in the midst of bustling Brooklyn, New York, there was no doubt that God’s Spirit was still the same. Those who attended the conference experienced God in a deeper way, and felt challenged to further commitments in His service.

More photos are available on our youth site.