The Apostolic Faith Church in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, had its annual youth weekend August 29-31. Visitors from New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Texas came together to worship God.

The Friday service opened with a string prelude. The East Bridgewater youth choir followed, singing “Mighty to Save.” After a selection of hymns and opening prayer, the youth leader, John Adebayo, welcomed everyone and introduced the guest minister, Joshua Garraway from Houston, Texas. Elizabeth Adebayo led the congregation in the weekend theme song, “Keep On the Firing Line.” Before the sermon, Nora Garraway sang “It Is Well With My Soul.” Drawing his text from Ephesians 6:19-21, Brother Joshua encouraged the audience to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand in the current perilous times. From Zechariah 4:6, he stressed that one mustn’t trust in his or her might or power, but in God’s Spirit. The service ended with a hymn of challenge, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” 

The Saturday event was at Halloran Park in Stoughton. Around 8:00 a.m., some young people arrived at the church to help load the U-Haul to the park. Visitors started arriving at the park around 10:00 a.m. The event began with a meet and greet. The fellowship was very sweet. At noon, after most churches had arrived at the park, Hunter Cripps, from Houston, Texas, opened the event with a prayer. The main topic of discussion for all the breakout sessions was: “What are the fiery darts of the enemy that your age group needs to fight against?” Group leaders were chosen to teach classes for Beginners, Primary Pals, Answer, young adults, adults, and senior adults. All in all, the students in each class had very fruitful discussions and received practical advice on how to identify and deal with the darts of the devil.

Following lunch, there was a general session. Jessica Ekanem led a few worship songs, after which Brother Joshua gave a short sermon encouraging the young people to make sure they are in line with God so they don’t wander away as they get older. He shared his testimony about growing up in a Christian home and acting like he was saved, but as he got older, his friends started to change and become more worldly. Peer pressure started to get to him. However, during a revival service, the Spirit of God came down and saved him. He returned to school saying that he was saved and he could no longer participate in sinful things. He was on the basketball team, but he eventually got cut and he viewed that as God helping him to separate himself from those worldly “friends.” He advised youths to surround themselves with godly friends who will draw them closer to God. He used Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as examples. Ifiok Ekanem, from Washington DC, closed in prayer. A time of Bible games, soccer, and volleyball followed, and it was very enjoyable! 

The Sunday worship service started with a violin solo by Kehinde Oso, from Oceanside, New York. He played “My Jesus, I Love Thee.” The East Bridgewater youth choir sang “Holy Forever,” followed by the Oceanside choir singing “God Is Holy.” The congregation sang the theme song, “Keep On the Firing Line.” After congregational singing, Robert Makasi, from Wharton, New Jersey, led the opening prayer. After the announcements there was a special from Wharton, "I’d Rather Have Jesus.” The testimony service was followed with the Scripture reading. Rachel Cripps, from Houston, sang the last special, “When I Think About the Lord.” Brother Joshua took his main text from Mark 10:17-31 and spoke about what to do to inherit eternal life. He noted that a young Christian today is in a challenging place because the devil has refined his attacks. He emphasized that the armor of God is always relevant, even though it is the same armor the forefathers of faith used in their days. It is relevant yesterday, today, and it will be tomorrow. He encouraged young people in this present time, who face the challenges of a rapidly changing world and the signs of the times everywhere, to be very prepared with the whole armor of God.

Many attendees testified of God's blessings and spiritual refreshing throughout the weekend.