Big and small Youth Days

Nigeria: Zonal Youth Convention

A total of more than 2,000 young people from across 19 districts cared for by Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong in Nigeria came together in four different central locations for this year’s Zonal Youth Convention. The motto was: “Living for God”. The three-day event featured drama, seminars, interactive sessions, and outdoor fun. These activities produced an intense exchange among the young people about their faith. According to District Elder Armstrong Inyang, the challenges facing the Christian youth are enormous. Young people face big tasks in terms of learning, acquisition of knowledge, and self development.

Zimbabwe: National Youth Day

The New Apostolic youth in Zimbabwe gathered for their national youth event at the beginning of May. The motto was: “Here I am,” giving a look ahead into the coming year and the International Youth Convention that will take place under the same motto. More than 200 young Christians from across the country came to Kwekwe, a city in central Zimbabwe. Saturday included a choral presentation, a talent show, and sporting activities. Sunday was reserved for the divine service with Apostle Daniel Sayela Mulemba. He based his sermon on 1 Samuel 3: 4: “Here I am.” The Apostle called on the young generation to help along in the work of God. “We must occupy ourselves with things that bring honour and glory to our heavenly Father. ‘Here I am’ means: I am where I am supposed to be.”

Philippines: Island Youth Day

District Apostle Urs Hebeisen and his assistant, Apostle Edy Isnugroho, met in Surigao, from where they continued to Quilatongan, one of more than 2,500 islands in the Philippine Archipelago. One hundred and fifty youths had gathered here for a two-day retreat. The New Apostolic Church was introduced here about 30 years ago. The District Apostle spoke about trust in God. A believing person knows that God is interested in his or her salvation. This is what He wants to accomplish. “Do not plan a future without including the will of the heavenly Father,” he appealed to the young people. The Bible gives good advice, he said: “But seek first the kingdom of God.”