Start of the IYC: devotional, musical, international

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This Bible passage from John 12: 32 was the basis of sermons by three Apostles in the early evening: David Heynes in English, Jeannot Leibfried in French, and Helge Mutschler in German. There were contributions in Lingala, Russian, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese among others. And the host District Apostle Rainer Storck held the divine service in the arena.

This devotional start was followed by a musical kick-off in a wide range of styles: from a cappella music by two vocal groups, The Bräutigang and Stugapella, to Christian rock with Rockin’ Credo and Rocking Bow Ties to praise and worship by JuTTA and the GospelproJekt.

Guests from all over the world

A total of about 3,200 helpers are busy in order to ensure the smooth running of the four-day event. The New Apostolic Church expects 30,000 participants. Some 5,500 young people will be coming from abroad: from North and South America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. This was made possible thanks to donations by Church members, which were used to subsidise the young people’s travel expenses.

A huge programme of events

Divine services and devotionals, concerts, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions, and hands-on activities—the IYC has a lot to offer. The stage events alone account for 300 hours.

There are a number of halls at the exhibition grounds in Düsseldorf offering a total area of 126,000 square metres of space. In addition, there are on-site catering facilities and nine halls with a total of 123,000 square metres for the youth camp.

Joining in at home

So that as many young people across the world as possible can participate in the International Youth Convention, there are plans to stream events on the Internet. There will be live streams on YouTube (channel: International Youth Convention 2019) and Facebook (International Youth Convention 2019). The videos will continue to be available online and can be retrieved at any time afterwards.

The following events are scheduled for broadcast:

• 31 May 2019, 11.00–12.00: opening ceremony in the Arena
• 1 June 2019, 11.00–to 12.30: panel discussion with Chief Apostle Schneider
• 1 June 2019, 16.00–17.30: Show YOUR Talent 2: the Bischoff Media Song Contest
• 1 June 2019, 19.30–21.00: #HereThereEverywhere – Jesus the Light In Us
• 2 June 2019, 10.00–12.00: divine service with Chief Apostle Schneider to conclude the IYC.