The North England Conference (NEC) Youth Day took place at the Bethel Convention Centre on Sabbath 25th March. Young people from across the NEC and South England Conference came together for the culmination of the Youth Week of Prayer, which proved to be a blessing for the hundreds in attendance. The theme for the day was My Image, My Ego.
Upon entering the convention centre, several booths were encouraging our young people to get involved in various ministries and help those in need. Lorraine McDonald, the BUC Education Director, was raising the profile of Adventist schools across the British Isles. The Youth Hub, a Birmingham-based initiative geared towards students and young people, were inviting individuals to attend their next gathering. ADRA, ASC groups and others were also raising the awareness of their ministries.
As the seats filled, the hosts for the day (Jamaule Gardener and Panashe Muringani) welcomed the congregation, encouraging them to worship the Lord wholeheartedly. Sabbath School began with a rousing song service led by Byron Taylor and a team of gifted young singers. Hannah Questel-Lewis captured the children's attention with a story reminding them of God's preserving and protecting love for His people. Hannah introduced them to the God who protected His people in Romania when they decided it was more important to read God's word and share it with others than to keep it to themselves and be spared jail.
The Holy Spirit descended upon the room as pastors and elders anointed and prayed with those needing God's power and presence. It was a beautiful and meaningful way to transition into the divine service. Guest speaker Andrew Fuller preached of the need to share the love of God in both word and deed. As foot soldiers for Jesus, we must take the gospel into the streets and actively evangelise our local communities. He also preached about how thoughts become feelings, feelings become behaviour, and behaviours shape our identities. He reminded us that Jesus is not scared of our sins. He's in the business of repairing us into His image.
Following the service, the catering team from Windsor Street Seventh-day Adventist Church served tasty and nourishing physical food. The youth were not left wanting! We were treated to a hearty meal that kept us going into an AYS filled with deep discussions. The panel was led by Ikechi Iheoma, who further unpicked the theme of image and identity. Pastor Johns reminded us that our youth have a place in His church (1 Timothy 4:12)
The evening of praise began with CJ Nichols and Co. opening with an electrifying rendition of He Reigns Forever. He was followed by Shona Beecham, Che Sampson, North Hampton Ghana Youth Choir and Hans and Co. The day ended with Andrew sharing where he learned to be himself.
Thank you to Pastor Micah Campbell, the NEC Youth Director, and his team for organising a wonderful day.
May the church continue to be a place for all, where young and old can learn to be their authentic spiritual selves in Jesus Christ.
