Roger R. Wade
Roger R. Wade
Roger R. Wade
The 2018 winter Youth Federation for South Alabama/North Florida was an amazing experience for many youth, including youth from Bethany Church in Montgomery, Ala. Being able to represent Bethany Church in such a great number made them feel like they were a part of something very special. They all agreed on certain nuances that made the Federation effective in its ministry.
The weekend kicked off with a talent show titled “Adventists Got Talent.” A variety of talent was displayed, including original poetry readings, a presentation of native songs and instruments, praise dancing, an excerpt reading from a literary work penned by Sean Williams and Elijah Wilson, and much more. After displaying God’s talents, the youth were presented with a game of “Bible Baseball” (Jordan Street church, also in attendance) and a skit titled “Do We Really Need to Go to Church?” (Bethany) for Sabbath School. The skit’s message, that the church is a community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, was taken from Hebrews 10:25. The skit was well received by everyone.
The music ministry of Young and Unafraid (Bethany) and UVOP (Jordan Street) prepared the attendees for the worship service through song. Cody Miller, pastor of Temple Gate Church, truly connected with the audience of youth with his relatable, humorous message titled “Hunger.” He made the sermon personable for everyone. “He really helped me realize that we need to put God first and be purified,” said Madison Purifoy. Miller reiterated that all are humans of error, but should never “trade the rare for the common.” As a young pastor, he afforded the opportunity to interact with him, not just as the speaker, but also as a real person. He took time to answer questions individually, and was genuinely interested in the stories and helping many to succeed.
After lunch many gathered for the service project, “Make a Difference — Donate.” The mission was to collect non-perishable items to be delivered to the Panama City Church for members who were victims of Hurricane Michael. Keldrick Purifoy said, “The community service was fun. It was a great way to help others.”
At the completion of the service project, the group capped off the night at Pensacola, Fla., Beach. They enjoyed walking along the beach, playing in the sand, wading in the water, and taking pictures to capture the excitement of being on the beach. Many friends enjoyed hanging out together on the beach. They ended the night with a song service, and prayer by Yvens Melidor, pastor and South Alabama/Northwest Florida Youth Federation president.
Being a part of this Federation is, for the youth, like being a part of an incredible community of people who are in church sharing the same joys and frustrations. This community stands by each other’s side no matter the cause. The Federation committee members were visibly available and mingled with everyone. They were a part of all the festivities, every step of the way. Overall, Youth Federation was a great blessing to everyone. Prayerfully, attendance will increase, and more lives will be touched.
South Central | January 2019
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