Youth Conference July 2018

The theme of Rev Erlo Stegen’s message to the conference, “How wonderful is God!” ran like a golden thread through the whole conference.  Since the small beginnings of the ministry until today, it has been God’s goodness, faithfulness and care that has carried us through.

After 45 years of youth conferences, we can only praise God for His faithfulness and care as we observed how He provided for the various needs when hosting a conference of these proportions.  This includes three meals a day for the whole week for between six and seven thousand people, accommodation facilities, electricity, hot water for so many showers, and fuel for the many trips to fetch and return the young people to their homes – some as far afield as Umtata in the Eastern Cape, and QwaQwa in the Free State.  Our Lord provided abundantly.

Half way through the conference, everyone had the opportunity to participate in games, our own World Cup soccer tournament, netball and volley ball tournaments. There were prizes to be won, obstacle course challenges to be overcome and so much more that tested the stamina of every young person.

Another highlight was the riveting story of Brett Archibald’s 28½ hour ordeal when lost and alone in the Indian Ocean.  By God’s grace he was miraculously rescued.  He passed on valuable life lessons he learned when faced with death.  He shared how this gave him the opportunity to make peace with God and use the second chance to live a better life.

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.  Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes.

But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Messages are still available on Livestream.