Youth Conference 9 - 16 December 2005

"Come let us build" - Neh 2:17

(more photos)

Sunday, 19:00 - The children watched a video, "Gifted hands".

Sunday, 14:30 - Handel Messiah performance, with photos

Sunday, 10:00 - Rev Stegen preached from Neh 2:17, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire". Africa is in great distress too. Some don't see it, for satan has blinded their eyes. (Read more here)

Saturday, 19:00 - Before the sermon, Kululile from Mthaleni gave her testimony. (Read more here). Rev Stegen continued with Friday's message. Each of us must be prepared to meet God at any time, for we do not know when our day of death will come. A certain man who had a terrible car accident not far from Greytown said, while he was dying, "that which was far away from me has come close to me, and that which was close to my heart - parties, money, prestige and fame - is far away". Each one will have to appear alone before God.

Saturday, 15:00 - This was a testimony service, where many children shared what the Lord had done in their lives.

Saturday, 10:00 - Rev Bill Bathman took the morning service and preached from Matt 7:24-27. A person who builds his house on the sand is foolish. But most people build on sand. There is also the broad and narrow road. Most people follow the broad road. Jesus is the only Way. God gives each of us a free choice. We can either follow the broad road and build on sand or the narrow road and build on the rock. There is no alternative. (read more here)

Friday, 19:00 - This was the opening service of the Youth Conference. Rev Erlo Stegen preached on the theme of the conference, "Come let us build". Nehemiah encouraged the people to build the walls of Jerusalem, but today, Jesus invites us to build the walls of our ruined lives. He said in Matt. 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Those who respond wholeheartedly to God's call, find abundant life. They are truly set free. Going to church is not enough. You must have a personal meeting with God. (Read more here)

This December's Youth Conference is planned to take place from the 9th to the 16th. One of the highlights will be the Handel's Messiah performance at 2:30pm on the 11th December. We are grateful to the Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, as well as ABSA Bank for being co-sponsors of this event. They will assist in making it possible for a professional orchestra, soloists and choir to perform the best known classic piece, Handel's Messiah.

To see what it's like having a classical concert in front of thousands of rural youth click here for December 2004's performance.

For more on previous Youth Conference in July 2005 click here