August 9, 2004 Wroclaw, Poland …. [Miroslav Pujic/ANN]
Over 3,000 young people from 30 nations converged on the ‘Hala Ludowa’ hall in Wroclaw, Poland, center for the European Youth Congress jointly organized by Paul Tompkins and Corrado Cozzi, Youth directors for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-Europe and Euro-Africa regions together with a large team of helpers. The theme, ‘Time 4 Action’, was a call for young people to commit themselves to the Lord. The conference was held August 4 to 8, 2004.
Bertil Wiklander, president of the Seventh-day Adventists Church in the Trans-European region, gave a warm welcome to all the youth in the opening meeting on Wednesday evening. The guest speaker was Gilbert Cangy, Youth director for the Adventist Church in the South Pacific region.
A representative of Aleksander Kwa_niewski, President of the Republic of Poland, read a letter welcoming all the delegates to his country. In the letter he said “With great respect I see the rich heritage of Adventists in Poland and throughout the world and the great contribution of their charity and educational institutions. The care that the Seventh-day Adventist Church puts to spiritual, intellectual and physical development of youth deserves special attention. This is why with great satisfaction I have taken the honorary patronage of this Congress.”
A press conference was held prior to the commencement of the Congress in order to broadcast to the public via regional and national media the purpose of the gathering of so many young people in their city and inviting them to see the Art Stages situated in the street portraying in many idioms the love of Jesus for all people.
The atmosphere in the Hala Ludowa was electric and the corridors resounded with laughter and action as the delegates visited the many stands and attended the main meetings and workshops dealing with topics relevant to young people. Outside the hall there were well-planned events such as an exciting “Street of Nations” marking the Year of Evangelism. “Running for Life” was the theme of a Fun Run where the Adventist lifestyle was emphasized at various stations en route, and in the town, “Impact” witnessing took place, following up on the social action that had been organized in and around Wroclaw before the Congress commenced.
Also in attendance was Baraka Muganda, Youth director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters. “This Youth Congress was well planned” said Muganda, “its objectives have been met. To see these youths from all over Europe, worship together, fellowship together, pray together and play together has set a new day in youth ministry for these regions. I have seen the power of unity in Jesus.”
Many positive comments were expressed by the delegates; “The best thing about the Congress is that I made new friends” said Tommy from Norway, “the workshops were enlightening and the worships keep me wanting more of Jesus”; Stefan, from England, said the highlight for him was “seeing the young people being touched by the love of God.” This was confirmed by Sanja from Canada, “This Congress brought me closer to God through the life stories of the people that I heard. But above all it helped me to make my personal commitment to follow Him. This Congress made me realize that Life without God is death.”
Muganda added, “However, I have also noticed and talked to some youth who are struggling to discover their identity, these are seekers. The church in Europe must not rest until they meet the needs of this group of young people. New approaches are needed that do not compromise the Bible but reinforce the power of God in this new generation. If we do not come up with a solution quickly, we will find ourselves being guided by outside forces! The Church in Europe needs youth and youth need the Church.”
“It has been a ‘European eye-opener'”, said Annaliene from England, “[and] by this I mean it has been a great experience meeting so many passionate individuals – youth about Christ. I came here knowing I needed to do more for Christ, thankfully I will be leaving here knowing how and what I need to do in the UK.”
Shahaira from the Netherlands, said, “This Congress has been very inspiring to me, especially the messages given by Pastor Gilbert Cangy from Australia. I remember very clearly his first sermon about not giving up your dream, no matter what.” Shahaira continued, “The Congress was a lot of fun, hanging out with people of my own age and getting to know people from other countries, but most important is that I feel closer to God. I’m looking forward to the next one!”
The Sabbath worship consisted of a baptism on Friday evening; an emphasis on evangelism in the Sabbath morning program; and a service of commitment in the form of communion on Sabbath afternoon. These programs expanded on the theme, by emphasizing “Time 4 You” and your own spiritual development, “Time 4 Jesus” and your relationship with Him and “Time 4 Action,” connecting with neighbours and friends.
The baptism was especially meaningful for Pastor Corrado Cozzi who baptized his two sons during the service.
“What a wonderful climax to a truly memorable event,” Cozzi said. “I am so pleased with the way everyone has worked together to make this such a success. It is wonderful to see so many Christian young people committing their lives to God.”
The final service was especially poignant and closed the Congress with much symbolism. Each delegate was given a pack that contained: a bottle of water representing Jesus the water of life; a rock representing Jesus as the rock of our lives; an eraser indicating the forgiveness of Jesus; a light baton which was waved by everyone in a darkened auditorium indicating Jesus shining through young people as the light of the world; a pencil and paper on which each person wrote the name of someone for whom they wanted special prayers. These papers were then pinned on the crosses standing in the four corners of the auditorium.
The worship band, “Rachel,” from the Czech Republic, together with various instrumentalists and artists who performed throughout the Congress ensured that the atmosphere of worship prevailed.
Generally, we speak of events like Youth Congresses as a memory event, something to look back on with warm fuzzy feelings. “Quite apart from the carnival atmosphere; the rich intercultural exchange; the fun activities and new friendships made; the European Congress has taken young people to another level that is not always attained” says Gilbert Cangy. “The Congress has been a catalyst for real spiritual transformation in the lives of hundreds of youth and a springboard for concrete Christian action. It did justice to its theme ‘Time 4 Action.'”
Cangy continued, “I have been overwhelmed with the discovery of a generation of European Adventist youth who are in love in Jesus and are breaking new grounds in pursuing the mission of the church in fresh and innovative ways. They have inspired me. I will be telling their story.”
Reflecting on the Congress, Paul Tompkins said, “My abiding memory of Youth Congress will be the sight and sound of so many happy Seventh-day Adventist youth. They came from over 30 different countries, representing a variety of different cultures and speaking so many different languages, yet they were unified in both purpose and action.”
Copyright © 2004 by Adventist News Network.
