Medellin, Colombia…[Libna Stevens/IAD] Thousands of young Seventh-day Adventists in high spirits gathered inside the Plaza Mayor Convention Center Tuesday evening, July 24 for what is the largest ever youth leadership and prayer convention in the Inter-American territory.
The convention, which is being webcast live on the internet, will continue for the next three days with programs, seminars, the continuous reading of the Bible, prayer sessions and community service projects throughout the city, among others.
The convention, which is being webcast live on the internet, will continue for the next three days with programs, seminars, the continuous reading of the Bible, prayer sessions and community service projects throughout the city, among others.
The inauguration program began with praise music. More than 5,000 youth Adventists raised their voices during the praise time, setting the tone for the theme of the event, “Obsessed With Jesus”. Later in the program, cultural presentations from 14 of the 15 regions in the territory were met with excitement and frenzy from the young audience.
“What was once a dream will become a reality tonite with God’s grace,” said Pastor Bernardo Rodriguez, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America and organizer of the event. “All of you have many obsessions and we want to propose the most sacred and healthiest of obsessions, let’s do so with His Word, His love, His lifestyle, for His mission and for His second coming.”
A highlight of the event was the attendance of Dr. Sergio Fajardo, the mayor or Medellin, who welcomed the young delegates to the city. Dr. Fajardo also kicked off the Bible reading marathon.
“Medellin has turned fear for hope, beaten violence and has built opportunities for people who have had no voice and it is a pleasure to have you here so you can breathe with us, to triumph with us and you can bring that obsession with Jesus to this city,” the mayor said.
“Once again I am filled with joy to see the wonderful participation of thousands and thousands of young people of our Division,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, who delivered the evening’s central message. “You have shown your passion for Christ.”
During his passionate message, Pastor Leito invited the young people to more forward to the stage. Hundreds of youth leaders re-dedicated their lives in response to the call.
For daily coverage of Inter-America’s Youth Leadership and Prayer Conference and for live webcast, visit us at www.interamerica.org
To view a photo gallery of the day’s event, go to www.convencionjuvenil.org or click on the following link http://www.convencionjuvenil.org/es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=155
