This past weekend, 9 of our youth along with 3 adult councelors attended the BCM/D student evangelism conference, "No Parking," in Ocean City, MD. Everyone from our group thought that the conference was better than what they were expecting and gained some good insights in their walk with God.
Worship music was let by the Jason Lovin's Band(myspace) and other artist played through out the event. There were 3 main speakers, each bringing a different message.
Stuart Hall
Stuart Hall emphasized that before we are able to share our faith with others that we must have God in our own lives. One of the key points he made was that there are many books and ideas on how to effectively share your faith, but unless you are truly reflecting God's glory back to him, none of it will do any good. People will see who you are more than what you say.
Wade Morris
Wade Morris spoke clearly about what it means to be a believer. How giving up control and surrendering to God is not an easy thing to do. That giving your life to Christ isn't something you should do because you see your friends do it, or you are on an emotional high from the weekend.
As a result of this weekend, more than 70 youth accepted Christ. This wasn't some of the huge numbers that are sometimes seen at conferences, but I believe that because of Wade's message these 70+ youth were making true commitments to follow God based on living a life of holiness.
Bucas Sterling
Pastor Sterling closed the session Sunday morning with an inspiring message that described the youth in attendance as the Amos generation. The message emphasized that while they may not have seminary, or association, they have had a visitation and they should not let anyone, even the "Amaziah" crowd, stop them from delivering the message that god has given them.
The weekend also allowed some free time to bond as a group, go over the messages of the day, and on Saturday spend some time on the board walk.
Please continue to pray for all of those that attended the conference that God will give them the strength to deliver the message that He has given them.