About 300 young adults—twice the expected amount of 150—gathered in Leominster, Massachusetts, February 10-12, for the first in-person GODencounters since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the theme, “One in Him,” attendees ages 18-35 experienced worship and revival as well as catered meals and a prayer room that was open 24 hours a day throughout the weekend.
“Our goal is to have our young adults . . . create a oneness with the Lord Jesus Christ. We want them to know Jesus for themselves individually and become one in Him . . . even as He and the Father are one,” said David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries director.
Petrice Wideman, assistant pastor for the Mount Vernon church in New York, shared Friday evening’s message, emphasizing becoming one with God.
Saturday was a powerful day with a personal testimony about God’s healing from Jesús Arocho, a member of the audio team from the Southern New England Conference (SNEC). Vandeon Griffin, associate Youth and Young Adult Ministries director for the North American Division, presented an engaging sermon on our need for Jesus in order to be one with Him.
Following the breakout sessions in the afternoon, everyone regrouped for a relaxed yet deep discussion about the church, including reasons why many youth are leaving, with John Coaxum, a pastor in the Allegheny West Conference. [Other GODencounters speakers/presenters included Darien Santana, Enmanuel Contreras, and Duddley Francois, along with musical artists Cecil Ward, Jr., Esther Bazile, and the praise team; and co-hosts Mitsuka Atty Noel and Anthony Whitlow.] On Saturday evening, David Steede II, Youth Ministries director for the Bermuda Conference, spoke on the deliverance God gives us. Afterward, the night activities included bowling, board games, swimming, and more.
Anthony Whitlow, pastor of the Joy of Troy church in New York, presented the closing message on Sunday.
Encouraged and inspired, Eli Irizarry, youth leader from the New Britain Spanish church in Connecticut, said, ”I’m trying to restart the youth programs after the pandemic, and I’m trying to learn as many tricks of the trade so that we can get this ministry going.”
Another attendee reflected, “Find some way to put God in the center of everything. Find some way to make sure . . . it all comes back to Him.”
Teddy Williamson, SNEC associate Youth Ministries director and chair of the Atlantic Union Conference Young Adult Advisory, reminded the participants that “What is at stake is your soul salvation . . . nothing else matters. God is there to help us grow.”
———————————————-
Andrew Dombrowski, member, Rockville-Tolland church, and participant, GODencounters
