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GYC Conference Feedback - 14 points

In December 2016 I got to experience a long standing dream of mine to attend a Christian youth Conference called Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC), in Houston Texas, in the USA. (See: https://gycweb.org /) It was actually miraculous how God worked for me to get to attend, (See a bit of the testimony here), but it was one of the best experiences Providence has allowed me to have.

Since 2012, I've had the privilege of being involved in a number of similar conferences (in planning, attending and speaking); perhaps only on a much smaller scale than GYC, but with the same essential structure. One of my intentions in attending this conference was to draw lessons for myself (should I be given the chance to be involved in planning another such conference), and anyone else involved in other like conferences in future.

For the benefit of some of my friends who’ve asked, here’s 15 points I took away from the experience:

1. ATTENDANCE The number of GYC attendees has grown exponentially since it began around 2002. The highest, if I’m not mistaken, was around the range of under 8 000, a few years back. This year’s conference was attended by less than 4000. The opinion response I got when I queried this was that “the GYC crowd is growing up…” I’d just also add that growing secularization in the states may be contributing to this.

This year's conference was attended by around 3500 people (which is on the lower end of the usual average of 5000) and this number is in part due to certain things that were in place that lead to the growth and expansion of GYC. (See pt. 6)

2. CONTENT On the whole, the program content was great: Challenging, inspiring and well prepared. In terms of quality of this content, I was as blessed at GYC as I was at other like conferences (ALIVE Kenya, IMPACT Zambia, Mission Cohort etc. 1 Cor. 12:11 I guess)

3. GENERAL PROGRAM SET-UP The setup had Morning, day-time and Evening "Main services" (Plenary and devotions). There were also about 20 seminars all running parallel to each other and at the end of the day (around 8:30pm) there was time network and to check out booths and exhibitions.

4. FOCUSSED (UNCHANGING) OBJECTIVE Among the strongest things that keeps GYC going, from my observation, is a very clear vision, and the consistent commitment to that vision. I believe this is what keeps previous attendees coming back, and what inspires those who’ve never been to GYC to want to attend it. (Check it out here.)

5. COMMITMENT TO IDENTITY I think of the previous point in view of my involvement in planning the last 3 Mission Cohort (MC) conferences. The main objectives for these (MC) conferences have always, without variation, been the same:

1. To revive and sustain a missionary spirit among Seventh-day Adventist youth & young professionals.
2. To train and equip young people for service
3. To facilitate networking among mission groups and Adventist young people
4. To do outreach and call others to Christ

6. GYC AS A SYSTEM There are certain systemic factors in place, outside of the actual conference itself, that I observed to be what has led to the growth of GYC and it's conferences. 2 Major factors include:

• CAMPUS - A missionary training program for university students on secular campuses. The first group of young people who were part of planning GYC were graduates of this program and were scattered across various different universities around USA and the world. These were strong influencers in rallying like-minded cohorts to come together on the earlier GYC's
• Audioverse - An online free audio sermon platform where presentations, seminars and sermons from previous conferences were recorded and made available for download. I'd say that the rich content from the past GYC's os one of the strongest forms of it's marketing, especially because of its endless scalability. (Audioverse played a part in my GYC trip also: https://youtu.be/7txWEOZ_c9w)

7. DIVERSITY I enjoyed the very evident [ethnic] diversity at GYC, as well as how freely I could relate to various people genuinely, as brothers. I didn't find myself only hanging out with individuals who looked like me. In an increasingly polarizing America (and world), this is a strong demonstration of the gospel.

I got to spend one night with some individuals who were part of planning previous and then-current GYC’s and got to learn that that diversity was very intentionally pursued, both in the planning committee as well as in the attendees.

8. INNOVATION I was impressed with the great use of technology. This added to the excellence that God's work deserves. During the conference, there was a GYC app where I had the program, speaker bio's and announcements), the registration desk was a digital registration where I just "checked in" on the devices that were set up, my tag had a qr code on which had all my details and was scanned whenever I went for meals. No one was running around during the conference asking for people to still pay any outstanding amounts.

9. A UNITED EFFORT One of the most humbling experiences for me was when I went to the dining hall for breakfast and, among the line of ushers leading attendees to their meals, was the GYC president directing people, with a smile. I had a few brief interactions with him and was encouraged by his genuine engagement, amidst the pressure of leading at such a major event. He appeared well in-tune with the proceedings, though there were a number of teams running various things.

From the Board of directors (some of whom were there), down to the ushers and volunteers, I saw the glimpses of the unity they shared. It was one GYC [leadership].

10. YOUTH INVOLVEMENT The GYC exec (E-com, as they call it) does well to distribute its responsibilities to other young people who have the mind and spirit of GYC. Hosting a conference that big comes with it's need of extra hands, and most of those who volunteered did so out of their own pocket (still paying for the conference, accommodation and food for staying extra days etc.).

11. ACCOMMODATION AND GENERAL LOGISTICS
Arranging accommodation for the conference was left to the attendees (be it motel, hotel, family etc), and conference meals were also made optional for a fee. The conference was in inner city Houston, which came with a variety of places to choose from. There's also a Facebook page where attendees could find room mates to share with and cut costs (I ended up meeting and staying with great guys through this, and found myself staying at an Airbnb, holiday Inn and Hilton hotel, on different days.I didn't mind.)

Morning and midday meals (which were great) were provided by the conference (for those who paid for them) then a slot in the evening program was open for "networking " and anyone who wanted to get an evening meal anywhere else.

It may be necessary to note, in all the above, that Houston, as with most urban American contexts, generally has more to offer for accommodation, within budget, safety and variety, than some cities in my country.

12. GLOSS WHERE IT MATTERS Comparing my experience at GYC to what I would see when watching it online, I got to see many unexpected differences. The main hall at the conference was a simple, flexible arena, with very basic seating; likewise with the dining hall and some of the seminar rooms. The only really fancy parts of the setting was the main platform, and I assume that was mostly for the cameras. The gloss was only where it mattered, and the basic simplicity of everything else didn't take away from the powerful content and experience.

13. TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES Having attended the conference personally, I got to witness that the running of the conference was not without any glitches and/or technical difficulties; I.e. a missing presenter, late attendees, clashing program items...etc, all of which is very normal. The commitment to excellence was very evident though (for example, even though the hall was half full, the presenter was up to speak at his specific time.)

14. WHY A CONFERENCE A question I asked myself more while at GYC was why such conferences mattered, and how do they fit into the bigger picture of fulfilling Matthew 24:14? If there's one thing I could take away was a reminder that a conference, as an event in itself, is not the ultimate answer to the pressing needs of the gospel. It isn't an end in itself, but forms a valuable link on a broader chain (or system); and it is important to understand the big picture better - the "why."

Someone likened such revival, networking and training meetings as GYC to a "time-out" in a basketball game, and not the game itself. The true power of these events is seen in what it does in the lives of those who attend them, once they've gone back to their homes - once their back in the game. This is why it may not be best to measure the true success of these events by the number of attendants.

Among other questions was in introspecting on the model of such youth conferences in local [African] contexts, how we frame our 'timeouts', how relevant they are.

THE FUTURE OF GYC

One striking thought came on my last night at GYC during a conversation with some brothers who've been part of planning previous GYC's. A point was raised of uncertainty about what the future of GYC looks like.

That question can perhaps also be extend further, as to: "What is the future of this generation of young people who believe they have a part to play in bringing about the second advent of Christ?"

Are they (we) a dying breed? If everything continued as it is now, will the objective be reached? What is the next step up the ladder (beyond conferences) towards the fulfillment of Rev. 14:6, in my lifetime? And what may God be preparing us for through this season of growth in youth ministries and movements?

"I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Rev 14:6

- Abide

7 Days and a miracle - 7 Days to go

Monday – 7 Days to go

Today marks exactly 7 days away from when I should be leaving for the Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC) conference, in Houston Texas. I just got back from a mission project  in Venda to assist with a part of the mission training and it has been a blessing. Right now, within the next few days, I’m really praying on God to do what He does best:  perform a miracle.

As things currently sit, I’ve really seen the hand of God in leading me to this point. So far, the registration for the conference has been covered, I’ve arranged the accommodation and I received my approved Visa today. I take these as signs of God’s providence and faithfulness  in leading to this point; and He who has began the good work will be faithful to complete it.

I almost can’t believe that this is actually all happening, especially noting that I didn’t know where and how I would arrange some of the things: ie travel funds, visa etc. I've wanted to be at GYC for just over 5 years. Last year I was really eager to go, but I didn’t really take the matter to God; this year I thought to try Him with His promises, that if we “delight [ourselves] in the LORD… He shall give [us] the desires of [our] hearts.” Ps. 37:4

As things stand at present, I’ve raised about a quarter of the funds needed for the plane ticket. I’m still waiting on a couple of promises from a few individuals regarding what’s remaining but my dependence right now is on God. My effort to raise the means through some of my own methods hasn’t proven successful and I believe that is because the dependence in those has been mostly on myself, not on God. I’m encouraged, though, by the assurances that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Ps 24:1). If God wants me at GYC, He will get me there.

With all the developments so far, I do not doubt that God has something planned for me; so I choose not to worry:

“Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.” Desire of Ages p.330

I look forward to seeing what plan God has in store. “In every difficulty,” even in this one, “He has a way prepared to bring relief.”

7 Days and a miracle - 6 Days to go

Tuesday – 6 Days to go

“Your shoes are already wet, as though you are oblivious of the raging Jordan.” These words served as a surprising encouragement as I was having a conversation today with a pastor friend of mine. He was asking how the arrangements are going in this final week of preparations for GYC and I let him know of how everything was pretty much covered, besides the one critical item of the plane ticket. His words were a response to me expressing the confidence that “nothing is too hard for God.” (Jer. 32:17)

I’m exactly 6 days away from when I should be flying to the USA and I’m still praying on a miracle for the plane ticket.

The beauty (and sometimes the burden) of trusting in God is that our dependence on Him is based more on who He is as a faithful and providing God, and not at all on how the current circumstances appear to be looking. In the “raging Jordan” incident that my friend refers to, the nation of Israel were on their way to the land that God had promised to give them. They were a small and feeble nation without any real resources to defend themselves; them making it to the Promised Land, especially by crossing the Jordan, seemed pretty impossible.

On the event that they were meant to cross the river Jordan, God instructed the priests--who were at the forefront of the nation--to set the soles of their feet into the river before it would split (Joshua 3:13). Unlike the parting of the Red sea, which took place roughly 40 years before (Exodus 14), this experienced required a serious level of faith on the part of the Israelites. Under the leadership of Moses, they had seen God part the Red sea. Now they had to trust that God could do the same thing again, under Joshua’s leadership. Them being commanded to set their feet into the Jordan, before it parted, would have been their expression of faith in the promise that God would make the waters separate.

As with the Israelites at the Jordan River, I too am at a point where I am to move based on a steady confidence in God’s ability. The circumstances at hand seem somewhat adverse, but I have seen enough of God’s leadings throughout this whole year (2016) to have me confident that He can part the few minor barriers I currently face.

A statement that’s keeping me going:

“Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.” Christ’s Object Lessons p.331

There hasn’t been much evident progress since yesterday, at least not as I see things, but God is still to make a way. I spent much of today working on sourcing the remaining funds for the flight and I’m still positive that things will unfold as the week progresses. I know that Jesus is concerned with all that one goes through and that the current circumstances, regardless of how they may appear, are not an indicator of what God has in mind. 

7 Days and a miracle - 5 Days to go

Wednesday – 5 Days to go

Earlier today, I got off the phone with a brother/friend of mine who I hoped would be able to help a great deal in covering the flight ticket for GYC... unfortunately things on his side didn’t pan out quite as I thought. I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I’m encouraged by the reminder that:

“We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him.” Christ Object Lessons p.146

I am not upset at the disappointment; if anything, it is a reminder of the responsibility of trusting in God first, and not in hunanity. “Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” (Jer. 17:7)

Not long after the call, I received a text notification of another major deposit that came in towards the project… The timing was really perfect, especially in lightening the disappointment from the call. I believe that things like that are the reminders of God’s leading to remind me that He is still in control and that He is not moved. As encouraging as the sms notification was, I’m still less than halfway from being able to get the return flight ticket-- I'm still in need of a miracle.

I may not be able to say exactly how at the moment, but I know that God will make a way, even where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see and He will make a way for me... [Those are actually the lyrics of a song ;)]

A statement comes to mind as I review the current circumstances:

“Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.”  Christ Object Lessons p.146

The beauty of having these statements ready, off hand, is that they really are a source of serious strength and encouragement. Faith comes by the word of God. 5 Days left...

7 Days and a miracle - 4 Days to go

Thursday – 4 Days to go

4 days until I need to leave for GYC and today has not been a great day. I received some unpleasant news this morning about the loss of a family member and the timing couldn’t have been worse. I won’t go into much detail to keep to the matter at hand and the sake of those affected…

In the midst of the sad news, I am still yet to book the flight ticket for the conference. I spent most of the day running errands in response to the news received and still trying to make sense of the occurrence. The decision to even still go to the conference is not easy.

Looking at the occurence, and the fact that some things still need to come together in a few short days before the conference, one may easily take these circumstances as indicators to abort the current plans. A major push to go, though, is the fact that some of the crucial things have already been booked and paid for. Some very kind individuals have already contributed a significant amount towards some of the major expenses, though I’m still far from making the whole amount. Deciding to not go to the conference at this point would mean a loss of what has been covered already, and I’m also not too happy with doing that in view of how God has led thus far.

With all that being said, I believe that if God wants me there, He will still make a way. If it’s His will, He needs to fit the bill; and I believe that He is able to do that...within the next 4 days.

7 Days and a miralce - 3 Days to go

Friday – 3 Days to go

The other day I was having a conversation with my mother about the things that still need to be covered for the GYC trip and she said something that I hadn’t quite noticed: “Even though these things are still outstanding, you seem so calm about it…” The calmness has not been without nervousness, I’ve just learnt the joy of taking things to God in prayer:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all that He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

This is really the greatest thing to keep me stable.

Earlier today, I received a few contributions from a few more kind friends which have brought the funds to a point where was able to get the flight ticket to go, but I would have to find a way to raise what was needed for the return ticket. I was not worried though, the fact that I was at that point was an evidence of God’s faithfulness so far. As noted earlier in the week: He is able to complete what He has started…

I’m still planning to leave on Monday (3 days from now) and where I am going is a bit cold; so today I have been washing a preparing my winter gear (scarf, gloves etc) for that. When I was doing this, I still wasn’t sure how we would raise the funds for the return ticket. Noting the time, at this point I was ready to book the departure ticket and see how God provides what was needed for the return.

During the day, I received a call for a last minute request to preach tomorrow (Sabbath). I was a bit hesitant to accept it. I didn’t feel as though I was in the best head space following the news received yesterday. After a bit of time praying and reflecting over it, though, I eventually agreed to do so.

Later in the day, while working on some other preparations for the conference, I received a call from someone whom I had informed about the conference plans. He was calling to let me know of the contribution he was willing to make and, by God’s grace, that amount was more than what was needed to cover the return flight costs. God had performed a miracle. I had prayed, planned and acted, in the hope that I would be booking the flight tickets today; and because God is faithful, all the funds came through in the right time!

Tomorrow, for the preaching assignment, I plan to speak on the subject of Biblical faith. This has been my experience this week, and it’s what is on my heart. When I was sharing the day’s experience with a big sister of mine, she was touched by the reminder that if God is able to perform these kinds of miracles (flight ticket and every other thing I needed for the conference), it should also give us hope in His ability to deal with sin in our lives. If anything, today has been a blessing in that regard.

Things are somewhat bitter sweet in light of some of the painful things that have happened in the week, but in all, God still remains faithful. I plan to make the booking for the flight ticket after church tomorrow.