The journey at the Adventist Youth Congress has come to an end. Because it was the first AYC experience I’ve attended, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my reflections about it, and also the general situation of Adventist youth gatherings (I’ve also attended a GYC event previously). The Organization and Environment of the Congress
It's Sabbath evening (August 4) in Valencia and there is an atmosphere of celebration. Seven young people have decided to publicly commit their lives to God and were baptized. The entire program was filled with supportive shouts and cheerful clapping. The praise and worship team led the congregation using a balanced mix of hymns and contempo
The second full day (third overall, including the first evening) I faced a real struggle at AYC2017. For those of us lacking a regular intense workout, AYC2017’s full schedule, including an early morning exercise routine, gave my leg muscles some painful aches. A reminder to keep our whole being in service! What my condition meant, however, contrib
Sunny Valencia, in Spain, in August. A perfect location to begin friendships for a lifetime, and hopefully begin a life changing journey for Jesus. This is what the organizers of the European Adventist Youth Congress 2017 (AYC2017) are hoping for this week. In an environment both literally and metaphorically warm, the offer was impossible to turn d
The famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven once said: “Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the Divine.” Perhaps many, especially musicians, know this famous quote by one of the most illustrious composers of all time. However, over 200 years earlier, Martin Luther, a fellow German, a
In the world today, many of us live within parts of the world that are experiencing the effects of an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. It is a world which has created opportunities for fast travel between distant places, and virtually instant connections with other people worldwide via the internet. Within such a world, it is easy
The first GYC Europe FOCUS was held February 19-22 in Stupini, Romania, a small town near the lofty Romanian mountains. The event was primarily organised for the people living in the local area and across Romania, but was open to all young Adventists living beyond Romanian borders. This year’s theme for GYC Europe is “Coming to Christ,” and it repr
