27 April 2011, Telford, United Kingdom [Victor Hulbert with Catherine Boldeau and Peter Jeynes, BUC News]
The crescendo of the Michael W Smith song filled the hall at Telford International Centre: “Crucified, laid behind a stone. You lived to die, Rejected and alone…” It reflected the emotional intensity in the air as 500+ young adults found themselves challenged and inspired by the power of the resurrected Christ, at the BUC Youth Congress, organised by Des Boldeau, BUC Youth director.
Throughout five days over the Easter weekend they listened to five specialists in Youth Ministry – all from diverse backgrounds – who led them on a journey designed to help them think of change, not just in themselves, but in their communities.
James Black, Director of Youth Ministries for the North American Division was the Thursday night keynote speaker. “Yours is an awesome theme,” he stated, a serious theme for this day and age: ‘i-Change, u-Change, wii-Change.’ After noting how God had needed to humble him early, coming as he did from the gang violence of the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, he then entertained and inspired the youth with the story of the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17, noting how the three disciples on the hill top needed humbling: “If you want to be the change you’ve got to recognise the voice of God,” he noted. At the same time, the nine disciples in the valley did not realise that they were to be an agent of change for the young boy who needed healing. They needed to learn that “when you are picked to be the change you need to let Jesus do the changing.” He also noted that to be the change for others you have to be the ‘go-to person’ noting the beautiful words of Jesus, “Bring the boy to me.”
There were a lot of “go-to persons” at the weekend. On Friday and Sunday afternoons they could be found singing in Nursing Homes and in a nearby park, or knocking on doors sharing their faith via surveys and gaining contacts and Bible study interests to be followed up by members of the Telford Adventist church. The choir singing in the park was so enthusiastic that on both days a number of youth who had come to sunbathe joined in with the singing, some of them asking deep questions and sharing their hurts and struggles.
A Passion Play, especially commissioned for the event, was performed in the hall on Sabbath afternoon, then taken out to the park on Easter Sunday, where again people were able to ask questions about the true meaning of Easter.
The Easter theme of the preaching was particularly emphasised by two of the guest speakers. On Good Friday, Tim Gillespie made no apologies for his strong Easter message. As Young Adult pastor of the Loma Linda University church, he used both humour and pathos to convey the seriousness of what Jesus did on the cross for us. “The worst day ever was the most important day ever,” he stated, then both in his Friday and Sunday evening sermons rejoicing that Jesus “exploded a tomb”.
Resurrection day he called “a day of celebration”, stating that “today God started His rebellion on the planet… the world has changed. Death has been overcome.” Looking at Romans 5:1 he then challenged those who feel unsure of their salvation that the words, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” give us a wellspring of joy from which we can live our lives.
That “wellspring of joy” had already been demonstrated in the storytelling skills of Dick Duerksen from Maranatha Volunteers International. On Friday night and Sunday morning you could hear a pin drop in the hall as he enraptured his audience with tales of God’s grace in Malakula, in Peru, in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon – and in the story of our own lives. On Sunday morning he presented a one man monologue of the story of Peter, showing how this brash disciple thought he would teach Jesus, but how Jesus had, in reality, taught him. Peter learnt, “It’s not about me, it’s about Him!”
In a double presentation, David Asscherick, the co-founder of ARISE, a ministry training centre in California, focused on the dilemma of Paul in Romans 7, ‘O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death,’ and the solution that is found in Jesus Christ. In the dichotomy of desire and action in chapter 7, and groaning and struggle still to be found in chapter 8, David demonstrated that Paul is “not minimising suffering, but is maximising glory”. He added that “while we exist in this groaning position between what could be and what is”, that we can rejoice in that while “I’m not what I want to be – I’m not what I used to be”. In a third presentation he focused on Acts 15 seeking to demonstrate what is essential and core in our belief system.
Sabbath morning, gave opportunity for two sermons. James Black returned to the pulpit to focus on ‘How do I become the change?’ “How do we deal with the issue of glorifying God when modern life aims at success?” he asked. His response was that “we have to aim to be significant, not successful.” Using many illustrations, including from his own life he stated, “My degrees mean nothing unless I effect change.”
Despite suffering from jet lag and a very sore throat, Adventist World Church Youth director, Gilbert Cangy, also shared a powerful Sabbath morning message, sharing that, despite being raised by missionary parents, at one time in his life he, “went against every value that he stood for”. Having left his church and his family, he had an emptiness in his heart. He prayed, “If you are real then you can do something for me.” God answered. Gilbert said, “I thought I had to change before Jesus could accept me,” but having learnt an important lesson he then used Jesus’ family tree in Matthew 1 to show that “there is nothing you can do to make Him close the door.”
Talking of Rahab the prostitute he said, “We don’t hang around that kind of person – but Jesus does.” He did the same with Matthew, the young tax inspector. “Who is the real Jesus – He is the one who transforms people … like us” he stated, concluding, “We can’t talk about the gospel – we have to live the gospel.”
While having five guest speakers for a five day event, the diversity of thought and content was well appreciated, and the preaching was well balanced by two praise teams from the South England Conference and the Welsh Mission, a stunning variety of quality music from across the British Isles, including what came to be a well-loved theme song written by 21-year-old Yvonne Bauwens of the Crieff church, “Chance to Change”. There was also a choice of 19 workshops, a time to question and discuss with leaders – and of course, the all important social time, networking and making new friends.
Tears, prayers and a powerful testimony ended the Congress. Tim Gillespie narrated the story of a friend who opened up a thrift store that impacted on the local community after he allowed God to change his life. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Samantha, a guest at one of the local hotels who was invited to the closing ceremony by Pastor Nathan Stickland. She commented on the relevance of the message for her life and on the dynamic music.
BUC Youth director, Des Boldeau, received a standing ovation when Paul Tompkins, TED Youth director, presented him with a special certificate for his years of service along with a special gift, given by on behalf of the Youth directors from around the Union. Tears, appreciation, and a short charge to the youth was the surprise response from Des Boldeau. “I have been privileged to work with several generations of young people, and I thank God for what He has allowed me to do over the past 11 years,” he said wiping away the tears. In thanking the guest speakers Des stated, “This Congress has set a precedent for change. This change must continue – and continue in our lives.” That in itself was clearly seen in response to times of prayer and dedication. i-Change, u-Change, wii-All-Changed.
A selection of photos and videos from i-Change are all linked from the BUC Youth Congress website. In-depth interviews with each of the guest speakers can be seen on the ‘News and Features‘ section of the Hope TV UK website. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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