DALLAS—Texas Baptist Youth Evangelism Conference included a new feature this year, as 35 churches joined with nine area ministries to take to the streets and “serve the cities,” sharing the hope of Christ in a tangible way.
Nicky Pizana, lead vocalist for the band 3 Point C, leads in worship at Youth Evangelism Conference. (PHOTOS/Lauren Capps)
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“Oftentimes, when we get together at conferences, we do a lot of talking about evangelism and outreach, but students rarely get to see it in practice. … With this built-in opportunity, students were able to go around and see how the local ministries were meeting people’s needs and sharing the gospel with the lost,” said Leighton Flowers, youth evangelism director with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Thirty-one junior high school students who traveled to YEC with First Baptist Church in Perryton served at Mission Arlington .
“I think it was really good for this group of kids who have not yet gone on mission trips. It really opened their eyes to people’s needs and how they can meet them,” Youth Minister Clay Carter said.
Students crowd around the stage to join in praise and worship during the Youth Evangelism conference, held at the Dallas Convention Center. (PHOTOS/Lauren Capps)
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“I believe YEC is good for the kids, as far as getting away from our small town. They grow closer together and closer to God. We always have kids who rededicate their lives to Christ and a number who get saved. It’s a ministry that has shown a lot of fruit for our church.”
On the evening before the students began their days of community service, Lance Shumake, president of iGoGlobal, spoke briefly to students about Acts 1:8 and how they are called to live that out. Conference participants commissioned several student missionaries.
Illusionist Brock Gill performed stunts and tricks with the goal of providing students an opportunity to bring their lost friends for some fun and truth. Between shooting arrows across stage blindfolded and pouring seemingly endless pitchers of water into a bucket, Gill shared his testimony and a gospel presentation.
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The general session also included a concert by the Grammy Award-winning Christian band Switchfoot .
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