Youth & Family Ministry Conference in Johannesburg a HUGE success - 1100 disciples have 1900 at church!

Nearly 700 parents and church leaders from around Africa gathered in Johannesburg last week for the 1st ever "Youth & Family Ministry" conference. There were disciples from Nigeria, Cote D'ivoire, Kenya, DRC, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, lesotho, Madagascar, Angola, Mauritius, Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa.

Dave & Beth Pocta shared about the developments in Youth Ministries taking place around the world and the amazing impact that it is having on families. Nearly 80% of all the teens in their previous Chicago ministry were getting baptised before graduating and leaving home to join Campus or single ministries. Because the whole family unit was being ministered to in the process,  everyone was benefitting. The teens were remaining faithful and strong disciples, and the families were stronger and more spiritual.

Mike & Anne-BrigitteTaliaferro preached a powerful message to all the parents on Friday night. Mike also preached on Sunday to the 1900 in attendance (with about 100 disciples from outside churches). Hearts were moved and challenged to obey Philippians 3

v13-14 

 ...one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Oneychi Oguagha, former lead evangelist of the Joburg church, led the congregation in the communion. It was an amazing time of celebration, repentance and learning. Friendships were renewed, convictions were deepened and hearts were refreshed. 

After the conference the African leaders gathered for a time of prayer, implementation and planning. God is doing great things on the continent, please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Africa!

Justin Renton for IcocHotNews