EMENA Area Conference 2024
The Youth for Christ EMENA Area conference in Albania in October, 2024, brought together a remarkable community of dedicated individuals from across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Attendees gathered not only to engage in teaching and workshops but also to spend meaningful time in prayer, worship, and fellowship. From the moment the conference began, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation as staff and leaders came together to strengthen their bonds and seek God’s direction.
In his opening remarks, Edward de Kam reflected on the theme of “Grounded Hope” from Psalm 1, emphasizing the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word, especially in the face of the various crises many of the represented nations are facing. Whether it’s war, economic instability, or spiritual despair, Edward encouraged the group to remain steadfast in their faith and to show young people the true source of hope in Jesus Christ.
Each morning started with vibrant worship, led by a local Albanian team. It was a powerful reminder that no matter the cultural differences or challenges faced in each nation, the love for Christ united everyone in the room. The teaching sessions that followed, delivered by esteemed speakers like Kosta Milkov and Rouba Yammine, provided spiritual nourishment, offering biblical insights on how to stay grounded in hope despite the uncertainties in our world today.
Workshops covered a range of topics from effective communication with youth in different cultural contexts to trauma-informed care and leadership development. These sessions were not only informative but also interactive, with participants exchanging their own experiences, challenges, and victories in ministry. The sense of mutual encouragement was palpable, and it was clear that everyone left the workshops feeling more equipped to serve their communities back home.
Prayer was central throughout the conference, with dedicated time set aside each day for both personal reflection and corporate prayer. One particularly moving moment was the group prayer session, where leaders prayed for their ministries, their nations, and the young people they serve. The focus on lifting one another up in prayer deepened the connections formed during the conference and served as a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community.
The conference ended with a time of celebration, including a special farewell for Edward de Kam and Allan Grier, both of whom have made significant contributions to Youth for Christ over the years. It was a bittersweet moment but one filled with gratitude and anticipation for the new leaders who will continue the mission of reaching young people with the Gospel.
This conference was more than just a series of events; it was a living testament to the power of Christian community. As participants returned to their nations, they left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue their work of transforming lives for Christ. The time spent in worship, prayer, and learning together served as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this mission. Together, as one body, we are rooted in the hope of the Gospel and empowered to make a difference in the lives of young people across the world.
-
Young Leaders 2024
-
Discussion Groups
-
Making Plans
-
Grounded Hope
