Where did you come from? Where are you going? And how do you invite others to join you? These were the questions asked and answered at Amazing Facts International’s first-ever youth conference, “Undaunted Courage,” a power-packed four days of gospel truth, practical training, and likeminded community—offered entirely free of charge.
After more than a year of lockdowns, quarantines, and overall isolation, it was like manna in the wilderness. “We wanted to just create an environment for the youth to get together again and get back into the Word,” said Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) director Carlos Muñoz.
Held from May 19 to 22 at the new W.O.R.D. Center in Granite Bay, California, it was Amazing Facts’ first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic had swept the globe. Attendees from all over the world poured in—as far away as Israel—from 8-year-old children to young adults in their early 30s to entire families, eager to learn how to become men and women of resilient faith. The final day, Sabbath, was a special highlight, with 1,200 in attendance and 950 hosted for lunch and 600 for supper.
Featuring speakers Adam Ramdin, executive producer of evangelistic video series Lineage Journey; David Shin, president of Ouachita Hills College; and Clifford Goldstein, editor of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, the meetings also included a riveting opening message by Dean Cullinane, Weimar Academy dean and host of the podcast Why They Did That, and a poignant sermon by Amazing Facts president Doug Batchelor for divine worship. Presentations, livestreamed on both Facebook and YouTube, were focused on the authority of the Bible, Creationism, and how to share one’s faith, all in the context of godly courage for these last days. And on Sabbath evening, Ramdin gave a final inspiring appeal, which resulted in 22 decisions for baptism.
Along with 13 Bible presentations, there were also three separate question-and-answer sessions tackling real struggles and deep burdens, like demon possession, sexuality, and the ins and outs of defending one’s faith. Attendees were given ample opportunities to not only interact with the speakers, but also to get to know one another. There were morning devotionals, speaker interviews, nature hikes, even an impromptu concert in which attendees shared their musical gifts. Friday afternoon’s outreach activity saw 120 participants traveling in small teams to apartment complexes, shopping malls, and different neighborhoods, offering prayer and literature to the surrounding community.
Twenty-four-year-old Brooklyn native Daniel Blanc found out about the conference while enrolled in an AFCOE online course. For him attending was a miracle. “From the amazing speakers to many of the individuals that I met, I’ve never had this opportunity to really talk to people,” he said. “It was a life-changing thought to realize how loving our God is and how willing He is to help us. No matter what, we should not let our fears stop us. ‘Undaunted Courage’ taught me what it means to be undaunted for the commission that the Lord gave us.”
At the end of the program, attendees were surveyed: How many would return for another Amazing Facts youth conference? Every one of them raised a hand.
“It’s something that we want to develop every year,” confirmed Muñoz. “It was a teaser, a starter, and we’re really looking forward to next year’s.”
Added AFCOE assistant director Daniel Hudgens, “Our goal for this was to let you know that you’re a son or daughter of the Most High God, that He has loved you with an everlasting love, He has redeemed you from sin, and He has given you a purpose in being a disciple for Him. And when you know that purpose, then life is the sweetest that you could ever experience.”
People came wanting to grow. They left encouraged by God’s unfailing promises; equipped to find their identity and purpose in God’s Word; and challenged to, with “undaunted courage,” raise the bloodstained banner of Christ high amidst the darkness of the world. They are ready to utter the battle cry, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
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This article was originally posted here.