2010 YA National Conference - We Passed The Salt!
by Ruth Ovunwo
So.....this past weekend, I attended the 4th bi-annual African Christian Fellowship Young Adult (ACFYA) Conference held on the outskirts of Chicago, at the Sheraton Hotel
in Rosemont, IL from Thurs (5/27) to Mon (5/31).
What a blessing!!!!!!
Months of dedication, hard work, planning and prayer went into what seems to be unquestionably one of the best ACFYA conferences to date. Beginning on Thursday night with
icebreakers led by myself (Beloved) and Victor Ike, the conference had already been set ablaze with joyous spirits and receptive hearts. The atmosphere of the Sheraton
indeed felt the impact within the very first few minutes of soles touching the ground floor. I can remember specific prayers of ACFYA members aimed directly at the
atmosphere of the hotel. If the atmosphere was filled with His spirit, everything else would fall in line. He will always get His glory. So after meeting one another,
discovering birthdays, and running across the room, ACFYA conference had officially begun!
On to Friday....
Friday begins the workshops facilitated by ACFYA members on what it means to be effective as the Joshua Generation while passing the salt. Now with salt, pepper
accompanies...How do you stand out, without being stained, or dissolved completely in water with no sight to a dying nation. Discussions circulated as God's people tackled
real life issues on the issues of being the salt, standing out, remaining remnant of His glory, yet honestly struggling to do it daily. Hearts were revealed to one another
as convictions began to take place and God's handywork began to unravel the mystery of the unveiling of the truth. Satan's strongholds came tumbling down and as members
began to fellowship with one another, hearing perspective and reasoning from like minded voices, more light was shone forth.
The evening session concluded with wrap-ups and discussions to the afternoon session and highlighted 5 key points that each chapter could accessibly do to maintain their
light and walk around flavoring their environment {will post these points later]. The main points focused on application, advancement, action, the purpose and value of
being "the salt". All in all, the workshops were a blessing.
The rest of the conference including touring the city of Chicago, Gospel Night at the Apollo, and ACFYA's very own concert featuting ACFYA's very own!!!! Where do I
begin?! From the hosts, to the performances, to the talent, God showed up in many different ways, there was no way you could box Him. For those that missed it, it's quite
unfortunate, not only cause there's no recording, but just cause you literally had to be there to see it. I myself came in late so I missed Chicago's very own Dan Don, BKA
Cypha from Verbill Punishment, but to no surprise when I heard
that he slaughtered that stage.....Chicago only does it one way :). Other acts to follow, Joy Ike and Peace Ike! This combination duo, performing as solo artists, are one of the most talented sister sets we've ever
witnessed. Their talent definitely surpasses the average.
Then onto Chosen (yep that's his real name)... Currently a 20 yr old Houston, TX up and coming rising star, I'm sure those
that were there knows he needs no introduction or definition. But for those that missed it, you truly missed out! To describe him as merely talented is an understatement,
his gift is unexplainably ridiculous! Makes no sense, he's just that good! SMH.
But nope....doesn't stop there! Heard of Spoken Life? You will after today.... Their eloquent deliveries of the
Gospel ministered behind words of convictions leaves souls hurting or revived, hurting cause they seek the answer that they've tried to deny so conviction consumes them or
revived cause they are constantly filled with the truth and are purged daily. Either way, love it or hate it, LOVE THEM! They are the truth!
There were also praise dancers and Chi-Town's very own VERBILL PUNISHMENT [[a group of 4 young men whose mission is to eradicate the lies of the devil, by verbally
exposing his deceit whose album drops.....let's go guys, we're waiting] performances alongside the Alpha
Clef Project on Saturday at the all-white gala, and engaging comedians who truly believe laughter is the best medicine for the soul. [Shout out to Chidi Wosu and
Sam-well Chukwuma:)].
As the Joshua Generation learned what it meant to be the salt, they went out into the city of Chicago to season the city by doing community service. Some members went to
Uptown Baptist Church to clean up the church, its exterior corridor and houses in the neighborhood. Others embarked on a journey to CT's Playhouse to make cards with the
children from Chicago member Ike Nwankwo's church for in-patients currently located at Children's Memorial Hospital...Pictures, stories, testimonies all show it was a
success!.
Sunday concludes with Dallas Pastor Glovis Eben ministering about each of our "divine assignments", referencing, Romans 8:19. The world is waiting in earnest expectation
for the sons of God to be manifested! Delievered with the passion, this 22 year old minister is only one of God's chosen few! Amazing what God will do in your life when
you allow Him to use you! And he definitely showed up Sunday morning as yokes were destroyed and burdens were lifted. There was a breaking in the atmosphere and Chicago
along with each respective city is about to feel its impact. God bless you Pastor G. I will ask of a favor from every reader that comes across this page, take it a step
further and pray for his ministry alongside all the ministers mentioned in this post. God is using willing vessels to do His work, so pray for those that have chosen to do
it.
Until next time folks, let the fire burn in your hearts like a branding, but let it not die out after this week. The world is dying daily while believers have the answer.
A day will come when you will have to answer to the Father for every opportunity that you decided to walk away from. Silent testimonies not only enslave others, they trap
you also. You have what the world is waiting for, it's time to flavor your generation!
Be blessed,
Osaruchi
You can find this update and more uplifting information at Ruth's Blog online.
Check out the photos from the 2010 ACFYA conference!