Teenagers stood at the entrance of a classroom building and called out to their peers to "come understand more about the gospel" or "distribute GLOW tracts door to door."
Classrooms filled up as hundreds of teens, parents and youth leaders selected faith-building afternoon workshop options at Washington Conference's Youth Rally. All the chairs in the Understanding the Gospel workshop by Patrick Clifford, Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) boys' dean, were filled, and teens brought in more chairs from the hallway.
A few classrooms down, more teens learned about holding onto their faith in college and how to effectively lead music ministry. Elsewhere, a group of young people prepared to distribute 1,500 pieces of literature in the community.
"Going door to door passing out GLOW tracts was super fun even in the cold," says Lynnette King, a teen from Olympia, Wash. "There were no rejections for our group. They were all receptive."
Seth Jurgensen, a teen from Issaquah, Wash., also liked distributing GLOW (Giving Light to Our World) tracts and prophecy seminar invitations. "I like stepping out of my comfort zone, along with friends, to help spread the word, which I find really rewarding," he says.
The youth rally, held Jan. 14 at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien, Wash., annually brings together hundreds of western Washington teenagers, parents and youth leaders for a day of worship, fellowship and outreach.
Japhet de Oliveira, from the Center for Youth Evangelism, shared story snapshots about Jesus. Maria Long, recording artist, shared an original song, "Endeavor," about seeking after Jesus. She also performed a mini-concert.
"It was really cool to be involved this year and pray with the staff," says Elliot Fletcher, an AAA junior. "It was a great experience. Before I was just sitting out there [in the audience] listening."
Teenagers also had opportunities to learn more about Adventist Christian education, Youth Rush literature evangelism, summertime youth evangelism at Sunset Lake Camp, and mission service abroad.
Washington Conference plans youth-friendly activities and training sessions throughout the year, including a recent series of parent sessions for helping teens develop "sticky faith" and an associated teen retreat to aid students in forming a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Join the youth ministry conversation at facebook.com/washingtonyouth.
(Heidi Martella)
Washington Conference's Youth Rally brings together hundreds of teens for a day of worship, fellowship and outreach. (Heidi Martella)
