What does it mean to be uniquely Adventist? To discover the answer, young people from across the North Pacific Union came together April 15–17 for Northwest Youth Conference (NWYC), held in the Walla Walla Valley at Stateline Church in Milton-Freewater, Ore.
Organized and run by youth from the young adult Sabbath School class at Stateline Church, Northwest Youth Conference’s mission is “to encourage, empower and equip each other as young people to fully grasp the message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by living and proclaiming the Three Angels' Messages in the North Pacific Union — and beyond.”
This year the conference’s theme was “Uniquely Adventist,” focusing on how the power of the gospel to change our lives is portrayed in the sanctuary. “The sanctuary message lies at the foundation of who we are as Adventists,” remarked Seth Roberts, platform chairman and Walla Walla Community College student from Australia. “The 2016 NWYC shed new light on this ‘old’ doctrine in ways I had never before understood.”
The music, sermons and fellowship together was wonderful. “NWYC was a huge blessing to many people,” commented Thomas Mayhew Jr., attendee from Tri-Cities, Wash.
The church was packed with youth and adults eager to listen to Jorge Baute, Hayden Lake and Rathdrum District pastor, and Sean Nebblett, biblical counselor from New Mexico, present in 11 power-packed sermons the gospel through the sanctuary.
Over the weekend, Nebblett challenged the youth to live a life of complete surrender to God, sharing with them the “defining marks of the men and women made free by the sacrifice of the Lamb.”
Speaking of Nebblett’s presentations, Jeanelle Pestes, music coordinator and Washington State University student, said, “NWYC gave me new ways to think. Contrary to promoted science, ‘heaven is preoccupied with the survival of the weakest.’”
Baute inspired them to live their lives above the norm, showing in practical terms that Jesus is able to fully, amply and entirely save us from the bondage of sin. “As I’ve gotten older I’ve been having an internal war over my identity,” shared Heidi Reinecke, attendee from Inchelium, Wash. “Trying to get my mind around everything I needed to do and be and have to be a Christian was overwhelming.” She went on to explain that “it was Baute’s sanctuary series that pushed me over the edge of my Christian identity, God’s identity and salvation itself. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to share in the experience and blessings of NWYC.”
“During NWYC, I gained a better understanding of Christ’s righteousness and the importance of spending time with Him in prayer and Bible study,” wrote Emily Heagy, an attendee from Walla Walla, Wash.
“The speakers and messages at NWYC opened my eyes to see the real hope in God’s plan to make His people perfect,” remarked Brianna, a Walla Walla University student. “I used to be so afraid that I would never be good enough for Him, but I know now I don’t have to be afraid because God is right beside me — helping me at every step.”
Learn more about the conference at nwyc.org.
Sean Nebblett, biblical counselor from New Mexico, challenges the youth during Northwest Youth Conference 2016.
Jorge Baute, Hayden Lake and Rathdrum District pastor, speaks of the power of the gospel through the sanctuary at the NWYC conference.
Music leaders lead the youth in rousing songs at the recent Northwest Youth Conference.
One attendee at Northwest Youth Conference 2016.
Attendees take notes during the conference.
