Youth and young adults of the Central California Conference attended a one-day convention with dynamic worships, two keynote speakers, 12 spiritual growth and leadership training workshops, good food and an evening of games and fellowship.

The Fresno Convention Center bustled from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Oct. 9. Choosing to partner with the Central California Conference for ministry, the convention center management reduced the rental fee by two-thirds — an answer to prayer.

Youth ministry action teams and partnerships, organized around the conference for local youth and young adult leadership, helped make the event happen. They come together to identify felt needs, resources to meet those needs, and strategies for action.

For example, the South Bay Area Action Team represents 17 churches and has spearheaded a day of fasting and prayer, a Spirit-filled revival meeting preached by local young adult David Dean, and fellowship and social events. For the convention, they raised funds and chartered buses to bring hundreds of attendees. In the greater Bakersfield area, quarterly area fellowship events bring together youth from the various churches.

Partnerships with La Sierra University led by Samuel Acosta and Pacific Union College (PUC) led by Orlando Magana provided numerous resources including dynamic worship teams. Their participation helped guarantee a successful ministry.

“There is a great need for a broad and comprehensive approach to youth ministry,” says Steve Horton, vice president for ministries and the convention coordinator. “We have a tremendous ministry in our Adventist academies but the other 50-60 percent of our youth are in public schools. The grassroots cry of pastors and parents was for inclusive ministry opportunities for all conference youth,” Horton says.

Surveyed throughout the conference, youth and young adults stated their desires. “Their overwhelming need was to get together. Their primary interests were God, the Bible and the future, and they loved sports and music,” explains Horton. “We believe in the priesthood of all believers, so empowering and training young adults and youth leaders is essential.”

A host of volunteers made the event possible. Arriving early and staying late, conference staff, Pathfinder leaders, church members, parents and adults from around the conference served as prayer team members, ushers, security, food service and anything else needed.

Added to conference funds, donations from the Pacific Union, individuals and other private sources made it possible to offer this event free — including meals and workshop materials — for more than 1,400 people. La Sierra, PUC, Monterey Bay Academy and Fresno Adventist Academy were on hand with information booths.

The convention center manager stood with tears in her eyes during the worship service. Later, marveling at how clean the center was and anxious for the ministry to return, she said, “These people are wonderful! I have no complaints.”

And the youth and young adults responded, too. “I loved all of it.” “It was cool!” “This is such an awesome blessing.” “[This] helps me spiritually, mentally and helps my love for God grow.” “Couldn’t get no better.” “Do this more often!” “This is the answer to a 14-year-old prayer. Thank you.” “Your program has inspired me to devote my life completely and fervently to God.”