"My kids loved it, " shared enthusiastic Arizona Pathfinder leader Fred Daniels of Yuma, commenting on the youth weekend. "They were impressed. And when they're impressed, I'm impressed."

That seemed to be the sentiment of the young people who gathered at Thunderbird Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz., Friday evening and Sabbath, Jan. 23-24.

Youth leader Tony Anobile was especially pleased that 40 young people gave their lives to Jesus Christ during the weekend. "That's what this is all about," said Anobile, "That's why we're here."

Featured speaker for the weekend was Willy Ramos, a dynamic individual from the Florida Conference who speaks of himself as a "prodigal son rescued by a Jewish Carpenter, and a servant of King Jesus."

Ramos shared how he had grown up in the impoverished ghettos of Miami, where gangs were a way of life. He said he was angry about life and fought with everybody—parents, teachers, relatives, fellow gang members. He told of growing up in a very small home with a lot of people—so chaotic a life that at one point he decided to kill himself.

Pleading with God to do something in his life to show him he had a purpose, he found that God was already working on him through others, bringing people into his life who would make a difference.

He shared that he found he could have a beautiful self imagine when God was in his heart. Situations didn't always change, but when he waited on God, he could see a purpose and a place for himself. He saw God's mercy toward him, as a child of Adam, just as David showed mercy to the house of Jonathan in the Bible.

Robert McGhee, pastor of the Adventist Worship Center, coordinated this year's event and emphasized a variety of music. The John Yoshide Band, whose members are all graduates of Fresno Academy, were there, as well as Bob Barnes and the Wonder Kids (the "wonder kids" were all Arizona talent), One Voice, and Vertical Highway. The La Sierra Quintet shared praise in song; Dan Kittle, principal of Fresno Academy presented the Sabbath school program; and Randy Payan and his (puppet) friend Fedo emphasized the need for taking a stand for Jesus Christ.

P.R.A.Y. Ministries (Perfectly Radical Adventist Youth) leader Randy Mateo spoke about the hopes and goals of this ministry. Their purpose is to work with youth all over the state, helping them to gain a personal relationship with Christ, share experiences and grow in their faith.

Erik VanDenburg, literature ministries director for the Arizona Conference, invited young people to spend a summer selling Magabooks in Arizona and told of the success and experience others have had.

The evening ended with a gym night, sponsored by P.R.A.Y. Ministries, which included a three-on-three tournament and T-shirts for everyone.

Next year's festival will feature Pastor Willy Ramos, who was warmly welcomed and appreciated in Arizona.