A longing for a genuine and meaningful relationship with Jesus and learning how to serve God drew hundreds of teens to CCC’s annual Youth Prayer Conference in October. Attendance at the four-day event, hosted by the Bakersfield Hillcrest church and Bakersfield Adventist Academy, increased throughout the event as attendees invited friends.

“They [youth] are craving more than artificial spiritually," says Anil Kanda, youth evangelism team leader. "They want an everyday genuine experience with God.” Small group Bible study and prayer were part of each day’s activities, in addition to individual time with God through solitude and journaling. A devotional coach was an early morning option.

“And they are craving training, how to be used by God," adds Kanda. "With their indomitable energy they are ready to get out there and work for God.”

Sabbath afternoon, teens and sponsors divided into teams and went door-to-door in selected neighborhoods with boxes of free food. The outreach was planned by Jesus’ Shack, a local Christian ministry that provides food and other essentials for families in need.

At one door, an incredulous man stood amazed at the food, a youth reported. He told the teens that he was not a Christian and that just five minutes earlier he had given God one last chance. “If you are real, then send us some food,” he desperately begged. The equally amazed teens shared the love of Jesus with the man and prayed with him.

Saturday evening, during a powerful testimony time, teens shared life lessons that they realized were essential for a vital growing relationship with Jesus:

Surrendering my will to God is a decision. “I finally made the decision to give my heart to God.”

Spending personal time with Jesus is essential. “When school started this year, I stopped spending time with God. This weekend helped me realize even though I go to Christian events I still have to have my own desire.”

Priorities matter. “I made a pact with someone here that we would both read our Bibles every day so we don’t crash and burn.”

Keep trusting God. “Even though your world is falling apart, keep realizing God is there with you!”