It’s time for practice. Let’s get to work. Study some more. Try it one more time.
After months of hearing similar phrases repeated by coaches, directors, and parents, students from across the nation gathered in Birmingham to put their skills and knowledge to the test. The reward for their persistent effort is not fleeting recognition or a plastic trophy. No, their diligence prepares them for life.
One student began competing as a Bible memorization contestant. Although diagnosed with a severe hearing disorder, his mother urged him to continue to participate in NYC competition. Through diligent effort and the grace of God, he has excelled on the national level in Bible Sword Drill and Bible Tic-Tac-Toe. This year, his Bible Bowl team took home second place honors, and he placed first in drama. His life is a testimony to faith and persistence when facing the challenges of life. His story is inspirational, but it is just the beginning.
Consider the 85 students who committed 72 passages of Scripture to memory and the 32 elementary students who honed their skills in locating Scripture. Seventy-five team members faced off in Tic-Tac-Toe and Bible Bowl, demonstrating their extensive biblical knowledge. In TruthQuest, 54 contestants tested their recall of Free Will Baptist history, doctrine, missions, and questions from CLEAR curriculum.
Ninety-five students exhibited sign language skills to a packed auditorium. More than 30 future church pianists and vocalists gained valuable experience before an audience.
This is only a partial list of the 845 competition entries. In all, 1,556 students participated in competition designed to help them discover and develop their talents for God’s service. And in their spare time, 940 students volunteered for Reach That Guy service projects throughout the city of Birmingham.
Training sessions and seminars drew eager youth workers seeking ideas on how to strengthen their ministry. Each evening, the auditorium was packed as speakers challenged students to draw closer to God. Listeners responded, and the altars were filled. On Tuesday evening, approximately 600 excited teens were inspired by the music (and life experiences) of Andrew Peterson.
The National Youth Conference is a ministry of Randall House Publications. Ron Hunter, general director said, “This year’s conference made it clear that we can continue to raise the bar, offering programming where God’s presence is felt in all the events, especially the services.”
NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE
Theme: One Life
National Competition
Participants 1,747
Entries 847
Reach That Guy
940 Volunteers
4,600 hours of labor
Largest year ever
Speakers
Children: Katie Greenwood; Johnny and Gail Miller
Teens: Adam Clagg, TN; Tommy Swindol, MI; Steve Berry, FL; Barry Raper, TN; David Dodson, MO
YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Carrie Dunham, Porterville FWB Church - Sciotoville, OH
YOUTH GROUP OF THE YEAR
Calvary Fellowship FWB Church, Fenton, MO
YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR
David Dodson, Fenton, MO
2007 NYET TEAM
Kaleb Clyatt, FL; Thad Douglas, GA; Haley Dunham, OH; Joel Forlines, TN; Lauren Forrest, TN; Aaron Haney, KY; Serena Jones, CA; Patrick Kornegay, NC; Jena Manning, NC; Lacey Price, OH; Shannon Pennington, AR; Zach Ray, AR
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