This January 400 Youth for Christ staff, volunteers and trustees gathered as family for YFC Conference 2015 in Manchester. Through exhilarating speakers, in-depth seminars, powerful worship and great fellowship, the importance of digging deeper with God was explored, unpacked and declared.
YFC youth workers who engage with young people across Britain day-in, day-out were given the opportunity to strengthen their roots in Christ. Rather than defining themselves by the fantastic work they do with young people, all were urged to cultivate a vibrant, daily walk with Jesus and to minister to others out of it.
Through an exciting array of speakers including Compassion President Emeritus, Wess Stafford; YFCI Area Director for Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Edward De Kam; and Director of the Bless Network, Gerard Kelly, people were encouraged and challenged to go deeper into the ocean that is the love of God.
And that wasn’t all. The founder of Romance Academy, Rachel Gardner brought stories of life and hope on Wednesday evening while author and speaker, Cathy Madavan, shared insights on why we sometimes value the wrong things – from her new book, ‘Digging for Diamonds’.
Current issues facing young people were also addressed by industry experts such as Suicide and Mental Health, Safeguarding and Social Media, and how to help teenagers whose world is becoming ever more sexualised and violent.
Gavin Calver spoke movingly at what will be his last YFC Conference as National Director and urged YFC as a movement to forever keep Christ at its centre while continuing to break new ground in its methods.
As attendees went home ready to reach young people with the Good News, many tweeted their thoughts on a truly inspiring week…
@JoshuaYoung0 Jan 9: Such an incredible and heart changing week meeting with the whole YFC family! #motivation #YFCConf15
@ReevesLizzie Jan 9: Inspired, challenged, fired up and exhausted must be home from #YFCConf15 @Newmarket_YFC @Youth4Christ
@JSGirling Jan 9: Home! Fantastic week at #YFCConf15 an incredible gathering of family now sent out to do Gods work! #forhisglory
@Beth_Welford Jan 10: Really feel as though I’ve returned from #YFCConf15 with a sense of belonging, peace & purpose. Ever in awe of our wonderful God & Saviour!
Videos from the conference can be found below…