Church of God Youth and Discipleship makes training and discipleship a priority in all that they do.  Each year, several training opportunities are provided in a variety of settings and locations.  In November, a team consisting of 11 individuals from the United States and Europe, conducted training in Bucharest, Romania.  The team included Coordinator Tony Lane, John Harris, Florin Cimpean, Don Chavis, Paul Hollifield, Roger Stephenson, Peter Amarei of the Romanian Television Network, and James Hacman from the United States, Adrian Vlad from Romania, Florin Plesa from Austria, Gabriel Tilea from Spain. Pastor Florin Cimpean, pastor of the Philadelphia Romanian  Church of God in Chicago, assisted with the logistics of the trip.  For two days, the team provided training in practical church ministries for the students at the Pentecostal Seminary in Bucharest.  The breakouts provided opportunities for the students to be challenged and exposed to various ideas and experiences with reference to ministries in which they will be involved in the future.  On Saturday, the team participated in a seminar for pastors across the Bucharest region.   Then, the team disbursed to various churches throughout Bucharest to minister on Sunday morning and evening.  Each team member remarked that God is doing some amazing things in the Pentecostal church in Romania, particularly among the youth.

The history of the Pentecostal church is an incredible one.  Starting in the 1920s and then enduring hardship and persecution under the communist rule, they have remained faithful.  Some of the churches where the team ministered have been in existence for many years.  The Philadelphia Church had their construction stopped in the late 70s.  However, Pastor George Galis and Pastor Johnny Buia wrote a letter to President Carter, knowing that he would be meeting with Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Communist leader who would be visiting the U.S.  President Carter showed Ceausescu the letter and the building construction was continued and dedicated in 1979.  Billy Graham once preached there.  On this trip, Tony Lane had the honor to preach to this wonderful congregation of faithful followers.

On Monday, the team visited Calarasi, in the southern part of Romania.  They visited a ministry called Outstretched Hands of Romania, which ministers to the poor children and families, many of whom are Turks and Gypsies.  After a walk among their homes in a small village, the team visited an orphanage there in the same town.

After the years of communistic rule, it was shown that the Church would remain steadfast and is today seeing great growth!  Within the Romanian Parliament, there are Pentecostals who have been elected to serve.Mircean Lubanovici, of Portland Oregon was elected to represent all Romanians living outside of Romania.  He hosted the team to a traditional Romanian meal and then arranged a complete tour of the Palace of the People which houses the Romanian Parliment.  To see the influence of Christians in government is amazing!  One morning, the team members were included in a prayer meeting at the Parliament for Christian politicians in government.  For the team to have this occasion of sitting at the tables with these officials was a sign that God is with this country. Team members had the opportunity to address the topic of assuming an attitude of servanthood in politics.

Following the prayer meeting, the team toured the massive building constructed initially by Ceausescu. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Palace is the world’s largest civilian administrative building, most expensive administrative building, and heaviest building. The building houses the Romanian Parliament.  Gheorghe David, the third highest ranking Senator in the Romanian Senate, is also a pentecostal .  He hosted the team in his office and addressed questions and shared what God is helping them to do.

Following the tour and visit to the Parliament building, the team prepared for a youth service that evening in one of the churches.  Hundreds of youth attend Bethel Pentecostal Church in Bucharest.  Their  worship was incredible and it is quite evident that the younger generation truly desires a touch of God in their lives.  At the closing of the service, Tony Lane invited them to move forward if they would commit to praying for areas of Romania where the Pentecostal witness is weak.  Without hesitation, they accepted the invitation and with tears flowing freely and hands raised, they committed to prayer and service.

Times have been difficult for Romania.  They have seen great hardship.  However, God is pouring out His Spirit around the world and it is certainly true for Romania!  Missionaries are needed to help prepare the next generation of leaders to take the Pentecostal Church into the changing season.  Youth and Discipleship considers it a great honor to have had the privilege of seeing and experiencing firsthand God’s Spirit as He moves in a land formerly ruled by a communist dictator. Thank God for freedom and liberation!

The leadership of the seminary and the regional overseer of the churches has asked that a team return next year from Youth and Discipleship so that the training can continue and also include more pastors and church leaders.  Those interested in a future trip to Romania, or one of the other International Training Event trips, including the Philippines in February 2012, should contact Tony Lane at 423.478.7229, or write tlane@churchofgod.org.

When Kidfest began, little did Youth and Discipleship know how far it would extend!  This past spring, God moved in a tremendous way in all Kidfest events, with thousands in attendance and hundreds baptized with the Holy Spirit.  This summer, an international Kidfest event was held in Ecuador.  Hosted by missionsaries with a heart for children, Bobby and Tamitha Lynch coordinated and hosted a team lead by Children’s Pastors Patrick and Trina Osburne, kids in Ecuador encountered God in an exciting way through Kidfest Ecuador.  The following is a report from the Church of God missionaries.

Kidfest Ecuador (or Festiniños as we called it) was everything we could have dreamed of and MORE! God shook our little campground and moved in life-changing ways among the teachers and the children.

We hosted a group of 45 people from Living Waters Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California as we collaborated with the Church of God in Ecuador to host the first ever Kidfest event. The team from California offered intensive teacher training in Children’s ministry as well as a weekend camp for the kids.

We began the event with around 100 teachers. These are Ecuadorians who are currently teaching in Sunday school or have a desire to work with kids in their churches. The event was kicked off as National Overseer, Richar Mendoza, shared his passion for children’s ministry to become a priority in Ecuadorian churches. Then, the teachers spent an intense day learning creative methods they can use in their ministry. On the final day, we had a commissioning service where each teacher was confirmed in their calling and sent forth to do the work of the Kingdom.

Then the fun REALLY began as 300 kids arrived for a weekend of camp! For most of these kids, this was their first time to ever attend any type of camp like this. One hundred of these kids were from the local social ministries (ministries that reach out to street kids). This was a life-shaping weekend for sure.

There were lots of time for fun and games, but the most amazing part was what happened during the worship services. In the very first service, I could tell the teachers were getting frustrated because the kids were VERY restless and not listening well. Imagine, a room crammed to capacity with kids who are NOT used to this type of service. But as the altar time began, the Spirit of God moved in a mighty way and there was a sweet hush as the kids really plugged in. Many children came forward to pray with the team, but afterwards they began to huddle in little groups praying for each other! They were weeping as God touched them! The Ecuadorian adults were amazed, as they had never seen God move among children in this way.

Throughout the weekend, God continued to move like this in our services. Children were speaking in tongues and worshipping God in pure joy. One man, who heard about the service from a counselor, showed up 5 hours early for service so that he could be there (at this KIDS service) to receive the Holy Spirit.  A little girl who lives in an abusive situation, prayed with the team and later told her counselor that she knows now that God is with her and loves her. Another child felt called to become a preacher. REVIVAL was sparked among the children of Ecuador during Festiniños.

The teachers are HUNGRY for more training, and we are going to help provide that. The pastors are beginning to understand the importance of children’s ministry and are working to establish that in their churches. The churches are DESPERATE for that type of worship. God is going to do some miraculous things!

We want to thank those from Living Waters who sacrificed to make this event happen. Also, thank you to our many friends and family members who gave to help sponsor the children from the social ministries. And as always, thank you to everyone who continually supports our family, allowing us to be a vessel for God’s blessings.

Here is our video recap:

For more information about the ministry in Ecuador, go to www.lovegodserveothers.com.

For information about Kidfest events, including the upcoming Emerald Coast Kidfest being held at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida in October, go to www.mykidfest.com

A look back at what has happened over the 2011 Summer.

Teen Talent was conducted on the Lee University campus in Cleveland, Tennessee on August 2-6, 2011. Approximately 3,500-4,000 participants, chaperones, parents, and friends took part. Evening events included a block party, rally and “wipe-out” competition. “Nearly 2,000 individual students sang, played, acted, taught, quizzed, produced, wrote, or created amazing art!. All to the Glory of God!

NYC City Vision Expedition
In mid-July, a terrific group of 154 young people from across the USA, representing eight different local churches, shared in service, ministry, and evangelism in New York City for an entire week. Students fed the homeless, shared in drama, children’s and youth ministry, service and outreach events, local Vacation Bible School and worship services.

Youth Camp

• Total Campers – 19,627
• Total Counselors/Workers – 7,816
• # of Camps – 114
• Saved – 2,794
• Restored – 6,516
• Sanctified – 3,334
• Holy Ghost – 3,903
• Water Baptism – 620
• Added to the Church – 90

Eagles-DC-’11 Leadership Initiative
54 carefully selected participants were exposed to the rich history and grandeur of our Nation’s capital, as they developed their strengths for leadership and effective witness. The Class of 2012 will join in Washington, D.C. next summer. Help us identify and launch the “Eagles” from your church!

YWEA 50th YEAR CELEBRATION
For an incredible 50 years, YWEA has been making a lasting difference around the world! YWEA 2011 will “Lift the Cross” in Ethiopia. We anticipate offerings to total approximately $650,000.00! Thanks for caring about the people of Ethiopia!

Poza Rica Mexico Summer 2011
There were 47 students and adults on the team traveling to Poza Rica, Mexico this past July.  2011 is the 13th summer that has included trips to Casa Hogar Alfa y Omega orphanage for missions and ministry experiences.

Girl’s Ministries
The new Joy Belles curriculum, Year One Faith: Blossoming, was released May 2011
www.girlsministries.org

My grandfather, Rev. Manuel Gonzales Sr., was one of the seven ministers who started and pioneered the Church of God work in the Philippines in the 1940’s. I was even told that he has a picture at the COG missions headquarters. My parents are COG ministers and among the 1^st batch of students of the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries then Church of God Bible Academy (COGBA) in the 1970’s.  I am a pastor and married to a Pentecostal pastor. That makes me a pastor’s granddaughter, a pastor’s daughter, a pastor and a pastor’s wife. And I am proud that I am a third generation Pentecostal minister.

When I received my degree in Master of Theology, ThM in Pentecostal Studies, the more I realized my call to serve the Pentecostal movement by helping to articulate the Pentecostal faith and praxis in a manner that would be understood by our people in Asia, especially in my generation. Research has always been my passion, but it is rather challenging because journals and books are not accessible in the Philippines. Another difficulty was that I did not have my own computer to use for research. It’s one necessity that I could afford to have.

Last year, 2010, I was offered a tuition free scholarship to pursue my PhD in New Testament Studies in Oxford, UK. At first, I was excited. But then, because of the economic condition all over the world, I realized the challenge in raising the funds for my fare, food and lodging in the duration of my studies. I was supposed to be there in March 2011 for my induction to the program but I was not able to raise my funds. Because of this, I was contemplating  not pursuing it anymore. I decided to give it up.

Last February 2011 the Youth and Discipleship Ministry Team of Pastor Tony Lane came to the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries for a CE training seminar. I was one of those who was given a laptop as a gift from the team members. I cried when I received it because God spoke in my spirit. This laptop is a sign that God wants me to pursue my studies and continue to do research. Many of our colleagues in the ministry are encouraging me to pursue my studies for they know that it will be an investment to the growth of Biblical scholarship the global south and beyond. My studies will not only be a gift to the Pentecostal Movement but to the body of Christ as a whole.  The future is challenging but if God can provide a laptop, He can take care of the rest. God is good.

Doreen Alcoran-Benavidez
ASCM
Manila, Philippines

The Church of God International Department of Youth and Discipleship is committed to helping students and young adults become effective Disciples of Jesus and to get them prepared for and engaged in world-changing ministry in places like New York City.

Recently, a group of 154 young people from across the U.S.A., representing eight different local churches, shared in service, ministry, and evangelism in New York City for an entire week. These students converged on the “Big Apple” for ministry in Brooklyn, Yonkers, Harlem, Queens, and the Bronx sharing the love of Christ.

Youth Pastor Adam Baird, (Dalton, GA) whose students participated in NYC City Vision recalls, “It was amazing to see our students be the hands and feet of Jesus in places outside of their comfort zone. It was a tremendous growth experience for us all.”

Students were engaged in a spectrum of opportunities including feeding the homeless, evangelism/witnessing, drama, children’s and youth ministry, service and outreach events, local Vacation Bible School and worship services! Through cooperation with Church of God Operation Compassion, an entire truck load of supplies were distributed by these students to churches in the city and then provided to people and families who needed them the most!

Block Parties in several communities focused on meeting the physical and spiritual needs of children and their families. The groups created an atmosphere of fun, love and care through the creative means of sharing the gospel through drama, music and evangelism. Youth and Discipleship International Director Tom Madden indicated, “The goals of this City Vision trip were to reach the lost and strengthen local churches by partnering with them to positively strengthen their community.”

The lives of people these students served in NYC were not the only ones that were positively influenced by this ministry. Youth Pastor Bo Madden, from the Praise Cathedral Church of God in Greer, South Carolina stated, “The NYC City Vision Trip is truly a life-changing experience. It has ignited a fire in our students to win our own community for Christ!”

The Urban harvest is ripe and ready. By challenging students to be real Disciples and “GO,” (Matthew 28:19-20) they are fulfilling the Great Commission! For more information about Global & Stateside Expeditions and City Vision opportunities, contact Randall Parris, YWEA / Leadership Development Coordinator at 423-478-7883 or rparris@churchofgod.org .

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Cleveland, Tennessee—“The Teen Talent program is more than a competitive event; it is a ministry of love and guidance for Church of God students and a huge investment back into local church congregations and ministries. Few experiences, if any, provide more nail-biting, laughter, butterflies-in-the-stomach, excitement, jitters, ministry fruit and creativity than Church of God Teen Talent!” -–Tom Madden, Church of God International Director of Youth and Discipleship.

Traditionally, Teen Talent, a competition for teens ages 13-19 sponsored by Church of God Youth and Discipleship, was closely connected to the biennial Church of God General Assembly. When the Youth and Discipleship Department was asked by church leadership to move and conduct it at a new venue, with the hope and intention of being effective stewards of limited resources, many wondered just what might happen. Questions arose such as, “Where would Teen Talent be hosted? Would the participation level, enthusiasm, and representation be negatively impacted? How would this new model look?”

On August 2-6, 2011, national Teen Talent was conducted on the Lee University campus in Cleveland, Tennessee. Approximately 3,500-4,000 participants, chaperones, parents, and friends were part of the Teen Talent 2011 experience, with thousands staying and dining in on-campus facilities, as well as dozens of hotels around the city. In addition to performances during the day, evening activities included a block party, rally and “wipe-out” competition.

Teen Talent was staged in the following divisions: Art, Bible, Creative Writing, Drama, Music, and Multi-Media. Assistant Director of Youth and Discipleship Gary Lewis pointed out, “The heart and goal behind Teen Talent is to discover, dedicate and develop talents for the glory of God.” This year marked the 50th anniversary of Teen Talent in the Church of God which has helped produce many gifted musicians, pastors, writers and leaders throughout the church world.

“Some 750 individual and group entries advanced to Nationals,” Madden stated. “Nearly 2,000 individual students sang, played, acted, taught, quizzed, produced, wrote, or created amazing art! Thirty-one U.S. State/Regions and International countries were represented, including Canada (Eastern and Quebec), Jamaica, England/Wales (UK), Bahamas, Trinidad, Romanian Territory (Nashville), Puerto Rico and Haitian Churches from Florida.

Categories of competition were held at the North Cleveland Church of God and multiple locations across the Lee University campus. The climactic awards festival took place outdoors on the veranda of the new Science and Math Complex on Saturday evening, August 6 where approximately 4,000 cheered and celebrated. More than 1,000 hits per day were noted on the “internet live stream” of the competition sessions.

“This year I witnessed a new characteristic beyond the usual level of excitement that Teen Talent brings: unity,” stated Dusty Wilson of Florida. “The community that was created this year was an atmosphere of fun, excitement, and social networking.”

J Patrick Wright of Ohio stated, “The lnternational Youth and Discipleship team did a phenomenal job again this year with Teen Talent. Lee University was a great host. Kudos to both. The students had a blast!!”

Greg Baird from North Georgia said, “A highlight was the Friday night, ‘Meet the Artists’ in the Art Division where each artist/writer/multi-media participant was given an opportunity to have audience with the public. It was a first-class, one-of-a-kind event which validated the talent and creativity of the participants. Excellent!”

“We were very pleased to host Teen Talent in Cleveland on the campus of Lee University,” Madden stated. “President Conn, Dr. Walt Mauldin, and the entire Lee University staff showed both servant’s hearts and professionalism with their consistent cooperation, support, and assistance as Church of God Youth and Discipleship successfully kept the 50 year Teen Talent tradition as rich and rewarding as ever.”

Madden compared Teen Talent with Smoky Mountain Winterfest, another Youth and Discipleship event when he said, “Similarly, back in the year 2000, the decision was made to move Smoky Mountain Winterfest from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville. Much like the change of venue for Teen Talent this year, that was an uncertain, unpredictable, and perhaps even risky move. But now that those adaptations have occurred, the strength, legacy, and obvious results of those decisions demonstrate both the leading of the Holy Spirit and the blessings of the Lord.”