Preamble: The Youths of Methodist Church Nigeria all over the federation gathered at the Federal Government College, Independence layout, Enugu, Enugu State to seek the face of the Lord during the fourth Biennial Youth Convention. The convention which had the theme Manifestation of the sons. (Romans 8:19) had the major aim of impacting new thinking, new attitude to the youths and subsequently taking them to a new level, the ultimate aim being to make the youths do nothing but the will of God. All Methodist Youths from all over Nigeria started arriving at Enugu on Wednesday 29th of August 2012. By 10am August 30th 2012, a large family of Methodist youths had been built at Federal Government College Enugu.
The camp meeting kicked off with the Eucharistic service presided over by the Archbishop of Enugu Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. S.C.K. Uche who charged the Youths to grow up spiritually in order to attain the position of the son in the presence of God. He further stressed that only sons of God will manifest in His Glory and for any one to be the son of God, that person must surely accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. In a fellowship programme titled Exposition on the theme Pastor Jareth Onuegbu explained that any one can claim to be a Child of God but to be a son requires absolute surrendering ones life to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He advice the Youth that “Now is the time to establish a relationship that will lead to a manifestation of the sons in their lives. Rev. Ukaoha delivered his talk on Ecumenism… “Understanding the concept and challenges. In the seminar which later turned into a full spiritual and holy ghost power packed exercise, Rev. Ukaoha, stressed on the need for churches especially Youths in the Church to come together and have one voice concerning Christianity in Nigeria. He encouraged Methodist Youth to participate in Ecumenical activities and charged them to rise up to the occasion by taking leadership positions in the Youth wings of CCN and CAN. At this point also he advice the Youth to make proper use of internet and avoid the ugly side of social networking. This day was wrapped up when Very Rev. Engr. Friday Okoafor held the Night of Manifestation.
The fourth day (day 31st of August 2012.) of the convention opened with a Bible study and later on teaching on “Understanding your Rights and privileges as sons” by Evangelist Emma Oha, the Enugu Archdiocese lay President. He concluded his teaching with the statement “In being sons of God, we have an inheritance with Him in Heaven”. Later, Rev. Henry Ohaka delivered talk on the title “Win in your mind, win every where” in this teaching, he asked the Youths to be focused and know that there is always competition in the environment and as such should be determined to win and overcome every challenge. This, he said cannot be achieve casino pa natet without God. He also advice Youths to give more time to reading useful books other than dwelling more on novels and television programmes. The Women fellowship of Archdiocese of Enugu led by the Wife of the Archbishop, Nneoma Uche visited the youths in the camp and made presentations to the Youth. Nnenna Uche commended the maturity and the good organization of the camp with which the National Youths executive handled the camp activities and was pleased with the good behavior of the participants. The activities of the day came to a close with another power night program tagged “Night of Glory” with Evangelist Uche Onele ministering.
Saturday 1st of September 2012 feature the plenary session in which worthy and deserving numbers of the Youth fellowship and other deserving number of the society where honoured with an award of fellow, senior friends and others accordingly. The National Youth President, in his comment said that this people were honoured because they allowed themselves to be used by God to affect the lives of Youths and other member of the Church positively.
During the plenary session, Mrs. Ijagbulu gave talk on the topic “Making your relationship work” in this talk, she prepared the minds of the Youths ahead to make good homes so as to live happy lives.
Next was the turn of Ms. Iquo Umoh who took her time to teach the Youths on “Etiquette”. The day came to a close with a variety night tagged “African Night” which featured songs and Drama with almost every delegate dres
sed in different colorful African attire depicting the native of our society been galvanized by the Methodist faith in Christ.
The colorful event was witnessed by some important personalities which included the Rt. Rev. Sunday N. Onuoha, who was there from the beginning of the programme to the end. On Sunday, participants worshipped in an open air service presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Sunday Onuoha, the outgoing Bishop of Evangelism. After the Church service, there was Youth rally in the street of Enugu which kept the town agog. At the end of the rally, there was a dinner party for all participants.
Monday after the morning devotions, participants bid themselves farewell and departed to there various dioceses.
Signed
Ekemedo Chimabi R Chinonye Onwuegbu
President General Secretary