What An Amazing Experience (by Lisa Baker)

I wasn’t expecting to go to on the Youth on Missions trip this year. Of course, I wanted to, but I just didn’t think it was an option. But was given the opportunity and I am so glad I took it! Words can barely describe what the experience was like. It was life-changing for sure!

The YOM team got together Monday, March 7th, at 11 am in Fredericton. We were able to socialize a bit. I knew most of the young people there that I had met from past youth events, but there were also some unfamiliar faces! We spent the day driving to Boston. After spending that long in a van together, well, you get to know someone! We stayed the night in Boston and that’s where the fun began J

We got up early the next morning and spent the day flying to Antigua. When we arrived, we were greeted by the heat!! It was a beautiful island! We were welcomed by some young men from the youth group there as well as Pastor and Sister Long. They were truly lovable people and fun to be around! I will never forget the great people of Antigua!

It’s hard to describe something so incredible…the church services were truly amazing. It wasn’t all about hype, nor was it a fashion show, as some of us are guilty of! But I could feel God as soon as I stepped through the door. There was such a freedom of worship in that building. Nobody was scared to lift their hands; nobody was worried about what others would think- they wanted to praise their Maker!

Our YOM team wanted to get involved. We did outreach in the streets- we passed out invitations to the people of Antigua with faith believing that God would do something great! And sure enough He did! The first night before church, I prayed that God would take me and use me, that He’d anoint my words and lead me to a soul. Sometime in the altar service, I looked back and noticed Bro. Long speaking to a woman in the back. When I looked back later, he had left and she was still standing there. Something pulled me back and I introduced myself to this lady. I asked her if she had ever gotten the Holy Ghost, and she said no. We talked for about 10 or more minutes, and she told me some things about her life and seemed very concerned, but I could tell that she had a desire to get to know Jesus. And so she came up to the altar with me and we prayed together. It was an amazing feeling to know that I witnessed to a soul...everything that I said seemed to be uncontrollable. I knew God was working through me!

I wouldn’t change a thing about my trip to Antigua. It was truly indescribable. It changed my point of view on worship and praise in church. Here in our district, we tend to go with the flow. If the atmosphere in church is dead, then we all just sit there and go along with it. But then if there’s fast, inspiring music playing, we can clap and sing and dance. The people of Antigua, well, it doesn’t matter what song is sung, who is singing, or what everyone else is doing. The people there all love to worship God. They love to dance…A girl came up to us Sunday morning and asked us a question. She said “Do you dance in your church? Are you free to dance in Canada?” and that really got me thinking. We ARE free to dance where we live, but not too many people do. She looked at us and said “Well, there’s a hint for tonight! Be ready!” and that stirred something in my heart! Such a great faith was shown through these people. Such a freedom was shared!

I thank God for giving me such an amazing opportunity to be a part of missions. I wish I could have taken you all with me, so you could understand the change that has taken place in me. I’ve been giving a new appreciation for all that we have. I’ve realized that in the end, it’s not going to be about what we wore to Youth Convention on Sunday night, or what song was sung the night you were filled with the Holy Ghost, or how many other people do the same things as you, but that in the end, what really matters is how willing are to let God use us…when we lose our selfish pride and reach out to a world that needs us…what an amazing experience!

Youth on Mission 2011 (by Miranda Carter)
You step off of the plane and an undeniable force threatens to knock you down. It tugs at you with each person you pass and offers you unique emotions as you glance into their eyes. It rests on your shoulders as you drive through the curved, uneven roads and even follows you into the quiet of your residence.  As I and fourteen other individuals stepped onto the soil of Antigua, this was indeed the force I encountered. This force to which I refer was not something I could cast aside, brush off or even ignore, for it was a burden.

After preparation and prayer, we used three mornings to walk through the streets in downtown Antigua. With the help of invitations and the boldness of the Holy Ghost, we proceeded to pass along the gospel of Jesus Christ to as many locals as we could. In the beginning, it seemed challenging. What would they think? How would they react? But, with a deep breath and countless whispered prayers, we pushed through this fear. As I talked to people sitting on the side of the road or working in little shops, I felt the force return. These people needed God and what better time for them to find out! So, instead of throwing them an invitation and whispering, “Hope you come”, we poured out our hearts and welcomed this burden that God had ordained.

Not only was the burden alive on the streets, but it also followed us into the beautiful church building that the saints have so faithfully worshipped in. With so many hungry hearts surrounding us, the force was stronger than ever, pulling us in the direction of a hundred different people. In an attempt to reach as many people as possible, we all joined together in worship, testimonies, singing and the ministering of the Word. When called to the altar, the Youth on Missions group did a magnificent job praying with those seeking the Holy Ghost and those who sought a divine miracle. The amazing thing was that while we strove to be a blessing to these people, we were receiving an incredible blessing as well.

The group of young adults that went on this journey was a cluster of amazing individuals. Each person had a unique personality or talent that contributed to the work in Antigua. None of us were perfect, but we did our very best in reaching as many people as we could. This trip created a bond between us that will never be broken. I have learned to trust these fine people who I have laughed, cried and prayed with. But, ultimately, the bond between us was formed at the initial moment when we were all struck by the same burdening force.

There is nothing that joys me more than to be a participant in these life- changing Youth on Missions trips. I am not a preacher or a beautifully talented musician, but I am a passionate carrier of the wonderful gospel. This burden that I have been granted with will never leave me, for Antigua has captured a piece of my heart. Will I return? I’m not sure. Will I be called there? Only God knows. Will I answer my burden while I wait for His guidance? You bet!

Youth Convention 2010
For years the young people of the Atlantic District have looked forward to the long weekend in month of May, and with good reason. Each year, Youth pastors, chaperones, parents and other student leaders rally together in the city of St.John for one of the most dynamic events of the calendar year, Atlantic District Youth Convention. Each year has been a blessing to those who attend and 2010 was no exception.

We were honored to have Rev. Jimmy Toney from Omaha Nebraska as our speaker, as well as Bro. Justin Mackenzie (Home missionary to Metro Halifax, NS) as our day speaker on Saturday. Our weekend opened with a sense of expectation and anticipation as to what would transpire over the proceeding days. Friday night our Youth President, Rev.Stanley O’Donnell, delivered a powerful message and challenged our young people to pursue apostolic revival, it kicked the weekend off in true YC fashion! Saturday Morning we were blessed to have our first ever “Ministry Cafe,” which consisted of various individuals from different levels of ministry. Those who attended the session were blessed and encouraged to pursue the call of God and fulfill the will of God in their lives. Following our morning session we transitioned into our Saturday afternoon service; Bro. Justin Mackenzie delivered the Word of God with passion and anointing as he unburdened his heart. He challenged the young people to step out and be the Church! Young people lingered in the altar as they sought the Lord. Saturday evening was full of excitement! The young people had been engaged in a dynamic atmosphere, already being ministered to and ready for more, Rev. Jimmy Toney preached a powerful message entitled “The controversy over the coat.” It was amazing how each message flowed together and built off of one another.

Sunday morning we were blessed to be with Pastor Terry Kennedy and the good saints of Mission Point Church at Mark Drive in St.John. Bro.Toney Preached yet another powerful message! Due to schedule changes, Bro.Toney wasn’t able to be with the convention until Saturday night, which meant he was to preach 3 times on Sunday. Sunday afternoon was dynamic to say the least, a basic yet stirring message regarding the fundamentals of our faith! Sunday evening came all too quickly, Bro.Toney preached about the destiny that was upon each and every young person, and that nothing is more important than pursuing the calling that God has placed in their lives! As we look in retrospect, we realize the success of this great event, we’ve heard many positive remarks and testimonies.

Thank you to everyone that worked tirelessly and without complaint! Our wonderful youth committee their spouses! The Pastors, Youth pastors, and student workers who prayed with us and worked alongside of us in the altar, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

A Very special thank you to Bro.Stan and Sis.Pam O’Donnell for their passion and leadership! John and Natalie Ramirez, and those who assisted them with music! Eric Porter, Matt Woodward for multimedia and Kevin Kinney to operates our sound with excellence!

And of course...all of the incredible young people of the Atlantic District!

Atlantic District Youth Secretary
Paul RA Thornton

 “A New Generation Pioneer” - District Youth On Mission Trip
The Atlantic District has a deep and rich missionary heritage. Hundreds from this District have participated in missions through the AIM program, church mission’s trip or have gone as a Missionary.  People from the Atlantic District have traveled all over the world for the cause of Missions.  There has been one aspect that has been missing...an organized District Youth On Mission Trip.

March 1st, 2010 witnessed 18 people on the first ever YOM from this District.  Brother & Sister Cole Price, Brother & Sister Paul Thornton and Brother & Sister O’Donnell along with 12 High School, College Students and Career aged Young People ventured into the Country of Curacao, in the ABC Islands.

We left freezing point temperatures and arrived in Curacao with the temperature 87F.  A group from the church was there waiting to take us to our hotel.  Pastor Warner and his church are some of the finest people I have ever met!!

Following a day of rest and adjustment to the very hot temperatures, we ventured to our first of several church services.  We were not really prepared for what we would see.  The intense worship, faith, hunger for God’s preached Word, and love for us as a group, was overwhelming. These people meant business when it came to revival.

Thursday evening Pastor Price (and former Missionary) presented Pastor Warner and their church with a cheque of $3,000 US to help them in the construction of their new church.  This was offering from McNamee Pentecostal Assembly!

The preaching was done by Brother Price, Brother Paul Thornton and Bro. O’Donnell.  Our youth would testify, sing, etc. in each of the services. Each night the services would grow in attendance and by Sunday night there were not enough seats in the rental hall for everyone to sit.  While I preached Sunday night people sat on car bumpers, and stood outside listening to the preaching.  We prayed for the sick, seen folks receive the Holy Ghost and saw their youth group blessed by being able to fellowship with our Youth.

This has been the best decision I have made in my 6 years as Youth President!! I find myself becoming emotional as I am writing this article, this has changed my life!  I find I view the work of God much differently now and I am very fortunate to be called to serve in the kingdom of God.

The Youth that participated in this ground breaking event will be forever changed! Many of them have received a burden for the work of God, and have expressed a desire to be closer to God.

Thank you, Brother Price for working with the Atlantic Youth Dept these last two years and helping this event to become possible. A big thank you to the “new generation pioneers” who made this YOM a possibility!

This will not be the last YOM....this is just the beginning!

For Missions,
Stanley M. O’Donnell
Youth President, Atlantic District, UPCI

Youth on Mission - Jillian Sullivan
March 11 at 10:18pm
It is very exciting to be part of the first Atlantic District Youth on Missions trip. The country of Curacao was beautiful, the people were amazing and the experiences were unforgettable. There are so many things to say about this trip. It was a major eye-opener in the sense that we saw how a different culture worships, but also that the same God we worship here in new Brunswick, truly is the same God in Curacao. I mean, yes we teach that, but we don't fully understand it until you have experienced it. It was very humbling to see that they don't need fancy sound equipment or anything to have powerful church. What matters most to them is that they are all there for the same reason. These wonderful people welcomed us with open arms and smiling faces. Although different languages sometimes created a communication barrier, everyone understood a smile and a warm, usually sweaty, hug. There was an obvious difference in temperature from Canada to Curacao! We also learned to dance like they did. It was fantastic! You don't realize how much you lack in rhythm until you try to keep up with them! They got a good laugh out of it though. I highly recommend a missions trip to anyone. It's indescribable. When you meet a church family who is hungry for God and passionate in their worship, it overwhelms you. I had one gentleman tell me, "you learned to dance, you like my daughter, you stay here with us". It's an awesome feeling to know they are sincere. It’s definitely something everyone should have a chance to experience. At the end of our trip, there were tears and laughter looking back at the time we had. One lady said while we were hugging, "if I don't see you again, I'll see you on the other side". Oh what a day that will be! -Jillian Sullivan, Miramichi UPC, Pastor Brent Carter

Youth on Mission - Caitlin MacDonald
March 12 at 8:09pm
I am beyond blessed to have had the oppurtunity to go on the first ever Youth On Missions trip in the Atlantic District. I witnessed a powerful and intense move of God, and a genuine and passionate love for Him. I can truly say, my life will never be the same! - Caitlin MacDonald, Miramichi UPC, Pastor Brent Carter