" Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together." Psalm 34:3.

A Brief Report of the All Nations Youth Festival, held May 7-9, 2009. Agra, India

Warm greetings in our Lord's Name. How are you? Praise God for the successful completion of the All Nations Youth Festival, held at Agra, India, from May7-9, '09. Hallelujah!

I am excited to share the news of the Youth Fest as much as you are eager to hear all that happened during the 3 days. Here are the highlights for your praise, prayer and celebration.

><> The Program: The purpose of the youth fest was to impart bible-based practical teaching on how to be a winner in life, in facing temptations, challenges and personality development, communication, relationships, etc. And to bring together youth from different states of India for interaction and mutual learning and blessings. And through them to impact others as they pass on the training to those around them. 2 Timothy 2:2.

><> The program schedule was accordingly designed to include morning devotion time led by 2 youth, followed by 4 hrs of teaching sessions and in the afternoons group discussions. Evening time, sharing testimonies and after dinner, cultural nite, to present talents and celebrate the victory in Christ. One day, 2 hrs visit to Taj mahal was planned to expose the youth to the rich culture and heritage of India.

><>The Participants: Advertisments were placed in 4 leading christian magazines in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Hundreds of emails were sent all over India and abroad informing of the event. Though many applied in response to these, very few were found suitable based on their personal testimony of salvation and educational qualifications, etc. And out of those who were invited and confirmed to attend, there were last minute cancellations. So, we had altogether 13 from 6 states in India- Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Maharastra and Punjab. All of these, except 4 from our church here, were graduates, post graduates and one was a medical doctor. And some were youth leaders in their churches. Since we focussed on quality, we had to settle for less number than having a large group of unsaved, unruly youth.

><>Their experiences: Here are some of the experiences shared by the participants on the final day:
>> " Initially I appply these teachings to my own life and then encourage others to learn and also use in other meetings. The most thing I like is your approach towards the participants and I like your way of encouraging."
>> " The 3 days teaching gave me a new light and path for my future life, as the lessons taught were of contemporary issues not only for our spiritual life but also for the secular world which will make us win the challenges in life. It is a privilege for me to be part of this Youth Fest and it makes me more responsible. I have learned good things from the participants from several states apart from inspiring classes from the Lord's servant. The way of arrangement of the Fest is perfect but with a few musical instruments for cultural nite, it would have been much better."
>> " Overall it was very good, really I am blessed because God has really spoken to me in this camp. The teachings were very inspirational that can help me to preach the Word of God more powerfully and effectively in our youth cell groups. It helped me how to preach the gospel boldly and how to communicate with others."
>> " The sessions were overwhelming as each session had something new to offer us to learn. I would start practicing the principles in my life and search God's Word formore practical knowledge and tell the same to my friends and church, etc., to be effective in their day t day life. This is my first such experience and enjoyed it a lot."
>> " I like the sermon given by pastor with very good slideshow. It was so easy to understand and I like his sense of humor. Overall the camp was very good and al sessions were very effective. We learned so much practical things, which we will surely going to apply in our practical life."
>> " My learning of these 3 days will be unforgettable in my life. Because all the topics ae very practical and are being faced by people. I admire you sir, for the way you conducted this youth fest, your teaching, explanations, example and so on. It encouraged me a lot."
>> " The program was really very effective upon my life. It has really changed the way I took relationships. I am a very conservative type of a person with very few friends. But now I htink with this skills that our preacher has imparted to us, I can get into good relationships with people."

Praise God for the ministry of the Holy Spirit according to their needs, so they can be winners in life for God's glory.

In closing, let me express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your prayers and encouraging support for the ministry.
May the Lord continue to strengthen our partnership in His work in India, for His glory. Amen.
A 42 mts playtime CD/DVD of the whole program is now ready and will be sent to those who place an order.

God bless you
Love and prayers,

A.Othniel
Philippians 1:3-6.