Third Wave 2007 Stories
Africa - Third Wave descends on Johannesburg
by Linda Braaten, NCN News-Africa
Third Wave, a gathering of emerging Youth Leaders in the Church of the Nazarene, hit Johannesburg with incredible enthusiasm as more than 225 Youth Leaders from 55 countries and all seven world Regions arrived by air, bus, and car at the Good News Convention Centre as early as December 28 for the January 3-7 conference.
Experiencing Africa and connecting with each other through prayer, dialogue, worship, workshops, meals, and service projects in the local community were some of the main focal points of the event. They came to learn from each other to become better equipped to lead Youth in their respective ministries as well as broaden their scope in thinking globally.
From the moment of their arrival, these Nazarene Youth International (NYI) leaders exemplified the love of Jesus and a depth of spiritual maturity through their conduct and conversation.
The theme of "ONE: One Story, One Hope, One Justice, One Mission" was woven throughout activities each day of the conference.
Representatives from each of the world areas were given the opportunity to bring a message from the Word, share a testimony, participate in the worship team, or conduct a workshop or other activity.
Each morning began with a time of worship, testimony, and a devotional based on the day's theme. Regional caucuses, workshops, and an open forum were also part of the agenda.
At the world market, crafts and goods from each Region were sold and displayed to create better cultural understanding.
To stress the importance of "One Justice," attendees visited the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Regina Munde Church in Soweto where they witnessed the long-term effect of apartheid on the society in South Africa.
The compassionate lifestyle of "One Mission" was carried out through hands-on ministry to others in service projects at various churches, child development centers, and camps. Participants painted, conducted puppet shows, mowed grass, helped with clean-up or construction, served food, played with children, and had conversations with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles. Reports from the service project sites and the participants were extremely positive.
On Sunday morning, Africa Regional Director Eugénio Duarte spoke on "Going." General Superintendent J. K. Warrick led the commissioning service on Sunday afternoon. Referring to Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, missionaries to the Aucas in Ecuador, Warrick noted the couple was prepared to go their separate ways instead of letting anything detract them from God's purposes for them. Jim Elliott's life story has touched the entire world. Warrick told conference attendees "The story of the future is in your hands. Give your all to God and extraordinary things will happen."
Finally, Jurisdictional General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf led the communion service and Global NYI President Monte Cyr led a foot washing ceremony. These were significant times for all present. Conferees left the event with grateful hearts and re-energized to engage their ministries in their respective countries.
