In August Brunstad Christian Church in Cameroon held their annual youth and children’s conferences at the Vallée Verte Conference Centre, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Approximately 470 people (including children) from Yaoundé, Douala and Bafoussam attended the conference, with visiting guests and guest speakers from as far afield as Denmark, Germany, France and South Africa.
The fellowship from Douala prepared the opening session, which set the tone for a very special youth and children’s conference. At the first youth meeting the youth were strongly encouraged to take to heart the following quote from the New Testament book of Matthew 7:13-14, “Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” This formed the theme of the conference. Many of the youth took heed to these verses and gave their lives to Jesus Christ. A meeting was held for mentors and the importance and responsibility of being a good mentor and role model for the younger youth was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the importance of leading by example and having a genuine care for them.
The program also included time for the youth to expend some of their energy by participating in the many sporting, team building and other activities organised for them. The evenings were spent relaxing and enjoying time together.
Children’s Conference
The children’s conference followed directly after the youth conference and was opened with a musical play put on by youth and young adults about the life of Jesus and his disciple, Peter. The theme of the children’s conference was “Jesus, my best friend”. The message to the children that Jesus is their friend and will help, guide and protect them in their daily lives was made very simple and clear for them to understand. They were encouraged to keep God’s commandments in their hearts.
The children eagerly participated in all the interesting and stimulating activities that were arranged for them by the youth. One of the highlights was the children’s parade which they really enjoyed.
From all accounts given, both the youth and children’s conferences were extremely well organised and appreciated; from the serious but enlightening and edifying messages, to the innovative activities, delicious food and good company.
It was a great joy for me to be at the conference. The meetings were powerful and edifying and I experienced fellowship and unity. Thank you to all those who worked really hard so that we could have such a blessed time together.
Veronique Tatie
Douala, Cameroon
This conference was really good for me. I experienced true fellowship coming together with others. It was a time of revival in everything for me.
Flaubert Kame Dime
Douala, Cameroon
I am very thankful for the youth and children’s conferences. We experienced real progress, everything was so well planned and arranged and the meals were very good. Thank you!
Carine Elise Tiam
Yaoundé, Cameroon
I want to thank all the youth for all the work they did to make this conference so good. It really spoke to me when I saw the youth give their lives to Jesus Christ. I want to give myself totally to God and to the church.
Bernard Ndeme
Yaoundé, Cameroon
It was really good to experience the fellowship between the youth and the children. We also enjoyed the fellowship with our visitors from Denmark, France, Germany and South Africa. I believe that everyone went home with something in their hearts and now that the conference is finished, it is time for all of us, especially me, to go and put into practice all that we have heard.
Alexis Touoyim
Douala, Cameroon
For myself, I received faith in the gospel at this conference. We had good fellowship with the visitors from Europe, it was nice being with them. The activities were good, especially for the children.
Armand Ngouenet
Yaoundé, Cameroon
For me it is always a great joy to meet with others who believe the same as me. Through the meetings we were strengthened by what we heard and encouraged to use it in our daily circumstances. The children were so excited and really looked forward to their conference. I am very thankful for all the planning, everything was so well organised.
Therese Dime Kue Kamden
Bafoussam, Cameroon
I am very thankful for what I have experienced during this conference. It was not difficult to see that God is among us and the future is bright. The activities were interesting and well organised, especially the team building.
Donald Armel Tcheumwa
Bafoussam, Cameroon
We had a rich and blessed conference, filled with edification and activities. So much work was put into it so that it was an unforgettable conference for everyone. I want to be wholehearted and not waste the opportunities God gives me.
Estelle Kalachi Laure
Douala, Cameroon
I am extremely thankful that I could be at this blessed conference and for the fellowship I could experience. The meetings were powerful and edifying. Thanks a lot to all those who worked really hard so that we could have such a blessed time together.
Angele Kemdjom
Douala, Cameroon
The youth and children’s conferences were really special this year. I am very thankful to everyone who worked and planned it. The meetings were edifying and seeing the children and the youth enjoying all the activities with such enthusiasm was wonderful!
Roger Ngong
Yaoundé, Cameroon