Over 3,000 young people from 30 nations converged on the 'Hala Ludowa'
hall in Wroclaw, Poland, center for the European Youth Congress jointly
organized by Paul Tompkins and Corrado Cozzi, Youth directors for the
Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-Europe and Euro-Africa
regions together with a large team of helpers. The theme, 'Time 4
Action', was a call for young people to commit themselves to the Lord.
Bertil Wiklander, president of the Seventh-day Adventists Church in the
Trans-European region, gave a warm welcome to all the youth in the
opening meeting on Wednesday evening. The guest speaker was Gilbert
Cangy, Youth director for the Adventist Church in the South Pacific
region.

A representative of Aleksander Kwa_niewski, President of the Republic
of Poland, read a letter welcoming all the delegates to his country.
In the letter he said "With great respect I see the rich heritage of
Adventists in Poland and throughout the world and the great
contribution of their charity and educational institutions. The care
that the Seventh-day Adventist Church puts to spiritual, intellectual
and physical development of youth deserves special attention. This is
why with great satisfaction I have taken the honorary patronage of this
Congress."

A press conference was held prior to the commencement of the Congress
in order to broadcast to the public via regional and national media the
purpose of the gathering of so many young people in their city and
inviting them to see the Art Stages situated in the street portraying
in many idioms the love of Jesus for all people.

The atmosphere in the Hala Ludowa was electric and the corridors
resounded with laughter and action as the delegates visited the many
stands and attended the main meetings and workshops dealing with topics
relevant to young people. Outside the hall there were well-planned
events such as an exciting "Street of Nations" marking the Year of
Evangelism. "Running for Life" was the theme of a Fun Run where the
Adventist lifestyle was emphasized at various stations en route, and in
the town, "Impact" witnessing took place, following up on the social
action that had been organized in and around Wroclaw before the
Congress commenced.

Also in attendance was Baraka Muganda, Youth director for the
Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters. "This Youth Congress
was well planned" said Muganda, "its objectives have been met. To see
these youths from all over Europe, worship together, fellowship
together, pray together and play together has set a new day in youth
ministry for these regions. I have seen the power of unity in Jesus."

Many positive comments were expressed by the delegates; "The best thing
about the Congress is that I made new friends" said Tommy from Norway,
"the workshops were enlightening and the worships keep me wanting more
of Jesus" Stefan, from England, said the highlight for him was "seeing
the young people being touched by the love of God." This was confirmed
by Sanja from Canada, "This Congress brought me closer to God through
the life stories of the people that I heard. But above all it helped
me to make my personal commitment to follow Him. This Congress made me
realize that Life without God is death."

Muganda added, "However, I have also noticed and talked to some youth
who are struggling to discover their identity, these are seekers. The
church in Europe must not rest until they meet the needs of this group
of young people. New approaches are needed that do not compromise the
Bible but reinforce the power of God in this new generation. If we do
not come up with a solution quickly, we will find ourselves being
guided by outside forces! The Church in Europe needs youth and youth
need the Church."

"It has been a 'European eye-opener'", said Annaliene from England,
"[and] by this I mean it has been a great experience meeting so many
passionate individuals - youth about Christ. I came here knowing I
needed to do more for Christ, thankfully I will be leaving here knowing
how and what I need to do in the UK."

Shahaira from the Netherlands, said, "This Congress has been very
inspiring to me, especially the messages given by Pastor Gilbert Cangy
from Australia. I remember very clearly his first sermon about not
giving up your dream, no matter what." Shahaira continued, "The
Congress was a lot of fun, hanging out with people of my own age and
getting to know people from other countries, but most important is that
I feel closer to God. I'm looking forward to the next one!"

The Sabbath worship consisted of a baptism on Friday evening; an
emphasis on evangelism in the Sabbath morning program; and a service of
commitment in the form of communion on Sabbath afternoon. These
programs expanded on the theme, by emphasizing "Time 4 You" and your
own spiritual development, "Time 4 Jesus" and your relationship with
Him and "Time 4 Action," connecting with neighbours and friends.

The baptism was especially meaningful for Pastor Corrado Cozzi who
baptized his two sons during the service.

"What a wonderful climax to a truly memorable event," Cozzi said. "I am
so pleased with the way everyone has worked together to make this such
a success. It is wonderful to see so many Christian young people
committing their lives to God."

The final service was especially poignant and closed the Congress with
much symbolism. Each delegate was given a pack that contained: a
bottle of water representing Jesus the water of life; a rock
representing Jesus as the rock of our lives; an eraser indicating the
forgiveness of Jesus; a light baton which was waved by everyone in a
darkened auditorium indicating Jesus shining through young people as
the light of the world; a pencil and paper on which each person wrote
the name of someone for whom they wanted special prayers. These papers
were then pinned on the crosses standing in the four corners of the
auditorium.

The worship band, "Rachel," from the Czech Republic, together with
various instrumentalists and artists who performed throughout the
Congress ensured that the atmosphere of worship prevailed.

Generally, we speak of events like Youth Congresses as a memory event,
something to look back on with warm fuzzy feelings. "Quite apart from
the carnival atmosphere; the rich intercultural exchange; the fun
activities and new friendships made; the European Congress has taken
young people to another level that is not always attained" says Gilbert
Cangy. "The Congress has been a catalyst for real spiritual
transformation in the lives of hundreds of youth and a springboard for
concrete Christian action. It did justice to its theme 'Time 4
Action.'"

Cangy continued, "I have been overwhelmed with the discovery of a
generation of European Adventist youth who are in love in Jesus and are
breaking new grounds in pursuing the mission of the church in fresh and
innovative ways. They have inspired me. I will be telling their
story."

Reflecting on the Congress, Paul Tompkins said, "My abiding memory of
Youth Congress will be the sight and sound of so many happy Seventh-day
Adventist youth. They came from over 30 different countries,
representing a variety of different cultures and speaking so many
different languages, yet they were unified in both purpose and action."

ANR - Adventist News