Youth Of The Nation V

We had another fantastic youth conference in Wanganui a few weeks back. Youth ministries from Palmerston North, Marton, Hamilton, Porirua, Wainuiomata, Hawera, Levin, Napier, New Plymouth and every denomination you can name almost converged on Wanganui for Youth Of The Nation V.
YOTN V was held at Wanganui's Central Baptist Church from Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th July 2008. This event is put on by the Wanganui Christian Youth Workers, a collective of youth workers from different denominations with the common goal of encouraging and empowering their young people to pursue Jesus Christ with a zeal that will impact their generation. It is exciting to see ministers from different church and denominational backgrounds come together and put on event, each bring different perspectives and flavours as they minister.

YOTNV brought to region a line up of great speakers. Ps Ben Houston accompanied by worship director Dean Ussher of Hillsong Northern Beaches were our international guests this year. Ps Ben communicated the amazing life that we live when we honour God with our lives. Joining him this year were Dave Wells, lecturer at BCNZ and director of Zeal Youth Centre in Auckland. Dave presented the scriptures as the whole story of Christ, very insightful. Ps Sam Bayly (The Meadows Church, Paraparaumu) spoke about decision's we make as young people and presented the gospel simply with fantastic results.

Left to Right: Dave Wiggins, Dean Ussher, Ps Braden Matson, Ps Sam Bayly,
Ps Ben Hoyle, Dave Wells, Ps Daniel Paikea & Ps Ben Houston

Among the other speakers were Ps Braden Matson (New Generation NZ Director), Ps Daniel Paikea (Teen Challenge NZ Director), Beki Hayward (Soul Survivor NZ, Wellington), Dave Wiggins (Clean Comedy Comedian, Auckland), Ps Ben Hoyle (YOTN Director), Ps Iliesa Tamaniyaga, Ps Andrew Stanbrook-Mason, Lorne Campbell, Ps Rob Thompson & Ps Neville Bartley (Speaker at YOTN IV).

YOTN V was a great success. 64 known commitments to Christ, electives on 12 various areas of equiping young people to live fruitful lives & a great time had by all.

Other guests included Tauranga rockers Outta Exile, Gisbourne rappers Zero-T and Palmerston North DJ Tom Watts. Something for everyone, with the highlight for many being Dave Wiggins' stand up comedy performance.

Dave Wiggins

YOTN Worship Leader Caleb Kingi with Dean Ussher

There's a stack more info and photos on the website www.yotn.net.nz
Information will be released on next years dates for YOTN6 very soon.

Posted by Ben Hoyle