IT’S NOT ABOUT ME

2008 National Youth Conference
 
By Danny Conn
 
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME proved to be a theme taken to heart by National Youth Conference participants. In three days, over 350 individuals logged 2,763 hours of community service in the Charleston area and gave 86 units of blood to the Red Cross through Reach That Guy projects.

Students contributed a record $8,821.71 to support global missions through the Buck-A-Week offering. The layout of the convention center required doors to remain open during competition, yet traffic flowed quietly through competition rooms, careful to not distract contestants on stage. Nearly 100 adults served as judges, MCs, and quizmasters for the 908 entries.

The story of one participant illustrates the dedication of those who participated in the National Youth Conference.

Andrew Lowe of Emmons FWB Church (WV) served as a Bible Memorization judge this year. Andrew is well qualified to judge this event. He participated 12 years in Bible competition: nine years in Bible memorization and three years in Sword Drill. He attributes the study habits and routine learned through Bible Memorization as a factor that helps him study in college.

He explains, “It’s a challenge to start out not knowing the verses, but it gives a sense of accomplishment when you memorize it.” “If I can do all this, college material isn’t as bad.” By the way, Andrew made the Dean’s List both semesters of his pre-pharmacy study at the University of Charleston.

Andrew is also an alumnus of Truth & Peace Leadership Conference. He confessed he almost felt out of place this year since he didn’t have any responsibilities at the NYC, so he was eager to judge. He was recently elected to the West Virginia State Christian Education Board.

Andrew’s story is only one account from the 25-year history of Truth & Peace and the 41-year history of the National Youth Conference. We will see what God accomplishes in the lives of the 1,820 students and 2,138 adults who were challenged to declare, “He must increase; I must decrease.”
 
About the Author: Danny Conn has been the director of the National Youth Conference since 2006. He also serves as the editorial director for Randall House Publications.

 
Four QUESTIONS FOR DANNY CONN, NYC DIRECTOR

 
Danny, as you look back over this year’s National Youth Conference, what is the highlight for you?

“The thing that amazed me most was the cooperation parents and students exhibited while working together to make the competition happen in the limited space available. Doors were left open for people to flow through, but crowds remained orderly, quiet, and respectful. I appreciate the efforts our attendees made.”

What was the biggest surprise you encountered this week?

“We were surprised and pleased to see the great response to Bible Millionaire. The competition was exciting, and we look forward to seeing this great new program grow and improve.”

What would you say to a church considering taking part in the conference next year?

“I am so pleased that people are taking advantage of the Bible and fine arts competition as a training tool to help young people discover, develop, and dedicate their talents to God’s service. I encourage every church to take advantage of this program in the coming year.”

What would you say to students who were part of this year’s conference?

“The depth of talent and eagerness of service that our young people demonstrate is truly inspiring, especially in the Truth & Peace and NYET programs. Our denomination has a wealth of talented young people, and we can be confident that the future of our denomination is bright. I thank God for our young leaders.”

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

 
Truth and Peace Celebrates 25 Years
 
This year marked the 25th year of the Truth & Peace Leadership Conference. Today, conference alumni hold positions of leadership across the denomination and around the world. It is hard to measure the profound impact of the program on the denomination.
 
Former leaders and conference alumni met to celebrate the milestone on Wednesday afternoon of the 2008 convention. During the reunion, the Truth & Peace Alumni association was established. The organization, which will fund a scholarship to help international students attend Truth & Peace elected Michael Waddell, president; Jerrod Pilgrim, vice-president; and Laura McGee, secretary-treasurer.

 
Conference Seminars Mark Record Attendance
 
According to Danny Conn, NYC director, this year’s youth conference seminars were very well attended, several with standing-room-only crowds. “The National Youth Conference also exists to help youth workers become more effective. The great numbers at our seminars this year illustrates how eager these men and women are for more training.”
 
The seminars have been recorded and will be made available via podcast on the Randall House website. For more information, visit www.randallhouse.com or call (877) 7030.

 
NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

 
Theme: It’s Not About Me
Registrants: 3,970
Competitors: 908
 
Reach That Guy
464 volunteers
2,763 hours of labor
86 units of blood donated to the Red Cross Blood Drive
 
Speakers
Children: Katie Greenwood; Johnny and Gail Miller, Joe Tolbert
 
Teens: Kelly Bowman (WV); R.D. Tolliver (WV); Stewart Allen Clark (GA), Todd Tennant (VA), Sam McVay (Spain)
 
Youth[s] of the Year
Justin Johnson (TN), David Snow (TN)
 
Youth Group of the Year
Sherwood Forest FWB Church (NC)
 
Youth Worker of the Year
Jason Janus (NC)
 
2009 National Youth Evangelistic Team
Erin Bandle (TN)
Matt Berry (FL)
Maggie Driggers (SC)
Audrey Hollifield (TN)
Jake Hunter (AL)
Darci McCoy (OK)
Kendal McGrew (IL)
Hunter Pardue (NC)
Christen Pointer (AR)
Will Reeves (AR)
Kenyon Savage (AR)
Thomas Yerby (AL)
 
For more information, go to: www.fwbnyc.com, call Randall House at (800) 877-7030, or email scm@randallhouse.com.