On Aug. 10-11, more than 9,000 Oklahoma Baptist students will gather at the Mabee Center in Tulsa for the annual Youth Evangelism Conference. Although the conference is not new to the youth groups of Oklahoma, the location is. Norman Flowers, BGCO student evangelism and mobilization specialist, said, “This new venue is helping to keep the cost low so students have the opportunity to bring their friends.”
During these two days, students will have the opportunity to gather with other Baptists around the state to prepare for the upcoming school year. They will experience worship and teaching that will equip them to go and proclaim the name of Jesus in their schools and communities.
“Our whole goal is that this event serves as a catalyst for the Lord to move across the state through our students,” Flowers said. “We not only hope to inspire students, but to train them as well, so they can share their faith on their school campuses.”
This year’s speakers include Derwin Gray and Afshin Ziafat. Gray is the lead pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, S.C. He played football in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers. Ziafat is head pastor of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas. He was born in Houston and moved back to Iran with his family when he was 2. His family left Iran for a second time in the midst of the Islamic Revolution, and returned to the United States.
Worship will be led by the Dutton Band, and there will be evening concerts by Kutless, Tenth Avenue North, Coffey Anderson and Jamie Grace. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10 and the event begins at 8 p.m. It will resume at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with doors opening at 9.
This year’s conference theme is Kairos, which comes from a Greek word that means ‘the right or opportune moment.’ Leaders are emphasizing that there is a Kairos moment when God makes an impact in your life, and then He continues to give you opportunities as you follow Him.
Mission YEC will take place before the event starts at 9 a.m. Friday at Broken Arrow, Church at BattleCreek.
“Our goal is to package 200,000 meals to send to an IMB missionary serving in Egypt,” said Flowers. “These meals have been purchased by students at Falls Creek through the money collected from T-shirt and wristband sales. Registration for this is on a first come, first serve basis.
There will also be a time in the afternoon for training and evangelism, with several breakout sessions offered including how to grow as a Christian, how to be a leader on your school campus and how to share your faith. This training begins at 2 p.m. and will conclude by 4:30 p.m.
Be in prayer for Oklahoma Baptist students and their leaders as they prepare for this event.
