AEC Youth Congress and Leadership Convention was held November 6-8 in Ocean City, Maryland at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. The conference wad originally scheduled to occur in January of this year but was postponed due to snow.
Conference highlights include
1,154 registrants. That's 1,154 young people, children, families, and leaders who chose to show up, worship, serve, and grow together in Ocean City.6 baptisms. Heaven rejoiced this weekend, and so did we. To the six young people who gave their lives to Jesus: welcome to the family. We are so proud of you and are praying for you as you begin this new journey.
Powerful preaching. TDr. Paula Olivier and Pastor Jose St Phard brought the Word during main sessions. They challenged us, inspired us, and pointed our young people to Jesus.
Service that will outlast the weekend. Attendees prepared 500 coloring pages that will be delivered to terminally ill children to bring a smile to their faces, and 200 children in hospitals will receive an encouraging card written by their peers. They were the hands and feet of Jesus.
Equipping leaders for the work ahead. Our Leadership Convention poured into the people who pour into our young people. Through dedicated training tracks in Children's Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Club Ministries, leaders from across our six-state territory were left better equipped to serve in their local churches. Thank you to every presenter and clinician who shared their gifts and to every leader who invested the time to grow. Our children and youth will feel the impact for months to come.
Youth, Children and Young Adults Leader, Dr. Ramone Griffith offered words of thanks to his team:
To my team. None of this happens without the people behind the scenes.
Mrs. Orien Clairmont, Administrative Assistant: thank you for the countless details, calls, and late nights that kept everything moving. You are a gift to this department.
Dr. Novella Smith, Associate Youth Director: though your role in the department is part-time, you gave full-time effort and full-time energy. Thank you for pouring yourself into this ministry.
To our 70+ volunteers. You checked in badges, guided delegates, cared for our children, led service projects, and served with a smile. You made this weekend safe, joyful, and excellent. We could not have done it without you.
Relive the moments. Visit their YouTube channel for full-length videos celebrating the legacy of our former Youth Directors, whose faithfulness laid the foundation we build on today, and honoring the winners of our inaugural awards. Congratulations again to every honoree!
https://www.youtube.com/@AECYouth