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Jesus Global Youth Day

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For Immediate Release
Diane Morrow
Diane@BarnabasAgency.com
817.319.9805
Jesus Global Youth Day

Inaugural Gathering Aims to Shape the Trajectory of Christianity for the Next Generation

Manila, Philippines – Research continues to suggest that there is an ever-widening gap between the Church and today’s youth. With an exponentially rapid rate of change underway, young people are submerged in a tidal wave of technology and moral revolution sure to make the smart phone and social media craze of today appear as a mud puddle in comparison. As a result, many leaders have grave concern over the growing competition for the hearts and minds of young people and are finding it increasingly difficult to reach the younger generation for Christ.

Sensing that it is time for significant change, steering committees in 45 nations have come together to create and facilitate Jesus Global Youth Day (JGYD), August 8-10, 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines, and coinciding with the United Nations International Youth Day. A number of denominational heads from around the world, along with international organizations such as Empowered 21, have also joined together to form a JGYD global advisory council aimed at uniting church leaders and encouraging them to focus on the next generation.

Bishop Ef Tendero, secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance and co-chair of JGYD states, “We are gathering youth from all over the world to lift up the name of the Lord Jesus, to declare the commitment and the desire to follow Him all of their lives. We truly believe that this will be a historic event.”

JGYD 2019 will be streamed live to 1,000 locations, partnering with 10,000 churches with the potential of reaching up to one million Filipino youth alone. And for the very first time, on the night of August 10, another 100,000 churches filled with young people from all over the world will join a global broadcast that will unite millions of youth in the name of Christ.

The three life-changing days will include a Global Pastors Congress on the Next Generation, a Global Youth Leader Congress, and evening celebrations led by internationally acclaimed speakers, worship bands, and artists. The global broadcast finale on Saturday evening is designed not only for Christian young people but will also target non-Christian youth as well with a fresh, relatable presentation of the Gospel that will enable them to stand firm amidst today’s deceptive culture.

“We are not out to reinvent the wheel,” states Ron Luce, co-chairman and director of JGYD and president of Generation Next. “We are gathering some of the leading minds who have already proven to be effective and asking them to share best practices with those in attendance. We are simply acting as curators of what they have already learned. In doing so, we hope to encourage other leaders with the success they have achieved in spite of the cultural challenges they face. Christianity is losing ground worldwide, so it is vital that the Church remains relevant and exponentially effective in reaching our youth. We must ride the crest of the wave, or we will be crushed by it. We believe that JGYD will be instrumental in achieving that goal.”

Church leaders are also invited to bring their young people a week early, July 31- August 7, for a mission and outreach experience in the Greater Manila Area where youth from all around the world will live out their faith by sharing the good news about Christ with Filipino youth and children. Churches and organizations in the Greater Manila Area will host these groups and lead them in the one-week outreach effort. Churches outside Metro Manila and elsewhere in the world may design and host their own youth conference in their own community and will be provided with sample programs, activities, and JGYD materials such as event logos and brochures.

It is important to note that the vision of JGYD extends far beyond the August event. Their goal is to not only learn over their 3 days together, but to create a global network of church leaders that are committed to reaching and discipling the next generation and extending the kingdom of God globally through their united efforts.

Bishop Tendero and Ron Luce are available for interviews and media appearances.

Watch Jesus Global Youth Day Shout Outs at https://youtu.be/ZhWjw2jGzy8

For more information on JGYD and its programs, visit Jesus Global Youth Day and

follow JGYD on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

 

 

Daring To Living With Purpose

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FAITH NEWSWIRE – It’s not until we realise where contentment comes from that we are able to live the most fulfilled, meaningful, and perhaps even daring life.

As a collection of thoughts and topics, ‘Satisfiction’ is a heartfelt conversation for young women who want to live with purpose and contentment in the season they’re in.

The author, Shelley Ward, believes there are many young women who are living unfulfilled lives. They are searching for contentment and purpose, expecting the world to give them these things. She has written her book to encourage women to be all they are meant to be in Christ. 

“I believe many lives are unfulfilled because people are searching for fulfillment in the wrong things,” Shelley says.  “This world is filled with so many things that give us a false sense of satisfaction or fulfillment. This false sense of satisfaction is what I like to call satisfiction. We believe that these things will fill us but it is only temporary and always leaves us craving something more.”

Fulfillment can only be found in Christ alone. It is the feeling of completeness – knowing that you have all you need. It is the quenching of desires and longings and it brings with it a sense of peace. This is what women are searching for, but not only women – the whole world!

‘Satisfiction’ talks about love, life and relationships. The author explains in her book that it is possible for women to find fulfillment in each of these areas by trusting God to write their story, aligning themselves with His ways and by understanding, that in all things, Christ is our contentment.

Shelley says, “On the topic of life, I want the readers to dream big, discover their purpose and identity, and to dig deeper into Him, with a focus on living for His Kingdom.

“With the topic of love, there is an emphasis on God’s immense love for us and on the value and righteousness He gives us as His daughters – no matter our shortcomings or weaknesses. He makes us new. And He is our strength.

“The topic of relationships is a major topic that is covered in Satisfiction. I dedicated much of this book to discussing this topic because I believe relationships is more often than not, where young women today are looking for their fulfillment. They believe that once they find and marry the perfect man, they will be satisfied and have a purpose. But the problem with this ideal is that there is no such thing as a perfect man. Only Christ meets the criteria of ‘perfect’. So once these young ladies find themselves in relationships, they become disillusioned. On the flipside, other girls settle into bad relationships because they don’t understand their precious worth as a daughter of the King.”

‘Satisfiction’ encourages girls to rethink the how and why of dating, encouraging them to shift their thinking to align with God’s Word and not the world.

The book contains many thoughts, questions and lessons conveyed through personal storytelling, biblical stories, and discussions. It covers a variety of topics and issues common to young women in a way that is relevant and light-hearted yet challenging.

The author explains that she believes women are missing out on living a truly fulfilled life because they are putting Christ on the sideline rather than centre-stage of their life. God’s ways are truly the best but sadly, so many young Christian women are falling into the patterns of the world instead.

The book ‘Satisfiction’ is an easy to read, conversational style of writing suited to young women. It’s written like the reader is conversing with their trusted sister or close friend who is sharing her experiences and what she’s learned in life and faith. It’s simply girls doing life together.

“This book lets the reader know that no matter our life’s story – no matter how extravagant, crazy, or simple we might perceive it. No matter our past, present, or future – we each have been made for a purpose. And that purpose is to glorify God with our lives. We each are capable of this and the uniqueness of our story and identity in fact glorifies God that much more.

Note to media: you are free to re-publish this article in full.

The Ordinary Made Extraordinary

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FAITH NEWSWIRE – Rob Hawkes, the author of ‘Peter’s Song’ takes an exclusive look into the life of Peter, the disciple of Jesus. He has examined his humanness and looks at the humanity of the men Jesus chose to be His disciples. The very enlightening book deals with the tragedy and humour of the various situations scripture places them in.

‘Peter’s Song’ is published by Ark House Press.

The book looks at the unique celebration of the very ordinary made extraordinary by the hand of God. It brings some great insights into the life of the Apostle Peter as recorded in scripture. But it is seen through his eyes and those who may have witnessed the events with him.

What makes the author’s book intriguing and interesting to read? Rob explains, “There are a number of unique perspectives on familiar passages in the scriptures…at least I think they’re unique. For example: readers may be familiar with the accounts of the Last Supper in the upper room and when the Holy Spirit fell in power on those gathered there at Pentecost. But have you ever wondered what those events would have sounded like to those in the lower room? ‘Peter’s Song’ looks at that perspective. The book also dares to take a first person viewpoint of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples gathered in the room.”

The author also looks at the Gospel account of Peter’s reinstatement by Jesus on the shores of Galilee after His resurrection from the dead. It mentions Peter wrapping his outer garments about himself before leaping from the boat into the water to greet his Master on the shoreline. This is a beautiful illustration of the love that Peter had for Jesus.

“I have used this example of Peter and the others to highlight one of the qualities that may have singled out Peter as leadership material,” the author says. “It may be alien to our controlled, ordered western view of the world, but maybe there is something about allowing our love of Jesus freedom of expression that the rest of the world needs to see more. Even if we look a little foolish in the process!”

The book is unique as there is a touch of humor and it is not overly religious nor is it excessively theological in its approach. This may be a little unusual given its subject matter. The author hopes it is all the more accessible for a wider readership because of that.

‘Peter’s Song’ is a little unconventional in its perspective on familiar passages. The author explains, “It emphasizes the humanity of the ordinary men and women who met Jesus. It takes you into their company as they travel together, share meals and wrestle with the horrifying death of their beloved Rabbi, contemplate their future without Him, then share in the wonder of His resurrection. It explores their new relationships that developed now that Jesus was no longer (physically) with them.

“Peripheral figures in the Gospels like Mary, Martha and Lazarus take a more prominent role in the story. The disciples would have previously had a relationship with them because of their association with the renowned Jesus of Nazareth. Would this change following His death? Would they have any association with them in the future or would they have to establish their own relationship with each other, without Jesus in their midst?”

Rob Hawkes describes how he sees Peter as different from the other disciples. “His propensity to make very public mistakes.
The completely inappropriate violence he exhibited in the Garden of Gethsemane at the moment of Jesus’ arrest followed shortly after by his cowardice and rejection of Jesus in the courtyard of the house of Caiaphas, when confronted by a young servant girl. His eagerness to have a go. Jesus’ eagerness for him to succeed!

“To a greater or lesser extent I see these traits in my life and in the lives of some others who I know. I find him endearing because of them, not in spite of them. He’s the one who comes across as the most human and therefore the easiest for me to identify with, because all his failings are my own too. Peter was an ordinary, hardworking man. Someone who was prone to misunderstandings and making mistakes, even after meeting and living alongside Jesus throughout His ministry years.”

The book builds to a crescendo of hope brought about by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit working in and through them as they continue with the ministry Jesus started.

Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.