Christian Youth Connect Through Global Conference
‘Here, we feel human again.’
Open Doors recently supported a three-day conference that bought together Christian youth from around the world for a time of sharing, learning and engaging together. For their safety, we can’t tell you exactly where the conference was held as some of the attendees were from the Middle East and North Africa where faith makes them targets for persecution and discrimination.
We welcomed thirty-six participants who experienced fellowship with other believers, providing them a rare opportunity to worship and pray as one Body of Christ.
“I really enjoyed my time in this conference as we all met together as Christians from around the world to share our struggles, problems, point of views and try to help each other think of solutions,” shares Sarah.
“It’s beautiful to be here and see the youth come together and share experiences and knowledge,” shares Marla, a young believer from South America. “Praying and worshipping together were precious moments. It’s encouraging. I thank God for this opportunity.”
In its third year, the conference’s theme was “Make Hope Last”, with a focus on training young people in advocacy, Christian leadership, and the importance of being a prophetic voice in their community.
I really enjoyed my time in this conference as we all met together as Christians from around the world to share our struggles, problems, point of views and try to help each other think of solutions.
Many young people shared about their challenges in their education journeys, the pressures at work, difficulties from the community and society that surround them, and pressure from their churches, their families, and themselves.
“This sense of community is beautiful,” says Carlo, a Christian from Spain. “My time here brought to life the stories that I had read before. I saw my brothers and sisters face to face, met them at a deeper level, ate dinner with them, played with them, hung out with them and in the midst of their suffering, they share that there is still hope.”
Many attendees said their peers are turning away from the church, driven by sensitive topics that remain unaddressed within its walls. Issues like sex before marriage and drug use are often ignored, leaving young people feeling abandoned and misled by alternative sources like social media. The youth suggested that the church must have biblical discussions about these crucial topics to counteract misinformation and provide a guiding light.
The trauma inflicted by the intense pressure on Christians calls for the urgent need for dedicated rehabilitation and psychological support centers to safeguard the mental health of the younger generation.
The problems are significant, but the 36 young believers who attended the conference are not deterred. Through mutual prayer, support and encouragement, the youth envision a revitalized church that addresses their concerns, embraces their realities, and stands as a beacon of hope wherever it may be.
Some of my new friends that I met here shared their stories with me. Some were left out, some were bullied and discriminated, and many went through the trauma of losing loved ones. Yet despite all this, they remain faithful in their journey with the Lord. Let’s pray that they will remain hopeful and know that they are not left alone.
At the end of the three days, the young people had encouraged each other in faith, built connections with each other, dreamed, planned, and worked together. All the participants will continue meeting regularly online to build on what was started in the conference.
“My time here was a great privilege,” says Milad, a believer who lives in a country in the Middle East/North Africa region. “It’s important that the connections we build here continue afterwards…as we continue what we started here together.”
Please continue to lift up Christian youth around the globe in prayer.
We can pray this prayer with Lydia, from Palestine, who writes:
Heavenly Father, our source of love and compassion, we lift our hearts to You.
We lift all our pain, suffering and anxiety to You. Replace those feelings with your Holy Spirit. Heal our wounded hearts, especially the youth of the Middle East. Bring peace to the region. Comfort the grieving hearts. Bring hope to those who feel lost and forgotten. Guide us all to Your loving heart. We love and adore You always and forever.
We pray this in Your holy name, Amen.
