Nigerian youths in Manchester organised youth weekend encouraging Christian living among young people.

Nigerian youths based in Manchester took matters to their hands, planned a youth weekend targeted at bringing young people to Christ. 

Last weekend, Christ Apostolic Church House of Prayer, Manchester, held their annual youth weekend tagged "Living a faithful life in this present world." Their goal is to create a safe space for young people to talk about real life issues they face as (Christian) youths and teach realistic solutions to living a faithful life in this world. 
Pastor W. Oyelami, one of the church pastors said he was "excited" to witness what the youths accomplished. 

In the past years, the youths, aged 14 - 24, only invite their friends to the program already organised by adult youth leaders. However, this year they took over planning and organising the event. Youth member and co-leader Emmanuel Oyelami said,
“We organised how the program was going to run from start to end they (youth leaders) only made a few points to how we could pass our message clearer.”

After a month long of thorough planning and organizing, they held a two-day, power-packed program through ministrations from drama, songs, bible quiz, discussion, sermon, and more. Evangelist Ojulari, the Youth Pastor said, 

'I was really impressed with what the youths delivered during the two-day programme"

Starting on Saturday the 29th, they held a youth-only program focusing on enabling discussions. After the screening of a short film called “Amani”, the guest speaker took the platform to talk about finding their true purpose in God. He spoke in lengths on youths building their foundation in Christ and choosing their role model carefully in this social media world.

The day ended with the segments everyone attending looked forward to; bible quiz and discussion. It was a very competitive quiz session and enlightening discussion surrounding issues that affect their Christian life such as mental health, partying, dating, etc.  “It got interesting… the youths were able to express their views”  said the Youth Pastor. Using bible scriptures to answer unresolved questions, Evangelist Ojulari rounded up the Saturday program.

"The foundation is set for upward growth in the Lord"- Pastor W. Oyelami.

 On Sunday, the youths took over the usual church service with more ministrations including drama, songs, choreography, and more.

These set of ministrations stood out from what happened on Saturday because they focused on conveying the message of the theme to young people.

The drama for instance, is titled “Answering the call.”

It portrayed the life of a girl who God wanted to use for his purpose but unfortunately lost it to money, fame and worst of all, pride. In the end, she lost the big stage she wanted so much to someone she counts “lesser” than her. Amidst the comedy and other techniques used in the drama, the message stood out; to be a worthy vessel, you have to be faithful.

“each and every youth member from the shy to more confident, performed to the best of their abilities... making impact on their invited friends that they could do the same if they put in the effort", said Emmanuel.

Pastor W. Oyelami, made an encouragement speech to the youths at the end of the Sunday program. Before praying for them, he congratulated parents and youth leaders for raising youths passionate about the expansion of the kingdom of God.

"The foundation is set for upward growth in the Lord", He said.

"The youths are climbing the ladder of faith."

Overall, youth weekend was a huge success. There was a great turn out and everyone participated to ensure its success.

Emmanuel said, "We are not stopping here, we are making plans for a monthly program in the organisation where these discussions can continue to take place."

‘Youth of CAC HOP stands for the future of the church and community.’ said Evangelist Ojulari.

They are situated at 112 Church street, Eccles Manchester, M30 0LH.

For more info, follow @cac_hoprayer on Instagram.