I just received my first newsletter from COGOP and it included this:
Youth Conference Cancellation: A Message from Youth Ministries Director Palma Hutchinson
By now youve received the notice that our 2007 Youth Conference has been cancelled. I have received e-mails and phone calls expressing disappointment and sorrow of this news. I know how disappointing it is. I feel the same way. Youth Conference is the only opportunity that I have to connect with youth and youth leaders on a broad scale. So, I tried very hard with many tears, prayers and persuasion not to have to make the decision to cancel. Obviously to no avail. To go ahead with a youth conference in 2007 would conflict with and perhaps negatively impact another ministry here at the International Offices. Even if the possibility of impact is slim, the perception remains and I dont want that.
The Youth Conference ministry has been a blessing in this Church for many years. God gave then International Director, Billy Wilson, the vision for mobilizing young people and youth leaders for a time of inspirational worship and training. This ministry has touched many lives; reached many nations; brought the love of Jesus to communities through compassion ministries; equipped and released leaders into the work of the ministry and continues to have an impact in many other ways.
Over the past years the Youth Conference ministry has refocused its vision and goals to provide forums for authentic worship, effective spiritual formation, vulnerable sharing, mutual encouragement, open-minded dialogue, deeper learning, endless diversity, boundless creativity, unbridled passion for Christ, and unselfish giving. This ministry will continue to re-focus, re-imagine the possibilities, and remain relevant, vibrant and effective.
Id like to encourage everyone to look at this disappointing time as a blessing in disguise. This will give my Youth Council an opportunity to come together for prayer and planning. We will revisit the vision, goals and objectives of the Youth Conference Ministry. We will hold up the conference in light of the needs of youth, youth leaders, local churches and communities. We will examine Gods heart to see where He is working in ministry to youth. We will look to the future in light of the transition that our Church is in at the moment and we will follow Christ as He leads. We will keep you updated with news of upcoming youth conferences.
This will also give us an opportunity to concentrate fully on the Youth Leadership Training Conference and Retreat scheduled for September 25-30, 2007 in Kingsport, Tennessee. This is the first of this type of week-long intensive youth leadership training. This Training Conference and Retreat is being planned to meet the two top needs of youth leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy: (a) leadership training, equipping and resourcing; and (b) accountability and rest.
The conference has another underlying purpose. We are working hard to make this an international gathering of youth leaders and workers. We are sponsoring leaders from as many nations of the world as possible to attend this training conference. Theres a deep desire in my heart to see this generation and the ones emerging to connect in meaningful ways to the Church of God of Prophecy. I want to communicate to young people and youth leaders that the Church of God of Prophecy has many great things to offer in terms of ministry, relationships, and fellowship as well as a strong desire to please God. This is not an exclusivist statement. I am proud of my church. Im happy to be a part of this church - to be a leader in this church. I choose to be a part of this movement and I want youth and young leaders to know that, in spite of obvious flaws, there are still worthwhile reasons to be loyal to, serve in and be a part of this movement.
My hope and desire is that by connecting youth leaders globally, we will put a face to our ethnic, racial and cultural diversity; our vast array of gifts and talents; the many and diverse ministries that God is raising up; and to experience the unique fellowship that is a God-given gift to this Church. This time will also be a unifier as we work together with God and each other to fulfill our mandate in the earth.
Id like to invite you to do several things: (1) join us in prayer that God will miraculously provide the finances we need to sponsor most of the International Leaders; (2) encourage your local church to send their youth leaders (as well as senior pastors, parents, emerging leaders, adult volunteers) to this training conference and retreat; and (3) please share with me any thoughts or observations you might have.
God bless you as we serve Christ by serving others.
Palma R. Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries Director
For more information, contact: Palma Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries by e-mailing
yvonne@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5304
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