On 2 August, over 3,000 Adventist youth throughout Europe descended on the city of Lahti, Finland for the long-awaited European Adventist Youth Congress (AYC22). This was the perfect opportunity for young Christians to connect with each other, share their faith and make new friends. 180 of these young people were from the British Union Conference
The main speaker for the morning session was Daniel Bosqued, President of the Sagunto Adventist College in Spain. The main speaker for the evening session was David Asscherick, Light Bearers speaker and ARISE co-founder and instructor. Each day both presented powerful sermons challenging young people to give their lives to Jesus and remain 'plugged in' to Him in service and mission.
Throughout the week, twenty additional speakers, including Pastor Anthony Fuller, South England Conference Youth Director and Dr Patrick Johnson, Ministerial Director of the Trans-European Division, were involved in providing workshops addressing creative, theological and social themes.
Wednesday saw a change in pace with a Scavenger Hunt. The goal was to encourage the attendees to make new friends while having fun. Following instructions to form themselves into groups with young people from different countries, they were able to go and explore the city of Lahti.
Thursday afternoon was Sports Day with activities ranging from hoola hoops and basketball to track and field athletics. The final event of the athletics was a 400m race involving all spectators and participants.
An exhibition of nations and a 5k run was organised allowing us to introduce Jesus to the community in a fun way and show that although we are diverse, we are one in Christ.
The numbers attending grew over the weekend until there was 3,500 in attendance. The highlight of the week was the baptism on Sabbath afternoon, where eleven young people were baptised.
AYC22 climaxed with several songs from the mass choir and a final word from David Asscherick encouraging our young people to 'Plug In' to Jesus Christ and remain connected.
The location of AYC26 will be Italy.
