By Ashley Akers
LONG BEACH, California--Twenty-one teens from the Pasadena churches locked arms with more than 3,000 other youths at an Acquire the Fire teen convention at the Long Beach Convention Center Feb. 1.
Energy filled the air as young believers joined in spirit-filled worship. These teens, from many churches, poured their hearts out in praise toward their Savior.
Hundreds, including most in our group, made life-changing commitments, taking up the Acquire the Fire challenge to be world changers.
Our group experienced a reconciliation, bonding and renewal that can only be explained as the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
Ron Luce, president of Teen Mania Ministries, presented four sessions: Following God Passionately; Following God's Example in Relationships; Following God's Vision for Your Life; and Following God to the End.
Relational skits, live upbeat music and videos interspersed the sessions. Words were on overhead projection screens, which was great for interactive worship.
Miles McPherson, a former professional football player with the San Diego Chargers, delivered an evangelistic sermon.
In the sessions we learned the difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus. We found out how to relate to people at all levels, viewing them all as precious, the same way God does, and the necessity for a right attitude toward authority at home, school, work and church.
Purity and 100 percent commitment were constant themes, and we heard the importance of living by the word and not our emotions; to be controlled by the Spirit not our impulses.
The convention wrapped up about 9:30 that evening with a call to total commitment and an open worship. Barefoot youths presented the flags of the nations, with the Christian flag placed above all.
Some, with tears flowing, raised their arms in worship. Others were huddled in small prayer groups. This moment touched all of our hearts.
This was an inspiring event for my fellow teens and me. We saw the powerful moving of the Holy Spirit among the audience and felt it ourselves in different ways.
Our teen church will be much stronger now. It is our hope and prayer that as many church youths as possible will be able to attend an ATF event in their area.
As we exited the theater with the song, Give Me the Heart of a World Changer still ringing in our hearts, I noticed a convention center usher with tears in his eyes. It was a good day.
Ashley Akers, 12, attends the Pasadena Teen church.
Feb. 18, 1997, WN, page 9
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