Youth event inspires South Asia attendees
In December 2009, several hundred Adventist young people gathered near Bangalore, India, for "South Asia Youth for Jesus," a *GYC-inspired, extended weekend of Bible study, praise, health evangelism and personal evangelism training.
The event was coordinated by a leadership team of South Asian young people living both in India and in other parts of the world. Young people from every region of India attended—many traveling by train for days to get there. Those who attended seemed thrilled to spend even Christmas Day studying God's word. The local Union and Division presidents were present to give their support of the program.
Chester Clark III, former ASI vice president, taught the seminar track in evangelism. He focused on the principles of soul-winning, as well as practical training in small group and public evangelism. Each person who attended his seminar received a copy of the New Beginnings evangelistic studies in their respective languages (Indian English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Bengali). ASI provided the New Beginnings materials for distribution to seminar participants. In addition, the General Conference Personal Ministries department provided thirty DVD players. Each major region received several players reserved specifically for use by young people in evangelism.
In a May 16 e-mail to ASI, attendees from Mumbai wrote, "The DVD has been very useful in giving Bible studies to a family who are learning the truth. The Hindi lessons have made it possible for us to share the truth in Hindi. We could not teach the Bible in Hindi, but thanks to the Hindi DVD we can effectively communicate the truth to this family. We are continuing to study the Bible with this family. It has helped us so much that now we can preach in Hindi as well."
"Please keep these young people in your prayers," urges Clark, "as they seek to share God's word with others in the vast mission field of India."
*Generation of Youth for Christ