Students challenged to "Follow Me"
At the annual Native Youth Conference (NYC), held on May 16–19, 2024 at Camp Nakamun, 237 youth were challenged to commit themselves to follow Jesus through the scripture focus of John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Keynote speaker, Randy Jackson, and Las Vegas, Nevada, led sessions encouraging the youth to follow Jesus in their daily choices. Breakout sessions were also taught by:
Becky Kew taught on "Follow Me in the Bible." Becky served alongside First Nations people in Sandy Bay MB for 20 years.
Weston Francis taught on "Follow Me into Freedom." Weston has been on staff with On Eagles Wings (www.oneagleswings.com) for eight years and has served with the Hope Team for 10 summers.
Nick Betzing covered, "Follow Me Where You're At" and presented a hip-hop/rap concert, He teaches Bible and theology classes at Millar College of the Bible's Winnipeg campus.
Jimmy Caron taught on "Follow Me in Social Media."
Besides the messages, students enjoyed plenty of music. Randy and Evangeline Jackson ministered to participants through their band, Living Stone (www.livingstone.band), and Isaac Musaasizi, Kevin Elias and Kim Elias led worship (www.eliasfamilymusic.com).
At the end of the weekend, Jackson gave youth an opportunity to make the most important decision of their lives, to choose to follow Jesus. Over 100 youth stepped forward, asking for prayer.
NYC occurs every May with the purpose of offering hope and encouragement to Indigenous youth, through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Besides student attendees, more than 50 volunteers participated. Students came from 20 communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Students expressed appreciation and enjoyment of the event. One youth, who attended NYC for years as an attendee, came back this year as a junior chaperone, with hopes of returning next year as a full-fledged chaperone. She said, "I'm glad because my cousins and brother were there and I was able to give them a chance to follow in Jesus' direction. I think about the times I came with my older cousins and want them to experience NYC like I did."
Students like these keep Indian Life Ministries committed to being part of NYC.
"NYC is important because it plays a significant role in restoring hope, healing and honor within Indigenous communities through a saving knowledge of Jesus," said ILM director Todd Wawrzyniak. "A lot of the youth who attend hear the gospel for the first time, and make decisions to follow Jesus.
"When I think of NYC, I think of the encouraging stories that are shared, the way our speakers are real and honest with the youth about their own journeys, and how impactful that is on them," Wawrzyniak added. "I think of the way the youth ask to be prayed with and how open they are about asking for prayer for their families. NYC is making a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth. I am thankful that Indian Life gets to be a part of making NYC happen."
