July-September
The lives of each of us are guided by decisions. Every day our brain leads us to make decisions, whether simple or complex. According to recent studies and research, we make around 35,000 decisions per day. And, it was with decision and delivery in mind that the youth congress “The Time Has Come” took place. A special encounter with God focused on surrender to God and purpose.
The event took place on July 12–14 and was held at the headquarters of União Sul Brasileira, in the city of Itú, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, in Brazil. The meeting was attended by more than 300 people, including young people and teenagers, as well as choirs and musical ensembles.
The entire program was planned and managed so that young people had a unique and special experience. The hymns sung, the messages presented and the interactions planned had one objective, to bring Jesus to the hearts of those who were there. In addition, the entire program was broadcast on the TV channel Conectados com Deus on YouTube. More than 5,000 people were reached over the 3 days of the event.
The spiritual messages were under the care of General Conference Youth Director, Pastor Adrian Finaru, who brought very suitable content for everyone.
The opening of the event took place on Friday (12/07) with a very strong theme, “The Time Has Come to Accept the Call.” At the beginning of the congress, Pastor Adrian brought an intentional proposal for decision and delivery. There, at the opening it was clear what the tone of the entire program would be.
On Sabbath, the messages continued with great strength, and the action of God’s Holy Spirit was evident. The theme chosen was “The Time Has Come to Leave Everything for Jesus.” On Sabbath morning, Pastor Adrian invited everyone to leave everything for God. Appealing to their hearts, he invited young people to come forward and demonstrate their surrender. The moment was remarkable and there was almost no space to fit everybody in the front, as many felt the desire to surrender to Christ.
One of the participants in the event, young João Vitor Cardoso, reported that this moment was very important in his life:
“Pastor Adrian’s appeal touched me deeply. God was there, Jesus made an invitation to deliver to everyone that morning. The atmosphere of the environment was unique and I am sure that this was the moving of the Holy Spirit of God,” commented João Vitor with deep emotion.
According to João, the event also marked his life and especially his faith. “It was my first youth conference. With every message, every song, every moment I could see God working in hearts. Furthermore, I felt that Jesus is doing a powerful work in everyone’s lives,” he says.
In the afternoon, the event promoted a different dynamic. With many musical appearances, Sabbath afternoon became a delight. In addition, the program included moments of chat and an interview with pastor Adrian Finaru. Towards the end of the Sabbath, the pastor once again brought an impactful message: “The Time Has Come to Grow Closer to Jesus.”
The young people in attendance said: “Today we had an extraordinary Sabbath!”
The last day of the congress was also marked by unforgettable moments. At the beginning of Sunday’s program, there was opportunity for young people to express their thoughts and ideas in a program titled Fala Jovem, “Speak, Youth!”
Soon after, Pastor Adrian once again brought a profound message: “The Time Has Come to Impact the World for Jesus.”
The final message was touching and directed by God; everyone felt that the work of the Holy Spirit was guiding. Young people from various parts of Brazil came together in a unique and decisive commitment. It was there that many understood that the time had come to be together with Jesus once and for all.
The Youth Congress ended with the sound of praises and prayer and with a unique certainty in everyone’s hearts: Jesus was present there.