The Youth Leader District Evangelist Richard Tetede during the opening ceremony
9 December 2020

The weekend of Friday 20th through Sunday 22nd November, 2020 seems too short for the youths in West Area, Nigeria as they gather in Lagos for their annual Youth convention.

Activities slated for the 3 day events included Debates, Bible Quiz, Dramas, Seminars on Marriage, Covid-19 Pandemic, Offerings etc., Interactive sessions and outdoor activities.

Life in the new normal as a result of the world dreaded Covid-19 Pandemic brought creativity to the gathering.

This creativity became the spice of life as the host, Apostle Oscar Kabanga Nwanza introduced a measurement sticks to all the participants in the course of the convention.

This fascinating 'stick of defense' brought practical physical distancing among participants in all activities.

Apostles Oscar Kabanga Nwanza and Emmanuel Hagher (rtd) were living examples as they conspicuously displayed their sticks at all times.

It was really amazing as many young people could be heard at all times telling each other to remember the 'Apostle's stick' even when they were not in possession.

Saturday evening was very spectacular as the youths’ march along the streets of Lagos for evangelism, they also received messages on how to stay safe from Lead Apostle Volker Kuhnle I.R, Apostle Peter Gfeller I.R, District Elder Wolfgang Oehler I.R as well the lead Apostle Nwogu and some few brothers from South Germany and Nigeria.

Faith and works

The event climaxed on Sunday with a festive divine service at the central church, Opebi, Lagos.

Apostle Nwanza, officiating drew a text word from John 6: 28 - 29: "Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him Whom He sent".

Going down memory lane, the Apostle said in ancient times, it was not a given that the poor had enough to eat every day, so they will have to sought out for Jesus, taking cognizance of the miracle of the multiplication of bread.

According to him, many thought religious devotion require specific works and acts but Christ pointed to them it is faith in Him that leads to the salvation of the soul.

He further said that righteousness is effected by faith and not by good works (Romans 3: 22, 28)
However, faith will enable believers to engage in good works, he stressed.

More so. good works constitute our credible response to God's action of love upon us and they are visible side of our faith, the Apostle emphasized.

Concluding he called upon all to keep the ordinances and statues of God and fight against sin and evil.

These commandments and ordinances include:
* Thou shall worship no other gods.
* Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
* Overcome envy, jealousy and resentment.
* Living our life for one another and not seeking our own interest.
* Not spreading message of hatred on the internet