Over 2000 young people across 19 Districts cared for by Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong met simultaneously at four different centres over the weekend of 1st to 3rd and 8th to 10th June, 2018 for this year’s Zonal Youth Convention with the theme “Living for God” (Galatians 2:20). It was fun, entertaining, educative and informative.

The Area Youth Leader, Priest Ofonime James in his welcome address charged participants to be dedicated, purposeful and enterprising. He insisted that with love, sincerity and commitment, faithfulness to Christ can be attained.

The 3 day event featured song ministration, bible quiz, sword drills, Drama, Seminar and interactive sessions. Outdoor activities were also not left out.

Highpoint of the programme was Seminar on education and church development presented by District Elder Armstrong Inyang and Education in capacity building and human development anchored by Shepherd Nsikak Umanah.

According to District Elder Armstrong Inyang, the challenges facing the Christian Youth are enormous. It is a severe task for the young people to engage in several activities involved in the complexities of learning, acquisition of knowledge and self development which will in-turn impact positively on our Church.

Various indoor and outdoor activities were competed for; prizes were won by the best performing Districts and individuals.

At Ikot Ebak centre, which had the highest number of participants, Ikot Inyang Ikot Udofia District came out tops while Afaha Ube Itam District took the lead at Afaha Ube centre. Nung Atai and Mbierebe Akpawat Districts won at Odot/Ndom Ebom and Akpa Utong centres.
Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong and Bishop Ime Udombang who had earlier sent their goodwill messages rounded off the Youth Meet with Divine Services at Akpa Utong and Afaha Ube respectively on Sunday 10th June. In their messages from 1 Peter 5:6, “humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”.

Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong urged the youths to remain faithful to Christ by showing respect, trust and purifying themselves as the future leaders of our great Church while Bishop Udombang exhorted the congregation to be humble so that they may be exalted in due season.

This is the qualifying stages for all competitive events for the Area Youth Convention coming up September this year.

One of the Youth leaders, Priest Abasiama Jacob expressed satisfaction at the end of the event and thanked God for His benevolence while wishing all journey mercies back home.