Methodist Evangelism Conference Empowers Youth for World Mission

As part of the World Methodist Evangelism Emphasis launched by the World Methodist Council, the 8th International Christian Youth Conference (ICYC) on Evangelism was held on 19-26 July at Teresopolis, Brazil. More than 400 young Methodists aged 17-30 from nearly 40 countries gathered to share their faith.

The Conference was hosted by the Methodist Church in Brazil. It is remarkable that a massive evangelical conference of such scale could be organised in the world’s largest Catholic country, stimulating the growth of evangelical movement. This is also the first time the Conference is being held in South America.

"The purpose (of the conference) is for young people to experience Christ in their life and to be encouraged and empowered by word, deed and sign in the world," Rev. H. Eddie Fox, world director of World Methodist Evangelism, said to the United Methodist News Service (UMNS). "This is one of the most exciting missions. The young people are dynamic and alive and open to the Holy Spirit."

Rev Fox gave account for the basis of Methodist faith and the importance of young people in the great mission of Christ.

"This world needs Christ's faith, and Jesus told us to share faith," he said. "Methodism is an evangelical movement. The world needs to know who Jesus is, and young people are good sharers. They're energetic, they're visionary and contagious in their faith. We want to give them the confidence and competence to share the word."

Gathered under the theme same as that of the World Methodist Evangelism Emphasis "That the World may Know Jesus Christ", young participants focus on Christian spirituality, Christian mission, Christian world news and Christian faith sharing through bible studies, seminars, discussions and worships.

A highlight will be a public event that includes a march, an outdoor service in the city and a "Brazilian Festa" featuring food, cultural dances, music and celebration.

The last ICYC was held in Northern Ireland in 2002 and drew hundreds of youth from 37 countries. The conference is held every three or four years. According to the official figures, there have been about 5,500 participants since 1980.

Rev Fox said that despite of visa problems and financial difficulties, the hosting country had worked very hard to get as many people over there as possible. World Methodist Evangelism provides scholarship help and small grants to people from developing countries.

"This is a life-changing event," Rev Fox concluded. "We consider it to be the most important thing we do (at World Methodist Evangelism). Young people who are a part of the movement need the experience of being trained and the experience of the World Methodist movement."

World Methodist Evangelism Emphasis is a 3-year initiative aims to empower members of the Wesleyan/Methodist denominations around the world to reach out and share the love of Jesus Christ. It is based on a resolution passed at the 2001 World Methodist Conference in Brighton, England, which called Methodists "to prayer and fasting and to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ around the world".