1 August, 2013, Novi Sad, Serbia [Tabitha Krznar, tedNEWS] A pinch and punch for the first day of the month kicks off day two of the AYC Congress in Novi Sad. Participants powered on full steam ahead immersing themselves in the congress activities. The AYC social scene delivered unique stations continuing with workshops, art, craft and both spiritual and physical food. Thursday’s highlights included the Market of Nations and the Health Expo as well as just plain "hanging out." New friendships continue to be formed and bridges built between Adventist youth and the European nations they belong to.
Next stop had the hungry (not Hungary) AYC youth filled with a different kind of food. If you cannot quench your hunger for purpose in this life then workshop by Pa
stor Ansku Jaakola from Finland had a satisfying solution. "Let God feed you with His spiritual food. Christianity is like stale bread when you aren't communicating with God. There are many ways to connect with Him; bible reading, outreach, writing, silent prayer, singing, and listening to Him, so eat up!"
The fine dinning continued as an array of colour, costumes and cultural cuisine entertained and tantalised the taste buds of curious AYC attendees at the Market of Nations.
Jared Heidenblut from Germany spoke highly of his adventure by saying: "My youth group encouraged me to come to Power of One Congress, and I'm glad I did, otherwise I would have missed out on the great atmosphere where each country’s feeding me their yummy food, although I can't understand the different languages I still love the English shortbread and the red Ajvar stuff."
Located near the Market is the ADRA booth fund-raising for a cause with a very different type of food, Emergency food for the underprivileged. AYC encourages participants to enjoy the congress experience, but also to remember those who are less fortunate.
An impact on health was felt at the Health Expo held in the Table Tennis Hall. Health enthusiasts had their blood sugar, weight and blood pressure checked at the Serbian, Zivot i Zdravlje booths, followed by a relaxing massage from Estonian, Dmitri Einman. Health advisor, Rajna Stamenov-Radosavljevic, shared practical health tips such as eating plenty of vegetables and whole grains, drinking water especially upon getting up, regular stretching and oddly enough, a stern warning NOT to switch on the light when you use the toilet at night (it destroys melatonin levels).
While the AYC congress is developing quite a fan base, not everyone proclaims to be fond of having fans. Pastor Dejan Stojkovic's workshop taught Violetta Martsynkevych from Ukraine about being authentic, "If you want to be a real follower of Christ, don't worship Him as a celebrity, but ignore the popular culture and what people think of you because it's all about knowing God, loving Him and saying, I'm proud to be an Adventist Christian!"
