1 August 2013 Novi Sad, Serbia [Agnieszka Kluska, tedNEWS] Bustling streets of Novi Sad and bright sunshine welcomed young Adventists making their way into SPENS, European Adventist Youth Congress site.
Aleksandra and Enoch opened the morning programme by introducing two visitors from Papua New Guinea who travelled for 87 hours and passed through 7 countries on the way. Nothing is impossible if the goal is worth the effort and the Pan-European Adventist Youth Congress many a time exceeds the expectations. This morning has proved it also, leaving many inspired and hungry for more.
Joyful worship and insightful drama set the stage for Pastor David Asscherick who used it fully to capture the audience’s attention and share his thoughts on the theme of „The Power of Jesus to make me GROW“.
The speaker pointed out that transition from the old to the new is compared to a walk in the Scriptures. „It’s a walk, not a leap. It takes time“. The inward man is being renewed from faith to faith, from grace to grace, day by day, continued Asscherick.
„When you’re learning to walk, falling becomes a very real possibility“ remarked the speaker referring to Proverbs 24:16. „So many of us have been told that struggle is wrong“. „If you struggle in your Christian experience, if you’re finding it hard to learn how to walk again when you walk with Christ, that means you’re swimming against the whole river of your inclinations and the inclinations of the world.“ „The struggle itself is a proof that you are alive!“
David Asscherick concluded „The secret to Christian growth is to keep getting up“. The audience was encouraged to join in the prayer and pledge to keep rising from their falls while trusting solely in the grace of Christ.
Asscherick illustrated his message with lots of movement, infectious energy and humour. „Today I’ve heard the message I was waiting for“ said Tomek from Poland. „I loved this energy“ added Katia from Denmark.
Intercessory prayers and music closed the morning worhsip and youth proceeded to seminars and workshops of their choice.
To watch the evening sessions, please click here. For more photos and videos, please click here. [tedNEWS]