On May 1, 2026, after months marked by war, uncertainty, and postponed plans, there was something especially meaningful about seeing young people from our churches gather together again.
By God’s grace, the first regional youth gathering of 2026 brought more than 130 young men and women from Baptist and other local churches together at Ramah Baptist Church. The gathering had originally been postponed because of the war, making this return to fellowship a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ.
Ramah Baptist Church welcomed the young people with great love and hospitality. The evening opened with prayer and a warm welcome from Pastor Bishara Khazen, followed by a beautiful time of praise and worship led by the church’s youth. After a season when gathering together had not always been possible, worshipping side by side once again carried a special significance.
The message of the evening, shared by youth leader Suhail Khoury, was appropriately titled “The Voice Stronger Than the Storm.” It was a timely word of encouragement and hope: no matter how loud the storms around us become, the voice of the Lord remains greater than every disturbance and stronger than every storm.
The gathering also included interactive activities and games led by Majd Khazen, bringing laughter, connection, and a renewed sense of unity. The evening concluded around a shared meal, where young people had the opportunity simply to be together, strengthen friendships, and enjoy fellowship across church communities.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging sights was seeing more than 130 young people come together with a hunger for God, His Word, and Christian fellowship. Their presence was a beautiful picture of the unity of the Body of Christ and a reminder that even after difficult seasons, God continues to work in the hearts of a new generation.
At the Association of Baptist Churches (ABC), we believe investing in young people is an investment in the present and future of the Church. Regional gatherings like this create spaces where young believers can encounter Christ, build relationships beyond their local congregations, and discover that they are part of a wider family of faith.
We are deeply thankful for every church, leader, volunteer, prayer partner, and supporter who helps make ministry like this possible. Our prayer is that these gatherings will continue to ignite faith, establish young people in truth, and raise up a strong and committed generation that lives for the glory of Christ.
The storms may come, but the voice of Christ is stronger—and a new generation is learning to listen to Him.
