By the grace of the Lord, the Summer Youth Conference of the Association of Baptist Churches was held at the Baptist Village in Petah Tikva from July 11 to 13, 2025, under the theme “Spiritual Warfare.” Around fifty young people, aged between 14 and 18, participated in the conference. This event marked a new and unique step, as it was the first of its kind dedicated specifically to the under-18 age group. It allowed for more open interaction and learning within a framework tailored to their spiritual and psychological development.
The youth were warmly welcomed upon their arrival by bus. They were assigned rooms, met their group leaders, and received specially prepared booklets for the conference. These booklets included Bible verses, reflections, and discussion questions to help them engage with the sessions and the overall theme.
After some ice-breaking activities, the youth gathered in the tent that evening for an introduction to the conference rules and objectives. The first session began with a time of worship, followed by a message titled “The Purpose of Life,” which emphasized living with an eternal purpose in Christ. Small group discussions followed, allowing the youth to dive deeper into Scripture and personal reflection.
The evening ended around a campfire with songs and praise, concluding with a group devotional and a recap of the day led by their group leaders.
Day Two began with a morning devotional using the booklet, followed by breakfast. The youth then gathered in the tent to watch an encouraging video message from the Association’s General Director, followed by a worship session. The next message, titled “Put on the Full Armor of God,” focused on how to resist temptation and sin through the authority of God’s Word and prayer, based on Ephesians 6. This was followed by group spiritual discussions, helping the youth apply the teachings in practical ways.
The workshops were then divided by gender to discuss romantic relationships within a Christian framework.
After lunch, the youth enjoyed sports and water games that brought joy and fostered a strong sense of community. The third session featured worship, followed by a message titled “Not Every Ending Is a Full Stop,” based on 2 Corinthians 10. The speaker emphasized taking every thought captive to obey Christ and highlighted the importance of resisting toxic thoughts and the mental attacks of the enemy.
The evening concluded with another campfire session and worship, and featured a powerful testimony from a young participant who shared the story of his brother’s healing from a kidney disease—a testimony that deeply moved everyone and stirred a living faith in God, who is able to do all things.
On the final day, the youth began with a spiritual retreat followed by breakfast. A time of worship was then led, followed by a message titled “Victory in Christ,” which emphasized the true believer’s triumph through remaining rooted in the Lord.
After group discussions, the youth attended a final workshop on a sensitive topic: “Pornography and Addiction.” This session featured an honest and practical discussion about the challenges of the modern world and how to overcome them through God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. The youth engaged actively with questions and comments, and the open conversation left a deep impact, sparking new spiritual awareness.
The conference concluded with a group lunch. The youth departed after three days filled with joy, spiritual growth, and transformation.
This conference was a turning point in the lives of many. God’s Word was proclaimed powerfully—some responded with a personal commitment to accept the Lord Jesus as Savior, while others took tangible steps toward deeper obedience and renewed commitment to His Word.
We pray that the seeds planted will continue to grow and that the Lord will complete His work in their lives through ongoing spiritual follow-up in their local churches. These conferences are not merely times of fun, but divine opportunities through which the Lord awakens a generation that knows how to fight spiritually and overcome through faith and love.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
We pray that this generation remains vigilant in its spiritual battle, holding fast to the full armor of God, standing firm in the victory we have in Christ, and becoming witnesses to His work and salvation to all around them.
