On April 23, with a unanimous vote, the Detroit City Temple youth church board agreed to take part in a new outreach effort—The Elijah Project, sponsored and funded by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

City Temple youth were to be in charge of an entire, three-week crusade scheduled in June and were the only church in the Lake Region Conference to participate in this endeavor. They were confident they could pull it off. One young lady, when asked if she was sure she could provide a sermon, replied, “Oh, I know I can."

Details were worked out, support was drawn from all the City Temple youth, and they quickly volunteered to help with specific jobs. Over 500 fliers were distributed to their friends and surrounding community. After numerous meetings, phone calls, letters, and e-mails, the youth were ready to begin The Elijah Project.

On June 4, the City Temple main auditorium was filled with over 200 youth and adults. Members and guests were greeted by the youth hospitality committee and uplifted with beautiful songs directed by the Youth Praise & Worship Team. Gifts were given to those who brought guests and even to the guests themselves. Musicians and choirs rendered their talent in support of the crusade. The opening night program was blessed with the voices of the new City Temple Youth Choir and guest choir, Remnant.

When Aiesha Lanier, the first youth speaker of the crusade, came up to the podium she was slightly nervous. That didn’t stop her from taking listeners away to Christ’s second coming and asking if they were ready for that day. During the rest of the crusade, other youth speakers challenged listeners with important questions, like: “Forgive or Fall Out, Which Will You Choose?”; “What’s in Hell that You Want?”; and “Death, Where Is Thy Sting?” Appeals were made nightly for each listener to give their heart to God or to reconfirm their faith and recommit their life to serving Him.

Each night, "Teen Tips" were presented on subjects ranging from healthy relationships to a healthy body. They dealt with real issues that youth face every day.

After the second week, 28 youth were taking Bible studies—some for the first time and some to redefine what they believe. By the time the crusade ended, 13 had completed the course.

The Elijah Project finished with a bang. On Sabbath morning, in her sermon, “Don’t Take My Word For It," incorporated with song, Kristyn Joseph challenged youth to know Jesus Christ for themselves. In the afternoon a dynamic concert featured choirs from all over the city, with over 400 in attendance. It was truly a celebration.

Three were baptized Sabbath morning and more are scheduled to be baptized in the months to come. No one but God can measure how many youth and adults He touched through the City Temple youth who weren’t afraid to let God use them.

Kristina Penny is a City Temple Church youth correspondent.