“Preach the gospel always. When necessary, use words.”
This message was printed across the backs of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church youth group’s T-shirts and shaped their participation in Niles Jesus Fest, held July 9–12 at Riverfront Park in Niles, Michigan. Throughout the community event, the young people acted out the message by serving, singing, praying and connecting with others.
After attending the Lake Union Youth Evangelism Congress, Kaden Spare, a youth member of Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, returned home encouraged and eager to put what he had learned about evangelism into action.
Spare’s enthusiasm helped spark conversations among the youth group about how they could reach young people in their community who may not have a church home or spiritual support system. Their primary project would be an outreach booth at the Berrien County Youth Fair in August. But the group did not want evangelism to be limited to a single event.
When one youth suggested that they also participate in Niles Jesus Fest, an annual Christian gathering, the group saw an opportunity to put its plans into action. With less than a month to prepare, youth members organized activities and created promotional materials.
“This opportunity came at the right time,” said Tanaka Chogugudza, Village Church youth pastor.
Although the group applied for evangelism funding connected with the congress, the available funds had already been distributed. Village Church remained committed to the project and provided $3,000 to help the youth purchase musical equipment and prepare for the outreach.
Their booth featured free popsicles and water, face painting, Bible trivia, Christian literature and information about Village’s youth programs. A large prayer wall invited visitors to write and post their prayer requests.
Each activity was designed to create an opening for conversation.
During one interaction, Tanaka introduced a normally quiet youth to a visitor who shared her interest in art. As their conversation ended, the young person asked if she could pray for the woman.
“The fact that she initiated the prayer meant a lot to me,” Tanaka said. “It showed me that they understood why we were there: to lead people to Jesus, pray with them and encourage them.”
The group’s participation expanded unexpectedly when organizers offered them an hour on the main stage. With less than a week to prepare, Tanaka reached out to Ron Whitehead for guidance. Whitehead encouraged him to involve as many people as possible and suggested creating a patriotic program in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, then connecting it to a spiritual theme.
Tanaka developed a program titled “Freedom,” beginning with patriotic songs and a tribute to veterans. A short sermonette connected the freedoms enjoyed in America with the spiritual freedom found in Jesus, followed by a selection of praise songs.
Village became the first youth group to participate in the festival’s five-year history, Tanaka said. Although the youth initially planned to attend for only two days, they asked to return Saturday. One member who had expected to participate only Thursday returned all three days.
“I had two goals for this outreach,” Tanaka said. “The first was to reach the hearts of our own young people, and the second was to reach the community. I believe both happened.”
As the event was coming to a close Saturday evening, organizers approached Tanaka and asked the group to return to the stage before leaving. They rearranged the program so the Village youth could share about their ministry and sing two additional songs.
Organizers also asked the youth to stand with their backs toward the audience so everyone could read the message on their T-shirts.
The invitation did not end there. Organizers encouraged the group to return next year, this time with two hours onstage to present an expanded program.
“We thought we were just going to have a booth,” Tanaka said. “The success of this project was beyond my imagination.”
Felicia Tonga is a freelance writer.