More than 100 young people, including many who study in public universities, responded to the call for baptism during the “Influencer for Christ” youth convention of Seventh-day Adventists, May 14–20, 2023, held in the heart of Paris, France. The last day of the convention was a high Sabbath. Young adults came from all corners of the conference territory to connect and discover how to be an influencer for Christ, both physically and digitally. This was the focus of seminars and sermons by guest speaker Pako E. Mokgwane, associate youth director of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In most cases, being an influencer is deemed a digital matter, yet influencing physically precedes the digital space. To influence for Christ means one must be rooted in Christ and represent Jesus in all spaces.

The organizer of the event was Stephane Eucharis, youth ministries director for the North France Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In reflecting on the event, Eucharis said, “We have not seen so many people give themselves to the Lord in a long time. Perhaps this is the beginning of a revolution in our conference, since the young people have committed to influencing their classmates, colleagues, and friends in the way of righteousness through an authentic, Spirit-filled life. I am elated that 20 young people came forward to accept the call to full-time pastoral ministry. This will significantly contribute to the prophecy that places young people at the heart of the mission in the end time.”

A concert by renowned artist Mirella brought the convention to a close. Several young people also shared their gifts using various instruments and their voices to praise God.

Pako E. Mokgwane (PhD, Organizational Leadership, Adventist University of Africa, Kenya) is Associate Director of the Youth Department at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected].

Recommended Citation

Pako E. Mokgwane, "France Holds “Influencer for Christ” Youth Convention," Dialogue 35:3 (2023): 25-26.