News of the first banquet to be held by Young Foundations for the young people had found its way into hundreds of pairs of ears belonging to a special group of young believers in the African country of Zimbabwe.

Excitement was in the air, and the atmosphere was saturated with high expectation.

Way before the official 4.45pm starting time clocked, they had begun to arrive. In dashing outfits and wide smiles on lit up and expecting faces, they waited for the feast to begin.

As they checked in and were given their table numbers, the Early Spiritual Experiences crossword puzzle was handed out to each attendee. Probing eyes browsed through the questions at the bottom of the puzzle as each proceeded to find their seat. Once seated the working on the puzzle quickly broke the already melting ice among these youths who had converged from very diverse locations and backgrounds to the one 'common ground' they all shared, The Message of the Hour, through God's Prophet Brother Branham. Some discussed the questions, while others worked independently and thoughtfully while sipping on their welcome juice, striving to get as many answers as possible within the allotted time. Brother Gordon brought the turning wheels to a halt as he gently started singing, "We are together again!" before he asked the chaperones to collect the puzzles. Loud chuckles filled the room when Bro G reminded everyone to put their names on their sheets. A few were probably not quite sure whether or not they wanted their names on their work!

Brother Gordon gave all the young people a hearty welcome. Addressing them as fathers, mothers, pastors and leaders of tomorrow, and most importantly as the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ. He went on to tell how the banquet was made possible by the love and burden that Our Lord Jesus put on Brother Joseph's heart for the young people around the world. To encourage them in their walk with Christ. A big round of applause was just a tip of the huge iceberg of gratitude that filled the hearts of these young believers.

After on opening prayer by one of the chaperones, the song 'Messiah is the King of Kings' was sung to get everybody loosened up and the enzymes working just before the food was served. A scrumptious assortment of dishes was set in array ready to be cleaned out by this jovial and thankful group of young people. Over 480 people were served in record time. The youths settled down to enjoy their meal whilst doing what two fellows in one ship normally do, fellowship! The tables were cleared after dessert, and then the real business begun.

Bother G reminded the young people that this was a meeting of young people and not ninety year old's, so the difference must be evident. He also introduced what he called a spiritual, goodly and Godly competition of singing between the two sides separated by an open space in the middle of the banquet floor, refereed by the chaperones. My, we had some real good singing going from then on.

One young song leader was called up to lead a few praise Shona songs. We had the young people out of their seats to the front where space had been left for this specific purpose. We had real good African singing and dancing, all over the room. Youths were marching in lines around the room, singing their lungs out giving praise and honor to the Lord who had availed us this grand opportunity. Talk about a gastronomical, Pentecostal Jubilee, we really had one. Some of the favorites were, 'Ndomurova Satani' (I will beat the Devil!), 'I command my hands,' and of course 'Hakuna wakaita saJesu' (There is no one like Jesus).

After the specials Brother G introduced Brother Gerald Buitenkamp from Holland. He began by asking the young people if they were enjoying themselves and went on to assure them that there was more in store for them. Following this was an eruption of hand clapping and joyful screams. Expecting more, we were. Brother Gerald shared a bit about his young life and how he always had a desire to fellowship with other young believers of like precious faith, yet he lived on an isolated farm. How God then answered his prayers as his life unfolded and got closer to the ministry of the prophet. "Tonight," he said, "you have a chance to get so close to that prophet. God in his goodness did not only give us a messenger, but left us with a Message." Then he said 'Hakuna wakaita saJesu' and was off singing the song. Everyone joined in, delighted and surprised to see a European singing a favorite song in Zimbabwe's native language, Shona! It was a special treat.

Still in this atmosphere of singing, rejoicing and dancing, Brother Gordon pointed out how enjoyable and satisfying it is to be a young Christian. What else could be compared with this? He encouraged them to get into the tapes and books so the future could be built on a strong foundation.

The winners of the puzzle taken earlier were announced. Three brothers got the same mark while one sister excelled to get a top mark. It was interesting to note that this sister got two marks higher than all the brothers! All were thrilled to receive the special Anniversary Edition of the Scofield Bible.

Brother G then introduced Our Guest Speaker for the night, Brother William Marrion Branham. He reminded the young people that Brother Branham said the Pillar Of Fire would be present wherever this Message is preached. And if one had a desire, He was present to grant it.

As the play button was pressed, we all settled down to hear God's prophet teach us about being a Prisoner for Christ. As we followed the text on overhead projector screens, the prophet picked on biblical characters like Moses, Paul and Joseph who became prisoners for Christ; leaving their own selfish ambitions and intentions to become prisoners, shackled with fetters of divine love to God.

The tape was a great blessing. One could not help but search his/her life and find out whether or not you were fully surrendered to Christ. Toward the end we all joined the prophet as he sang 'I surrender all.' As the prophet prayed for us the Holy Spirit just filled the room where we were, watering the seed of the word that had been planted in our hearts. Soft sobs from surrendered hearts could be heard as the prophet's prayer went on.

We continued singing the song after the tape, bathing in the sweet, serene atmosphere that enveloped the room, as Brother G asked anyone who wanted to make a stand for Christ and dedicate their lives to be Prisoners for Christ to come forward. The altar was filled with penitent hearts dedicating, rededicating, surrendering and pouring out their hearts to the Lord Jesus as Brother Gerald led in prayer.

Only God knows the value of the tears that fell, cries and sincere words of prayer that ascended as a sweet smelling savor to Papa God's throne from His beloved little lambs. God certainly gave all the attendees a special time in His awesome presence, where many drove down their stakes in those sacred sands, which the prophet said you can go back and point to the devil and say, "What about that!"

After the closing prayer, the Holy Spirit continued to hover around as a very grateful group of young people collected special gifts from Brother Joseph Branham. These were YF branded T-shirts written 'Prisoner for Christ' and Tape Boy/Girl lapel pins.

It was difficult to part, and scores of young people stood around and fellowshipped till they really had to go. Some were already requesting for another banquet. "We need this!" They said. How true. Yes we parted in flesh, but our spirits are knit together as Fellow Prisoners of Christ.

Feedback continues to come in from excited and thankful youths who enjoyed this special time. May God Richly Bless Brother Joseph Branham and the Voice of God Team for laboring so that we could enjoy.