Spirits were sky-high when the rumour of a possible youth banquet began to spread throughout the Lagos metropolis. 'Can it be true?' was the question on everyone's lips. This question was soon answered when the date and venue was announced. Words could not express the excitement that followed the news around as youths began serious preparation for this event.

The sun rose rather too early on saturday the 25th of February simultaneously with the excitement that had long been building up in our hearts. I got a call from a friend informing me that he was on his way to the venue about 2 hours to the start of the program.

The hall soon began to fill up with expectant youths and shortly after the Voice of God Representative in our own country, Brother Andrew Alasa, took to the stage for a brief introduction. He then turned the audience over to Brother Jeremy Evans who in his welcome address told us the reason why Brother Joseph had put up the banquet. He then told us the main purpose of the banquet (and ultimately, the aim of Young Foundations)- to strengthen youths in their walk with Christ. Brother Evans then asked Brother John Wahl if he had any idea on dismissing the tables. Brother John then asked each table to sing a song before being released for their food. Slowly youths began to 'come out of their shells' and soon the hall was reverberating with very 'pretty singing' (as acknowledged by Brother William Mcmasters).

After much hustling, bubbling and stomach-filling, the audience was stilled for the main attraction- listening to God's Voice for this age in a sermon titled- A Prisoner. As the tape rolled on, everyone seemed engrossed in the book that were infront of them. There was absolute silence for the space of an hour and twenty-eight minutes as we wanted to hear for ourselves the message Brother Joseph was trying to pass to us. Finally, it seemed the message had been passed as youths stood to their feet with hands raised and eyes closed.

As Brother Jeremy mounted the podium, it was like he was reading my thoughts. He began to tell us to forfeit all our ambitions, like Paul and Moses did, and surrender our all to God. Many responded to this call including... Me!

Finally, the banquet was brought to a close amidst much singing. It was clear that nobody wanted to leave as youths began to gather in small clusters outside the venue. However we were consoled by the thought of The Great Round-Up where they'll be no sad faces or good-byes.

Did I forget? We were alarmed by the sponsors of the banquet- Young Prisoners- through the Jesus Jar contribution, and this left us speechless.

On behalf of Young Foundations Nigeria, we say may God bless you Brother Joseph, and well done to my fellow prisoners. By His Grace, we hope to be in the number when the Saints go marching in.