Country by country, one youth group at a time, the Lord is opening up doors and supplying the means to host YF events all over the world. A single evening banquet may seem like a small thing for such a large amount of work. But to the young recipients that attend, they receive a lifetime of blessings and a heart full of love that they'll never forget.
Below is a compiled video from our recent, and first ever, Zambia youth banquet, as well as a heartfelt audio report from one of the young people present at the banquet. This is followed by a written report of the wonderful experiences that took place. You'll also find many feedback at the bottom of the page from the young people whose lives were blessed and changed after this special evening.
When Brother Joseph made the decision to have a banquet for the young people in Lusaka Zambia, it was evident that there was something the Lord was going to do for the young people there. The Voice Of God Recordings staff at the Lusaka office had watched their chance slip by not too long before this, but this time was different! They were going to do all they could to make sure that young brothers and sisters in Christ would have a chance to experience a wonderful time of fellowship, and worship in the Lord!
As the days of the banquet neared, the assistant manager of the Zambia office, Brother Maurice Phiri, patiently fielded calls from, pastors, parents, the young people themselves, and friends. Most of the callers wanted to make for sure they had done all they were required in order to confirm their spot at this event, as they did not want to miss out on such a special occasion. Our faithful brother handled each call with diligence and carefully orchestrated the long hard task of handling the invitations, new sign-ups, and confirmations of those that would be coming.
For this banquet, Brother Joseph decided to send several representatives from different countries. Brothers Gordon and Stephen Tutani from the Zimbabwe office, Brothers Gerald and Mathew Buitenkamp from the VGR European Office, and Brother Ronald Evans from the office in Jeffersonville. Each of these brothers were under great expectation for the Lord to bless all that were able to come.
As the morning arrived, it was apparent the enemy was working hard to disrupt the timing of the meeting, as many of the last minute preparations had not been finalized, even though a small group of brothers and sisters worked tirelessly through the night to put the last finishing touches on the chairs and tables of the banquet venue. However, with just a few minutes to spare before the young people were to be let into the banquet, the precious Hand of the Lord intervened and all that was seeming to go wrong began to reverse. At 11:30 am on March 22, 2014, a long line of young brothers and sisters formed, and the VGR staff welcomed over 350 young people to the Young Foundations banquet in Lusaka Zambia.
Much like the Camps at Still Waters, the young people were shy and quiet at first, nervously entering the large banquet hall, finding their numbered table and sitting quietly in anticipation. As each table slowly started to fill up, some of the youth talked to others sitting next to them, a few smiles and laughter, but many were unsure of what to expect, sitting quietly at their table until the sound of the microphone got their attention.
As they enjoyed a welcome glass of juice at their table, Brother Maurice, the assistant manager of the Zambia office, came up and welcomed the youth. He told them to relax and have a good time, and he introduced Brother Gordon Tutani to come up for a short time and speak to the kids. You could tell Brother Gordon was recognized by many youth in Zambia by the way the youth responded to him, and there were many cheers and smiles as our brother explained how the the Prisoner Of Christ pins they received were a gift from Brother Joseph. Brother Gordon then broke the ice with a couple songs and we were now underway! From the moment the first song was sung, the precious Spirit of the Lord seemed to hover over every table, and the outside world was no more. Brother Gordon then introduced the Voice Of God representatives and had each stand up so the young people could recognize who they were. He then called upon the Zambia Office liaison, Brother Ronald Evans, to share a few words and pray over the food that was soon to be served. Brother Ronald greeted the young people on behalf of Brother Joseph and the VGR staff in Jeffersonville, and then asked if the young people came expecting a blessing for the remainder of the banquet. An overwhelming majority raised their hands in excitement, and our brother responded with how Brother Branham said you usually get what you expect, and how he was also expecting the banquet to be a blessing. After a prayer over the food, the young people were dismissed by table, only after each singing a song together, called "Table Singing," which has become a fun filled tradition in many of the banquets that YF has had around the world.
As the young people enjoyed their delicious meal, you could see and feel the excitement in each smile, the laughter from one corner to the next seemed to resonate every few seconds, and constant flashes of light from camera’s both near and far were a sign that the young people were really having a wonderful time already. The Fellowship continued through the food and dessert service, and shortly after Brother Stephen Tutani was introduced to lead the youth in some fun singing and songs of worship. Brother Stephen truly struck a chord with the youth in Zambia as he spoke quickly about taking a stand for the right thing in the midst of wordly associates and then led the whole banquet into a number of songs that were sung in such a spirit and with such heart, that you could honestly forget where you were! We are sure that those on the outside of this banquet were wondering just what it was that made us sing the way we did, and what we were so happy about!
After the powerful singing and rejoicing, it set the stage for the most important part of every banquet, the Message. As each seat was once again occupied and the atmosphere slowly became quiet once again, Brother Gerald Buitenkamp was introduced to speak about the Work that he does in his country and the importance of the Message of the hour. He shared testimonies of the sacrifices that had been made to get the Message to the people of his country, and how important the Message is today to all of us. You could really see that the words that he said made an impact on so many, and inspired many of the youths to listen to the Voice of God that has been stored up for us in this late hour.
As Brother Gerald finished up and Brother Gordon came up once again to introduce the main speaker of the event, all laughter and smiles were gone, and the youth were ready to receive the blessing that they came for! As Brother Branham’s voice first echoed through the speakers of that banquet hall, a large number of the youth punctuated many statements with a loud AMEN! The Message that was played was “A Prisoner” 63–0717.
It was hard not to wonder how many were receiving what the Lord was saying through the precious Words we were hearing. How many were actually becoming A Prisoner of Jesus Christ? Making a choice if they had not already, to submit their lives to the Lord, letting the Holy Spirit live Itself through them? A little over an hour later, all questions were answered, as the end of the Message neared. As Brother Branham prayed, he asked for those that had the ambition to be a prisoner to Jesus Christ to raise their hand. Though our eyes were closed and heads bowed in reverence, we sung quietly with Brother Branham “I Surrender All”. The Spirit was so sweet and seemed to lift every burden and care of the world off every shoulder. What a presence it was, as the Message ended and a closing prayer was made, tables emptied and nearly three quarters if not all of the youth rushed to the altar and began praying in their own way. The Spirit once again descended among us, some prayed, some cried out, and some just in reverence, but what a glorious and wonderful thing to see so many receive the precious blessing that they came for!
After such wonderful worship, the youth made their way back to their seats. They were then given another gift from Brother Joseph as a reminder of the blessing they received at this banquet. T-shirts proclaiming that they were prisoners of Christ! They wasted no time putting these t-shirts on, and marched out to the side of the building for a group picture. The laughter and joy had begun once again, and as the fellowship lasted a while longer after the picture, we truly had a feeling that many, if not all, have come away from this banquet closer to the Lord than when they came in! Not only those that were invited to be there received this blessing though. We received comments from the head of housekeeping that she was happy to see the youth get the Word of God than be out on the streets like so many others. There were also two of the hotel staff members that inquired about our banquet there, one asking to be baptized and both seeking a closer walk with the Lord! What a tribute to God’s Power through His Message that continues to be played anywhere there is a hungry heart to receive It!
May the Lord continue to bless all those who were a part of this banquet, and we ask for your prayers that the Lord will continually lead, guide, and direct the young people of Zambia.
May our lives be so submitted to Thee, that the Holy Spirit will live Itself through us, and speak through us, Lord. May we remember, in our minds, as we walk upon the street and rub arms with the world, we’re not supposed to be like those. And we step aside and give them the place, Lord, and their rightful position here on earth. We’ll take the back seat, knowing that we are delegates from another world. We have a Kingdom that’s coming into power, Lord. And our great King will soon arrive and take over all the kingdoms that’s in His domain. And He shall rule and reign; with Him here on earth, thousand years, and be with Him forever. 63-0717 A Prisoner
Feedback from Zambia Banquet:
(1)
22 March 2014, stands to be my great day in my life, I experienced the power of GOD. I was renewed and a retouch of the Holy Spirit, and now I will never be the same, but a prisoner of Christ not imposed but in cold blood after attaining the youth banquet in LUSAKA Zambia.
As thus, thanks to Brother Joseph Branham for Young Foundations and making the banquet possible for us.
May the Lord bless you.
(2)
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Firstly I would like to thank God for His Grace and mercy in my life. He granted me the opportunity to experience a glimpse of what heaven will be like (the Young Foundations banquet). Furthermore, I appreciate Brother Joseph Branham and all the VGR staff for the burden to have the banquet in Zambia.
Words cannot express the experience I had that day. All I can say is my life was changed to be a Prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ and I have not been the same since that day. The atmosphere was just heavenly that I wished we could just go on and on in His presence.
The beautiful Prisoner 4 Christ t-shirt and the tag just completed the whole event on a great note. I really appreciate it! May the Lord God bless Brother Joseph and his family, the entire VGR staff and all that contributed to ensuring the banquet is a success here in Zambia.
My appreciation to Bro Ronald Evans, Bro Gerald, Bro Gordon Tutani, Bro Martin, Bro Steve and all the VGR staff in Zambia. You made the day memorable. Always remember every effort you made towards that day changed someone’s life (Me).
Continue with the great work. I salute you for it.
(3)
Personally, I profusely thank Bro Joseph Branham and the Voice of God Recordings for the Young Foundations banquet we had here in Zambia and for the stuffs we received. It is my prayer that God blesses you for the work you are doing. We had a splendid time together as youths, and I can testify that I am no longer the same. I may not have anything to give in return, but know that I and the brethren here are praying for you.
May God Bless You!
(4)
The Young Foundations banquet we had in Zambia on the 22nd of March was a wonderful experience and a blessing to my soul. The youths from different parts of the country were all there and we had fellowship together, it was a wonderful time we had. The message we listened to really blessed my soul. After the message we had an alter call were we all had a wonderful time in prayer. That really revived me.
Special thanks to Brother Joseph Branham, all the Voice of God
(5)
Dear Br Joseph Branham,
I salute you in the name of Jesus Christ. Trusting and believing that all is well, words cannot express how grateful I am. I want to thank you for the banquet you put up here in Lusaka. It was a life changing experience, I benefited A LOT!!. I pray that God continues to bless you, as you continue sharing the vision of our prophet.
Thank You and God Bless
(6)
I greet you all there in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would love to extend my appreciation to you for the successful Youth Banquet that we had here in Zambia on the 22nd March 2014. I can not find words to express what you did to our Spiritual lives, our solo feeling as African youths was cast out, and all I can say is that I AM A PRISONER FOR CHRIST! Thank you Brother Joseph Branham and God richly bless you all.
(7)
I am thanking you Brother Joseph for your love you have for us as youths. The youth banquet really changed our lives here in Zambia. It’s my first time to have such an experience in my life. Coming together from all parts of the country, it was like half of heaven on earth. I am geared to give a service to the Lord and am here to confess that I am a Prisoner for Christ. God richly bless you.
Thank you.
From your brother
(8)
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the banquet that we had…My life will never be the same. Sister Leah, a willing Prisoner For Christ.
May the good Lord richly bless you.
(9) Greetings in the name of the our Lord Jesus Christ,
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Bro Joseph Branham and the VOG team for making it possible for us to have a banquet. I for one was really blessed and enjoyed the occasion, it was so wonderful, uplifting and I didn’t go back the way I went in because the Lord spoke to me in a special way at that occasion.
Thank you Bro Joseph for the tag and T-shirt of prisoner for Christ, I really want to be a real prisoner for Christ.
May God richly bless you.
(10)
I want to say thank you from deep within my heart for having given me the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the youth banquet.
I am happy to be a prisoner for Christ.
Thank you Brother Joseph and Voice of God.
(11)
Dear Bro Joseph
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I would like to thank you and VGR staff so much for the arrangement of a successful and wonderful YF banquet held in Lusaka, Zambia. I was privileged to be one of the chaperons there and my, such a good spiritual atmosphere. We were encouraged by testimonies from overseas brothers followed by the message from our prophet William Branham “A Prisoner” which moved me a step further towards the mark of the high calling in Christ. It was such a blessing for me to be there. I will live to remember that good day.
Gifts of ‘Prisoner 4 Christ’ pins and T-shirts were distributed, we are thankful.
We appreciate the coming of Bro Ron Evans, Bro Gerald, Bro Matthew, Bro Gordon Tutani and Bro Steve, they were a blessing to us.
Brother Joseph may God bless you for the vision.
Sister Loveness
(12)
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
My name is Joshua Martin Mbewe and I would like to personally thank you for organizing the Young Foundations banquet held at international hotel. I enjoyed it and changed me. The testimonies from Brother Evans and other representatives. I was privileged to see the grandson of Brother Evans whom the prophet talked about concerning his car.
I very much enjoyed the message “A Prisoner” of which listening to it once was not enough. I loved it. Thank you.
After the event, I slept at a fellow brother’s place (he also attended the banquet) because I live quite far. During my stay on that Saturday evening, the both of us were having a chat about the Message and sharing testimonies and we were talking until it was very late. We prayed and went to sleep. It was a glorious time. The next Sunday morning we were in church and Brother Ronnie opened up the service , then came Brother Tutani. What these two brothers spoke was what me and the brother who’s place I slept over was talking about the night before. What an“ icing on the cake”. I felt good.
A prisoner was the theme and a prisoner I am. I have learnt that one can be too busy for the Message, because as I’m on a bus going into/coming from town, I listen on my phone.
Thank you Brother Joseph and Young Foundations. Bring another banquet. Its a life changing experience.
Thank you and God bless you.
(13)
I greet you all in the lovely Name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I would like to thank Brother Joseph and the Voice of God team for providing us with such an outstanding event with well experienced staff from Voice of God that visited us. I say with my friends here in Zambia, God bless you more and more and truly who ever attended the banquet can never be the same.
I would like to share a testimony to vindicate how the Young Foundations banquet brought God on the scene. We started in the morning from Copperbelt province about 430km (approx. 270 miles) to Lusaka province where the banquet was held. Bro Maurice, with Voice of God staff in Zambia, called us to find out where we have reached, and we said just near. But when we were just about to approach Lusaka we had a tire puncture just by the bush. We had to stop and I told the brothers to quickly bring the jack, but surprisingly the jack was not there and the road sign triangles was also not there. Before we started I had told the brother not to remove the jack and triangles from the car, but he forgot and mistakenly remove them. So we wondered how we shall change the tire. In just a minute an unregistered car stopped just about 5 meters from us and there was one person who kept on watching us. The brothers told me to go and ask for assistance of a jack. I went there and the man said no problem he came near to us, gave us the jack, we changed the tire and we gave him back and we appreciated. He got the jack, turned his car and drive back where he came from. Then we wondered who this man is? It’s just God Himself who can do that He saw the need, He knew that the jack wasn’t there and He sent us help in that time of our trouble. He never wanted us to miss such an outstanding event, and by the time Bro Maurice called us we were in the banquet. Truly He watches over us.
Bro Steven Kalobwe (Zambia)
(14)
Greeting Saints,
On behalf of all the youths in Zambia, I would like to thank you Brother Joseph Branham and all the Voice of God Recording staff for the love and the concern you have for the youths, not just here in Zambia but around the world. We thank you very much for the banquet held here in Lusaka. It was wonderful to have such a thing and experience that kind of fellowship and the kind of love we felt has changed our lives.
We thank you for all you are doing for the youths around the world. May the good Lord bless you so much and give you more wisdom.
Your precious brother,
Seth Ndhlovu
(15)
I am Bro David Mukange, one of the chaperones at the YF banquet held on the 22nd March 2014 at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia. The banquet was one of it’s own, well organized and well attended by youths from different parts of the country. It was a wonderful fellowship under the umbrella of the voice of Malachi 4. Borrowing the words of our prophet, “the physical types the spiritual”, we were welcomed with a glass of drink and settled on the well arranged seats to be fed on a very delicious meal. Time came for the very reason of our assembly to be rolled out. The VOG representatives gave their testimonies and the burden which Br. Joseph Branham has for the youths. I was personally moved to see the efforts and sacrifice of VOG and Br. Joseph. We then went on to listen to the Voice of God, the Message called A Prisoner. It was such a wonderful moment following the sermon closely as if the prophet was standing right before us. The eagle was feeding the YF eaglets mouth-to-mouth. The youths proved that they are truly children of Malachi 4 both in behavior and appearance. There was such a sweet atmosphere in the building and we were all ushered in worship by the prophet at the end of his heart-pricking message.
At the end of the program, T-shirts with the words“A Prisoner” and “Young Foundations” inscribed on them were distributed to everyone in attendance.
While t-shirts were being distributed, a security officer at the hotel looked at the cover of the Message Book and was attracted to the label “Voice of God Recordings”. Apparently, he records songs and thought he could use VOG for his recordings. He approached one of the sisters who was distributing the t-shirts and she referred him to me. I explained to him, in summary, what Voice of God Recordings is all about and also introduced the prophet and a few things pertaining to salvation as taught by the prophet. He saw the Light and decided to be a prisoner of Christ. To me, that capped the event. At least there was a new prisoner added to the list of God’s Prisoners in our time.
May God richly bless VOG, Br. Joseph Branham, and all the VOG representatives for making a 22nd March 2014 a day to remember. I am sure the youths have one testimony to tell: “And From That Time”, I am “A Prisoner” after feasting on “The Spiritual Food in Due Season”.
May the name of the Lord be praised! Shalom
(16)
Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is indeed my humble thanks giving to the Lord for the work you did towards the youth banquet held in Lusaka Zambia. It was timely and inspiring as we sat attentively to hear the voice of the prophet of the Lord playing back even as he admonished. The love shown towards the Bride through your works is worth saying for. May God continue to bless you is my prayer.
Brother Bwalya Silwamba, Zambia
(17)
Greetings Bother Joseph,
I want to appreciate your kindness and heart felt concern for young believers.
It was a blessed moment for me and I understand there are many demanding options where you would have desired to commit your hard earned resources. But to have it upon your heart to just host a banquet of which a young Zambian like me was privileged to attend cannot go without saying thank you.
May the good Lord richly bless you. Thank you.
Your brother in Christ,
EPHRAIM CHIPILIPILI
(18)
I would like to thank Bro Joseph Branham and all the Voice Of God staff for the youth banquet that occurred here in Zambia on the 22nd of March, 2014. It was such a blessing and their was a change in my life that very night. Not forgetting the t-shirt I received. May the good Lord bless you all. Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(19)
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Brother Joseph Branham and the entire Voice of God team for coming up with an amazing idea of Organizing the Young Foundation Banquet in ZAMBIA (AFRICA). It was a life transforming experience and I have never been the same since that Banquet. I was Blessed beyond measure. I have a closer walk with God since then. I, together with many other young brothers and sisters (youths) in Zambia are looking forward to many more Banquets to come. God truly and Richly bless you.
Br. Edwin Mushipe
(20)
Greetings,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the youth banquet held in Zambia on the 22nd of March, 2014. I was privileged to be part of this momentous occasion whose memory will forever be a memory of my youthful days.
(21)
I really thank God for the burden that he has placed on Bro Joseph Branham's heart for the youths. During the youth banquet in Zambia I was really blessed. I moved a step higher in my Christian life & I also enjoyed the food.
Thank you Bro Joseph & may the Lord bless you my loving brother. Your brother in Christ.
Bro Joyous Simukonda
(22)
May the good Lord richly bless you all. Thank you. Personally, I profusely thank the Voice of God Recordings and Bro Joseph Branham for the Young Foundations banquet we had here in Zambia and for the stuff we received. That banquet gave me a privilege to rededicate myself to the Lord and to be more closer to the Lord than ever. By now I am no longer a free person, I am a prisoner 4 Christ. Consequently, it is my prayer that God blesses you.