The Young Foundations banquet held at Le Meridien Hotel, Uyo, Nigeria, left an imprint in the hearts of the local youths. The countless hours spent in setting up the banquet had surely paid off because as brother Branham puts it, “one soul is worth more than ten thousand worlds.”

11:00 (GMT) ARRIVAL

Youths from all parts of the country were in attendance. Many came from far distances- some as much as 350 miles and most travelled by bus (some 10-12 hours drive). It was really inspiring to see how much they had sacrificed to attend the banquet.

12:50 (GMT) BANQUET BEGINS

The banquet was opened by Brother Andrew Alasa, VGR office manager in Nigeria, who introduced us to our hosts: Brother Gerald Buitenkamp (VGR office manager, Netherlands), Brother Matthew (his son) and Brother Steve Tutani (VGR, Zimbabwe). After a short welcome address by Brother Gerald, we were dismissed for our food.

13:00 (GMT) LUNCH

Lunch was buffet-styled. This comprised of various continental and intercontinental dishes served with a variety of fruits and vegetables. While some tables queued for their food, others were asked to sing. Gradually, the initially timid atmosphere began to loosen up.

14:20 (GMT) SINGING

After about an hour of eating and chatting, we were ready for the next phase - singing! This was led by Brother Stephen. Frankly, it was one of the most enjoyable sessions I have witnessed. We were all on our feet singing at the top of our voices as we were led in songs like: I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy; Jesus is a winner man; Brothers how do you feel? … It was really an inspiring session.

15:00 (GMT) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

After the singing, Brother Steve acknowledged all the people that took active part in organizing the banquet. The youths who stayed all night setting up the banquet hall were given a thunderous applause and were then asked to come to the podium where their names were taken.

15:50 (GMT) TAPE SERVICE

After a short testimony by Brother Gerald, we were introduced to the crowning of the banquet - listening to God’s Voice for our day in a Message titled, “A Prisoner”.

The Message highlighted various Bible characters like Paul and Moses who forsook all the shining pleasures and prospects the world could offer to become complete prisoners, sold out to Christ (the Word). In a world where there are so many voices begging to be heard, we were privileged to listen to the One that mattered most.

At the end of the Tape, Brother Gerald called for those seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost to come forward. Soon there was no place to kneel as the podium was filled with hungry hearts burning to be satisfied with the power of God. As the ministers and deacons in attendance laid hands on us, pleading to God to fulfill His promise, the presence of God could be felt in the hall. Without a doubt, the purpose of this banquet was achieved. Brother Branham says it best: “… finally God had a man that was subject to Him, harnessed to Him and could not move until the Word of God moved Him…”

18:00 (GMT) CLOSING

After a few songs of worship and some announcements, the banquet was dismissed. We were delighted to receive the ‘Prisoner4Christ’ shirts and pins.

On behalf of the youths in Nigeria, I say may God richly bless you, Brother Joseph and the Young Foundations family.