The Lord poured out His great blessings upon us in a wonderful way at our recent YF youth gathering in Perth, Western Australia. It had been 12 months since our YF team had got together with the young people. Many precious memories came flooding back as the time for the event drew near and the excitement and expectations grew. It was a time to catch up with friends, to make new friends, to fellowship together, and most of all to spend time with Him.

The youth came from near and far. It was such a blessing to renew acquaintances and to see so many smiling faces. What an atmosphere!

The “Cub Corner kids” enjoyed team games together while the older youth warmed up with volleyball. The last game came down to the wire – it was a clash between the under 20’s and over 20’s. After some tense moments and close calls, the over 20’s finally ruled the day!

The pizza’s arrived and the hungry youth were satisfied. During supper we could hear them fellowshipping together, as their minds turned in anticipation to the spiritual food to come. Just before desert we enjoyed a Bible and Message quiz. As the questions rang out, hands shot up with eager enthusiasm: “Pick me – I know the answer” was written all over their faces. It was a fine display of talent as young minds quickly responded to: “What type of fish was given back its life?” “Who does the Word of the Lord come to?” Well-earned ice-creams were served as the youth sang Happy and Gramps’ rendition of Amos 3:7.

We changed gears and maneuvered to the other end of the hall, where we worshipped the Lord! The singing was wonderful! The neighbours a few streets away learnt the words too; “Oh what singing, oh what shouting, On that happy morning when we all shall rise,” along many other favorites. We watched a slideshow and videos on www.themesage.com and the youth had to guess at which tract has raised the most questions. Before we joined Brother William for more great singing, we shared the wonderful testimony of the miraculous healing of 5 year old Silas Garcia.

What an encouragement it is to realise that:

And if you had enough of God in you, till It was just barely a shadow, that’s enough power to make a new earth. That’s enough power to make a new moon and a new system. It’s God, and it’s strong! And right now every believer in here has Life Eternal, which is, God’s Spirit in you; enough Power that will raise up the dead, that will heal the sick, that will set orbits in conditions. 61-0723m - "The Ever-Present Water From The Rock"

Our special time had arrived - Quiet Time. Some mediated, some prayed, others read; all were blessed with His presence and enjoyed a special time with the Lord. As we came to the close we remembered our precious brother and friend, Brother Gordon Tutani and family. Our love and prayers go out to them.

We can certainty say God blessed us abundantly.

We want to especially thank Brother Joseph for his love in making this event possible for the young people.

God bless you,

YF Team Australia