Report by Elder Kwamena Hansen- Sackey
The 2020 National Youth Glory Conference of the Church of Pentecost USA Inc was held between July 10th-12th ended under the theme, ” My Image: His Glory Manifested” Isaiah 60:1-3, Genesis 1:26, Ephesians 5:25-27. This virtual conference was a record first ever gathering in the history of COP USA.
Speaking at the conference were the National Youth and PENSA leader, Rev. Mike Portuphy, several Regional Youth Pastors, Bro Andrew Amankwah and Guest Speaker, Rev. Philip Chemel (National Youth Pastor COP Canada). Our guest artists were Rev Emmanuel Kyei Boate (Ghana) and Elder King George Acquah (Canada).
Over 3000 people across the United States and beyond participated in this 3-day conference via zoom, facebook and youtube platforms. Activities for the conference included revival invocations, musical inspirations, talent expositions, scriptural challenges, break out and track sessions, intercessory prayers and victorious praise and worship.
During the opening night, we had powerful ministrations and a scriptural challenge by a dynamic young man named Bro Andrew Amankwah (New York Region) dubbed: “I am created for God’s Glory”. Bro Amankwah dissected what it means to be created for God’s Glory and asserted that, “If you know your identity, you will know what to do, when to do it and how to do it and where you stand”. His teachings highlighted the importance of knowing who we are and why we are here in this world which is hidden in the Creator.
We had impactful breakout sessions led by our Regional Youth Pastors on the topic: Vessels of God’s Glory. It was a time for the youth members in the respective breakout sessions to learn about what it means to be a vessel for God and how to apply the Glory poured into us. The discussions provided members with the opportunity to ask various questions and have all their concerns addressed as as part of the agenda to equippping this generation to possess the nations .
Our track sessions during the conference tackled topics such as Hookups and Hangouts: The pros and cons of Youthful Relationships; Boys into Men: The Pitfalls and Pathways; Career & College-Bound Teens: Exploration 101; Handling my Handles: Social Media Addiction ;Cyber Bullying, Victory over Fear and Social Stigmas and Effective Time Management for the Young Person.
The Guest Speaker, Rev. Chemel mounted the podium on Saturday evening blessing the saints with an exhortation titled “Being Transformed into His Image through Worship”. He stated that: “Before you can worship God, you need your distorted image transformed by Christ into the image God created”. He emphasized that worship is not about songs but instead it is about holiness and righteousness, true and acceptable unto God.
The convener of the conference, Rev. Dr Mike Portuphy ministered on Sunday night delivering the grand finale sermon on the subtheme: “Go! Fill the Earth with Glory”. He highlighted the importance of knowing our identity in Christ- Christianity is about identity transformation, therefore there should be no identity crisis in Christ. Pastor Mike advised the young adults to get into the Kingdom culture where our lives glorified God versus focusing on the culture of this world. Finally, he reminded all participants that we are sanctified vessels of Glory in Christ and no longer slaves to sin, so we should go forth and manifest that Glory to possess nations.
During the grand finale service, the victory praises were so spirit filled that we had folks dancing in their homes on zoom and the streaming team took turns to spotlight the participants. It was absolutely beautiful, we had a special appearance by our National Head Apostle Agyemang and his wife Mama Sheila dancing to some hot pentecostal praises.
The consensus by all who attended the conference was that it was fire packed, groundbreaking, transformative and felt like an in-person conference. We thank God for the encounter we had and a successful conference in the COP USA. Special thanks goes to Apostle Michael Agyemang- Amoako( National Head COP USA) and his executives, Pastor Mike Portuphy( National Leader) and his executives, the Conference Planning Committee and all our members across the nation. Indeed, our God is not limited by distance. His presence was felt and transformation took place in the comfort of our homes. All Glory and Honor be unto His Name.
God bless you all.