In observance of Easter festival, a Christian group under the banner Liberia Fellowship of Evangelical Students (LIFES) has ended a weeklong Easter Conference at the ELWA Youth Camp in Paynesville City, Montserrado County for young people.
LIFES is a group comprising of students, associates or graduates and staff with commitment to reach universities, churches, communities and the larger society with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from death described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion.
The conference was held under the theme: Awake with key Text taken from Nehemiah 2: 5. The conference brought together more than 90 participants from several universities. Students came from the University of Liberia, Cuttington, United Methodist University, AME University, Bomi, Bong and Nimba community’s colleges among others.
Speaking in an interview at the climax of the youth conference in Paynesville, the Conference central coordinating Committee chairman, TS Paul J. Sumo, noted that the weeklong event was intended to help students focus on God through the Bible, prepare them for better leadership, and find a clear purpose for life.
“The youth conference was intended to help students focus and to find direction in Life and purpose for Life because there are some students at various universities who don’t know the purpose for their lives. So, the training will help them find a clear direction and vision for life,’’ Mr. Sumo noted.
According to him, the conference was not only about teaching or studying the bible, but it also focused on leadership enhancement, and other key professional disciplines for livelihood.
Mr. Sumo at the same time called on young people across Liberia to serve as agents of positive change and help transform their life and society.
“As you leave from here today, go in your various communities and universities and pass on the knowledge acquired from the five days training and help others,’’ he added.
In remarks, the Director of Staff Training at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship USA Mid-Atlantic region, Dr. Shannon T. Lamb said she sees a lot of hope, energy of young people who are willing to answer to the call of God.
Dr. Lamb however urged participants to build integrity and a strong character that will change the narratives of Liberia and contribute to the rebuilding process for lasting peace and development.
She wants young people turn their frustration into a vision as they were told by one of the conference speakers.
She also encouraged participants to trust and believe in God and to create a community that will show love to each other at all times.
Five International speakers facilitated the training with over ninety (90) participants. The youth conference took place at the ELWA Youth camp in Paynesville City.
