Word Alive

Each year NETS hosts a conference to equip local pastors and laypeople to address a relevant topic from a Biblical perspective. This year our topic was confronting Gender-Based Violence. This is a huge issue here in Namibia. One speaker noted, is it any wonder that the only world champion sports figures we have are boxers. Each evening we had big sessions with a main speaker, then broke up for more discussion-based workshops. I co-lead a workshop on the effects of abuse on children and youth, how we can identify it, and ultimately how we can help. Once again, rather than using more words, I'll use pictures to describe the event.

One of our main speakers addresses the church's response to GBV

Our MC helps lighten the mood

Enjoying a cup of tea during break time

My co-leader in our workshop addressing effects on children and youth

Small group discussions in our workshop

Legalism, Lawlessness & the Gospel of Grace

This past weekend over a hundred young adults representing at least 6 different churches attended this first annual Young Adult conference. It was a good turnout for the first time and we hope it only gets bigger as we go. Personally, I loved seeing the expression of unity among the churches since that's such a rare thing around here.

Pastor Conrad Mbewe from Zambia came as our speaker to address the topic of Legalism, Lawlessness & the Gospel of Grace. He went through the Parable of the Prodigal Son and used the three main characters to speak to each area of that theme: the older brother was the legalist, the younger son was the lawless one, and the father taught us about the gospel of grace. After the talks we split up into small groups to discuss what we learned and how to apply it to our lives.

My role was helping lead worship which I thoroughly enjoyed. I recruited my friend Riko from my church to play guitar and sing along with me. Initially it was a challenge to come up with songs that people from multiple churches would be familiar with, but it ended up going well as there was at least something that everyone could connect with. We got lots of good feedback and look forward to putting together a full band for next year!

But as they say a picture speaks a thousand words, and you don't want to read a thousand words, so here's a few more photos for you to enjoy!

Our conference theme t-shirts

Hanging out at the conference

One of the church choirs leading us in worship

Discussion groups after the main sessions

Q&A panel with Pastor Mbewe and Pastor Spencer

With Pastor Mbewe and some of my NETS students