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 You may have caught a glimpse of it on 3ABN or read news snippets about it in the media. Whatever it was, it made you curious about something called AYC. But what is it really all about? Is it a phenomenon, a fad that will die out with time?
In the first article of a series, we talk to Daryl Cheng, a young person involved in organising AYC, to learn more about AYC and the young people revived and on fire for Jesus all over Australia.
Q. So tell us Daryl, what does AYC stand for?
DC: AYC stands for Adventist Youth Conference.
Q. OK great! Could you tell us a little about what AYC is for and more about its purpose?
DC: AYC is a youth-led initiative with the purpose and mission of building effective workers. This is accomplished through inspiration, training and equipping young people to be soul-winners who will proclaim the everlasting Gospel, both in this country and throughout the world.
Many people think that AYC is simply an annual conference where we can come together and have a good time. However, it’s much more than that – it’s a movement, a wave, a lifestyle that carries on beyond the conference. It’s a challenge for young people, who after being trained are ready to spread the everlasting Gospel to the world.
Q. Impressive! That is a wonderful mission and purpose to have. I’m curious though, what do you actually do at AYC?
DC: AYC is an exciting weekend full of reviving sermons, mission reports, workshops, inspirational singing and much, much more.
Everything at AYC is practical – there is street ministry and door-knocking. There are chances to network with youth from all over Australia, and there are also opportunities to pray together.
Q. Wow, what an awesome experience to have! But what happens after AYC has finished?
DC: As I mentioned before, AYC is more than a conference – it doesn’t just stop with that one weekend!
Every AYC is connected with a major project in the host city, in which youth from around Australia can participate and serve.
For example, in 2006 and 2007, youth were challenged to participate in the Mark Finley, ‘Discoveries’ Campaign in Melbourne, and in 2008 and 2009, delegates were also inspired to join evangelistic campaigns throughout metropolitan Sydney with great success.
On top of this, we have follow-up programs such as the recently completed Discipleship workshop throughout Australia. There are also networking sessions during AYC itself which allow youth with similar interests and hobbies to network post-AYC.
Q. I noticed that ‘Y’ in AYC stands for youth. So does that mean that only youth can attend AYC? Who is AYC targeting?
DC: We are targeting the Adventist youth of Australia for a reason. °Gospel Workers, page 67, says “In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advancement of His cause.”
The challenge has been given and thus AYC is targeted at youth – to finish the work, to prepare for Jesus’ soon coming.
Q. Tell us, what sort of things will you learn there?
DC: AYC is not a theology forum, nor is it a doctrinal discussion-ground. Instead, the workshops and lectures are all directed at practical soul-winning techniques through a range of forums, including public evangelism, personal witnessing, health, music and much more.
Q. Has AYC impacted and blessed those who have been attended?
DC: AYC has blessed and impacted the lives of many people. The Bible says, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20), and we thank God that young people throughout Australia are active for God.
Take for example AYC’09, where there were 45 young people serving full-time in Bible work, 170 Bible-study contacts found in one hour of door-knocking, more than 70 decisions for baptism, AU$260,000 given by young people for youth evangelism and, connected with AYC, seven youth evangelistic series planned for 2009. Isn’t God amazing!
Q. So, Daryl, I’m sure that someone is wondering, ‘Should I come to AYC?’ What is your advice?
DC: My advice... Absolutely! We encourage all youth to come and see for themselves and to experience what AYC truly is about – and to be inspired, trained and to be equipped, not only for a weekend, but for life! See you at AYC 2010.
Thank you, Daryl, for answering some of our questions. To those of you who have been wondering about coming to AYC... well now you know a little about what to expect - Great Blessings! And as Daryl said... See you there! ;-)
Thanks to MG and LW for producing this article.
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