How CONVO 2016 deepened my faith
By Falisha Hola | Photos by Patrick Scriven, et. al.
CONVO 2016 was an amazing experience and also a success. I met a lot of youth from other United Methodist Churches in the PNW Conference. I enjoyed sharing moments in small groups. Worship was eye-opening.
This year, I was very fortunate to be on the Conference Council on Youth Ministries team (CCOYM) as a representative from the Seattle District. We met a few times before CONVO, working on programs as well as the theme for CONVO, “Inside Out”. It’s an amazing theme.
CONVO deepened my faith in God, which I believe will help me in my journey in life. I learned a lot at CONVO. Here are a few things that I will always bring with me from this experience:
• When things go wrong and life is tough, always remember that GOD is by your side. When you believe in him, God will turn the situation around.
• God is good, all the time.
• Everything happens for a reason. Always trust God.
• The two things Jesus wants us to do: love the Lord and love your neighbor.
• When we are able to love the Lord and our neighbors, we will grow in our faith and transform lives in our community.
There were a lot of unforgettable moments. One of these moments included being pied in the face – but for a good cause! Throughout CONVO we raised money selling snacks and selling rocks to place in jars. Each jar had a picture of team of youth, I was paired with my friend Mary, and the team with the most rocks at the end of the weekend would get a pie in the face.
We were raising funds for the Youth Service Fund (YSF). The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is run completely by, with and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money and the projects supported are designed by youth, led by youth, and for youth. I was so surprised that Mary and I had the most rocks; it was a fun and priceless moment.
A big shoutout and thank you to everyone who contributed to CONVO! Praise GOD!
Malo!
Special thanks to Teri Tobey.
Falisha Hola is a member of First Tongan United Methodist Church in Seattle.
