News

Plymouth, USA—The Northern California Conference Music Camp 2026 took place from July 22-August 2, under the theme “Arise”. The event was a great blessing, providing participants with an opportunity to grow musically, spiritually, and personally in a Christian environment.

Throughout the camp, students attended instrument classes, music technique workshops, music theory classes, seminars on music ministry, and a multimedia workshop, receiving well-rounded training for serving God through music.

The camp brought together students and instructors from many countries, including the United States, Hungary, Portugal, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, Poland, Brazil, and others, fostering Christian fellowship and international collaboration.

A special highlight of the program was the weekend held in conjunction with the Union’s Spiritual Conference, where participants were blessed by inspiring messages and worship services.

The camp concluded with a student recital, during which participants demonstrated the progress they had made throughout the week of study and practice. The recital reflected not only their musical development but also the spirit of the camp’s theme, “Arise,” encouraging everyone to use their God-given talents in His service and for His glory.

Oradea, Romania—In 2025, between July 28 and August 2, Oradea became the meeting point for young people coming from all corners of Romania and over thirty other countries to participate in the International Youth Convention, organized by the Youth Department of the Romanian Union. The theme was “Who are you?”. The BBSO Campus transformed into a vibrant, lively place where the participants’ energy and enthusiasm intertwined with the desire to know God more deeply and to discover their true identity in Christ.

On Monday evening, the event began with the first topic “Who Are You” presented by Brother Horia Ioniță. It was a call to reflect on personal identity. The message challenged the participants to drop their masks and the pressures that make them live according to the standards of others, and to rediscover the authenticity that only Christ offers. The day ended in an atmosphere full of emotion and joy, marking the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

The following days were spent in worship and fellowship. Seminars were presented by Brethren Csongor Matyas and Liviu Tudoroiu. There were Q&A sessions and time to explore the beauty of the Padiș area and the city of Oradea, walking through the historical center, admiring the architecture, and experiencing the lively cultural atmosphere. It was a time of joy, fellowship, and friendship.

In the mornings and evenings, back at the event center, profound messages were delivered by Brethren Radu Ioniță, Daniel Balbach, and David Zic. The messages reminded the youth that a person’s value is not measured by personal achievements or a projected image, but by Christ’s sacrifice, which gives everyone a lasting identity and a clear purpose. The days ended in an energetic atmosphere, with choir and orchestra rehearsals, as well as recreational activities that strengthened friendships.

Thematic workshops were held simultaneously under the theme “Passions that Define You,” each bringing a practical perspective on everyday life:

Mental Health and Addictions – Daniel Balbach spoke about emotional challenges and how faith and community support can help overcome addictions.

Medical Workshop – Dr. Emil Barbu offered useful advice for a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing prevention and caring for the body as a gift from God.

Nutrition – Lucian Condrache showed how a balanced diet contributes not only to physical health but also to mental clarity and a more harmonious spiritual life.

Relationships – Arcadii Mangul discussed the importance of respect, communication, and pure love in interpersonal relationships, emphasizing that they reflect the character of Christ.

Mission – Septimiu Mureșan encouraged the youth to view life as a calling to serve, reminding them that every gesture of kindness can be a light to others.

Finances – Daniel Cojocaru presented biblical and practical principles for resource management, showing that financial responsibility is part of a mature and faithful identity.

The Sabbath brought an atmosphere of celebration and joy. Brother David Zic emphasized that true change does not come through our own efforts but through the grace of God in his message titled “Identity in Christ”.

In the afternoon, music became the language through which faith was expressed. At the sacred music concert “Redeemed for Heaven”, the choir and orchestra conveyed the beauty of salvation through song.

The evening brought a time of praise and worship under the title “A New Beginning – Ready to Shine”. The cultural diversity of the participants was reflected through music and poetry, outlining a vivid picture of unity in faith.

The International Youth Convention was a special time that brought together close to 1,500 souls in Oradea, joined by around 45,000 people who watched the programs online. Each day brought us joy, hope, and faith, helping us discover who we truly are in God’s eyes.

Let us never forget that the answer to the question “Who are you?” is simple and wonderful. We are sons and daughters of the Most High. Therefore, how do we represent our Heavenly Father?

We are thankful for every moment spent at this IYC and invite you to prepare for the International Youth Convention to be held in Georgia, USA, in 2027 under the theme FOCUS. More information can be found here.

Cavite, Philippines—From May 26–31, 2026, young people from across Asia and around the world gathered in Cavite, just outside Manila, for IYC 2026: VIRTUE. More than simply another youth conference, the event marked a historic milestone for the SDARM Youth Department as it inaugurated a new format for the International Youth Convention (IYC).

For the first time, IYC will rotate across continents, bringing together young people from around the world through a series of annual conventions. From 2026 to 2029, four gatherings on four continents will each explore a distinct biblical theme, encouraging participants to grow in their walk with Christ while strengthening the bonds of the worldwide church.

The inaugural convention centered on the theme VIRTUE, inspired by the apostle Peter’s exhortation:

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue…” —2 Peter 1:5

In a world that continually pressures young people to compromise their convictions, the messages throughout the week challenged attendees to pursue lives marked by Christlike character, purity, courage, and spiritual strength. Rather than viewing virtue as an abstract ideal, speakers emphasized that it is a daily choice made through a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Throughout the convention, lectures explored topics such as cultivating pure hearts and minds, Christian identity, relationships, family life, and overcoming personal struggles through the transforming power of God. Interactive workshops and breakout sessions allowed participants to examine these subjects more deeply, while live question-and-answer panels provided practical, biblically grounded counsel for everyday challenges.

Beyond the meeting hall, recreational activities created opportunities for meaningful fellowship among young people from different cultures and backgrounds. Friendships were formed, experiences were shared, and participants were reminded that they belong to a global family united by a common faith and mission.

Music also played a memorable role throughout the week. Choirs, orchestras, vocal ensembles, and instrumental groups from various parts of the world enriched the worship services with reverent and uplifting selections, creating an atmosphere that directed hearts toward Christ and added beauty to the gathering.

As the first convention in this new international series, VIRTUE established a clear foundation for the years ahead—not only calling young people to understand biblical virtue, but to live it intentionally in every aspect of life.

The journey now continues as the International Youth Convention moves to its next destination. Building upon the momentum of VIRTUE, the SDARM Youth Department looks forward to welcoming young people to IYC 2027 as this worldwide initiative continues to encourage a generation committed to faithfully following Christ.