The Conference which had its main theme as “Youth as Disciples Indeed” was a five-day event that started from 9th to 13th August, 2017 and held at State Capitals. In Rivers State, Rivers West, held their conference at Greater Evangelism World Crusade Club Road Church, #1 Club Road, Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital.

GEP correspondent was present at the Rivers West Conference. The prestigious event attracted participants from all over Rivers West which comprised of over 29 local government areas of Rivers State.

The conference uniquely featured a variety of Teachings, Talks, Plenary Session, Seminars, Bible Studies, Power Night Prayers, Drama, Music Concert, Football Match and General Elections of new Officers of the Fellowship. Some of the key Guest ministers who featured were: the State Minister, Rivers West, Pastor Blessing Udoh; the Administrator General of Rivers West, Pastor Charles Ejima; the Deputy Administrator General, Pastor Philip Ojie; ; the Missions Coordinator of Rivers West, Teacher Enoch Isaac; the National Youth Minister, Evangelist Mike Ojie;  the Zonal Minister for Town Zone 2, Pastor Francis Asuk;  the Senior Pastor Club Road Church, Evangelist Chris Israel; and Pastor Chidi Ozodo amongst others.

The official opening ceremony kicked off on the second day of the Conference being Thursday 10th August, 2017. It wonderfully showcased a special Music Presentation by the RWYF Choir.

The Zonal Minister for Town Zone 2 of GEWC, Pastor Francis Asuk ministered during the opening ceremony. He told us of the early days of the youth fellowship, the founding international director of blessed memory Apostle G. D. Numbere shared a burden that was in his heart with the leaders of the youth fellowship at the time. He showed them the map of Africa, the countries of Africa, and the few places where Greater Evangelism was at the time, he said “I am showing you Africa because there are many countries and States that are meant to be conquered for Christ and I know that you can do it”. He encouraged them to run with the vision - To Know Jesus and To make Jesus Known. Pastor Francis Asuk said that the vision lives on and we are the ones to take the vision everywhere. He read from 1 Peter 5: 5-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-15; Proverbs 4:23. He spoke on the topic: “Disciples Indeed” saying that for youths to be disciples indeed, they must be diligent and clothed with humility and that it is what qualifies them to be used by God after believing in God.

The Rivers West State Minister, Pastor Blessing Udoh at the climax of the event on Sunday 11th June, 2017 gave a message on the topic: “The Characteristics of a Disciple and Benefits of Being a Disciple” (John 8:30-32). He said a disciple is a follower of Jesus who learns to be like his master Jesus in every aspect. Every leader wants to produce someone that is greater than them, Jesus said the works that I do, greater works will you do.

He gave various characteristics of a disciple indeed;

• Living a Christ centered life.
• Living a life of honesty.
• Living a life of integrity.
• Living a life of holiness.
• Love towards one another.
• Having a servant spirit.
• Having a forgiving heart.
• Spend quality time with God.
• Develop the right attitude towards the issues of life and be courageous.
• You must be loyal to your pastors, ministers and elders.
• Be a man of initiative.
• He gave the benefits of being a disciple
• Closer relationship with the master.
• Commitment to be like the master.
• Authority of the master (Matthew 10:25; 12:1-7).
• Seeing Jesus revealed in all His glory.

Pastor Blessing Udoh, in his conclusion said God has a purpose for every man on earth. He encouraged the youths to desire more of Jesus, ask Him to reveal Himself and desire to be like Jesus in their heart and soul.

Pastor Chidi Osodo spoke on leadership. There was a plenary session where the youths of Rivers West had the opportunity to ask the State Minister, Pastor Blessing Udoh and his entourage questions bothering them which were answered with clarity.  Teacher Tammy Ejimadu, Bro. Emmanuel Sydney and other guest artists ministered during the concert.

There was an election after the screening of nominees. Seventeen (17) candidates were elected to fill the seventeen vacant offices of the Rivers West Youth Fellowship.

The State Minister Rivers West, Pastor Blessing Udoh addressing the large crowd admonished the newly elected officers to be faithful and carry every youth along in the State by visiting all the zones in the State especially those in the rural areas experiencing crises. He also encouraged the youths to support the newly elected officers. He prayed and inaugurated the newly elected officers.