The NEOSA Division’s “Dancing Upon Injustice” Youth Councils presented 365 delegates with this challenge: If you allow God to work through you, you can change the world.

Throughout the weekend, kids were convicted by videos, dramas, messages, small–group sessions, and presentations that showed the injustices in this world that hurt God’s people. The kids learned that God chose them to fight those injustices and bring hope to people in need.

On Saturday, teens presented four powerful messages, three in the form of monologues by the Youth With a Mission (YAM) program.

Captain Suzanne Hickman, then director of the territorial Children’s Ministry Outreach Bureau, brought a challenging message about injustices around the world. The meeting closed with a YAM Competition between Major Larry Ashcraft, general secretary, and Captains Jon Jackson and Kevin Zanders.

Jackie Heming’s four-part drama highlighted the evening meeting. The program included a monologue by Brittany Yawn and a hip-hop dance choreographed by Terrylee Wagner and Sarah Hall. The YAM drama, featuring a monologue by Jessie Wright, emphasized the hopelessness we feel when we see injustice and how Jesus can fight it through us.

The meeting ended with a challenge to commitment by Envoy Steve Bussey, co-director of the Railton School for Youth Worker Training. Many delegates came forward. Several received awards, including the Youth of the Year Ashley Gault of the Ravenna Corps and the Youth Worker of the Year, Alex Fawcette of the Cleveland Miles Park Corps.

Sunday morning’s meeting featured more drama, NEOSA Brass, and a monologue by Ernie Mummey. Major Stephen Banfield, principal of the School for Officer Training, gave a message based on Isaiah 6—that we need to be cleansed, then hear the music in order to dance upon injustice.

—Paul Heming is the Youth and young adult ministries coordinator.