After a successful conference in Saskatchewan, which saw 1,200 youth hear about Jesus, the Inspire Our Nation Conference is coming to Winnipeg.
Starting in 2018, it was as an opportunity for youth to overcome struggle and influence their world for Jesus by coming together, and filling the hole for youth conferences.
"There are some different events happening but this one is unique. A big focus of ours is diversity. With the intentional reach of First Nations Communities, reaching out to churched youth and non-churched youth, you can come from wherever you are," Conference Manager Alex Janzen says.
Janzen who also serves as a middle school pastor at Oasis Church, sees the struggle that many youth go through daily. Creating a conference for them to gather has been a dream come true.
"It is harder to be a teenager now than ever before. There are so many social pressures and anxiety and addiction temptations, peer pressure and social media, and all that comes along with that. Mental health struggles, it's just endless," Janzen says. "It's such a need to meet, to minister to these youth, to share the hope and life of Jesus with them. It's such an opportunity and honour to do that with our Inspire team."
At the free conference, there will be three main sessions with worship music, games, and prizes. Cheryl Nembhard will be the keynote speaker, and there will also be a spoken word group called Legacy One from Saskatchewan.
A lot of the students in the leadership program will be sharing their stories, dancing, singing, and anything to live out their God dreams which is the conference theme. There will also be 9-10 workshops for students to choose from.
Besides the conference, Inspire also has a leadership program with 35 students from various communities, northern communities in Saskatchewan, and in the city of Saskatoon.
"Those students are travelling to Winnipeg, they helped host the conference in Saskatoon. They're so excited to share their stories, experiences, and tools they have gained through overcoming struggles and experiencing the hope of Jesus," Janzen says.
For any youth wanting to attend, it is free, but Janzen says they strongly recommend that you register before coming.
"Youth groups are welcome to come and we will also be inviting a number of First Nations Communities from across Manitoba. Youth don't have to come with a group, they can come with a parent, teacher, caregiver, or just with some friends" says Janzen.
Janzen asks for prayer for open doors, willing hearts to come, and that many will come to know Jesus for the first time and experience Him in a life-changing way.
Inspire Our Nation is open to any youth in grades 6-12 and is happening at 745 Kapleus Drive on April 12 and 13.