Greater New York Conference Unveils InterHope 20/30
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Pat Gerahgty & Tito Diaz interviewed during InterHope 20/30 by Johnny Guerrero
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By Matt Geraghty
On September 30 the Greater New York conference began a new youth program with its newest event InterHope 20/30. This is a new initiative targeting the college and young adult audience of the conference and city. The event, held in the Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan, is an exciting and meaningful blend of healing sermon and social mixer. Designed to attract young adults from across the conference and city to an environment in which they can relax and meet others of similar age and faith, all while simultaneously feeling supported and praising God.
The crowd of over 100 well surpassed the expectations of most of the planners, showing us again the attraction of the youth to the Lord as well as the awareness of the conference to the needs of the conference. The message for the opening night was aptly titled “Why Hope” with emphasis on how hope is so vital in our lives and why we need to hang on to it. Pastor Cortes’ points were amazing, showing us the glory of the Lord, explaining that when we are at our lowest and feel as if there is nothing right in our lives we often feel hopeless. However he reminds us that “For us nothing is a limitation, but for the Lord nothing is an opportunity” and that “God always does something good out of nothing”. After the sermon and some time for reflection in small groups the congregation moved downstairs for a wonderful meal and games. This allowed those in attendance to meet new people and experience others from across the city and conference both Adventists and their friends from outside the church.
The Conference appears to be on a wonderful track with this program. As a member of the target audience I can say that without at doubt these gatherings will not only continue to be fun, but more importantly will remain relevant and useful in the lives of the youth who attend. I recommend making the trip in to the next meeting, again to be held the Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan on November 4th. The Church of the Advent Hope is located at: 111 E. 87th Street, Manhattan, NY10128
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