International (MNN) ― Purpose Driven Ministries announces its first HIV/AIDS Youth Summit slated for World AIDS Day, December 1.
The team believes that the next generation of Christians is already attuned to social justice issues and simply needs to be mobilized to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The conference is aimed at helping students understand Christ's commitment to the lost within the framework of these issues. They will leave the Youth Summit equipped to launch an HIV ministry from the church or make their current efforts more effective.
According to PDM, the Youth Summit will offer a series of compelling speakers, including Rick and Kay Warren, Francis Chan, Jenna Bush, Shaun Blakeney (high school pastor at Saddleback) and John Thomas (inspiring South African pastor), as well as testimonies of people living with HIV.
World Vision will also play a role. They're bringing the World Vision Experience: AIDS Exhibit. This sensory "journey" into Africa will make AIDS real to the students through photography, music and drama.
PDM will also offer free HIV testing and counseling, a film festival, bands, resources and food on Friday night, November 30 to kick off the Youth Summit.
In gathering youth together, it will give ministry leaders the opportunity to network with other student HIV ministries to learn how to bring awareness and action to their campuses or churches.
Prior to the Youth Summit, Saddleback Church's "Global Summit on AIDS and the Church" will be taking place on November 28-30, 2007. It is the only event of its kind gathering pastors, church members, physicians, politicians, students, educators, relief organizations and people living with HIV/AIDS to interact and focus on practical next steps in caring about people infected and affected by HIV.
The combination of trainings available at the Global Summit and the
Youth Summit create an incredible package to equip the church to engage in the
HIV/AIDS pandemic and teach young people how they can be Jesus' hands and feet. Click here for details.
