Covenant News

Spiritual Growth Focus of Chilean Youth Conference

CONCEPCION, CHILE (November 3, 2000) - The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) in South America doesn't have a high school gathering like CHIC2K, but young people in those countries have benefited from a large-group experience of their own.

Pablo Velasquez recently joined 85 individuals (see accompanying photo) from three churches for a Chilean Covenant conference sponsored by CIPE. Those attending the conference were between 17 to 25 years of age. In November, young adult conferences will be held in Ecuador and Colombia. A similar conference was held in Mexico in August.

"For Hispanic people, it's very important to have these types of conferences," said Velasquez. "Most of the churches there have a huge representation of young people in their congregation and many of the ministries are led by young people. It's not that way in the United States because young people are off studying at college or graduate school."

Rodrigo Vidal, a pastor and psychologist in Chile, spoke about "Sanidad Interior" (Inner Healing), the process of recognizing and discovering situations in their lives that can be a barrier to one's spiritual life and relationship with God. Vidal discussed how young adults could learn to turn away from the sins that may affect their inner selves. He also gave practical suggestions to aid the process.

Sports such as soccer and volleyball and a trip to Salto de las Lajas, a picturesque waterfall, were among the activities available for participants. In the evening, worship was held outside under the glow of campfires and people were able to share their personal testimonies.

"The topic was really good because we have to start from that point with young people before we can think of ministries in the church," Velasquez said of the Inner Healing seminars. "And the young people are true servants, they wanted to do everything at the conference."

As ECC young people in Latin America move on in their spiritual journeys, they will benefit from a proposed new bible college specifically designed with them in mind. Called Colegio Biblico CIPE (CIPE Bible College), educational programs will run six weeks and include classes on such skills as mime and puppetry along with classes in evangelism, discipleship and other Bible-related topics.

"The mission of CIPE Bible College is to prepare young men and women to live as disciples of Christ and to train them in a variety of ministries in the church," said Velasquez.

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