Riverside, Calif., August, 2000--La Sierra University will host the annual North American Division Teen Prayer and Ministry Conference. Running from October 18 to 21, teen-agers from across the nation will converge on Southern California for a weekend of focused prayer and ministry opportunities.

The conference program will include praise and worship in the fellowship of more than 400 teens, along with testimonies and small group Bible studies. This annual event provides participants with a time for spiritual renewal and self-discovery, said Ruthie Jacobsen, North American Division Prayer Ministries coordinator. "Miracles have happened at these conferences. They change lives and let teens find out who they are."

The conference features both adult and student leaders, demonstrating to youth that leadership opportunities abound for all, regardless of age or experience. This year's speakers include Peter Neri, senior pastor of the Fallbrook (Calif.) Seventh-day Adventist Church; Gary Burns, chaplain of Dakota Adventist Academy, Bismark, N.D.; Jose Rojas, North American Division Youth Director; and Trevan Osborn, a senior theology major from Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Md.

In addition to Bible study, praise and fellowship, the conference emphasizes personal ministry, giving teens opportunities to assist in a one-on-one ministry setting, Jacobsen said. Sam Leonor, La Sierra University pastor and Jodi Cahill, director of Homebase ministries, are organizing a series of local ministry opportunities.

Space is limited to 500 people, so teens are asked to register as soon as possible to ensure their reservation. Participants can register by calling Natan Vigna at (909)785-2949 or through e-mail, natavign@lasierra.edu. For more information, Internet surfers can visit www.lasierra.edu/teenspray/.

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Story written by Alison Lamon, Public Relations magazine and newswriting
intern.