MANA!
God Is With Us
Atlanta Leadership Training 2017
Global Ministries created a Leadership Training for all UMC Youth and Young Adults in the United States. MANA, God is with Us 2017 was the theme, meaning “Except for God”. Every youth and young adult gathered in Atlanta, Georgia at Emory University to partake in trainings, workshops of opportunities and exploring your call with the Methodist ministry.
We asked two of our PIYYA Representatives to share their experience with us:
Soana Fie’eiki, a young adult from Santa Ana United Methodist Church
What was your experience?
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It was sooooo refreshing! It opened my eyes to know and understand more of what God is and gave me the motivation to continue working within the church. I loved everything about it, from Plenaries to Workshops to the Worship Services. Just being in an atmosphere full of young adults who come with a past like me was definitely an experience to remember. To be able to witness to these young hearts have the same passion as I do, to serve in the church and to build our Y&YA of today. I went there unsure of what my calling was and left the conference with confirmation of what I wanted to do. Besides all the knowledge that I have gained, one highlight for me is meeting with Professors and Pastors that work at Candler Theology School. Just to be able to hear their perspective and for them to share their knowledge with us was a blessing and a great opportunity. It is humbling for them of such high status to come meet with us, young adult still finding their way.
What did you take from this training?
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We came here as Youth Leaders and we became Empowered by the tools they gave us. Meeting people from different states, we started out as strangers and became great friends, leaving the training as family – we are MANA!
Ofeina Tuihalamaka, a young adult from Knollwood United Methodist Church.
What was your experience?
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My experience at Atlanta was an eye-opener for myself as a Youth Leader and as a Pacific Islander. Seeing three different culture come together and praising God gave me that joyful spirt that I knew God was present in our training. Also, knowing that I’m not the alone one in this journey as we overcome that gap between the 1st and 2nd generation.
What did you take from training?
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This training gave not only myself, but all Y&YA PI an opportunity to become dic of Jesus Christ. For example, as Global Ministry introduced to us as becoming missionaries. Serving in different countries and aspect of the world. Not only that but building a relationship with each other that I know will last a long time as we grow in this leadership.
