City to bond through spiritual gathering

An amazing opportunity to bond together as young Christians to worship and get to know others is just around the corner. The Movement Youth Gathering will be held this Wednesday, October 26, 6-9 p.m., at Peoples Church. The event will host Christian rap and R&B artist Andy Mineo, worship band For All Seasons, and evangelist for the evening Andrew Palau.

The inspiration behind this event comes from a youth pastor Paul Babcock at New Harvest Church in Clovis. Babcock also coaches at Clovis North, and is actively involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His vision was to create an event for athletes, where they could gather and experience worship as well as a compelling message.

Quickly enough, The Movement reached approximately 500 students, yet its leaders agreed it would of been much more impactful if planned in like manner with the See You at the Pole emphasis. Since then, both of the events began to build on each other.

Former student ministries supervisor at Peoples Church Brent Deffenbacher, shared the vision of The Movement with the Louis Palau Association, who graciously jumped behind the concept.

“This event is a perfect opportunity for Christian students to invite their unchurched friends,” Deffenbacher said. “From the moment students step on the campus, they will be greeted by a free barbecue, outdoor games, and an electric atmosphere. Once they’re inside, they will experience not only incredible music, but a powerful life-changing message about God’s love for us through Jesus Christ.

“The goal of The Movement is not to get every Christian student in town to attend a free concert,” Deffenbacher continued. “Rather, the goal of the movement is for Christian students to invite their unbelieving and unchurched friends as their guest. Students will benefit by the overwhelming encouragement of seeing between two and three thousand students gathering for the common purpose of lifting high the name of Jesus Christ.”

The Movement is supported by a network of partnering churches and nonprofits. The key sponsor for this event is Hume Lake, they are providing games and funds for the free barbecue.

A regular youth group attender Wesley Hinton, ’20, very much looks forward to The Movement Youth Gathering.

“I am going with my friends… and my brother might come too,” Hinton said. “I am looking forward to seeing people come to Christ, and excited to see Mineo and For All Seasons. I’m also bringing some friends that are not Christian, in hope that they might come to know Jesus.”

Sophia Kalugin, ’19, attends youth group frequently and is very excited for this event.

“I am going because I’m hoping I’ll be able to strengthen my relationship with God,” Kalugin said. “I’m hoping to gain a new perspective of life, and I think its gonna help me reach out to others and help them through the hardships of life.”

The barbecue and pre-party will take place from 6-7 p.m., and the concert 7-9 p.m. Come and bring your friends for an experience of one of the largest youth events in the area for absolutely free!

For more features read, Iconic voice of Yakky Doodle speaks to FC student body.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @Tatiana08102000 and via email: Tatiana Iest.