Authorized in Christ: Highlights from Youth Ignite 2024
Delegates receive their authority in Christ as they pass through the “Mantle of Authority Tunnel.” Photo by Missy Balingit.
Although some churches held local events for their young people, others opted to join together, and Youth Ignite on December 28–30, 2024, was one of three youth camps held during the Christmas break within the Mega Manila Annual Conference. This year, we had 180 registered delegates from thirteen churches and one ministry: Cansinala Christian Community, Good News of Life Church, Grace the Christ-Centered Church, Jesus Reigns Forever Church, Jesus Our Solid Hope, Keilah, Mabuhay, New Horizons, New Life Church – Arayat, Overflow Christian Community (Overflow), Palmera Grace of God Church, St. John Methodist Church, Solid Hope, and Think Generations Hub (TGHub) ministry. This exceeded the 131 attendees at last year’s first Youth Ignite.
Aside from the significant increase in number, the power and intensity of the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit were distinctly felt throughout the camp as we focused on the theme, “AUTHORIZED.” The goal was to help the youth realize that God has called them to start living out Spirit-empowered lives while they are still young. He has anointed them to go and impact the world with His transformative power and authority.
Spirit-filled Activities
The camp began with a “CREATE YOUR OWN ID” activity. As delegates from each participating church arrived, they proceeded to the registration table, where each received art materials to design their own ID for the camp. It was a joy to see young people unleash their creativity and display their designs for all to admire. One delegate shared, “I thought I wasn’t that creative, but through this activity, I was able to express myself freely and recreate a childhood memory of playing in the rain. It was fun and unique.” Another said, “I’ve attended many camps, but this was the first time I encountered such a unique activity, where I got to design my own ID. It’s great seeing fellow young people creatively engaging in this task.”
Power couple Pastors Charles and Cookie Puno admonish the youth to maximize their days by tapping into their God-given DNA. Photo by Missy Balingit.
Two of the main plenary messages were passionately delivered by power couples from the Mega Manila Conference. Pastors Julbert and Emily De Leon spoke on the first day about the youth being “A Favorable Generation.” On the second evening, Pastors Charles and Cookie Puno shared a message entitled “A Time to Stand.” Both messages emphasized how young people should maximize their days by tapping into their God-given DNA, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to make a difference daily. They taught that this is possible only when they intentionally choose to know God intimately and study His Word consistently, enabling them to grow and use the authority He has entrusted to them.
Another invited speaker, Pastor Ziggie Buksh of Jesus Revolution Now, ignited urgency in his message about raising a prayerful generation that resists the distractions of the world. His message encouraged the youth to pray consistently and without ceasing.
On Sunday morning, representatives from P.O.W.E.R. Ministries—Pastor Leyda Yambot and Sis. Vida Mei Rivera, together with Overflow Worship Team—led a transformative worship experience. They introduced a new approach to celebrating Sunday worship through prayer, worship, and the Word using the acronym A.C.T. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving). During this time, the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable as the youth focused on Jesus, praised Him, and confessed their sins. Many experienced powerful releases from emotional burdens such as unforgiveness and past abuses.
“When I embraced one of the pastors, I felt a release from what my father did to us. I felt freedom from anger and hatred towards my own father.”
Pastor Edric Ancheta of Grace the Christ-Centered Church ministering to delegates with fatherly love. Photo by Missy Balingit.
One delegate shared, “When I embraced one of the pastors, I felt a release from what my father did to us. I felt freedom from anger and hatred towards my own father.” The session ended with delegates writing letters of thanksgiving to Abba Father, which were posted on the plenary hall walls—a testament to God’s goodness in their lives.
Pastor Girlie Bangunan and her son Gian concluded the second night with rise up boldly and “roar out” their faith, reminding them that God has authorized them to do so for His glory.
The camp concluded on the third day with a message from Pastor David Sablan Jr. about living out the calling to be a new generation who loves Jesus and boldly exercises the power of the Holy Spirit. He ended with a prayer activity, inviting delegates to pass through the “Mantle of Authority Tunnel.” At each of the three stations in the tunnel, workers and leaders laid hands on the youth as they eagerly passed through to receive the Authority of Prayer, the Authority of God’s Word, and the Authority of God’s Anointing. It was inspiring to see not only the youth but also adults—including workers, volunteers, and the worship team—take the opportunity to go through the tunnel, showing that we are never too old to seek more of God.
Afterward, Presiding Elder Pastor Robert Parcasio spoke on the meaning of consecration and led the communion alongside other Mega Manila workers. The delegates came forward to partake in communion, returning home as consecrated people of God.
Other Highlights
Other highlights of Youth Ignite 2024 included four special interest group sessions: “Global Missions” facilitated by Sis. Vida Mei; “MaPa, GenZ, and the Bible,” led by Pastor Girlie and Gian Bangunan; “Mind Care” by Pastor Cookie Puno; and “Emo, Music, and Faith” by Bro. Jeff Ladica. Delegates chose sessions that aligned with their interests or needs, enriching their camp experience.
Pastor Sammir Rivera and TGHub Worship Team were among the teams that led Spirit-filled worship at Youth Ignite.
The praise and worship sessions were led by different teams over the three days: the Rock of the Nations Gospel Fellowship Worship Team, Overflow Worship Team, and TGHub Worship Team. Pastor Sammir Rivera, the overall worship director, coordinated the teams to ensure the worship was both Spirit-filled and technically excellent. The worship reached a crescendo on the last night, dubbed “Freedom Night.” Delegates worshipped with boundless enthusiasm—shouting, running, jumping, raising hands, and singing. The energy and freedom in their worship were indescribably beautiful and a reflection of hearts fully surrendered to God.
Even though we were short-staffed this year, God blessed us with humble, Spirit-led volunteers, including pastors, deaconesses, and lay leaders from participating churches. They multi-tasked tirelessly, including leading small groups. During these small group times, delegates shared their reflections, testimonies, and questions in a safe space. It was heartwarming to see their transformation—from initial anxiety to overflowing joy. One young man shared how the Sunday morning soaking worship felt as though the Lord was speaking directly to him and addressing his personal struggles. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some leaders were absent for the second small group session, but the delegates stepped up, facilitating the groups themselves with confidence and authority. Praise the Lord for their growth and boldness.
The camp’s spiritual intensity was unmistakable, with a hunger and thirst for encountering the living God. Delegates were so eager that they arrived early for sessions, filled with anticipation for what God would do next.
The Prayer Room
“I believe the secret to this hunger lies in the power of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Leading up to the camp, local churches fasted and prayed for 21 days.”
One of the stations in the prayer room was the “Intercede for nations (including the Philippines)” station. Photo by Missy Balingit.
I believe the secret to this hunger lies in the power of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Leading up to the camp, local churches fasted and prayed for 21 days. Additionally, the Prayer Ministries arm of P.O.W.E.R. Ministries launched a Mega Manila-wide 10-day intentional prayer and fasting initiative for all youth camps in the Philippines. At the Holy Spirit’s prompting, we established a dedicated Prayer Room at the camp.
As I browsed through post-camp pictures shared by Cansinala Christian Community’s media team, I was repeatedly drawn to images of the Prayer Room. The Holy Spirit impressed upon me, “This is the heart of Youth Ignite.”
Inspired by a similar experience during the Convening General Conference in Costa Rica, we set up a Prayer Room with six stations, using the acronym A.C.T.I.O.N.: Adore Christ the King, Confess sins, Thank Him, Intercede for nations (including the Philippines), Observe His Word, and Note down personal prayer needs. Each station offered unique ways to encounter God, from hugging a pillow to feel His embrace to pouring out prayers for nations. Delegates of all ages experienced profound encounters, with some moved to tears during intercession. One 13-year-old delegate shared that hugging the pillow at the “Observation” station was his favorite, as he felt God hugging him back.
Even visitors to the camp were drawn to the Prayer Room. One pastor, after experiencing it, went out to call their lay leader to join them. Instead of heading to the coffee station upon arrival, many workers and visitors went straight to the Prayer Room. This shift in priorities speaks volumes about the power of prayer.
Our DNA as a church is rooted in the belief that to soar high, we must spend intentional time kneeling before God. I’m thrilled to report that several pastors plan to establish prayer rooms in their churches, inspired by the experience at Youth Ignite.
Servants Behind the Scene
“This team—comprising pastors, deaconesses, and lay leaders—embodied humility and servant-heartedness. There was neither a hint of entitlement nor pride from its members. ”
Some of the church workers who performed tasks ranging from leading small groups and other roles. Photo by Missy Balingit.
Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. Youth Ignite 2024 was blessed with a production team that joyfully carried out God’s agenda to help the youth encounter the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through Word, Worship, and Prayer.
This team—comprising pastors, deaconesses, and lay leaders—embodied humility and servant-heartedness. There was neither a hint of entitlement nor pride from its members. They performed tasks ranging from leading small groups and carrying equipment to managing finances, praying in the Prayer Room, and coordinating speakers and media. Their unity and selflessness reflected Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:1–4: “Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.”
The testimonies and feedback from Youth Ignite 2024 have been overwhelmingly positive. Delegates, volunteers, and workers alike have been encouraged to share their experiences online to keep the passion and fire alive.
Pastor Joanne Valenzuela is the pastor of Cansinala Christian Community in Apalit, Pampanga. She is also the conference secretary of the Mega Manila Annual Conference. All gallery photos by Missy Balingit.
