Jeff Adams

I’m staying with a very nice family near the fairgrounds/conference center where CIMA 2007 is being held. We had good conversation and then a good night’s sleep. This morning started quickly arriving at the center around 8:30 with just enough time to meet a few people and head into the plenary session where I was the main speaker today. It’s not easy to walk in cold to an event that’s been going on since Sunday, but the young people seemed very receptive to my message. All of the countries of southern South America are represented as well as Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Australia and Austria. That may seem strange to you, but several southern South American countries are very European in makeup and attitudes with many European immigrants just as in the US. Some of the organizers of this event are German missionaries. I found out there is a group of 57 here from Peru that traveled four days by bus to get here. Two of the Peruvian pastors brought their youth groups because they heard I was going to be here. No pressure, though! Many of them came to my second speaking session today.

I wish I could describe tonight to you. The service began at 8:00 and lasted until 11:00. This group of young people did amazing things. First, their praise band is honestly one of the best I’ve heard. Not just their musical ability, which is considerable, but they truly led us in one of the most moving praise and worship services I’ve experienced in a long time. The focus tonight was on the need of Europe. We went on a trip to Europe with a young couple by means of drama, video, music, smoke, lights – you name it. It even included a live group of Swiss dancers (a group of immigrants dedicated to preserving their culture). Finally, the praise group led us right to the very throne of God. Then, George Verwer spoke, the founder of Operation Mobilization and probably the most influential Christian on earth after Billy Graham. All I can say is that days like today make the storms, delays and all the rest worth it. But, I’m tired.