Some of the PEER Teens had the opportunity to meet face to face in 2016 when CCT in the Philippines hosted the first Advancing the Kingdom Together conference (AKT1). During this gathering, teens and facilitators from Zambia, Uganda, the US and the Philippines encouraged each other in this great vision of extending God’s kingdom with their youthful vision, strength, joy and creativity In August 2016, the first global gathering of PEER Teens affiliates was held in the Philippines. The Advancing the Kingdom Together (AKT) gathering brought together PEER Teens from around the world and empower them to discover their spiritual gifts and learn about how they can extend the kingdom of God. The conference was attended by teens and facilitators from Uganda, Zambia, the United States, and the Philippines. DAY 1 After a long day of travel, the AKT 1 participants arrived at the Selah Garden Hotel in Manila and were happy to meet fellow PEER teens and enjoy some much-needed rest. On the first full day of the conference, the PEER Teens and facilitators explored Intramuros, the old historic district in Manila. The teens enjoyed seeing beautiful churches and learning about the history of the Philippines. After a delicious lunch of trying new Filipino foods, the teens went to Manila Ocean Park. They saw a sea lion show, a jellyfish exhibit, and the oceanarium. In the evening, the teens gathered for their first discussion session of AKT 1. The topic was reciprocity and Carrie from the United States discussed Romans 1:12: "that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." In the spirit of reciprocity, the teens shared the spiritual gifts of their countries. DAY 2 Everyone woke up very early this morning to go to the airport and fly from Manila to General Santos, where the rest of the conference would take place. After a short flight, the AKT 1 delegates climbed into the back of a van for the journey to the CCT Malungon Retreat Center. They were warmly welcomed upon arrival by staff and children of the center, who dressed in traditional Filipino costumes and performed song and dance during the AKT 1 opening ceremony. The delegates spent the rest of the day in discussion sessions that helped them develop as PEER Teens leaders. First, Mic from the Philippines discussed the role of teens in sharing the gospel. Then R'Love, also from the Philippines, led a workshop on how to discover your spiritual gifts. Zhingisa from Zamba closed the night with a discussion of the book Do Hard Things. DAY 3 The morning began with fellowship and more discussion sessions to empower the teens. Denis of Uganda discussed how and why to share the gospel. Then Stella of Uganda led the teens in brainstorming unique challenges that teens around the world are facing today. The teens worked in groups to discuss possible solutions to these many challenges. In the afternoon, the AKT 1 delegates visited the children in the homecare of CCT Visions of Hope at the Malungon Center. The teens enjoyed playing with the children and visiting their dormitories and classrooms. Then they continued to interact with the local children through a group oriented game, the Amazing Race. The PEER Teens and the children of the homecare worked together to solve clues and race around the retreat center. Denis wrapped up the evening with more discussion of the book Do Hard Things. He encouraged the delegates to challenge the low expectations of teenagers today and do more than what is expected of them. DAY 4 Another early morning - the AKT 1 delegates got up at 4:30am for a visit to the General Santos Fish Port. They enjoyed learning about the tuna industry and meeting the fishermen. When the delegates returned to the retreat center, Carrie led a discussion about how teens can stay connected and continue to pray for their fellow teens around the world. In the afternoon, the teens visited the B'laan tribe for outreach and fellowship. Teens from Uganda and Zambia led praise and worship, and the Mic gave a message in the local language. Then the AKT 1 delegates enjoyed interacting with the local people and sharing their love of God. In the evening the delegates enjoyed a Cultural Night, where representatives from each country performed a song, dance, or spoken word to represent their culture. DAY 5 This morning, the AKT 1 participants flew back to Manila for the conclusion of the conference. Once back in Manila, they visited the office of CCT in order to learn more about the organization hosting the conference and interact with their staff. In the evening, the teens rested while the facilitators came together to reflect on the week's activities, develop a communications plan, and consider the future of PEER Teens. DAY 6 Today the AKT 1 delegates visited the children in the Visions of Hope homecares at the Magdalena and Rose of Sharon Centers. They played a spirited football game with the boys of the homecare. For lunch, they enjoyed a "Boodle Fight" - a traditional Filipino feast. During the closing ceremonies, teens reflected on what they had learned throughout the week and prayed for the future of PEER Teens. They received certificates for their successful completion of the AKT 1 program. DAY 8 This morning, the AKT 1 delegates went to a Sunday service at Day by Day church in Manila. They enjoyed a final moment of worship and fellowship before driving to the airport for the journey home. Overall, AKT 1 was a fantastic experience for the delegates from around the world to come together and learn about how to become global leaders. They enjoyed the variety of discussions and also experienced a new culture. The teens are looking forward to applying what they have learned in their PEER Teens chapters back at home.
1 Comment
10/4/2016 01:19:18 am
This was an awesome experience and thanks for the update, i am happy and pleased of what has been shared to us
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About PEER Teens GlobalPEER Teens is made up of many different chapters around the world. On this page, we share updates of PEER Teens events that take place across chapters, connecting teens around the world in extending the kingdom of God. Archives
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