Christian Education and Publications, as part of their ministry to the rising generation hosts two key conferences, back to back, each June. One is held at Covenant College and the other at Horn Creek Conference Center in Colorado. The conference is not a typical conference for high school students. Its target audience is key 11th and 12th graders, recommended by their church, who show definite leadership potential.

The theme of this year's conferences was "Which Voice? Learning to Listen to God's Voice," and encouraged developing a biblically reformed world and life view. The two conferences are clearly and unapologetically biblically reformed in their in-depth training. Presbyterian Youth of America is a tool in the kingdom disciple-making process that seeks to encourage the fellowship of like-minded students who are serious about growing in their faith and serving the Lord in all of life. The conferences are also designed to provide an atmosphere conducive to building lifelong relationships.

Here are several comments that we have received from this year's participants:
PYA was an unforgettable experience. My faith in God has made a great turnaround. I feel like the Spirit has really moved within me. Plus, I made some great friendships. -Lisa Pitts

This was my second year at PYA and it seems to get better every year. It is such an amazing experience that by the end of the week, I was in tears because I did not want to leave. I grew so much in my love for the Lord and in my relationships with friends. The friends you meet are unlike any others and I really cherish them. -Katherine Donahoe, Christ Covenant, Matthews, NC.

To tell you the truth, PYA was a struggle this year. I had to isolate what the world was telling me and listen to God. I feel now that through the accountability of friends and the grace of God that life itself takes on a whole new meaning. Believe when I say that God uses PYA to change generations. -Justin Layman, Faith Presbyterian, Sarasota, FL.

The whole PYA experience was awesome. A conferee takes part in amazing devotions, seminars, workshops, fellowship and some extreme leadership building activities. PYA is a week that cannot be topped. -Kenzie MacKillop, Sycamore Presbyterian, Midlothian, VA.

It was my first year and my relationship with God came so far in just one week. I couldn't wait to get home and apply everything I learned. Leaving was hard because of the great friends I made. It was so great to be surrounded by teenagers who believe what you believe and are on fire for God! It was an awesome experience and I can't wait till next year. -Joanna Jakes, Covenant Presbyterian, Riverdale, GA.

Christian Education and Publications has focused on training leaders from the beginning. This is part of that overall emphasis to train older teenagers that are present leaders among their peers and show great potential for future leadership. CE&P's focus of making kingdom disciples who think God's thoughts and seek to apply them to the whole of life is what PYA is all about.

Dates for next year's conference will be posted on CE&P's website in the near future. According to Coordinator Charles Dunahoo, CE&P's desire is to have as many PCA churches as possible participant through their selected 11th and 12th graders. This is one of the ways we seek to put into practice what Psalm 78 teaches regarding passing the faith on to the next generation.

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