Lake Placid, Florida: Over 250 Nazarene youth leaders from around the globe gathered at the Thirdwave Conference in Lake Placid, Florida, from 7 to 13 January 2025. Among the diverse group, 40 youth leaders from the Asia-Pacific Region participated, representing nations such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Fiji. For many, this was their first experience at a Global Nazarene Youth Conference.

Mrs. Marilyn Arua, Field Youth Coordinator for the Melanesia/South Pacific, shared her reflections on the event, emphasizing the profound spiritual journey she encountered. “The Thirdwave was quite an experience—the kind of experience where God meets you in a totally amazing way through sermons, sessions, activities, and free-time sports,” she remarked. The amazing G-Race has renewed this journey of grace for me as I navigate my way through my personal relationship with God and in my life.”

Arua also highlighted the lasting connections made during the conference, noting the opportunity to build a global network of friends and hear their stories. “It has encouraged me to give something back to my young people and serve them with the love God has shown through His Son Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will get through. Romans 8:31, ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’”

Service and Impact

One of the key themes of the Thirdwave Conference was Compassionate service. Participants teamed up with the Clean the World organization to package recycled bathing soap for vulnerable communities, engaging in hands-on projects demonstrating the power of compassionate action. Additionally, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) led training sessions to increase awareness of global outreach opportunities within the church.

Youth leaders also participated in group discussions and outdoor activities and shared meals from local food trucks, providing an all-American experience for many attendees from the Asia-Pacific Region.

A Cultural Celebration

One of the standout moments of the conference was the cultural presentation, where the Asia Pacific group showcased its vibrant diversity. In a limited practice time, participants dressed in traditional cultural wear and performed a moving rendition of “God is So Good” in six languages. The performance concluded with an energetic Beatbox Rap number led by Rev. David Nam, Joseph from South Korea, and Absalom from Australia. This added a dynamic flair to the event that energized the crowd.

A Powerful Spiritual Encounter

Perhaps the most powerful and emotional moment came during the foot-washing service led by General Superintendent Dr. David Busic. This intimate and humbling experience left many participants in awe, reflecting on the deep servant heart of Jesus Christ.

A first-time attendee, A.J. from the Philippines – Micronesia Field, expressed how deeply the experience impacted him. “Attending the conference was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of what a privilege it is to worship and serve God. Worshiping alongside people from different nationalities and regions was a new experience for me. I can only describe the atmosphere during the Conference with one word — heaven. It felt like every nation was bowing down and worshiping God.”

A Lasting Impression

The Thirdwave Conference brought together youth leaders from across the globe and provided a unique platform for deep spiritual renewal, connection, and service. For the Asia-Pacific youth leaders, the experience was one of growth and unity and a powerful reminder of the global nature of the body of Christ. As the event concluded, it was clear that the presence of the Holy Spirit had touched the hearts and lives of all in attendance.

Indeed, the 2025 Thirdwave Conference proved to be a heavenly experience that will leave a lasting impact on our Asia-Pacific youth leaders and their ministries for years to come.

By: Rev. Sharon Latu