The Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival had preachers, singers, video productions and so much more during the week of Aug. 6-10 in Louisville, KY. Thousands of youths came together to share their talents while competing for top honors. AoP was overwhelmed and thoroughly impressed with their 7 divisions and 61 categories of competition (check them out at http://finearts.ag.org/).
Naturally we want to give a special shout out to those who received Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival Awards of Merit or of Excellence* in the Short Sermon categories:
Sr. Short Sermon – Austin Beshuk of the First Assembly of God, Jefferson City, MO
Jr. Short Sermon – *Ashton Groover of Calvary Christian Center, Ormond Beach, FL
Spanish Short Sermon – Rebecca Garnica of City Church of Orlando, Sanford, FL
The Academy of Preachers was there in full force listening to this next generation of passionate preachers. We met incredible young people who eagerly want to develop their gifts as preachers because they know the importance of the spoken word of God. We added lots of AG folks to our mailing list and welcome them with open arms.
One young woman from Alabama shared she was disappointed in her effort at the Festival. She felt the 5-minute time limit and the pressure of competition kept her from doing her best. When she learned about the upcoming National Festival of Young Preachers she beamed with the thought of having another venue to develop her calling while in her teens.
This was a ready response when participants learned about the AoP. Likewise, pastors, parents and mentors were appreciative of our inter-denominational relationships and the mission of encouraging young people in their call to gospel preaching.
With all of the shared interest and mission, the AoP expects lots of these happy, young AG preachers in Atlanta come January!
