Twenty-five young adult volunteers from Australia and New Zealand helped lead the first Egyptian Youth Congress, held from August 12 to 16 at Sawsanat El Wadi, Egypt. The event drew more than 200 young people and was hosted in collaboration with the Egypt-Sudan Field of Seventh-day Adventists and VicYouth Australia.
Themed “Let Faith Flow: From the Nile to the Nations,” the five-day congress featured worship programs, workshops, panels, activities and creative sessions. Guest speakers included South Pacific Division Institute of Discipleship director Pastor Nick Kross and Victorian Conference youth director Pastor Philip Hyland.
During Friday evening’s program, eight young people responded to an appeal expressing their desire for baptism or to begin Bible studies. A baptism, planned prior to the event, took place on Sabbath afternoon.
Pastor Hyland said he saw God’s leading throughout the project, from its initial planning to the outcomes in Egypt. “We saw God’s hand all over this trip from the very moment we hit the ‘go’ button in December 2024,” he said. “From the fundraising and generosity of people across Australia and New Zealand to the way the team was formed—it was amazing. Lives were touched, hearts softened and transformed as we came together—Aussies, Egyptians and Sudanese—to lift up Jesus and ‘Let Faith Flow.’”
Young adult volunteer Stanley Trotter said the experience gave him a new understanding of faith in a different cultural context. “On the trip, I got to witness the amazing Christians in Egypt who walk the fine line between faith, culture and tradition,” he said. “Fellowshipping with these people gave me a new perspective on life and how to live proudly for Jesus.”
Volunteer Ella Meleisea described the congress as an opportunity for connection and encouragement. “From conga lining around the room singing the song ‘Cast Your Burdens’, to praying over one another and seeing the love shared between our team and the beautiful people of Egypt—it was bittersweet to see such a special, God-led experience come to an end,” she said.
