Teens to use phones to talk about Jesus

 Hope Revolution launches the Textify Youth campaign   Teens today are the most digitally connected generation we have ever seen and a new youth campaign will see hundreds of young people use their mobiles to begin conversations about Jesus. Hope Revolution launched Textify in Manchester at the Festival of Life, a night of prayer attended by over 7,000 and hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, on Friday 22 July.   In a bid to encourage the younger generation to use their phones and social networks to kick-start faith chats with friends and see them gain confidence in sharing the Gospel, Hope Revolution will continue to invite thousands to take the Textify challenge at a wide variety of summer youth festivals and camps, including Soul Survivor A,B and C.   Textify is a challenge to spend a week praying for three friends and then texting them each a question or ‘God thought’ as a conversation starter. Participants are encouraged to daily pray for their chosen mates and think through their ‘God’ story and use their friends’ responses to speak about the difference Jesus makes in their life.   The Hope Revolution vision for Textify is to see conversations everywhere drenched in prayer, leading to young people coming to know Jesus, and youth empowered to engage wholeheartedly in mission, that we may see a Hope Revolution and a nation transformed.   Bajo Akisanya, National Youth Director for the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said: “It was a real privilege to be able to host the launch of the youth movement of HOPE and the Textify campaign at our Manchester event, especially after HOPE launched at the London Festival of Life this time last year.  RCCG are really excited about what we could see accomplished through the young people of this nation as they Textify together.”   Phil Timson, the new Youth Director for HOPE said: “We understand that it can be tough for young people to talk about what they believe and there is a real element of courage needed to do this. However, what better way is there to get out of our comfort zone, and build up confidence together, than getting on our mobiles for Jesus and using them to Textify”.   Hope Revolution is urging young people to focus their participation in Textify within the three week period of 12-30 September, to feel part of a bigger, nation-wide, commitment but also as an opportunity in the new term to start as they mean to go on.   With 1 Peter 3:15 as a basis, the young people are encouraged to use Textify as a way to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”   Hope Revolution is the youth movement of HOPE, encouraging teenagers all over the country to share God’s love with their communities, through words and actions. Over forty youth ministries - including The Message Trust, Soul Survivor, Youth for Christ, Tearfund, Urban Saints and the Redeemed Christian Church of God – are committed to being part of Hope Revolution. Through this movement of mission, they are working together with the desire to see young people lead the way in changing the nation for Jesus.   Phil Timson continued: “This will be the start of more than just a conversation. Our vision is to see every Christian young person in the UK taking bold steps forward to share their hope with others through the way they live, what they say and what they do.  Together we can see lives changed and communities transformed and the next generation will lead the way! Let’s declare the gospel and demonstrate God’s love like never before.”   Mike Pilavachi, Leader of Soul Survivor and HOPE Board member said: “I love using my phone, so Textify is a no brainer. Sharing our faith in Jesus is about our words and actions. It’s about all of our lives, and that of course includes our phones, Facebook and Twitter accounts”.    Andy Hawthorne, Director of the Message Trust said: “God is looking for people who will step up, take the challenge and be radical for Him. Believe that lives could be changed as a result of your willingness to be counted as a follower of Jesus. Now is the time to go for it, love your friends, pray for them and tell them of the incredible news.”   It is hoped that participants will use social media platforms such as Facebook (Textify Hope) and Twitter (@TextifyHope) to share their progress and stories with each other for inspiration and encouragement.  The Hope Revolution website www.hope-revolution.com hosts tips, videos and youth-friendly resources.   The Textify Challenge - 12-30^th September 2011  Be part of the Hope Revolution (Author: )

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