This summer all roads lead to Charlotte, NC and the 2010 COGIC AIM Convention. Youth, mission workers, evangelists, musicians, singers and saints from all over the world will converge on the Queen City for a week of music, instruction, praise and worship.

The place to be this year is the Gathering Place, hosted by the International Youth Department, in the Westin Hotel; Tuesday, June 6^th through Friday, June 9^th, 10 PM nightly.

A mainstay of the youth AIM experience for several years, the Gathering Place has been revamped, reenergized and given back to the youth of the Church of God in Christ.

The Gathering Place presents the opportunity for COGIC youth to present their gifts in ministry on a national stage. Singers, musicians, praise dancers, poets, dramatic actors, ministers of God’s word and so many more will share what God has given them with their peers at the Gathering Place. It is a place of fun and fellowship in a Christian environment.

This year The Gathering Place will feature special guest appearances from Gospel artists Isaac Carree (Men of Standard,) Leslie Pace (The Anointed Pace Sisters,) Maurice Griffin (BET’s Sunday’ Best) and many more.

Young people can take part in several special events scheduled throughout the week, including the Make it Happen Musicians’ Shed, the AIM for the Stars Vocal Competition, Bible Improv and the Dueling Scripture Competition for a chance to win prizes as well as special giveaways from the IYD Store!

Get to Charlotte and get to the Gathering Place. It’s your summer source of inspiration, rejuvenation, opportunity and spirit-filled excitement.

The Gathering Place is sponsored by the Spiritual Empowerment Commission, under the leadership of Elder Derrick Hutchins II and is coordinated by Elder Marcel Fears as part of the International Youth Department; Pastor Linwood Dillard, President and Evangelist Joyce Rodgers, Chairlady.

June 5, 2010

Youth Leaders
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Dear Youth Leaders:

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that you and your family are enjoying good health and soul prosperity as you walk in the favor of God.

I am grateful to God for His blessings, favor, and the great opportunity we have been afforded to touch the lives of our youth through effective, relevant ministries that will empower and edify them to walk in their God given destiny and purpose. I am ecstatic about our imminent and awesome leader, Presiding Bishop Charles Blake. Without question, his vision, leadership and generosity significantly impacts and involves ministries and concepts that produces success for this generation spiritually, culturally, educationally, financially, and physically. Thank God for such a concerned, relevant and daring leader.

Well, the Church of God in Christ International AIM Convention 2K10 is right upon us and we are excited about going to Charlotte , NC . I know you have made your reservations and secured your travel for this year’s convention. On behalf of our International Youth Chairlady Joyce Rodgers, and the entire IYD team, we are prepared and excited about the grand opportunity to see you July 5-9. The International youth Department planned and prepared many, many events, activities, and sessions for our young people and the youth leaders.

Here is some of what you can expect at this year’s convention:

• Training & Development for Youth Leaders
• Empowerment Workshops for youth and young adults
• Explosive Worship Celebrations
• Presidents & Chairladies Orientation & Training
• International Basketball Competition
• Young Women of Excellence Pageant
• Young Men of Valor Beau-tillion
• International “Music & Youth” Fire of Pentecost Prayer
• Young Adult Meet & Greet
• Wives of Presidents Fellowship
• Youth Ministries Fair
• Parade of Champions
• Can You Hear Me Now? ~ Young Women’s Symposium
• The Locker Room ~ Young Men’s Symposium
• International Shedding Competition
• Young Preachers Forum
• Youth Pastors Network Forum
• Judah Jamboree ( Praise Rally & Regional Roll Call)
• Just Kickin’ It (International Youth Aerobics Session)
• The International Gathering Place (Late Night Hang out Spot)

I have included a schedule of events and other pertinent information. I am sure this information will be useful in your final planning an development of your itinerary for the convention this year.

Also, I would like to encourage all jurisdictional presidents and chairladies and departmental workers to remember the importance of supporting the work of the department with your IYD financial Reports. Please find the enclosed report schedule. Your support will enable us to meet all of our obligations as a department. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, participation and willingness to assist in the advancement of our work.

I look forward to seeing and sharing with you in Charlotte , NC July 5-9, 2010. Keep your eyes on our website for any updates (http://cogic.net/cogiccms/cogic-youth-department/).

If you have an questions, cares or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 901.754.4614 or ldillard@cogic.org.

See you in Charlotte !

Because of the youth,

I remain,

Linwood Dillard, Jr.

By: La Toija S. Black

YES – IYAC is back! The International Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) is back in full effect with Church Of God In Christ youth excited about implementing innovative ways to engage youth with international youth leadership and the International Youth Department at large.  Come to the polls to cast your vote on Election Day – Thursday, July 8, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina during the AIM Convention.  Official voting booths provided by Mecklenburg County Board of Elections will be used to select the 2010 IYAC members. Download and submit your application by June 1^st to campaign.

We – the youth throughout the Church Of God In Christ between the ages of 16-24 will campaign and deliver speeches to fellow youth to express their platforms and intentions for selection to the IYAC.  Although there will be many qualified and enthusiastic candidates, only 12 can be elected.

Can – didates elected will serve for three years and be assigned to one of the IYD ministries.  Each candidate will be required to represent youth concerns, support community service projects during COGIC conventions, participate in IYD educational training, promote youth participation in IYD ministries, and participate in their local, District, Regional, and Jurisdictional youth activities.

In Houston, TX during the AIM 2006 Convention the inaugural IYAC elected members were:  Sydney Frye (president), Danielle Benjamin (vice-president), Mia Stukes (Secretary),  R. Matthew Spencer (treasurer/ Co-Chaplain), Delia Pruitte(Co-Chaplain), Joel McDonald  (Parliamentarian) , La Toija S. Black, Joshua Rodgers, C.J. Faulk, Natasha Patterson, Eboni Howard, and Benjamin Poston.

During AIM 2007 Convention, we participated in constructing a home for Habitat For Humanity.  This allowed us an opportunity to help others who are less fortunate and share in an experience of what it takes to build a home.  Working at Detroit Rescue Missions and COTS homeless shelters during AIM 2008 Convention gave us a chance to prepare food for those who otherwise would have gone hungry.  We also originated the International Youth Magazine, releasing three thought-provoking editions and hosting two very memorable IYAC talk shows-featuring Kierra “kiki” Sheard and J. Drew Sheard, II during AIM 2007 in Louisville, KY and Elder Lawrence Blake and Evangelist Bridget Wright diring AIM 2008 in Detroit, MI. These enthralling sessions addressed issues concerning dating, youth participation in church, peer pressure and the position of the Church Of God In Christ on various societal and political involvements under the direction and coordination of C.J. Faulk.

A one-year interim council, Delia Pruitte (President), La Toija S. Black (Vice-president), Joshua L. Rogers (secretary), Lee Perkins (treasurer), Terrill Manuel (Chaplain), Michael D. smith (Parliamentarian),  William Copper, III, Chelsey Cheatam, Melody Jones, Justin Trewick and Chancellor Cole, continues to labor tirelessly to further advance the vision of the IYD. Currently, we are authoring a book entitled, 10 Things Every Youth Leader Needs to Know, each chapter is authored by one of the council members.  This will be ready for purchase during AIM 2010. Certainly this will be a wonderful addition to the repertoire of Christian literature for all youth leaders to own.

We are thoroughly motivated to continuously contribute to the up building of the International Youth Department of the Church Of God In Christ worldwide and to promote youth in this upcoming election that will perpetuate the same inventiveness and enthusiasm!

If you believe you are up to the challenge, make a change join the members who have served faithfully by completing the IYAC application process to become one of the twelve.

Additional information is available at IYD Upcoming Events or by e-mail COGICIYAC@live.com

President Linwood Dillard is proud to announce that tonight at 8:00 PM EST  our International Chairlady will minister to the world via the Word Network.  As Chairlady Rodgers belongs to the Church of God In Christ but exclusively to the International Youth Department this great opportunity could not be ignored!

Please join us as we support our Chairlady!

By Sam Johnson

On November 21, 2009 the West Angeles Young Adult Ministry came full circle by doing their annual Thanksgiving Outreach as they ministered and spoke words of encouragement to the youth at the Los Angeles East Central Juvenile Detention Center. Several churches in the metropolitan LA area offered a plethora of helping hands joining forces as they all gathered at the campus sanctuary around 2PM to begin the afternoon with a moment of prayer in preparation of what many have said was a life changing experience. About 70 young adults showed up on behalf of West Angeles Young Adult ministry which is headed by Elder Benjamin Stephens and Co-Pastor Elder Manual Thomas.

The afternoon began with a soft spirit of praise and a calm atmosphere of worship as the minds of the volunteers quickly became consumed with thoughts of inspiration and motivation to uplift the troubled teens. As the detention center director orchestrated protocol for the duration of the evening, the churches were separated which allowed each conglomerate to establish a personal connection with the youth. From the terrific tasting turkey to the jaw dropping dressing, the youth not only received food for their soul; but little did they know a small side of desert for their spirit would enhance the element of surprise.

Upon the entrance of the volunteers, the faces of the youth lit up with joy as many of them could not contain the excitement they possessed inside. However, the youth were not the only ones with smiling faces. As the volunteers served meals, exchanging jokes and life stories with these young men women it brought great delight to them to see what type of impact they could have in such a short span of time.

Vernell Mitchell, a 2008 Graduate of Clark Atlanta University spoke with a group of young men about his life experiences and how he allowed his faith and relationship in God to help steer his life in the right direction. Mitchell, 25, was one of the first individuals to offer his services due to a sincere passion that he has for prison ministry. Mitchells claims “My most significant memory was during my testimony the young men were very receptive and I felt the connection I made with them. To see young men give their life to Christ showed me the impact I could have”. Vernell has had several experiences in his past that have formed a bond in what he believes was the key that started the ignition in his drive to begin his own prison ministry. He also believes that people who are incarcerated shouldn’t have such negative stereotypes “They were very receptive to me and what I had to say. They were very respectful. I think that there’s a negative stereotype of those that are incarcerated. The behavior reinforced the belief that these are not bad people. They just made a bad decision. However, none of them bragged or glorified what caused them to be in their current predicament”.

Another volunteer who is always honored to take part in this outreach is Tamanika Brown of West Angeles Cathedral. Brown has been an active participant for the last few years and looks forward to this time of year and claims the time with these individuals is “the opportunity to change a person’s life and give them a different outlook on life”. She has a special place in her heart for people of this stature and is extremely enticed about the idea of any opportunity she’s granted to touch the lives of America’s youth. Tamanika is a firm believer that she not only influences the people who are incarcerated, but they had a major impact on her life as well stating “I feel that they impact me because it made me realize I need to do this outside of holidays. It exemplifies the scripture “What you do unto the least of those you do unto me.” It was truly a blessing to interact with the young men especially because they don’t normally open the facilities.”

As the hours quickly went past the teens received something that many of them thought was not possible; a revelation that there is still hope for a bright future ahead of them. As they listened to the words of the volunteers, pastors, and mentors the fire that initially burned in their desire to succeed was rekindled. Many of the teens had typical dreams of going to college, getting married, starting a family and visions of the standard American dream. But as some of them got lost in their journeys, a hope for these dreams to become realities evaporated into thin air. Upon playing games, heart to heart conversations, prayers and pearls of wisdom the youth gained an understanding that all things are possible, they can still turn their lives around and it’s never too late. After leaving the LA East Central Detention Center, it was obvious that this place is full of dreamers and there are a host of destinies waiting to be fulfilled; but the end result will depend upon the person whose trying to fulfill them. The great Langston Hughes posed a question that applies to all of us “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” If the youth take head to the words they received and apply them to their lives and the future generation their dreams will not be deferred; but more importantly they will not dry up like a raisin in the sun.

November 5, 2009

The 2009 East Region Rally event took place April 17-18 in the city of Norfolk, VA, hosted at the Garden of Prayer Worship Center COGIC, where Bishop Levi Willis Jr. is the host Pastor.

Though slightly smaller in scale than the prior year in Philadelphia, there was still over capacity attendance, estimated at 2300+, with close to 900 registered delegates.  The church seats approximately 2200 and was filled to overflowing capacity on both Friday and Saturday night worship services.  Events included a late night concert, a Young Women of Excellence Pajamas & Pampering social which had capacity attendance, a sports and recreation tournament with 350+ youth in the gymnasium and a Gathering Place late night session.

The Lord was faithful in this event as he has been in times past and the power of the Lord was in the place with awesome demonstration.  On Friday evening, International Chairlady Joyce Rodgers delivered a powerful Word and many delegates both young and old were tremendously blessed.

Saturday all day, the East Region workers and delegates enjoyed a fruitful time of fellowship, impartation and edification, starting with the Morning Glory where the worship and Word was rich and continuing in the Workshop sessions where over 750+ youth and young adults participated in over 30 different class offerings, taught by qualified and capable persons, members of the Church of God in Christ with expertise in every field of endeavor.  The East Region left an indelible imprint on Booker T. Washington H.S. in Norfolk which was utilized as the site for Saturday’s institute, Sports and Recreation and the lunch feeding for all youth free of charge.

The final Worship services was the highlight of the weekend, where the Spirit of the Lord came in so mightily that the scheduled program had to be interrupted and the main speaker brought forth.  International President Dillard delivering the Rhema for the house with the Word, “Spiritual Warfare”.  By the conclusion of his presentation, the hearts and souls of all were ready for transformation and the altar was packed with over 400 youth and young adults coming to rededicate themselves to the Lord and engage in some spiritual warfare of their own against the enemy’s attack on their lives.

The youth were highlighted during this great event with presentations from the Young Women of Excellence and the Young Men of Valor as well as the selection of the first Regional Youth Advisory Council board for young adults ages 16 – 21.

The East Region has always been blessed with great support by many of our area Bishops and this year was no exception where we enjoyed attendance and support by the Virginia area Bishops as well as other Prelate and leaders from around the Region including Bishop Levi Willis Jr., Bishop Samuel Green (General Board member), Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., Bishop Paul Harmon, Bishop Dwight Green and Bishop Thomas Holsey.  In addition, our friend and mentor, the “godfather” of the International Youth Department, Vice President Willard Payton, attended to support the East Region event.

At the conclusion of the event, the East Region was blessed by the decision of our International Chairlady with the approval of the International President to appoint for us a Regional Chairlady.  The East Region was proud to receive and celebrate the elevation of our own Evangelist Kandace Pierce to the Office of Regional Chairlady.

Together with the leadership team of Pastor Tyrone Butler, Regional Director and IYD Administrator and Evangelist Kandace Pierce, Regional Chairlady, the East Region is continuing to look for bigger and better things as we fulfill our mandate under the vision and leadership of our International President to promote events and activities, always striving to make an indelible impact on the lives of our youth, to inspire, edify, provide training for and create wholesome fellowship that will enable them to bear fruit worthy of Kingdom ministry.

By Wiley Henry (Tri-State Defender Online) | Published  09/24/2009

Pastor Linwood Dillard Jr. has been preaching the gospel since he was 15 years old. His youthful exuberance and faith-walk led to the founding of the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Germantown, Tenn., and his crowning achievement as the president of COGIC’s International Youth Department.

On Friday evening (Sept. 18), a contingent of clergy from COGIC’s Tennessee Central Jurisdiction and others from across the country joined Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake in saluting the newly-installed youth president at Greater Community Temple COGIC on Winchester.

Dillard succeeds Pastor Michael Hill as the 10th president to head the international youth department. Several hundred people celebrated Dillard’s accomplishments.

“I’ve seen him grow up in the jurisdiction. I’ve seen his commitment and so many other gifts,” said Bishop-designate Brandon B. Porter, the 8th president of the international youth department and host pastor.

Dillard has served in various capacities in church ministry since his youth: Vacation Bible School Director, pastor’s aide, minister of music, minister of evangelism, program coordinator, YPWW president and more.

He also served as youth department president and chairman of the Jurisdictional AIM Convention for the Tennessee Central Jurisdiction COGIC under the late Bishop W.L. Porter and currently serves the jurisdiction as director of Events Planning and Administrative Support.

In 2006, the late Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson appointed Dillard as the assistant secretary of the COGIC National Tithing Fund Commission. Dillard also served as a regional director and the executive secretary of the International Youth Department.

Since his presidential appointment in January, Dillard has developed a strategic plan that focuses on education, juvenile crime prevention and reduction, recreation and organized sports commission, information technology, spiritual empowerment, college and career preparatory, and college campus ministries.

Dillard matriculated at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering with chemical and environmental concentrations. He also graduated from the W.L. Porter Bible Institute, which is accredited by the Evangelical Training Association.

Dillard is employed by Shelby County Government as an engineer. He has received many awards and honors including being featured in the February 2006 edition of Ebony Magazine as one of 30 young leaders under the age of 30.

Dillard and his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of three children – Faith Marie, Joy Marie and Linwood III.

By Natasha Patterson

Parties, alcohol and no curfew! These are some of the things that many students look forward to as they prepare to live on campus. Fortunately, this is not the only way to enjoy life as a college student. You can still hold on to your salvation while enjoying being a student. Developing time management and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are essential to making the most out of your college experience.

Your first priority should always be your academics, however involvement in activities outside of the classroom help to increase your social development and networking abilities. For many Christians, trying to maintain a spiritual lifestyle becomes more difficult because of temptations and peer pressures found on campus. Students are introduced to more negative influences and are given more freedom than they typically may be used to.

To avoid these temptations, it is beneficial to become involved in campus activities. Colleges and universities have many organizations, clubs and societies that are always looking to increase their membership. Find the ones that interest you most and start participating! These organizations also hold events that you can attend even if you aren’t a member. This will allow you to meet and network with other students that share a common interest.

It is also is important to surround yourself with likeminded individuals that are committed to living a holy and separated life. This helps reduce the chances of you being put into tempting situations, and can provide a support system to encourage you to keep walking into your destiny. When you have others around you that are striving to live for God, it motivates you to keep holding on to your faith when you encounter trying times.

While you may love the home church where you grew up, it is vital to find a local church to attend while away at school and to consistently stay in your Word. Ephesians tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. It also reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In order to be effective in battle, we have to be familiar with the Word so that we can handle the sword as God has instructed us to.  

If you maintain balance between your academic, social and spiritual life, you can thoroughly enjoy the college experience without compromise. Make the most out of your college experience and allow God to use you during this time of growth and exploration!

By Minister Michael R. Jackson

Have you ever wondered why you face the heartaches and trials that come your way? As a young Christian, have you ever asked God why you face the challenges, disappointments and pain that make life so difficult? You may have even asked why the young people who have no heart for God seem to succeed and live life unchallenged and prosperous? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone, for I’ve asked these same questions myself!

Young people, be encouraged because God answers all of those questions in His Word! If we take time to read and study the Bible, God tells us that there is purpose in our pain. In the book of Genesis, our friend Joseph has ambition, motivation and, most of all, a vision from God. He loved God just like you do, however, his vision and the place God was taking him caused him to go through various trials and temptations. He was hated by his own brethren, sold into slavery and even experienced trouble when he reached the place God had for him (Genesis 37-45). But the thing Joseph didn’t realize during his trials was that his journey of pain was leading him to a position of much power.

How painful it must have been to be hated by his own family simply because he was called by God. He too likely asked God, why? At the end of Joseph’s story, he realizes and reveals to his brothers or haters “that God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance, So, now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and the lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Gen. 45:7-8). What the devil purposed for evil, God had already purposed for good.

Joseph had to suffer great loss and terrible experiences to get to the place God was taking him. Maybe you are in this same situation. You might be wondering, why me? You may be thinking I don’t deserve this. God wants you to know that whatever you are faced with and whatever comes against you, you will succeed. God says in his word that he knows the thought that he thinks toward us, thoughts to prosper us, young people be encouraged because your pain is not in vain! Just like Joseph, God is going to take you through to make you great.

When you’re going through, it is just that! Going through, is simply stating that you are not stuck in one place – you are not stagnant or immobile – but you are going to the next level in Christ! So brothers and sisters, like James states, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” because it serves a great purpose in your Christian development.