Youth Challenged

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Nov. 14, 2020, the Oklahoma Youth Department organized its first live Youth Preaching Challenge, hosted by Daniel Ortega, pastor, and his son Benjamin Ortega. Eight young people from across the state, ages 9-17, went live on Facebook to preach a 10-15 minute sermon. Each of them preached on one of Christ’s parables from the comfort of their own home or church.

Our judges consisted of pastors T.J. Sands, Kevin Bruce, Robert Quintana and Advent Preaching Ministries director and theology major Christopher Finley. Contestants were scored in various different areas such as illustrations, transitions, application and Biblical soundness.

After hearing from all eight great presenters and totaling up all the points, the judges awarded the top three presenters. First place went to Isaac Ortega of Oklahoma City, second place to Enddy Devia of Tulsa and third place to Abraham Velazquez of Tulsa. All presenters were presented with an Amazon gift card and a certificate acknowledging their efforts.

Since the program, many of the participants have already received invitations to preach at local churches. We look forward to hearing how God will continue to use these young people in their preaching ministry in the years to come. You can watch the full presentation, which is found on the Oklahoma Conference Facebook page.

By Yesenia Ortega