AJEC CLA 68th Convention Recap
Reflecting on our two-day AJEC CLA Convention in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
By: Genesis Garcia
Oct. 30, 2024
Day 1
We want to start this new fiscal year remembering where it all began. September 20, 2024, marked the first night of our 68th convention under the theme “KAVOD,” meaning the weight of God’s glory. The first night started with the Presbytery of NJC taking the devotional. The congregation of youth could feel the Holy Spirit descend from the beginning! We had the privilege of having the AJEC President of the Youth of El Salvador, Kilmer Lopez, visit and take a special part, where he gave thanks to God for allowing him to join us at this event. Then, the Presbytery of NJS took the next special, their worship served as a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout our trials and tribulations. Before the preaching, the Presbytery of Bronx sang for the collection of offerings.
We had the honor of having our Obispo Santos Roman join us and be the one who introduced our preacher, our former president of AJEC CLA, Marianela Sanchez, who we thank for giving her all during these seven years of presidency. Our sister preached under the theme “The Value of Your Sacrifice,” with the verse being found in 2 Samuel 24:24,
“Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.”So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
Our sister preached on the importance of sacrificing the best of who and what we are to God, not giving God our leftovers because He is deserving of much more. Our former President reminded the youth that God has unique plans for everyone but that it is up to us to seek more of God and give God everything we hold close to our hearts, for that sacrifice costs us a lot, but God will bless us more for our obedience. His Glory will become perfect in our hurt and loss because only then will we truly depend on God and see His wonders!
AJEC’s El Salvador Youth Representative Kilmer Lopez. Taken by Elias Carbajal.
Marianela Sanchez preaching night 1 of convention along side Julie Rosario who was the night’s translator. Taken by Elias Carbajal.
Day 2
We started the next day, September 21, 2024, bright and early at 9 A.M., with the annual report of each head of department: Presidential, Secretary, Treasury, Mission and Public Relations. After reading all the reports and accomplishments, they were approved by the assembly. Then, elections took place accordingly by each position. We're happy to announce the new elected international AJEC CLA staff for this fiscal year 2024 - 2025.
President: Malquiel Polanco
Vice-President: Julie Rosario
Secretary: Yaiza Castillo
Sub-Secretary: Enoc Diaz
Treasurer: Esther Antonetti
Sub-Treasurer: Josaiah Gonzalez
Vocal #1: Jadiel Castillo
Vocal #2: Javier Rivera
Vocal #3: Jessica Larin
Public Relations: Xavier Heim
Public Relations Assistant: Karen Luna
Missions Leader: Zuleika Tello
Missions Sub-Leader: Bianca Salazar
After the new staff was announced, the committee of executives prayed for them and for the exiting AJEC staff who are now entering a different journey in their walk with God. From there, we took a break and prepared ourselves for the night service, which was to start at 4:30 P.M.
Prayer for incoming staff and exiting staff members. Taken by Jared Salazar.
Congregation present during Day 2 of Convention. Taken by Jared Salazar.
DAY 2 - Afternoon Service
The program for the service of Day 2 was as followed:
Opening Prayer: Esther Antonetti
Devotional & Word: Manhattan
Welcoming: AJEC Staff
Special Part: Exiting AJEC Staff
Marching: Presentation of the new staff and the theme song “Juventud Marchad”
Collection Song: NJN
Preaching: Pastora Ruth Perez
We had the privilege of having Sister Ruth Perez, the pastora of the church “Iglesia Pentecostal Voz de Dios” in New Jersey, preach the word on the convention's final night. She preached in Exodus 19:1-7. Pastora Perez placed great importance on the definition of “Kavod,” emphasizing that it means the WEIGHT of God’s glory, which should cause us to kneel in His presence and not elevate ourselves. She reminded the youth that having the Glory of God in us is not because of our positions, knowledge, or talents but depends on the type of genuine relationship and search for God we have. She also touched on the fact that God wants His people to know Him and manifest His glory, but before that happens, He wants us to make a pact with Him. We must learn to hear His voice and live what His Holy word says. We are the generation that will not let His word and Glory be falsely sold to the world based solely on good music, emotions, songs, and dances because THAT IS NOT GLORY because when God’s glory descends, it produces CHANGE, REVIVAL, TRANSFORMATION, LIBERATION, AND SALVATION!
Malquiel Polanco, Julie Rosario, and Karen Luna contributed to this report.