Excitement was in the air as two hundred eighteen campers and staff registered for Youth Camp in Honduras, Central America, that took place from March 28-30, 2013. They came from near and far, some traveling several hours to reach the campsite in the town of Campamento, which is approximately two hours northeast of the capital city, Tegucigalpa. Camp was conducted on the National Sanctuary grounds and the campers slept in tents, Sunday School rooms and anywhere they could lay their sleeping bags or foam mattresses. Camp was a well-organized and wonderful balance of Bible classes and fun time during the day – and beautiful worship, powerful messages, and sincere, heartfelt altar calls in the evening. National Overseer, Bishop Donaldo Acosta, and Camp director, Brother Erlan Martinez, very aptly directed the activities and moderated the services. Our World Mission Coordinator, Robert Hawkins, and his wife, Malissa Hawkins, along with interpreter, Claudia Razo from Boise, Idaho, were blessed to be able to attend an...

International Youth Camp for The Church of God begins today at the Lutheridge Conference Center just outside of Asheville, NC.

The camp is directed by Dustin Hays, international youth director for the Church, which has its headquarters in Cleveland.

Staff members and camp representatives who are attending the camp from the Cleveland area include the Church's General Overseer, Stephen Smith and his wife, Vicki; Kevin, Connie, and Ashley Werkheiser; Georgia/Florida camp representative, Jonathan Muñoz; media staff coordinator, Grayson B. Kent; Oscar Pimentel, director of translation; Rob and Missy Hawkins; and James and Allene Cox and son, David, Tennessee camp representative.

The theme for IYC 2012 is "Wind in the Valley" (Ezekiel 37:9 and 10).

International Youth Camp is an annual ministry of the Victory Leaders Band Department.  each year delegates from around the globe gather together to better equip themselves to serve as staff members in the youth camp ministry...

The Victory Leaders Band is excited to announce the release of the new VLB Bible imprinted with the new VLB logo. The new Bibles are Thompson Chain Reference Bibles. As you represent The Church of God Victory Leaders Band you will also have available one of the most widely used reference Bibles. In addition the new Bible is an attractive red color. Hurry and get yours, and represent the Victory Leaders Band with excitement!

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible features a kirvella, a man-made polyurethane material, cover that has the softness and flexibility of calf skin. The Bible features words of Christ in red, high quality paper, smith sewn pages for strength and durability, a cloth ribbon page marker, and gilded page edges. The Bible is 7 in. x 9.5 in x 1.5 in. and weights three pounds. Printing is the traditional New Century Schoolbook.

This Bible contains a number of comprehensive helps including an alphabetic topical index, numerical topical index, outline studies of the Bible, historical bridge between ...

There were three hundred fifty-eight campers registered in the National Youth Camp in Honduras from April 21-23, 2011. Campers came from all over Honduras, many traveling hours by bus to attend this wonderful event. There was not enough cabins to hold all who attended so many set up tents in the open field, and others slept in homes of members who live close by. In addition eleven members from The Church of God in Nicaragua attended. The camp was also attended by Brother Dustin Hays (General VLB Coordinator) and Brother Michael Dominguez (Translator). The young people in Honduras were excited to have General Headquarters Representatives present with them for the first time in their annual Youth Camp. There was great fun and silliness as in any camp. The camp theme was "Amantes de la Verdad" (Lovers of the Truth). Lessons were taught on "The Youth and His Virtues" as well as on the doctrine of Restitution.

On the opening night of the camp Brother Dustin preached on the thought "Do You Love The Truth?" The people ...

On January 28, 2010 Brother Oscar Pimentel and I met at the Miami International Airport to travel together to the 2nd Annual National Youth Convention of The Church of God in Dominican Republic. This was to be my first trip outside of the United States on behalf of The Church of God. As we arrived at the airport in Santo Domingo and made our way to the exit we saw our National Overseer Bishop Juan Pimentel there with another brother, Brother Reyes, to take us to our hotel. We waited with great anticipation the following day for Bishop Pimentel to arrive at our hotel to take us to the convention. I do not have the words to describe to you the feelings that I had as we arrived at the convention and were greeted, as we exited the vehicle, by many of the brethren. What a humbling experience to find myself traveling outside of my home country on behalf of The Church of God. The love that I felt from these brothers and sisters and the power of the Holy Ghost that was present will be a memory that I carry with me for the ...

Dustin Hays, Victory Leaders Band Coordinator, presents the following announcements from the VLB Department:

The Reaching the Nations Through Publication project has been successful. We have been informed by our General Overseer that through the work of the VLBs and by God's help the funds are currently sufficient to meet the needs of this program. Thank you for your hard work and thanks to God for His assistance in helping us see this need met.

An order form for VLB materials, as well as a theme poster, will soon be available to download from the VLB page of the website. When you need materials you will be able to print this order form and send it in to General Headquarters. Also you will be able to download the theme poster and print out as many as you need for your use. You can also contact General Headquarters to obtain these items.

The Victory Leaders Band and Print Shop are pleased to announce the availability of a new tract entitled "Grace and Eternal Security". One of the most powerful and destructive heresies to penetrate the Christian community is the teaching that once people are saved, they cannot lose their salvation. This tract provides an intensive introduction into the fallacy promoted by this fatal heresy. The "Grace and Eternal Security" tract can ordered through the online store.

If one young person is lost, we have lost one too many. The goal of the "No Youth Left Behind" program includes introducing the young people to mentors who will help them run the race to glory and carry them when needed. David said to Solomon, "Be thou strong", "Show thyself a man". Words of encouragement from spiritual leaders can assist in making faithful servants of the young people which God has placed in our care and inspire them to lead others to the truth.

Some ideas for youth leaders to consider are as follows:

• Seek out mentors for the young people.
• Encourage the older generation to take the time to care.
• If a young person feels that their life is of worth, they are more likely to try to live according to the Word of God.
• Remember to cheer for and encourage the young people.
• If necessary, assist the young people in the carrying of their burdens.