The power of faith and community came alive at the Newday event, held at the Norfolk Showground in late July. Over 10,000 people, mostly between the ages of 12 and 18, gathered for a five-day extravaganza of worship, teaching, and fellowship. The event, which has become a highlight of the Christian calendar, saw thousands of young people make a commitment to the Christian faith, with many experiencing life-changing moments that will stay with them for years to come. As the event drew to a close, it was clear that Newday had once again been a resounding success, with its unique blend of music, prayer, and teaching leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
The Newday event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of over 1,000 volunteers who come together to make it happen. From setting up marquees to leading sessions, serving drinks, and ensuring the site is secure, every aspect of the event is carefully planned and executed. The organization is a huge undertaking, but the end result is well worth it, as thousands of young people are introduced to the Christian faith and given the opportunity to grow and develop in their spirituality. This year, groups from 234 churches across the UK attended the event, each accompanied by their youth leaders and helpers. For many of the young people, this was their first introduction to Christianity, while for others, it was an opportunity to reflect on their personal faith and decide how to respond to the challenge of living out their faith as they grow up.
One of the highlights of Newday is the ‘altar call’, where people are invited to come forward if they choose to follow Jesus for the first time. This year, over 760 people made a commitment to follow Jesus, and were prayed for and given further information to help them on their spiritual journey. The ‘healing night’ on Thursday is another special part of the event, where people are invited to receive prayer for healing. This year, there were 489 testimonies of healing, with many people sharing their stories of how God had touched their lives. The event also featured seminars, a prayer zone, and worship sessions, all designed to help young people deepen their faith and understand the teachings of the Bible.
The impact of Newday is not limited to the event itself, but extends far beyond. Many of the young people who attend the event return home with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to live out their faith in their daily lives. Youth leaders and helpers play a vital role in supporting these young people, guiding them through the next steps and helping them to stay connected with their faith. For example, Peter Skivington, Youth Team Leader at Lighthouse church in Sheringham, said, “It was fantastic to see our young people so engaged in worship with thousands of young Christians. Many of them made commitments of faith and decisions to be baptized. This Sunday they gathered together after our church meeting to pray for each other that they continue to stand strong and live wholeheartedly for Jesus as they return to friends, family, and workplaces where they may be the only Christian.” Similarly, Soraia Pereira and her husband Tiago, who led a group from Dereham Baptist Church, said, “It was our pleasure to look after this amazing group of youth, we were so blessed by them and to witness all that God has started this week is amazing. We look forward to hearing what God will do during this year in their life and through their life.”
The final day of Newday was a celebration, with a party night that featured a plethora of creative costume ideas. The theme was dynamic duos and dream teams, and the young people had a fantastic time dressing up and enjoying the evening extravaganza in the big top. Earlier in the day, there was an offering, where the young people had been advised to prayerfully consider how much they might give, and to think about giving as part of worship. Over £160,000 was given during the service, which will be spent on a variety of projects, including church planting in Ukraine, training future youth leaders, free Newday places for young people next year, and setting up Newday resources to give an online presence throughout the year. The generosity of the young people was a testament to their commitment to their faith and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
As Newday came to a close, it was clear that the event had been a huge success. The thousands of young people who attended had been inspired, motivated, and equipped to live out their faith in their daily lives. The event had provided a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their spirituality, and to make commitments to follow Jesus. As the organizers begin to plan for next year’s event, which will take place from Monday 27th to Friday 31st July, they can look back on the 2023 event with pride, knowing that they have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of young people. With its unique blend of worship, teaching, and fellowship, Newday is an event that will continue to inspire and motivate young people for years to come, and its impact will be felt far beyond the Norfolk Showground.
