More than 400 young people and leaders from across the Asia-Pacific Region gathered in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 22–26 July 2026 for the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Youth Conference (APNYC 2026).
Centered on the theme “Holy Surrender,” based on Romans 12:1–2, the five-day conference brought together participants from different nations, cultures, and ministry contexts for worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, cultural exchange, and a renewed call to surrender their lives fully to Christ.
The conference opened with a vibrant Parade of Nations, as participants proudly represented their countries and celebrated the rich cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific Region. The Philippines-Micronesia Field showcased its vibrant cultural traditions representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The gathering was marked by both joyful celebration and spiritual expectation.
The daily schedule included prayer, morning plenary sessions, small-group and intergenerational conversations, workshops, cultural activities, fellowship, and evening worship services. Sharon Latu, Asia-Pacific NYI regional coordinator, delivered the opening message and introduced the conference’s central call to holy surrender.
Each morning of the conference began with an intercessory prayer led by Daniel Latu, praying for one another, their churches, their nations, and the young people of the Asia-Pacific Region. It was an opportunity to seek the presence of God and invite the Holy Spirit to transform the lives of a generation. Together, these experiences allowed participants to grow spiritually, build relationships, and discover practical ways to live out their faith.
On the second day, Asia-Pacific Regional Director Rev. Kafoa Muaror led the morning plenary message on “Dying to Self.” He reminded the young people that dying to self is not a decision made only once at a youth camp, altar service, or conference. That evening, David Nam delivered the message “Nevertheless,” based on Romans 5:8. Drawing from his personal experiences and struggles in ministry, he spoke honestly about seasons when serving God can become difficult, painful, and discouraging.
The following morning, Sealands Field Youth Coordinator Wendi Pasaribu’s plenary message “Why Surrender When in Doubt?” was based on Matthew 14:29–30. Wendi’s exposition of the story of Peter stepping out of the boat reminded participants that surrender does not always mean having every answer or knowing exactly what will happen next.
That evening, General Superintendent Christian Sarmiento challenged the young people through his message, “Revived: When God Awakens a Generation.” He called them to recognize their place in what God is doing in the world and to believe that God can work through their surrendered lives to bring renewal to their churches, communities, and nations.
Josefin Ano-os, dean of student affairs at Central Philippine Nazarene College, gave a plenary message titled “Reclaiming Your True Self” on the morning of the fourth day, which challenged the young people to look beyond the images, expectations, and standards often promoted through social media. Instead, he encouraged them to see themselves through God’s eyes.
One significant moment of the conference was the baptism service, when 12 young people chose to publicly declare their commitment to follow Christ.
On the final day, Global NYI Coordinator Rev. David Gonzalez challenged participants to carry the conference message with them as they returned to their homes, churches, schools, workplaces, and communities.
“Holy surrender is choosing to keep moving—but moving with God,” Gonzalez said. “It means trusting His timing, following His direction, and taking the next step when He says it is time.”
The participants carried a deep sense of gratitude during the final evening—not only for what God had done throughout the conference but also for those who had faithfully invested their lives in the next generation.
A particularly meaningful moment of the evening was the recognition of Elsid Paragas as a recipient of the Timothy Award. Paragas served for 12 years as the Philippines-Micronesia Field youth coordinator, faithfully walking alongside, mentoring, encouraging, and investing in generations of young people.
This story is an adapted version of a story published by the Asia-Pacific Region. To read the story in full, click here.