Our chair person Henriette was invited to be part of Agape Youth Conference in Miami this October and shares here her impressions and experiences:
Inside the Vision of Agape 2024
The Agape Youth Conference, held under the theme “Created to Do Good Works” (Ephesians 2:10), was an immersive experience aimed at activating youth as impactful leaders in addressing societal issues. The conference promoted the idea that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but essential changemakers in the present, equipped to create innovative solutions to today’s social, political, environmental, and economic challenges. Bringing together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, Agape served as an open forum where they shared local contexts and developed actionable plans for community impact. Through both immersive learning and active engagement, the conference aspired to bridge perspectives, connect communities, and encourage sustainable local and international projects.
Building Blocks of the Agape Experience
The conference was split into two programs: the Immersion Program, which I attended, spanned nine days, from October 5 to 14, 2024, and involved a small group of international participants. Meanwhile, the Agape Summit was a shorter, three-day event designed for a broader youth audience in the Miami area. Our Immersion group included seven participants from Argentina, Honduras, Finland, and Germany, all with experience in youth projects, church activities, or ecumenical work. Although Hurricane Milton disrupted the original schedule, we adapted and made the most of each day, connecting with local communities, learning from their experiences, and offering guidance.
Daily Highlights and Key Moments
Upon our arrival on October 5, we were warmly greeted at the First Hispanic Presbyterian Church in Miami, where the congregation embraced us with open arms, setting the tone for the week. We quickly settled into a shared house, anticipating the immersive days ahead. On Sunday, our first full day, we attended the church service, where we were officially welcomed. This church, shaped by the rich Latin American heritage of its members, especially Cuban and other migrants, soon felt like a second home. Following the service, we shared an authentic Cuban meal at a local restaurant, which introduced us to Miami’s unique cultural blend.
The next two days were dedicated to understanding the broader context of migration to the United States, with an emphasis on Latin American migration. We delved into workshops on migration history, U.S. laws, and the diverse experiences of migrants depending on their national backgrounds. A visit to the Mexican American Council in Homestead provided insight into the lives of Mexican migrants and the support structures in place. Later, we met an international student from India, who shared his migration journey, and spoke with the director of La Progressiva, a Presbyterian school affiliated with the church, where we learned about the school’s work with local youth. A visit to Church World Service revealed more about the on-the-ground challenges that migrants face in Miami, and the organization’s efforts to provide support.
Hurricane Milton disrupted the schedule for the Agape Summit, leading to two unexpected days of exploration. Although Miami was spared from the worst, safety measures closed schools, including La Progressiva, from which many Agape youth participants came. In light of this, we spent the two days exploring Miami’s neighborhoods, visiting a local farm, and taking in the coastal beauty of the Florida Keys. These unexpected experiences allowed us to bond as a group and to gain a richer sense of the region’s geography and lifestyle.
Finally, on Day 6, the Agape Summit took place, albeit condensed into a single, intensive day. Reverend Nigel Leon Novell-Martin led a Bible study based on Ephesians 2:10, underlining that we are saved not by good works but for good works, with social justice at the core of faith. He urged the youth to act as leaders in the present, addressing the needs of their communities. The Bible study was followed by a panel conversation featuring Reverend Geoffrey McLean, Ms. Ailynn Hernandez, and Mr. Andre Robledo, who shared diverse perspectives on how we might do “good works” in our communities. They emphasized using our unique gifts to help others, the importance of openness to learning, and the key role of education. The main part of the summit was dedicated to project presentations by local youth participants, covering topics such as financial literacy, environmental issues, the migration crisis, food insecurity, and more. As members of the international group, we provided feedback, sharing our own insights from youth projects in our home contexts.
The next day, we took an excursion to Immokalee, a town renowned for its tomato farms, where migrant workers labor in challenging, often exploitative conditions. Partnering with Mision Peniel, a local Presbyterian mission, we assisted in food distribution and helped register children for holiday gifts. Our visit to Immokalee gave us a firsthand look at the complex social and economic issues affecting migrant laborers in the U.S., leaving a deep impact on all of us.
On our final day, we returned to the First Hispanic Presbyterian Church for a closing service, where we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to the church members, particularly to Samuel Ortiz, a dedicated organizer and World Student Christian Federation member. We thanked Pastor Angel Ortiz and the many church members who had welcomed us so openly. Our time with the church ended on a joyous note, with a lunch that turned into a lively salsa celebration. Later, we visited Miami Beach and shared a farewell dinner, cherishing the memories we’d created.
Filled with new knowledge, friendships, and inspiration, we departed on October 14, each of us committed to carrying forward the spirit of Agape and its message of faith-driven action for social justice.
Reflecting on Agape: What We’ll Take Forward
The Agape Conference was more than just a gathering; it was a formative experience that emphasized the vital role of youth in driving social change through faith and action. The challenges of the local Miami communities, particularly concerning migration and economic hardship, brought the theme of “good works” to life in a concrete and urgent way. The conference highlighted how youth, when given support and space to lead, can create innovative, culturally sensitive solutions. Furthermore, our connections with the local church and community leaders underscored the importance of collaboration across borders and backgrounds.
The relationships formed, the stories shared, and the knowledge gained at Agape continue to inspire us. We left not only with a deeper understanding of Miami’s unique context but also with a commitment to embody our faith through action and to support each other in our respective countries. The Agape Youth Conference succeeded in equipping us to return home with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to do good works in our communities.
