Spring of 2001, a desire to gather some of the youth together from SJBCI for very early morning prayer meetings became a weekly commitment. These 7am gatherings, composed of simple worship songs on the guitar, Bible devotions, and prayer time, catalyzed a new desire to bring that same intimate joy of worshipping God to a bigger level. The vision of gathering different youth groups from the tristate area, to devote a day to singing praise and worship songs, and hearing testimonies and God’s Word, manifested into the first BASIC event.

The venue for the first BASIC was at the SJBCI building. Various praise bands led the youth congregation in several praise sessions throughout the event. Two testimonies were shared as encouragement, with their peers testifying relatable issues they’ve faced, with God’s goodness in their lives. The event concluded with God’s Word, following with an altar call for salvation.

The first BASIC was never intended, from our perspective, to be a stepping stone for more BASICs for the following years, but God surely blessed what He started that year. Subsequently, after much prayer and planning the next year, the attendance for BASIC 2 doubled, and again for its 3rd year. Every BASIC became an event in which people could really pour their hearts out in worship, in songs, in their prayer. Different groups collaborated to lead worship, more people willingly shared their testimonies, and God’s Word, each year through the sermons, were yearly challenges to know God more.

Definably, BASIC is a heart’s cry. Every year, there’s always a need for today’s youth, and God is the one to satisfy. BASIC is just another vessel for God to use, and truly, it’s really by God’s grace that with each new BASIC event, there is something new. Simply, it’s a day to devote time to glorify Him and then just listen.

-Marchesa Ababa

Speakers:

Links:
Mike Licona
Official BASIC 2008 Page
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