Paris, September 22-25, 2011. The Amicus International Student Congress, now in its fifth edition, was held in Paris on September 22-25. More than 200 participants attended the congress, with an additional 90 that came just for Sabbath.
The general program, through plenary sessions, panels and lectures, focused on the main topic of the second coming of Jesus. “Much speculation has been spreading regarding the end of the world,” said Stephan Sigg and Barna Magyarosi, the promoters of the congress, “therefore it is vital that we have a biblical understanding of it.” Excellent speakers were invited to explain, through Biblical concepts, this important plan outlined by God.
“Just before Christ comes again a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit will enable the true Gospel to reach the whole world,” argued Roy E. Gane, professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminar at Andrews University, Michigan, USA.
Dwight Nelson, Senior Pastor of the Pioneer Seventh-day Memorial Church on the Andrews University campus, animated the debate on “What does it mean to be the “last” generation on earth?” Another interesting theological reflection was offered by Timothy Standish, biologist and writer, on how intelligent design may be used productively in Christian thinking when sharing the Gospel in this last era.
Practical suggestions for personal assurance of salvation, freedom from guilt, and power to witness was presented by Cindy Tutsch, Associate Director of the Ellen White Estate at the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference in Maryland, USA. Finally, an interesting and challenging “Survival Guide for Civilization’s End” animated debates with Felix Hadid Cortez, Academic Secretary for Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at the School of Theology at Montemorelos University, Mexico.
“This EUD AMiCUS Congress in Paris strengthened the Advent hope among the students. Besides identifying past and present false prophecies as well as confirming the accuracy of biblical eschatology, the AMiCUS Congress highlighted the Christian faith in Christ's imminent return,” said Stephan Sigg, Youth Leader at the Seventh-day Adventist Euro-Africa Region headquarters, Bern, Switzerland. “In awaiting the Advent,” continued Stephan Sigg, “God's people are called to live a ‘holy’ life in the here and
now. Biblical holiness means first and foremost ‘Love in action’. In this sense the students were called to ‘ARISE’ and to witness the soon coming of Christ through actions of love - now and ‘At The End.”
The program was conceived by alternating plenary sessions with workshops. Naturally, there were moments of healthy fellowship and an interesting cultural visit to the beautiful city of Paris.
“I want to give thanks for the Student Congress,” said a participant, “It was great! I especially liked the challenging workshops.”
Student and Campus Ministries are getting more and more important for us as a church. Many Adventist youth today chose the path of higher education.
Thus they also face the challenge of integrating their faith into an intellectual and scientific mindset. AMiCUS Congresses are designed to foster an international community among Adventist students and to reflect with them in an intelligent way on our faith in Jesus, our fundamental beliefs and our mission in this world. AMiCUS thus also fosters communication and interaction with and among the students. Asking questions is thereby as important as providing or suggesting answers. AMiCUS Congresses can make a positive contribution to raising the rather weak intellectual climate in the Adventist churches.
