Faith, fellowship highlight opening night at Youth Convention

“It’s not whether God is choosing me. It’s the fact that I need to make the choice to be chosen,” said keynote speaker and musician Mikey Needleman during the opening session of the 2018 Youth Convention in Houston June 20.

Needleman served as part of the convention’s first-day welcome to hundreds of youth from the Diocese of Beaumont who converged at the Hyatt Regency Houston for the annual event.

Live art performance artist Mike Debus echoed Needleman’s sentiments on faith.

“God provided for me. He was with me all the way. He didn’t abandon me,” Debus said about giving up a full-time job with benefits to pursue making a life as an artist. “We have a God who loves us. And he’ll never abandon you and me,” Debus said.

The second day of the convention will feature workshops, award presentations and adoration.