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Gym Night Engages East Bay Young People for fun—a way to socialize and meet new friends and have a good time.” Ogata realizes that friendship is the best way to reach these young people. “One of them told me, ‘You don’t have to talk about church; the kids are going to ask you,’” he said. “We have kids showing up who haven’t been to church in years. You never know where it’s going to lead.”
very Saturday night, about 80 teens and young adults from around the East Bay gather at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy for gym night. After organizer Wayne Ogata offers an opening prayer, they play volleyball and socialize until midnight. Ninety percent of those who attend are not connected to the Adventist church. They have heard about the gym night through friends and social media. Many play volleyball, but others come just to watch, chat, and play games such as ping pong and checkers. A Pleasant Hill church member, Ogata works hard to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to play in a positive environment. He began organizing gym nights because he loves volleyball, but he now realizes they make it easy to engage with young people on a consistent basis. “We want to make a place for them to hang out and enjoy each other’s company,” he said. Ben Saechao, a young adult from Oakland, has been coming to the gym nights for years. “You go to a lot of other gyms, and it’s kind of intimidating for new players,” he said. “Wayne makes it clear that it’s all just
Wayne Ogata
Online Convocations Provide Inspiration Wesley Knight
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ngaging the Vision, Living the Dream,” the African American Ministries Virtual Convocation, took place during a weekend in October. Wesley Knight, pastor of Revision church in Atlanta, served as the featured speaker. “Dr. Knight’s messages were awesome,” said Willie Johnson, then African American ministries coordinator/urban ministries director. “On Friday night, he spoke about our struggle to believe that Jesus can do the impossible in our lives. On Sabbath morning, he talked about the need for the church to focus on love. His sermons were timely and needed.”
