In the midst of the pounding rain on Friday morning, Ted Swartz urged youth to “stop talking and just listen.” Youth responded by giving full attention to Jeniffer Dake and her message.

Jeniffer Dake, a storyteller and founding member of Rocketown youth center in Nashville, Tenn., challenged youth to question, “What does it mean to be an ambassador? And how do we do it?”

Dake suggested to the youth that their peers “may not know Christ but they know you’ve got something and they want it.” She said that because of this, it is important for youth to be good ambassadors by letting God’s glory shine through them.

Dake emphasized honesty: “I’m not saying you gotta be perfect. I’m just saying you gotta be real.”

Sometimes, said Dake, we’re tempted to stray from God’s will. She told youth to stay engaged with their local churches, embrace God’s community and read the Bible.

“When you walk outside the will of God … it might feel really good [but it leads to] death and destruction,” said Dake. “You’re spiritual life will win if you stay plugged in.”

“God says, ‘Stay in my will and I will give you abundantly more than you could ever imagine.’”

Dake also told the youth that the convention should not just be a spiritual high, but should help promote growth and keep up a healthy spirituality. She challenged the youth to keep the faith found and renewed at convention throughout the next two years and through the rest of their lives.