Fresh Streams Conference 2025: a first-timer’s reflection 

It gave me a fresh perspective and energy for the work ahead - and I have already started implementing most of what I learnt, writes Abraham Nafah

 
Fresh Streams Conference 2025 was a truly special experience for me as a young intern at Seer Green Baptist Church. Having arrived in the UK barely six weeks ago from Ghana, where our worship and church meetings are vibrant and energetic, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, with a deep passion to win souls and assist with young adult and children’s missional activities, I prayed and hoped to learn more about reaching out to these groups in this new context.
 
I arrived at the venue promptly on the first day with my minister. Attendees were already queued and checking in, their faces beaming with smiles and readiness for the program to kick off. The first session began with deep worship and an opening session led by Andy Glover, who recalibrated our focus by encouraging us to go deeper with God in our personal time so that we could flourish in ministry. This gave me the reassurance I needed not to fret over the work, but to set my foundation right, going deeper with God.
 
The supper was remarkable, with food clearly labelled to meet diverse dietary needs. It was also a time to connect with others. I was fortunate to make some friends who shared their experiences, which I found invaluable for my work here in the UK.
 
We reconvened in the evening for the second session. Our hearts were poured out in worship, and at one point, Andy gave an opportunity for anyone with a tongue and anyone with an interpretation to come forward. One of our prophetic painters shared a tongue, and three people gave interpretations that connected perfectly, urging us to come and drink of Him. This moment was remarkable to me as I saw scripture not only being read, but practised, with the Spirit of God working seamlessly in the meeting.

Then Lois Delong equipped us with a message on how to witness in the power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to put scripture into practice.
 
After the second session, there was a special welcome at the lounge for first-timers, solo attendees, family workers, and young adults. That was my opportunity to meet Isabella Senior, the Development Coordinator for Baptists Together. She had a good chat with us all and introduced all the interns, giving us time to network and learn from each other by sharing our stories and experiences. The first day ended on a high note.


 
There was an early morning prayer which was optional, but a strong boost and an essential starter for the day. After a refreshing and filling breakfast, we all converged again for the third session. This session equipped us with the knowledge that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, just like at Pentecost, we are equipped to withstand hard places and hard times as Christians, like tardigrades. This vibrant message was given to us by Chrissy Remsberg. How refreshing!
 
Later in the morning, the Digging Deeper seminars were held in different conference rooms simultaneously, offering a plethora of choices based on one’s interest. I finally went for the one run by Kwame Adzam on Evangelism and Discipleship. Kwame’s touching story on evangelism and his teachings on reaching out to people, including our families and inner circles, were inspiring.
 
After lunch, three different programs were running concurrently. The first was an opportunity to receive prayers from other leaders, the second was an opportunity to encounter God through worship, and the last was Renew Wellbeing. I chose the electrifying moment of worship.

The afternoon continued with more seminars. I attended one led by Isabella Senior and Lois Delong. This was a unique and timely experience, especially for reaching out to the young adults in the new context. Five cases were shared among us in groups, discussing potential challenges and how to navigate them with scripture and experience. Fresh Streams indeed gave me a fresh perspective and energy for the work ahead.
 
We had Ben Jack for Evangelism 101 for the fourth main session. Another energetic encounter, with him delving into various concepts of evangelism, emphasising reliance on God’s presence for winning souls.

At the end of the message, we were given an opportunity to receive a word from God through anyone in the congregation individually. Isabella, sitting next to me, tapped my shoulder gently and gave me a word which was in confirmation to the word God gave me before I came for the conference. This was clearly the power of God at work!
 
The final day was filled with quiet moments of personal time with God, worshipping together, and the last session with Phil Knox. At this session, the urgency of the Gospel and the need to be patient in faith was evident in the preacher’s passion.

I thank God for the opportunity to be part of this Conference and I wish every Christian leader, especially young adults, had such opportunities at least every year. I returned stronger and have already started implementing most of what I learnt. It is my prayer that God honors His name and wins more souls for His kingdom through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
 

Abraham Nafah is an intern at Seer Green Baptist Church.

Fresh Streams 2026 takes place Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 January.

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