To conclude the 30th anniversary of the Universal Church in the UK, the VYG Night Vigil: Next Generation took place on Friday 14th February with Bishop Celso Junior, who oversees the work of the Victory Youth Group (VYG) worldwide. Scheduled to begin at 11pm and end at 6am, this meeting attracted a large crowd. By 10pm, a long line had already formed outside the Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park, London. More than 1,000 youths travelled from across London and the UK, including Leicester, Liverpool, and as far as Cardiff, to participate in the meeting.
Lewis from Woolwich in London shared his expectations: “I’m looking forward to the message, the seeking of the Holy Spirit, and the performances. I believe I won’t leave the same way I came, and neither will those attending for the first time or those who have been in the church for a while. I have prepared myself spiritually and physically for the night vigil by consecrating myself through prayer and by bringing someone along with me. I expect to leave revived and witnessing many people receiving the Holy Spirit.”
The night kicked off with a dynamic performance by V-band. The Rainbow Theatre came alive with their electrifying energy as the crowd enthusiastically joined in, dancing and singing along.
Bishop Junior encouraged everyone to make the most of this meeting, stating that it could either be an ordinary night or a life-changing one, depending on how they embraced the message.
Chancelina, an 18-year-old youth from Sheffield, shared her testimony after attending the No Way night vigil two years ago. She had decided to take her relationship with God seriously, which led to a complete life transformation. One of the biggest changes she made was letting go of a grudge. Bishop used her story to highlight the importance of forgiveness, encouraging attendees to seek God’s strength to forgive.
Bishop read Matthew 17:14-18, which tells of a young boy who suffered greatly, but overcame when his father sought help from Jesus. He related this to the struggles many young people face today, emphasising that Jesus could help them too. An invitation to approach the Altar was made for those battling bad habits, negative thoughts, or deep sadness, and a prayer was made for them.
A drama skit followed, reinforcing the importance of salvation, followed by an opportunity for water baptism. Each person that entered the water symbolised the burial of their old life, and rising from it represented their new beginning with God.
Bishop then spoke about the Holy Spirit, explaining that having the Spirit of God is the only way to remain saved. He urged attendees to desire the Holy Spirit above anything else, as true joy and peace come from Him. The youths were then called to the Altar to seek the Holy Spirit.
A key theme of the night was the importance of saving souls. Bishop Junior asked the audience to imagine witnessing someone drowning—would they watch, or extend a hand? He reminded them of the church’s humble beginnings in the UK, with Bishop Renato and Mrs Cristiane, and its growth due to the dedicated individuals reaching out to others.
Reading from Matthew 4:18-22, he spoke about the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. He then invited those who had a desire to serve God as pastors or pastor’s wives to come forward for a special prayer, asking God to use them as the next generation of men and women of God.
After the vigil, Pastor Rees Effa, who oversees the VYG in the UK, shared: “The Night Vigil was an absolute blessing. You could already see young people with transformed mindsets. Being part of the next generation means remaining in God’s presence. If Jesus returns today, they will be part of the next generation in heaven. If not, they will be set apart, shining their light to glorify God.”
Click here to view more incredible photos from this unforgettable night.
