YouthQuake Live

Testimonies & Past Show Updates

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May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010

Scroll down to hear from the cast, audience members, youth pastors, interns, parents and more.

Cast Members

YouthQuake Live has changed every aspect of my life so much. I have been a Christian my whole life but YQL takes your relationship with God to a whole new level. Praying for every show, going through worship, being with other fired up Christians, and helping to save someone’s eternal destiny has helped to secure mine and strengthen my faith. YQL has changed my life forever. ~ Gabe, 15


YQL has influenced me in many ways. Before I was part of the cast I attended almost all the show. It was a good way to socialize and witness to my unbeliever friends. Once I joined the cast two years ago it not only allowed me to socialize and witness but it opened doors for a lot of opportunities. I have made life long friends, grown in my walk with Christ and was even able to be a part of the YQL mission trip to Bahamas. YQL has truly impacted my life in a positive way. ~ Leah, 17


To me, YouthQuake Live is an incredible opportunity to witness to the peers in a completely natural and enjoyable way. In a normal, everyday setting it is incredibly difficult to break through a person’s defenses and have a heart-to-heart conversation with them about God. This incredible opportunity to witness not only affects the lives of the people that one is speaking to, but also it affects oneself in just the same. YouthQuake Live has inspired me, enabled me, and prepared me for the future by pushing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me and encouraging me to witness. ~ Emily, 16


I’ve always been that good little kid who could do no wrong. But to be honest, I never really spoke out; I never stood up for my beliefs. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jesus and I know I’m here for God. But Youth Quake opened up my world and gave me an ability to express my faith. Whether it be on stage, in school, in prayer, or anywhere. This barrier was broken down and my confidence in the Lord grew so I do not fear speaking out. This is a huge part of being Christian and taking that one step in signing up began my journey with Jesus not only in my mind, but also my tongue. ~ Adam, 17


Youth Quake Live is a positive influence on my life. It gives me a definite way to share the gospel with my friends by just inviting them to come. I really enjoy growing closer to other teenage believers and to hear adult leaders share their ideas and wisdom. My favorite part of YQL is talking to students in the altar call room. It’s neat to see how something I can don can change people’s lives everyday. ~ Kate, 15

 

 

Audience Members

Wow! Before YouthQuake, what can I say, I was unsure about Christ and if he really existed.  I didn't know who I was and what I was doing here.  I had suicidal thoughts because I thought nobody loved me, but hearing that first testimony when Sean went up and spoke was just amazing.  It totally changed my life.  I have now been to 32 YouthQuake live shows and I am still trying to go to as many as I possibly can.  I just wanted to say thank you because you really did change my life. - Kelsey

I would just like to say that YouthQuake in December was AMAZING. I have been having troubles wondering if I'm really appreciated, and that YouthQuake changed my life. The skit that was about God coming and bringing the girl into the past, showing her what would've happened if it wasn't for her really touched me. I even started crying during the show.  I can't wait to see what you come up with this coming month! Thanks for everything you do! - Caroline

My first YQL was the October 2006 show. That was also the first time that my friend brought me to his youth group, which is now the group that I belong to and go to on a regular basis.  I was at a point in my life where I wasn't really satisfied with the way it was going. I was hanging out with the wrong people and getting caught up in things that I shouldn't have been involved with.  I just wasn't satisfied with the environment of friends that I surrounded myself with, but I was in too deep to get out. At that point I wasn't really sure what I believed in. Going to YQL and seeing all those Christian teens there on a Friday night to have a good time and worship really opened my eyes. I really enjoyed it and felt so comfortable, but most of the people that I hung out with would of thought it was boring and would rather be out partying or something. But I would much rather being there having a good time. I was just so thirsty for something to change my life, and I left that night quenched. I went home feeling like I had the strength to get myself out of the negative environment that was pulling me down and decided that I was going to commit to following Christ and being a Christian and I have stayed true to that and I am more satisfied with my life as ever, all because of going to YQL and seeing all those Christian teens having a good time. - Mary

 

 

Pastors

Pastor Steve Powers - Freedom Christian Fellowship
Once a Youth Pastor, always a Youth Pastor!  Many Senior Pastor's today had some of their first experiences in the pastoral role working with teens. I did for five years in the 80's and loved it and have never lost the passion. When I moved to Jacksonville five years ago to pastor Freedom Christian Fellowship of the Assemblies of God I immediately began to look for what ministries were in the area touching the lives of teens. I was thrilled when I found out about and experienced the ministry of Youth Quake Live. Such a powerful ministry that is connecting teens from around the city to encourage each other in the Lord and to powerfully impact their generation. I have seen many lives changed of young people who are apart of this fellowship because of the ministry of Youth Quake Live and several come into the Kingdom through this ministry. I would encourage every pastor to connect their youth and youth leaders with this ministry, as each individual youth group is strengthened by coming together and being a part of this anointed city wide ministry. The teens see how many are willing to stand with them for their generation - keep the fire burning YQL, the greatest days are just ahead!


Pastor Stoval Weems – Celebration Church of Jacksonville
 YouthQuake Live has provided an incredible presentation that tackles issues relevant to teenagers. In addition to tackling issues, YQL provides great entertainment on a Friday, giving teens an alternative from clubs and other ungodly environments. We use YouthQuake Live as an outreach that we don’t have to plan. There is a high probability that unsaved kids will receive Christ and then return to Celebration. You don’t have to plan or prepare anything and your teens will get a well planned, well prayed over, exciting night of ministry that will impact their lives.

Pastor Tom Bary – Neptune Baptist Church, Jacksonville Beach FL
YouthQuake Live is a big vision that God has blessed our community with. Our Church and student ministry has exploded with excitement for Jesus because of this ministry. Students from all walks of life will benefit from the great worship, the fun, and the power of the word. It will change your life!

Pastor Gee Sprague – Crossroad United Methodist Church, Jacksonville FL
YouthQuake Live is an exciting and effective ministry that challenges youth in our community. It has provided opportunities for leadership for several of our teens. The presentation that YouthQuake Live ministers is a creative and well done presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is challenging to teenagers by encouraging them to grow in their faith towards a deeper commitment with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Daniel Williams – Christ the Redeemer Church, Ponte Vedra, FL
YouthQuake Live has become a vital ministry to the transformation of our city.  I have watched it grow from a handful of excited teenagers with a vision to impact their generation to a nationally recognized phenomenon.  I attend every chance I get.  I never tire of seeing so many young lives surrendered at the altar each show.  Our whole congregation has been blessed and challenged by our involvement in YQL.

 

 

Youth Pastors

YQL ignited a passion for God in my stagnate Youth Group.  It taught them how to worship God with their whole heart.  It challenged them to make a difference in the lives of their peers.  Sean Yost is so open and sincere that teen's respond to him. YQL is a gift to every youth group in Jacksonville.”

Interns & Leaders

 

From the very first time I walked into a YouthQuake Live show I knew this was something special, something radical, something truly from God. I attended as many shows as I could and filled out the application for the cast as soon as it was available. God was a part of this awesome ministry and I wanted to be too. When the time came for cast placement a few months later, I wasn’t sure anymore for some reason, but God reassured me and I am so glad He did! As a cast member my relationship with God went to the next level, learning to trust Him even when no one knew how things were going to work out. He always came through and the shows and skits somehow always come together; God is awesome! I enjoy acting and what better way to do it than with the presence of God! My confidence gained a great boost as well. As an intern the following year I learned so much about leadership and was able to immediately apply it to other areas of my life. My second year as an intern consists of even more growth in Christ and leadership development. Even when I try to give back to YouthQuake, it’s still giving back to me and changing my life. YQL is the best experience God has ever brought me to and many great friendships have come out of it. ~ Briana, 20

 

Being part of YouthQuake Live has changed my life so much for the better. Being around young teens that have a heart for the Lord and wanting to spread the great news of the Lord to others is amazing. Being a leader to my group of kids has helped me come out of my shell even more and I am already an outgoing person. I have grown in leadership and my faith. I can say with all of my heart that I don’t know how I can go without having YQL in my life. ~ Ben, 24

 

I believe that YQL has taught me to desire more out of my life and ministry.  I now know that God has a lot more for my life, if I want it.

Being a part of YouthQuake has impacted my life in so many ways. I was this shy young adult that thought, “How can God use me?” Then he used my voice and even showed me talents that I didn't know I had. By being a part of YouthQuake I was able to minister to some of my friends and as a result they accepted Jesus as their Savior. There is nothing more rewarding then knowing that they will be spending an eternity in heaven. My hope for YouthQuake is that we radically change this generation from one that lives their lives to please this world, to a generation that will prove there is a God who is ever present and Lord of our lives.

YouthQuake Live has impacted my life in so many ways. I have had the pleasure of experiencing the life changing and personally challenging shows since I was a teenager. One night at YQL is enough to change your life forever. The shows are relevant and touch the soul. I rarely speak with a young person or adult who is able to walk away without experiencing the convicting love of God. Not to mention getting a good laugh in at the same time. Sean Yost and the cast of YQL have shown what can be accomplished when the youth of our city decide to follow God and use potential He has gifted them with. My life has been changed first as a youth in the audience and then eventually being a part of the leadership. I'm blessed and honored to have been a part of YQL and I encourage all who have never experienced YQL to make a point to do so. Otherwise you are missing out on some amazing stuff! 

Parents

Not being a part of a large youth group at church, YQL has provided my son an opportunity to grow in his boldness and confidence before large groups in speaking, acting, etc.  He loves the one on one counseling at the end of each YQL, which gives him the opportunity to talk to other teenagers about Jesus Christ and how He can make a difference in their lives.  It has also provided him with a network of Godly friends all over the Jacksonville area, which he would never have met if not for YQL.  Having already surrendered to the ministry, these years in YQL have further prepared him to be the ministry leader that God has called him to be.  Sean Yost has been an awesome encourager / mentor for him.  Now, our younger son is also a member of the cast.  We have seen a side of him on stage that we didn’t know was there.  He loves the Christian environment and talking to other teenagers about Jesus Christ.  It’s great to see God develop a heart in my teenagers for lost teenagers through YQL!

My son has come out of his shell since he has been a part of YQL. He is more vocal about his faith and has developed friendships that will last forever. I am really proud of what I have seen him do as a part of YQL. The cast is an awesome group of teenagers to be around. It is amazing to be around them during prayer time. I had no idea that teens would or could pray the way that these kids do. I had always had a hard time praying out loud, but after spending time hearing them pray I had to tell myself that if they can do it, surely I can. I consider it a privilege to be able to help out in any way that I can so that these teens can continue to take a stand for God. I wish that more adults had the courage to stand up the way that these teens do. I am constantly encouraging and inviting adults and their kids to YQL. It is a fun, non-threatening way to introduce anyone to Jesus. It also encourages Christian teens in their walk and to witness to their friends and family. Not to mention that YQL is a free, totally worry free way to entertain the whole family. Parents do not have to worry that their teen will hear something inappropriate while they are there.

We have seen such wonderful things happen in our daughter since her time with YQL. She has matured so much in her relationship with God.  She has been given a spiritual boldness and a fervent desire to share her salvation with others. I have seen her even approach adults with Truth and honesty about Christ and how He can be a real presence in their own lives. It touches us so deeply to know she is out there reaching other teens who desperately need Truth spoken into their hearts and lives. YQL has also impacted our family through the mailers we sent out asking for support. They have been able see the sad facts about our youth and know that in even a small way they can help bring about change through their support of YQL. This is truly a God filled ministry which I am pleased to say is a part of our family.