William Thomsen attended the Global Young People’s Convocation and is grateful for how the experience changed him as he seeks God’s call on his life.
WILLIAM THOMSEN
Ludington UMC
When I first heard about the Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC) last year, I was more concerned with the destination than with the experience and what it meant. To me, it meant I could go to a foreign country, almost like a vacation. I was not as devoted to God as I should have been, nor was I as excited about the “convocation” part. But as the date drew closer, I felt I should devote myself to the Church in a greater way, and as we left, I felt I had set my life on the wrong path.
Read more reflections from the Michigan Conference delegation to GYPC.
My original plan was to go to college to study physics and then join the military afterward to pay off student loans, but after I arrived in Dublin and the religious aspects of my trip began to be highlighted, I felt a greater sense of devotion to the Church and God as a whole.
My experience changed drastically after I attended the first sermon of the convocation. Seeing the plight of others around the world, what the Church was doing for them, and what the Church was capable of doing really inspired me. I began to truly doubt my future, what I had really wanted, and God’s true plan for me in the world.
The ability of the church to unite so many people from different areas of the world showed me that God has a plan for us all, and that numbers aren’t the true value in the Church, but rather the personal experience we have with God.
Over the next few days, I was transformed. I was able to meet so many people and discuss theology from so many new angles I had never considered before. At that point, after seeing what the Church has done and how it has shaped the lives of so many people, I had really decided that I wanted to go into ministry and serve God.
In conclusion, my experience at GYPC was amazing, and the memories that I created there will forever be in my heart. Overall, I hope this will lead me down a path that can help many people and better the world as a whole.
Youth and young adult attendees of GYPC received partial financial support through grants from the Board of Young People’s Ministries and district grants, made possible by generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you for investing in our young people! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on July 20, 2026