Refreshing Time for the Youth |
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Clark, Angeles City – May 14, 2007The anticipated launching of the Youth Recreation Fellowship Program organized by the Youth Dept. of the Local Timog Church (Angeles City) in coordination with the Philippines Union and Luzon Mission field Youth Dept. had been planned to take place on May 14, 2007. On Sunday morning three vans were taken by the young people with the guidance of the elders to Clark camping ground, a really quiet and scenic area located in Angeles City, Pampanga, a restful setting for outdoor Christian fellowship. This is a mountainous place where adults, young people and children were able to spend a nice time in nature among the trees. The trip was approximately one hour long. Altogether 40 church members attended, 26, youth, 9 adults, and 5 children. We were also glad to have a couple of visitors and friends of some of the brethren come along with us. Young men and women from different local Reformed churches, namely Pandan, Manila & Cavite, were invited to participate. We were very happy to have them; they had the wonderful opportunity to interact with other young people and share the day together for exchanging thoughts and experiences and develop friendships. Sis. Marlie Galom, the local Timog Church youth department leader presided over the program and opened by warmly welcoming all who had come. We began the morning with joyful expressions of praise and gratitude through singing of the hymn, “Seek Ye First,” followed by a scripture reading and prayer offered by Sis. Cleotilde Austria. Our speaker, Luzon Missionfield Youth Leader, Br. Roland dela Paz stressed the necessity of outdoor recreation which, when true to its name tends to strengthen and build up. He pointed out that we are made for action. We need exercise, fresh air, sunshine, periods of rest, contemplation and retreat. God has wonderfully created our minds and bodies so it is important that we not let this delicate machinery become worn by cares, perplexities and toils. It is the privilege and duty of Christians to refresh their spirits and invigorate their bodies for the purpose of using their physical and mental powers for the glory of God. By seeing, hearing, feeling and touching the things of God we may be able to know what it really means to live with Him. It was noted, also that the blessed occasion was a special time for young and old people to get acquainted, grow in their physical and social life and to prepare for the great day of our LordÕs coming. He kindly added that this training will be the stepping stone in helping to establish our individual relationship with God as well as our love and unity with each other. Next we arranged and separated all participants into four groups and let them choose the name of a fruit that would identify their team. Our educational activities proceeded afterward, which proved very challenging, practical and interesting. We balanced the mental and physical exercises with a bit of practical labor– missionary work. This was the most exciting part when we went to people and distributed our literature, pamphlets and tracts presenting our Creator and asking them to believe in the Son of God. Most of the children and young people carried and gave out an invitation card explaining our mission and informing the masses about our local broadcast radio ministry. A wonderful effect began to happen in souls that were interested, who asked for more Bible information and studies. Everything was well organized. The energetic youth singers inspired the sweet fellowship with spiritual songs. Thereafter lunch time came and potluck was served. We sat down on the grass under the shade of the trees and enjoyed a healthy vegetarian meal. The food was excellent and a wonderful spirit in all was shown. Later in the afternoon., we continued the program, children, youth and even adults played various social exercises, that takes a lot of skill including special music and a cheering composition, learning Bible books, places, events, people and stories, scriptures quizzes/drills were conducted, collecting and classifying object lessons from nature. The workshop period followed by art and craft making, led by Sis. Marlie Galo, Sis. Rachel Austria , Sis. Chit dela Paz, Br. Roland dela Paz and Elder Francis Ortega. This is, of course one of the interesting parts of all because they like to use their hands and simple materials like wood, bamboo and leaves to make something pretty, useful and meaningful. This includes also fire building, bread baking, cooking food like rice placed in bamboo without using a pot, frying the egg in a paper bond, egg toasting through the aid of a wooden stick and other ways such as roasting the egg underground. These activities provide so much fun for the people. As an appreciation during this time, Sis. Chit dela Paz was in charge of the awards ceremony, given for various accomplishments based on accumulated points of talents in reasoning, intelligence, practical skill and Christian traits shown by the players such as friendliness, cheerfulness, tact and courtesy. As the day came to a close, each was given an opportunity to express what new things they learned that can help them throughout life. The last hours were very special as Elder Francis Ortega, Philippine Union Youth Department Leader expressed heartfelt gratitude for everyone who contributed and participated actively in these endeavors. Encouraged by the interest displayed by the young people, he firmly believed that this program could become a nurturing ground that could foster support and understanding during the adolescent years. But most importantly, as young people rightly trained this could be the greatest resource for the highest in the Master’s service and for our fellow men. He was quite enthusiastic about the development of this project and proposed to adopt these training programs around the country. Then we knelt down in prayer, thanking God for His providence and trusting the Almighty to deliver His children from temptations. The recreation turned out successful and more rewarding than we expected. May the Lord continue to bless this effort to further His cause and give grace and wisdom to each youth who are truly searching for the meaning of life with God. Your brethren in Christ, |
Refreshing Time for the Youthmichael2010-10-28T01:07:19-04:00
