Is there anything sweeter than youth coming together to bond over matters of faith? The Mumbai and Pune Youth were treated to two days of rich fellowship, fun, food and youth centered messages.
Training the Youth in God’s Ways
For one weekend in February, the Retreat Center in Parandhwadi near the Mumbai Pune Express Way became a hotspot for youth activity. Spread over two days, 35 youth from Mumbai and Pune came together to take part in a Mumbai-Pune Youth Event. The event kicked of with an icebreaker organized by Priest Prakash Pakhare who got all the youth to introduce themselves. After a busy morning, the youth were treated to a special lunch after which Bishop Fred Marihal went into detail about 2016’s motto ‘Victory with Christ’ which is based on 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Bishop Fred encouraged the youth to give first preference to God and to always pray when carrying out their earthly deeds, reminding them that without God, they cannot achieve anything.
After an interesting afternoon session, the group broke for a tea break and visited the Pavana River bank where they continued to have engaging discussions on matters of faith. The youth frolicked a bit in the water while they took in a glorious sunset.
Just before dinner, the youth met in the assembly hall and watched a documentary on the King James Version Bible titled ‘When God Speaks English’. After a delicious dinner, the youth cozied up around a campfire, singing worship songs and getting to know each other better.
A Divine Service Exclusively For The Youth
On Sunday, the 35 youth were excited to once again meet and celebrate a Divine Service which was conducted by Bishop Fred Marihal. The message was based on Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The Bishop addressed the youth directly when he admonished to help those who have a hard time in society: Do not judge anyone by their habits but pray for them; stay close to them and take care of them; do not detach yourselves from anyone who makes mistakes, but stand up for those who have made mistakes.
He continued to encourage the youth that if they are expecting respect and humility from others, they should be examples of respect and humility first. Bishop Fred left the youth with this golden rule which is easy to follow and practice.
Rich Times Continue
After a stimulating Divine Service message, Priest Nikhil Gorde shared with the youth that anyone who participates in church activity should always do so with an attitude of love. The youth broke up into two groups and each group enacted a skit based on the Parable of the Ten Virgins. A special jury was set up to determine the winner.
Later in the day, Bishop Fred Marihal exalted the youth to organise more activities in their areas and also showed them how strategy and planning were essential when organising events.
After two days of interactive discussions, messages, and fun filled activities, the youth bid farewell to each other and returned home, enriched and filled with joy.
Words: Nitin Raje / BBMH
Images: Nitin Raje