Youth Fellowship and Awarding Ceremony
By Pastor Arnel Pañares
National Youth Director
Investing in today’s youth is necessary in growing the body of Christ. Teaching young people in the church to grow in their relationship with the Lord prepares them to serve Christ in all they do. As a result, this nurtures the congregation and allows the church to flourish.
Serving young people does not only prepare them to become future leaders, but also allows them to contribute to the church. This is seen many times in the Bible, as God often used young people to do great things. 1Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
In addition, there is much to be learned from the faith of a child. Matthew 18:2-4 says, “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Because of God’s heart for young people, it is important to recognize their value in today’s Church.
Youth need guidance and support as they navigate through the most challenging part of their development and seek to grow in their walk with Christ. Christ-like leaders are needed to serve young members of the congregation and help them to reach their full potential. Youth ministry leaders must be rooted in a Biblical foundation in order to effectively communicate with young people. In addition, they must understand modern influences on Christianity, which allows them to identify with youth and build meaningful relationships with them.
It is important for the truth of the Gospel to be passed down from generation to generation in order to grow the body of Christ. Ultimately, helping youth to grow spiritually in their formative years will equip them to make an impact for Christ both now and in their future.
This event was successfully hosted by the Bulacao OFWB Church leaders headed by Joezer Basingil as Coordinator and Sandra Basingi-Francia as program host. Praise and Worship lead by Sister Julliene with the music team. Pastor Arnel Pañares was the assigned speaker-exhorter with the message entitled, “SERVE GOD WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG!” The message penetrated the hearts of the young people, as most of them want to commit and join the next church activities. After the very encouraging message of exhortation, it was followed by talent presentations. Then came the long awaited part of the program, the giving of awards and prizes for the basketball winners from last year’s basketball ministry. It was supposedly scheduled last year, but due to pandemic restrictions and protocols as the City Government Officials prohibited playing basketball inside the compound, that’s why the schedule of giving the awards has been long delayed. There were cash prizes and 20 sets of basketball jersey uniforms were given to the team players, for the Champion and Second Place Team recepients. Thanks be to God for the great victory!!! God is so good and He provides everything for the ministry.To God be all the glory!
