Youth Sunday 2018 Recap
Torch Youth Sunday 2018 Recap
Growing up as a youth, I was told several times by teachers, friends, and social media that I’m too young to change the world. I also have role models who are older than me and I was inspired to be just like them when I’m older… Now thinking back, why couldn’t I have done that sooner? Was it because the world was telling me, or was it because I was faithless?
“You’re too young to change the world, you’re just a kid.”
On May 20th, WIMO’s Torch Youth held its 3rd annual Youth Sunday at the Worship Centre in Mississauga. All the youth coming from the east and west congregations all gathered and participated in leading and operating the Sunday service. This was a great opportunity for the youth to glorify the name of the Lord with their God-given gifts. All youth were assigned to different kinds of roles, whether it’s in media, praise, and worship, or the teaching. I was assigned to pray for the children, and It was nerve-wracking at first. But with the grace of God, I was able to do it. Throughout the whole service, we were welcomed by Hannah Oliveros, the praise and worship team, which was led by the Campus and the Youth Ministry, the offertory prayer, and the preaching. During the praise and worship, I was in awe knowing that the atmosphere was filled with God’s presence, and it was amazing to fellowship with the visitors. Next, we watched a video presentation that was wonderfully edited by Josh Oliveros. It was amazing to see the works of God displayed in the video because it was filled with the testimonies of me, Hannah Cruz, Dylan, Albyh, and the Youth leaders. We all shared our experiences with Torch Youth and how they impacted our lives when being part of the ministry, but one thing we all have in common was Jesus transforming our lives. Then, Bro. Ryle began his teaching, “Remember Me.”
During the sermon, we were briefly introduced to the Israelites and the barriers they’ve faced when traveling to the Promised Land. But in the midst of their trials, God provided them everything to survive. However, Moses reminded them to remember God’s mighty acts and to be thankful for what He did. Secondly, Moses tells the Israelites to continue to obey God, because when we receive many, we forget about God and his commands. Although it can be difficult, God will reward us. Lastly, Moses says to them to rest in God’s promise. As long as they continue to obey and to remember God’s acts, they will succeed.
When studying these three points altogether, I realized all the opportunities God has blessed me with. He used me, a young Christian, as His vessel in His works. When you continue to thank the Lord for what he had done for you, you obey His commands, and you rest in His promises. We will be successful in the plan that God planned for us.
After service, I began to notice that God is truly working in the youth ministry and for sure everyone saw how God transformed the youth in various ways. It was incredible to witness the fire within the youth’s hearts while spreading God’s presence, and that was Torch Youth is all about. Our purpose is to light our torches and to pass it to another torch so that they will carry on to their friends. The torch doesn’t only represent God’s love, but His words and His mighty acts. He wants us to glorify and illuminate His plan that he made for us throughout the whole world. He wants us to give the world a glimpse of Christ.
Being part of the children’s ministry, I assist the junior youths bi-weekly. Whenever I’m surrounded by them, I get to witness them grow in Spirit and in the near future, we will soon see God changing their lives. They’re our future generations of our church and several years later, they will be the ones to lead the church. I envision them fulfilling the purpose and our mission, which is to make disciples. No matter if it’s singing, praying, videography, or preaching, God granted His children these gifts so that He can use them as His instruments. As for the youth, we’ve witnessed God constantly transforming our lives. Although the fire inside us disappears, God will continue to rekindle the flame no matter what. As long as we continue to learn more about Him, pray to Him, and share more of His love, we will gather more people to fellowship with while loving God.
But as for now, we ask you to continue to pray and support the junior and Torch Youth as we continue to grow towards our journey to God and the church. We thank you for your unending support and for knowing our capabilities and our true potentials.
Mari Ann Rigor
