by Steven Chan
The wisest man in his time counseled thus: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”. (Ecc 12:1)
It was truly an invigorating time to be with the youths at the recent 29th Youth Development Programme (YDP) organized by bro Kay Yeow at the Refreshing Springs Resort. Bro Kay Yeow has organized this programme annually for more than half his life! Through those 29 years, many youths have attended the event, forged friendships – some as partners for life – and have grown up together, encouraging one another in the Christian life.
It may be good if in the forthcoming 30th edition, that all the participants in the first edition of the YDP also turn up and share their experience with the young ones. It will be a wonderful time of reminiscence and also re-connecting with each other.
As one of the facilitators at this year’s YDP, I am much encouraged by the young participants. There was no partiality and they became good friends almost instantaneously. They bonded seamlessly even though they came from different places. They helped and supported each other in the team events. It was truly a wonderful opportunity for building team spirit.
The encouragement I received was listening to some of the participants resolving to improve their Christian walk. One young 13 year old said that he wanted to improve his prayer life. He said that he had thought that because he could do things on his own, he need not pray to God for guidance in doing these things. Now he knows better and he has resolved to pray more often to God. The Bible says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct] your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6). “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psa 37:5)
Another one declared: “I want to be a soul winner!” That’s really wonderful indeed – to be like the apostle Paul: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” (1 Cor 9:22-23).
One College student expressed his desire to increase his efforts to study the Bible so that he can know God’s Word well and to be able to grow in His grace and knowledge (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18)
Last Friday, after the YDP Camp, a group of youths who had attended the YDP, approached bro John Quek and asked him to help them to study the Bible using the Concentrated Bible Study programme as well as to also teach them how to use the Jule Miller DVDs to teach truth-seekers. What a joy to hear that!
We can look forward to exciting times from these growing youths. It has truly been a blessing to be able to be a part of the 29th YDP! May the Lord bless the organizer, bro Kay Yeow that he may continue to do this good work for many more years to come. May all those who participated in the Camps continue to remember our Creator in the days of their youth – may they never stray away from the Living God. May more youths decide to participate in the next edition of the YDP Camp.