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Sunday, April 18, 2010

Reviving the Youth!

Youth representing 10 of our churches from 7 provinces of Cambodia filled up the rooms quickly at the Wesleyan Bible Institute as 120 delegates made their way to the convention site mostly for the first time. While there are no delagates from Kampong Cham province (8 churches), we are glad that we are not far behind the goal of 150 youth. Waiting for two years before the convention is finally set is now a reality for those who waited patiently. The theme of the convention, "Running The Race", fit best during these tough times of economic crises and spiritually draining challenges the youth faces. The theme was broken down into four sub-topics: (1) Beginning the Race, (2) Enjoying the Race, (3) Enduring the Race, and (4) Finishing the Race. Our 4 lecturers pastors, Poleak, Tim, Arun, Greg, and 7 chapel services speakers, pastors Kimsan, Chamnol, Banyen, Maam Grace, Vandy, Chet Quin, and Greg, did all their best in making their message and lesson interesting, inspiring, challenging, and life changing.


The person who made the convention possible through his hardworking effort was Ptr. Romdenh Chamnol. He confessed, "This convention confirmed again my gift of ministering to the youth. It was very exhausting but I enjoyed it and I felt fulfilled and could not complain. It was a rewarding expereince for everyone to see how the youth enjoyed the fellowship. It was encouraging to see the youth grow closer to Jesus. It was inspiring to make a difference in somone's life."

The last topic on the last day of the convention, Finishing The Race,was almost cancelled when Resie, our lecturer has been sick with flu prior to the convention. The timing however was providential as Greg took Resie's place and as a result, 25 youth gave their heart to Jesus, and were baptized later in the afternoon. Greg summarised the 3 previous lectures and concluded with how to finish the race. With many youth falling by the way side and with too many begin the race but few finish, the challenge to be faithful till the finish line requires a lifetime commitment, faitfulness, holiness, and obedience.

Swimming has always been a part of the convention because it allows the youth to have fun, bonding, and fellowshipping. But instead of just having fun, it turned out to be a public testimony as 38 young people were baptized by Rev. Kung Kimsan and Ptr. Nit Banyen at the Water Park swimming pool in the afternoon of April the 8th. 15 youth are from Takaeo church, and the rest are from diffrent churches, and many of them just gave their heart to Jesus that morning. While the crowd sings the song I have Decided to Follow Jesus, many onlookers watch as the two pastors baptize the candidates in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. What a joy to welcome these new believers into the family of God!
On the final night of the convention, almost everyone made their way to the altar as pastor Greg Fernandez gave the final challenge to the youth to make their commitment to run the Christian race till the race is done. The race is a life time and wearisome; but the end is glorious and rewarding. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith will keep us till the end!
More pictures and stories at
National Church Ministries