Preamble:“My life will never be the same again”. “Now I understand what prayer is and why I need to pray.” “How much will the next camp cost?” These are just some of the comments made by the participants of the very first youth conference to be organized in the South – West of Madagascar, Toliara by the Anglican Church.
Notre Dame College was the venue that hosted the conference which was one of its kinds. Apparently it was the very first time of the majority of the youth to attend a youth conference and so, high standards had to be set to raise the expectation for the next camp.On arrival, many were not so sure what to expect or how it would be. It was those of let us wait and see. But by the end of the meeting some for sure did not feel like going home….
The camp was attended by around 85 young people from Toliara. There were members both from the Anglican Church and other churches as well.
The program:The program was carefully designed to meet the needs of young people and the issues facing the society at large. Some of the topics handled included preparation for marriage, relationships, academics and spiritual warfare. It is about letting our value systems and viewpoints shaped by God’s word.
We had well seasoned speakers who tackled different topics among them the very first guest priest, from Kenya Rev. Apela to visit the first Anglican missionaries from Kenya serving in Toliara.
The theme of the conference was drawn from
Ephesians 5.15 “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” This was basically to help the young people be able to make wise decisions from an informed position biblically. That will in effect help in avoiding unnecessary blame and regret and that everyone becomes fully responsible of every decision that they make.
The exploration of the book of Ephesians by Bishop Todd was just marvelous. It was an eye-opener to the young people and gave them an opportunity to discuss key issues from scripture in their small bible study groups. The time for personal devotion was another learning experience and the Lord dealt with his people in an interesting way.
The campers were divided into four groups. That was done deliberately to help break barriers and enable interaction with the people to whom one is not used to. One of the expectations during the free time was to connect with new people and share each other’s experience.
Every morning physical exercises were done just to keep fit and later on in the evening we had creative games that also helped in bonding and building relationships.
Achievements:- Many young people committed themselves to the Lordship of Christ
- A good base for networking with other churches was created
- Many young people were able to explore their talents and grew in their areas of gifting especially during the evening talent shows and fun time.
- Youths were able to connect well and learn from each other.
- Youths who were Christians already were strengthened in their walk of faith.
- Created an opportunity for the young people to open up and share their experiences which they would normally not share because most of them have limited or no access to their pastors and no one seems to be willing to give an ear.
- Bible information was given on various issues that young people struggle with like relationships, academics and the like.
Challenges:- A good number did not have bibles, pens or notebooks.
- Unclear discipleship strategy for those who get saved.
- The location being too close it was easy for some guys to rush home unnecessarily.
- Inadequate games equipment.
- Most of the young people were unable to raise the amount to attend the conference and those from far could not come at all.
Recommendations:- Develop a strategic youth discipleship program.
- Find a way of providing Bibles.
- Invest fully in the youth department in the areas of:
- Bible study materials and Christian literature.
- Games equipment.
- Stationery.
- Involve all our clergy and evangelists from the onset.
- Train more camp counselors.
- Develop a theme song for the camp.
- Develop income generating projects for the youth.
- Look for churches or dioceses to partner with the youth ministry in Toliara.
- Explore the possibility of having regional conferences.
Conclusion:Generally, I think that for a first youth camp things went really well. I was especially impressed in the way that the event was embraced and fully supported by the organizing team and the youth in general under the leadership of Bishop Todd.
Madagascar being a nation with over 60% of the population comprising the
youth means that we cannot ignore the youth. They are the leaders of today and the future generation. Targeting and holding them clearly implies that we are not only impacting their spiritual lives but also influencing the nation in that we raise leaders of integrity.
And with that I am confident that our numbers for the next camp will double or even triple! We covet your prayers and continual support for the youth ministry as we transform the lives of the young people in Madagascar for Christ.
Report prepared by: Ev. Victor Osoro – Youth Ministry Coordinator, Toliara Diocese.
