This summer we had 130 youth ages 13 and up attend our Hope for the Island Youth Camp. It was a camp unlike any other we have had.
We have been praying for years for some youth we knew needed to surrender their bad habits and sinful lifestyle to God. Our prayer was for them to be saved and truly follow Him with all their heart.
God used His Word to convict hearts. The final evening was a life changing moment for so many. Jing offered the youth a chance to surrender their life to the Lord. She reminded them of the fact that many have been coming to youth group for years. They confessed to be Christians, but they were living defeated lives, bound by their addictions and poor decisions.
When the final challenge was given, no one responded and no one came forward to be prayed for. Praise God for Jing’s boldness. She kept challenging them to examine their lives and to accept the embrace of God who was pursuing them.
Another Hope leader stepped forward and spoke of painful situations that people are experiencing in our community. This was a Holy Spirit led moment that touched hearts. Suddenly everything changed. The youth and Hope staff were all crying. There was a time of divine revelation about God’s love and that He had a plan for their life.
Many youth raised their hand to surrender their life to Jesus. It was so powerful that parents watching nearby were crying! Many youth accepted the Lord for the first time, and others renewed their commitment to follow the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. We had posted on various churches websites and used Facebook ahead of time to covet prayers for these kids. God answered our prayers. Something amazing happened and many lives are now changed.
Angels are truly rejoicing in heaven!! Continued- Looking Forward
LOOKING FORWARD
Our simple island style Youth Ministry needs a boost.
The 2nd floor of our Mission House will be set up as a Youth Drop in Centre & After School Program/Study area.
To equip it we need equipment such as:
Computers
Fitness area with Workout Bench, Weights, Punching Bags & Gloves
Table tennis /Dart Boards
Billiards & Air Hockey
TV & Karaoke Machine/ Sound System/Projector
Here is why:
The young people entrusted to us, need more of our time, energy and resources. Our passion is to see them in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then help them learn how to walk that out everyday. Good attendance at Youth offers us great influence with these young people.
Our island is rapidly changing and Hope for the Island must rework, without compromise, how we reach our youth. Internet café bars, prostitution, cheap alcohol and Shabu, a cheap island alternative to crystal meth, is now here. Cheap cell phone availability has also opened up the world of Facebook. This is a critical time for many.
Such vices appear to be exciting alternatives for young people who have a routine, mundane life and a town curfew of 9 p.m. This tiny, once sleepy, naïve island is seeing an influx of transients & tourists from all over the world. Siargao Island has been discovered and forever changed. The lure of the enemy is evident but God has greater plans!!!
We have earned respect from and relationship with our youth. They have experienced love & compassion since they were children in our Kid’s Ministry. In the midst of mentioning and relationship, our staff hear about a genuine desire to choose what is right and honouring to God.
Little excitement or stimulation…
Limited job opportunities….
Naïve, impressionable and vulnerable young people…
This can paint a bleak future with little hope, apart from Jesus.
Please pray with us for the wisdom and resources to begin this project.
