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MIRI - Kuching Archdiocesan for Youth and Vocations Commission were sent 16 Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) to the recent Miri Youth Day held from 19-24 November in conjunction with the 25 years Jubilee Celebrations of Bishop Anthony Lee and the Diocese of Miri.

This group was led by Animator, Maxwell Sim and Youth Coordinator, Stephanie Ng. There were more than 500 participants in this Youth Day. Many were from Miri Diocese, Keningau Diocese and also from the Archdiocese of Kuching, and Kuala Lumpur and Diocese Johor-Melaka.

Two youths who attended the Miri Youth Day share their experiences. 

Jonathan Wong from Kuching ...

I joined the Camp to worship and praise God, to know more about God and Jesus and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I found the camp well organized and it was fun, serious and yet exciting. I enjoyed the part where we went on an outing to Sg Rait. I experienced God's presence among us. Expecially when some of our participants had some difficulties to find their way in the jungle.

Now, I would like to spread more of the Good News of the Lord, especially among youths and skeptics. Also I hope to participate in the future Youth Day. Unfortunately I will be sitting for my SPM next year, I will not be able to participate next Youth Day in Bintulu.

I think the Church plays an important role among youths to build up faith and spirit in our Lord. I think the Church should concentrate more on spreading the Good News among youths by organizing more seminars, holiday camps and praise and worship sessions.
 
To youths out there - join the Youth Day next year and future youth camps and feel the Lord's presence and glory just as what I have felt now.

Tracey Michelle from Kuching...

I decided to join the Miri Youth Day to experience different camp out of Kuching.

The whole programme was all right but the worst part was to have a shower where we stayed. We had to wake up very early in the morning (as early as 4.00 am) to queue up waiting for our turn for bathing.

The most exciting event was definitely Sg Rait because the place was muddy and we had to climb up the mountain and it was very steep. After that we had to walk down the slope. It was really a tough one for Kuching youths in general. Besides, it was very slippery. We had to go through the river before we actually reached the water-fall. It took us the hours to reach the destination.

I think we should have more camps for the youth.
My advice to youths out there is to join this camp next year that will be organized in Bintulu so that they also can learn something new from the camp.

A friend of mine used to tell me that some people are by nature slow  so that we will have ample of workers to empty our rubbish and do the other dirty jobs. I was not in agreement with him then for I thought no case was impossible. But with the passing of years, I've begun to realise that there are indeed students who take what seems  to be an eternity to grasp a simple concept. And these are the students who are likely to fail miserably  in their  public exams. The question is whether they have failed God?

Upon pondering this, I am reminded that Jesus didn't choose an eloquent politician to be the rock of his Church but Peter, a simple fisherman. It takes time to see the inside of a person and to find how much love is contained within. Many a time we are so engrossed with passing achievements to the point of forgetting that we were made in God's love.

I'm in no way suggesting that academic excellence or wealth is not important. Assuming there are people who have all the riches and brilliance that no one can match in this world and suddenly all these are taken from them, what would they do? Would they take their own lives?  How would others view them? Surely a sense of futility will overwhelm them if their lives are centred on those values. But if it is grounded in Godly love, they will be able to stand tall for they know that they are surrounded by love. And even if close friends/relatives disown them, they are assured of the presence of God.

True, it's easier to talk about love but how is that to be put into action? The Lord Jesus says it all when he askes us to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Loving God requires  us to spend time with him so that we will be more like him and loving our neighbour requires us to do works of mercy for the word ëlove' is in a way synonymous with ëcharity'.

During this season of Advent, it is good to remember that we are not just preparing for the second coming of Christ. We are also reminded that Christ was born to us because of God's infinite love and we are part of that big plan. Let us not wallow in the mud of depression even if we feel that love is lacking in our family and other relationships. We have all the more reason to initiate it. And may that love which is in each of us pour forth in charitable deeds for true love conquers all forms of darkness.              

by Camillus Ong