It was an immense honour and pleasure to participate in the National Youth Leaders Conference held from November 23rd to 25th, 2023, at The Salvation Army HRD Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The conference was attended by 17 delegates from 6 Indian Territories.
The conference was inaugurated by lighting candles, conducted by Colonel S. P. Simon, National Executive Officer, and Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women's Development India National Office, supported by Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Territorial Commander, and Colonel Sumitra Masih, TPWM of India Central Territory, Captain Charles Chalrimawia, Secretary for Youth & Children, and Captain Aseervadam Cheeli, National Business Secretary for Company and Association.
The conference started with a keynote session by Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Territorial Commander, ICT, who led the delegates on upgrading youth ministry and becoming role models for others in speech, conduct, love, and faith.
Colonel S. P. Simon spoke about a crucial topic “The Biblical Stand of Youth Ministry” in his speech after inaugurating and lighting the candles. He encouraged the delegates on the accountability of souls and good relationships with God and others.
Captain Aseervadam Cheeli, National Business Secretary for Company & Association, emphasized how to become an “Effective Youth Leader” and the importance of “Servant Leadership.” He motivated the delegates to be a combination of leadership and commitment to Christian principles and values that will help the youth grow their relationship with God and help others find God's purpose in their life.
Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women's Development, spoke about human emotions, which helps to understand how children and youth should manage and respond to emotions.
Captain Charles Chalrimawia spoke on important topics like Understanding Youth Culture, Youth Empowerment and Engagement, Discipleship and Mentoring, and a brief introduction to Child Protection. He explained the 5Es formula - Explore, Engage, Empower, Establish, and Extend the Youth.
The youth play a crucial role in influencing the life of the Children and Young Christian Community. With this conference, the youth leaders gathered envisioned the deep importance of diverse youth presence in the Salvation Army and how they can be used as innovators to lead the current and next generation of the Army. They discussed how youth can be actively engaged in various Salvation Army activities, lead worship, host youth conference meetings at Divisional and Territorial levels, identify and develop the talent of every individual, uplift it for the glory of God, and bring others to Christ. They also talked about how to use technology and online tools to collaborate and work towards strengthening the mission of the Army and initiating new programs that involve youth participation.
The conference conducted a group discussion to incorporate topics around youth engagement, the challenges they face, and how to overcome them. Delegates actively participated in the discussion, which led to a fruitful conversation covering how to provide training to children and youth, Bible quizzes/elocution competitions, camping, revival/spiritual meetings, TED talks, seminars on career guidance, upgrading technology, and conducting youth conferences at Divisional and Territorial levels.
On the final day, Colonel Annamma Simon encouraged the delegates to be Youth leaders like “Jonathan” who was courageous and had strong faith in the Lord, trusting the Lord would act on our behalf, referring to John 15:5-10. This was followed by a Technology and Social Media Ministry Session conducted by Mr. Winston Thambi, a Media Analyst, and a faithful soldier who spoke on how the youth can actively collaborate with technology for the accomplishment of the mission of the Salvation Army in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
'Bless the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord' resonated with the Salvation Music Squad, Chennai Central Corps, ICT, who powerfully led us through their praise and worship moment with the Holy Spirit's presence.
To conclude, Colonel S. P. Simon enlightened us to arise and take up this opportunity and act responsibly as we depart to our Territories with a new vision, spirit, and grace of the Lord, referring to John 15:5-10.
Praise and glory be to God alone, Amen!
Reported by Miss. Nisha Salvi, Vishrantwadi Corps, Pune Division, India Western Territory
