East, North and South Ambae Regional Youth Convention

Our challenge, our destiny for empowering youth holistic ministry and self-reliance to build the church of God was the theme for the recent Youth Convention at the St Patrick’s College. This was the first ever Youth Convention for this region after its establishment early this year.  

Convention delegates  including Bishop of DOVNC Rt. Rev James. M. Ligo and the ACOM Vanuatu Provincial Youth Officer arrived at St Patrick’s College (SPC) on Saturday the 25^th of August a day after students headed off for their second term school holidays. Delegates were greeted by the Deputy Principle Mr. John Tari, Fr Ezekiel Moffet the School Chaplain and coordinator of the youth convention upon arrival.  The atmosphere was very vibrant and joyful when convention delegates assembled at the chapel to pray together for the first time.

Rt. Rev James. M. Ligo in his address at the official opening on Sunday 26^th August reminded convention delegates about the accumulating challenges that have plagued all sectors of life but added that our only way through this is through diligent study of the Scriptures for guidance. It defines the way to a more perfect and abundant life in which calls for a more solid personal determination. For young people, in particular to conform to Christian principles in their teenage life is a major challenge. He further urged convention delegates to explore and absorb as much information as they could afford.  ‘’ Be reminded, our time on planet earth is short, therefore we must be good stewards of our time, gifts and talents to actively pursue God’s purpose in our lives’’ stated Bishop James.

Topics covered over the week were: impacts of Globalization and Climate Change; health; Social, Spiritual, and Environmental issues; Education, Custom and Traditions; Empowerment and Self- Reliance; Agriculture; Tourism; Cooperatives; Police Work; Gender Equity and Gender based violence, Family Protection Bill;  Anglicanism, importance of the Bible, Prayer Book and Lectionary; definition of prayer and how to pray; Rites and Rituals; leadership; Self Reliance and Strength Base Approach.

 One of the resolutions  adopted was the personal spiritual development plan of which each delegate got to fill out their own plan to take home.

Mrs. MARILYN Tahi National Coordinator of the Vanuatu Women Center  challenged convention participants with one of her slides that stated ’’real men don’t fight’’.  Interestingly, the new  Vanuatu legislation provides equal rights for both husband and wife over to the welfare of their kids in times of domestic conflicts. This topic was one of the most remembered one in most of the evaluation feed-back as well as Anglicanism.

 Fired up to do all we can under the theme of self-reliance, convention delegates headed off to Top Valley where the school gardens were and we did four hours of intensive work. We cleared up plots of land and planted different crops for the students. Some weeded patches of water taro, kumala and vegetables. The school farm manager was there so he organized the work party program for us before we actually got down to work and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Some major highlights of the convention were the theme song presented by the SPC Students. The song was very touching in a way, and got a lot of people in tears during the official opening. There were afternoon sports programs (soccer and volleyball), we had quite a number of mixed teams in the play ground. And while others would wait for their turn everyone would gather around the field and cheered up the competing teams. Night activities arrayed with choir, action songs, skits and dramas made the cream of the cake and everyone was so blessed by the talents portrayed by different groups on the stage.

 At the end of the convention the Penama Provincial Government officially that it would host the 2013 event which would gather youths from all denominations within the Province.  Fr Ezekiel Moffet and Fr Ben DOVNC Youth Coordinator were mandated to prepare a draft budget on the same and present it to the Penama Secretary General’s Office before the Provincial budget session in November end of this year 2012. We thank God for this relationship.

Facilitators were so impressed and thanked Church authorities for the organization of the convention and further pledged their support for future programs.

 The Assistant Secretary General of Penama Province Mr. Manuel Ure officially closed the four days youth convention on the 30^th of August. In his final remarks he highly commended the Anglican Church and convention committee for the organization of the youth convention and further stressed the importance to invest in empowering young people. ‘’ When young people are enriched in their lives, they can actively participate in the socio-economic and spiritual development and be good stewards of their r time’’, stated Mr. Manuel. He concluded with two important messages for the convention delegates; firstly, he encouraged them not to give up in times of trials and secondly to trust God, believe in themselves and to be persistent in their missions.

This is holistic youth development.