The Fourth Annual Diocesan Youth Fest 2008

The fourth annual youth festival of the Diocese of Amritsar was held from 2^nd June to 5^th June 2008 at Auckland High School, Shimla. It was attended by 150 participants form different pastorates all over the Diocese covering the States of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.  

The resource persons for the event were Mr. Rahul Luther (RZIM) Rev. Ayub Daniel, Rev. Joy Halder, Rev. Jai Moses and Bishop P. K. Samantaroy.  The theme for the Youth Fest was 'ONE WAY JESUS', based on Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth and the life" - John 14:6. All the Bible studies and sessions were centred on this theme.

The participants and organisers started each day with aerobics and yoga. The praise and worship was led by the group from Subathu and by Rev. Jai Moses and his team.  

On the last day of the fest we had planning session.  Bishop Samantaroy placed a challenge before the participants that in future the Youth Festival should be financed by the Youth.  Various plans and schemes to raise funds came up.  The planning has been done; we await the execution of these plans.  

This Youth Fest challenged the delegates to look deeper into their spiritual and practical lines and to questions themselves if they really believe in Jesus being the only way to the Father.  Yes, we have learnt it and memorized it in Sunday School and in Church but do we practice it?  

In the sessions taken by Mr. Rahul Luther he outlined the fundamentals of the Christian faith and uniqueness of our religion.  He discussed with the delegates the complete meaning and significance of John 14:6 – I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.  

There are many things in our faith which are questioned by others.  How do we deal with that?  How do we explain the concept of resurrection, the trinity or Jesus’ second coming?  Do it with gentleness and respect, says Mr. Luther.   We must have an understanding of Jesus and his life and for that it is important that we see ourselves as servants and students of Jesus Christ.   

Bishop Samantaroy took a bible study and talked about us being God’s chosen vessels whom he can mend and use according to his own will.  Rev. Ayub Daniel in his bible study discussed the origin of the concept of One Way Jesus.  Dr. Vinita Roy also took a bible study on Jesus as a youth icon and trendsetter.   Rev. Joy Haldar discussed the context in which Jesus had claimed to be the only way.

Ms. Prita Samantaroy

Diocese of Amritsar