The 33rd Annual Youth Festival-2011, Diocese of Rajasthan.

The 33rd Annual Youth Festival Diocese of Rajasthan was held from 27th Oct to 30th Oct.2011 at village Piploda(near Kota). The theme verse for the festival was- 1 Timothy 4 :12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity”. Around three hundred youth from sixteen urban, rural and tribal congregations of the diocese participated to celebrate the bliss in Christ. 

27th October, in the afternoon, we began by assembling at the entrance of the village and marched towards the church. The rally was led by the Bishop Rt. Rev. Warris K. Masih, the speaker and around 20 pastors from the diocese followed by the youth delegates and the local congregation. It was a cheerful moment where one could enjoy the jollity in Christ with the local band singing the gospel songs, changg(traditional drums) being played and people standing with garlands and sweets at their doorsteps to welcome the guests, pleasing the well said “padharo mhare des”. After reaching the Church campus, the Bishop led us in flag hoisting and declared the opening of the youth camp. Happy faces, with unanimously agreed white dress code and the doves flying everywhere added splendor to the historic moment witnessed by the village congregation. Then we started with the opening ceremony. Where, we got to find out that the marvelous stage was prepared by the local youth by their non-paid services, especially for conducting the festival. The guests and local dignitaries’ joined us in lighting the lamp and planting tree for spreading the message of ‘Peace in Christ’. The guests were welcomed in the traditional way by putting garlands and tying ‘safas (turbans)’. The Bishop gave the keynote address to the delegates stressing upon the theme verse, asking youth to set an example in their speech, life, love, faith and purity so that they earn respect from their elders. He said that, regardless of one’s age, God can use us. Live so others can see Christ in you.

It was a blessing for us to have amongst us the well-known Dr. Justin Masih from Allahabad as the main speaker who led us in the Bible study in the mornings and spiritually uplifting sermons in the evenings. By quoting what Bible says regarding the youth, he helped the delegates individually meditate and decide as to where they stand and how they should stand. He warned the youth to be careful as to how the society looks at them. His first sermon was based on John 8:31-32 from where he asked the audience to continue in God’s word. He said, in life’s difficult situations we need to depend upon and live according to God’s word. Dr. Masih delivered two sermons on the title “living victorious Christian life”. He said that the enemy wants Christians to fall into various temptations and live like loosers. And, to protect ourselves from the attacks we need to put on the armor of God. He also said that the desire of God’s heart is that His people live “fruitful Christian life” using Isaiah 5:1-10. On the last day, he spoke on the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and urged the youth and congregation to set their relationship right with the Lord so that when the Lord returns we are ready to go with Him to heaven. Dr. Masih also sang many self-composed gospel songs, which left us all humming the tunes and later join Him in singing praises to our most high God. Many youth accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts and as their personal Savior.

28th October, we were in high spirits as we had Mr. Pradip Bansrior, Youth Coordinator, CNI Synod amongst us to convey greeting from the CNI Youth at large. It was great to have his presence for the rest three days. Through him, we could learn ‘how to have self-Bible study’ and ponder at the often untouched things in the Bible. In a talk later, he added that we often do injustice when we read the scripture and try to present things the way we want them rather how they are given. His presence undauntedly graced the occasion and left people commenting ‘he’s a gem’. 

We arranged for a heritage walk in the village, where the guide Mr. Stephen Michael helped us gain the knowledge of village Piploda which was formed in 1904 by Scottish missionary Rev. Bonar with the help of the Maharaja of the state of Kotah. Piploda is one of the very few Christian villages in the diocese with a Christian population of over 85%. The guide took us to the mission school, the mission bungalow, Bonar memorial Church hall, the historic wells, the green ‘sarsoon’(mustard) fields and to the five rivers which surround the village. The participants enjoyed the walk and returned with live-crabs from the river as the memoirs. 

To encourage the participants to grow more in Christ we had extempore and we could see the upcoming Christian leaders who can lead not just our youth meetings but also our Church service. The debate competition was one thing all liked. The topic was “The marriages set by our parents are ‘only’ successful”. The house had divided opinion and almost everyone took a stand. It was only after the final note the judges gave, that we could see the ‘against’ side winning. Next day, we had quiz competition based on the book of Joshua and written Bible quiz on the entire Bible. Fancy dress and skit competition were also held. There were, singing competitions to encourage youth to sing for the Lord. The overwhelming response in all the competitions and the preparedness amazed us all. 

Every evening we had cultural performances by the local artists from Piploda Church. Be it dance, bhajans, quawllis or fancy dress the delegates totally enjoyed the performances. In four days, the tribals often staged their dance which left each one of us join them and learn their steps to praise the almighty together.

30th October, after the church service we had the closing ceremony and prize distribution. After which, we gave thanks to the almighty for his gracefulness in the organization of the programme. And, we departed with a promise of meeting again for the next camp with the same zeal. The festival glorified the Hallowed and proved a blessing for many.