“It’s just so encouraging to know what is actually happening on other districts and how God is accomplishing great things with them,” expressed one of the participants in a meeting of district superintendents and district Nazarene Youth International (NYI) presidents in the Philippines. “We share many of the same visions and struggles for our NYI groups,” he added. “This has rejuvenated me to do more for God and to put into action the things that we have learned.”

In the past six months, all 11 district superintendents and district NYI presidents in the Philippines have gathered with Philippine Field leadership and Asia-Pacific NYI leadership to discuss effective ministry involving youth.

The southern six districts met for two days at the beginning of June while the northern five districts met November 16-17, 2006. The events highlighted the partnership between the district superintendent and district president to support, encourage, and build up youth in local churches; to be discipled and to be disciple-makers. This partnership is essential to reaching this nation since, according to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, approximately 57 percent of the Philippine population is children and youth.

A major benefit of this meeting was in identifying youth issues that are prevalent in the Filipino society: identity formation, lack of resources for education and living, sexual abuse, and youth sexuality. They also evaluated ways in which the church is responding to these issues as they minister to youth. The group recommended workable strategies pilot-tested by other NYI leaders to demonstrate how youth can possibly be engaged, such as Bible quizzing and mission opportunities designed specifically for youth.

District leaders also focused their time together to pray for the young people on their own local districts. One participant responded, “We had a great time sharing issues and problems of our youth for today as well as sharing plans we have for our districts. God is so great because He refreshed our minds and encouraged us during these sessions.”

The event was hosted by Asia-Pacific NYI in partnership with the Philippine Field.