The local church at Tarlac City tendered a “year-end fellowship” with the parents and relatives of our youth group today, December 29, 2010. This was a success! We had a about 60 total attendance both members and non-members.
Our local members planned on getting in touched with the other family members of our congregation. This time, we thought of the newly converted young people. For example, last November, we baptized 7 young people. And, 6 youth baptisms last October, 2010. With these new members, we planned on reaching out to other members of their families. Thus, the “year-end fellowship” was to be the test case. And, we got some 8 parents and relatives attending our church affairs.
With these 8 new contacts, we took time talking with them as we enjoyed the snacks prepared by the Ladies Bible class. We learned many things. But, above all we found that we can have at least 2 home Bible classes from these visitors.
We are rejoicing because we have taught our new brothers and sisters their responsibilities of finding the lost! These are their parents and relatives, so, they are aware of their needs. Foremost, is the opportunity to show to these young Christians how we can relate the story of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to their loved ones. We know they are careful in opening the door of the gospel to their very own parents and relatives, so, we are doing this assignment with a lot of prayers. We are hoping God will use us to His glory and honor!
Closer personal associations with our young people gave us the idea of talking with them about doing evangelism in their homes. Since they were baptized, we brought them to our home and had meals with them. We also brought them to the “Youth Camp at Bugallon, Pangasinan” for 3 days last week. While in the youth camp, Layola and I acted as the counselors of our own group. We saw them inter-act with other young people. Wherever we found a point of advice, we took them aside and discussed these with them. We heard their reasons and came to know their feelings. We also ate with them in the camp cafeteria.
One other interesting feature of our inter-acting with our young people is finding the best answer to their question. In doing this, I did not want just to tell them the answer but showed book references such as the concordance in quickly locating the verse or related verses pertinent to their quest. Slowly but surely, we showed them an expanded outline of what they are looking for. Thus, the next time they have a Bible question, solving it will be easy – hopefully!
In one way or another, this is a fellowship of sharing with our new Christian young brothers and sisters in the Lord.
May you remember us in your most devoted prayers to God Almighty for the success of our young people in Tarlac City. Thank you very much!
