Youth Rock 4
From the 29th Nov – 2nd Dec 2012, Youth Rock 4 was put together for the English speaking youth of the Melaka-Johor Diocese. An estimated number of 250 young people attended this fun-filled camp at Majodi Centre, Johor Bahru. The wonderful speakers – Jude Antoine, Breitner Esthaky (Uncle Bob) and Deacon Adrian Ng – shared many motivational and life-changing testimonies which inspired and touched the hearts of many. The sharings and talks given by the speakers were aimed at the theme of the camp, “Go make disciples of all nations”, which is the World Youth Day Rio Scripture verse from Matthew 28:19. Youth Rock, originally a camp for the youths of the Church of Immaculate Conception, had in this fourth edition, grown to become a diocesan-wide camp planned in collaboration with the Charismatic Diocesan Service Team.
250 youths put their voices together every day to give thanks and glorify God during the praise and worship sessions. It was a beautiful sight to see each and every one of the youth present lifting up their hearts to the Lord and allows the Holy Spirit flow in the room and touch lives. On the third day of the camp, the older youths were also sent out for a missionary exposure to various welfare homes. Some of them went to HIV/AIDS home to interact with the HIV patients as well as listen to them. Others walked over to Graceville, a home for the elderly to spend quality time with the elderly people and to show love and empathy to them. Still others went to the City Square shopping complex in Johor Bahru to interview the public on their opinions about pro-life issues like abortion etc. With help from the Society of St Vincent De Paul, the youth were able to love and see others differently. The youth were moved as they saw people through God’s eyes and had loved and comforted just as Jesus would have done.
For those who were unable to participate in the mission exposures, there were workshop sessions with Uncle Bob and Jude Antoine. Topics covered included ‘How to Give Your Testimony’, ‘How to Give a Talk’, ‘How to Lead Praise & Worship’ and ‘How to Lead a Youth Ministry’. Later, these groups had to prepare for the Talent-night which was evangelization through the Creative Arts.
During the inner healing session, many tears were shed but many broken hearts were fixed. Not forgetting the absolutely thrilling and exciting games that were organized for all at camp. The participants as well as facilitators who participated in these games had a whale of a time running around and working as a team. The games also played an important role in strengthening friendship bonds between one another. All in all, Youth Rock 4 was truly an exhilarating camp where all who attended it enjoyed. Yet, there is no doubt that this camp had touched the hearts of many. Many youth proudly say that the camp had indeed been a life-changing experience for them and had unforgettable moments. All were reluctant to leave on the last day, the 2nd of December, but well, all good things come to an end.