September Melbourne Combined Methodist Youth Fellowship

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Twas a night in September, when all through the town

God's people were stirring, and scurrying around.

Getting ready for an event that all would remember,

as the best night of all, that one night in September.

At the church in Camberwell, the seats were filled aplenty,

with the bottoms of eager youths, altogether numbering one-twenty.

These youths had travelled from near and from far

from all over Melbourne, by train, foot or car.

We gathered together with one goal in mind,

to join as His body, our hearts together to bind.

Exclaiming thanks and praises to our glorious King,

our voices joined as one, with One Voice did we sing.

The message for the night came from our Youth Director,

spoken with great fervour, giving us a timely reminder

To be convicted of our faith and our trust in Him

to commit our lives even when things seem grim.

Bingo and consumables came soon thereafter

wraps, muffins, jelly and plenty of laughter.

So with thanks we departed, brimming with love:

together having shared food, physical and from above.

Newly met brothers and sisters added to our family

continued prayer and encouragement a joint priority.

The question left, that Google could not search

when will be the next time that we gather as this church?

By Lisa Cheng & Peter Ling

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

October Methodist News - Carlton MYF

Carlton Methodist Church English MYF

REEF is the high school youth group of Carlton Methodist Church. REEF meets together every Friday night to sing together, play games, eat food, and most important of all, to study the scriptures together. During our bible studies, we dig deep into God’s word to find out more about who Jesus is and what he means for our lives.

At present the youth group consists of 40+ high schoolers (half of whom do not come to church). The REEF ministry is lead and organised by 12 REEF leaders, who are either university students or young workers. The REEF leaders organise the program for the night, and also write and lead the bible studies for the youth. There are currently six bible study groups, with two leaders per group. This year we have done series on the Parables of Jesus, a series on Priorities in the Christian life, a series on prayer and a series on Jesus as seen from Paul’s epistles.

Earlier this year REEF held its first ever REEF Camp on the topic of Loneliness. The vision for the REEF camp team was:

“To run an evangelistic youth camp that encourages Christ-centred community and develops Christian maturity.”

73 attended the camp, with 54 being youth. Activities included bible talks, group discussions, sharing time, an Amazing race and Q&A. Under God, many non-Christians came to hear the gospel preached powerfully and faithfully, and by his grace the team feels their vision was achieved.

In August, REEF attended RICE Rally, a city-wide, inter-church evangelistic event that saw 3000+ youth come to hear the gospel proclaimed. By God’s grace, the turnout from REEF was over 100, as the youth in REEF were compelled by the love of Christ to invite their friends to hear the gospel.

We thank God for the way he has blessed and used the REEF ministry at CMC over the past year. We give him all the praise and the glory.

Testimony Sharing

The teenage years are when we start rebelling against our parents, trying to become more independent. Like every other teenager, I thought my parents were trying to ruin my social life. I fought a lot with them, as I felt like the only thing they cared about were my school marks. However, at REEF, we were taught to love and respect our parents. At first I totally ignored this because I was so angry with them all the time. But then we learned that though we may not understand many of the struggles we go through in life, God would never do anything to harm us. Rather, he uses these hardships to teach us and grow us in our relationship with him. When I looked at my own life and saw this to be true, I wondered whether my parents also made decisions that I couldn’t understand but were for my own good in the end. As you can probably guess, this was also true. As I look back over the past 5 or 6 years, I’ve come to realise that my parents were right about pretty much everything. Though sometimes I still get into disagreements with them, I believe that through REEF, God has taught me to respect and obey my parents, and trust their decisions. In the end, everything they do is with my best interests in mind.

REEF has also had a big impact on the way I view school and study. For some background information, I think it would be quite safe to say that I did pretty well in school. Up to year four I was part of the gifted and talented class. I was accepted into Opportunity Class for years 5 and 6, was then accepted into a Selective high school and am now studying Commerce/Arts at UNSW. However, I can’t really say I was happy with these achievements for the most part. Every time I did well just put more pressure on me to do well the next time. Year 12 taught me that studying really hard didn’t always guarantee a good mark and sometimes the girls that went out every weekend and skipped a lot of school scored better than me. I also had no idea what I wanted to do in uni. All this scared both my parents and I because we began to realise just how much was out of our own control. All they could do was send me to coaching and try to support me.

At REEF I learnt one of the most important lessons of my life – that God has a plan for us, and we can put all our trust in Him to guide us. We also learnt that everything we do should be for the glory of God. I realised my attitude towards study should be one of the ways that I do this. I also found reassurance in the fact that I could trust in Him to show me what to do with my life and that everything would turn out fine in the end. This has all turned out to be true as well seeing as I’m really enjoying my course and am so thankful that I didn’t get into the course I wanted at first. Furthermore, as I’ve witnessed my parents grow in their relationship with God, they have been able to let go of much of their worries, because they trust that God is almighty and looking after me.

Honestly, I think the most helpful thing my parents did for me during year 12 was to encourage me to go to REEF every week even during my all exams. At school, many people had the attitude of going out and getting drunk to deal with the stress. However, my parents realised that all the REEF leaders had been through the HSC and were the ones who could best give me Godly support, which they all did without fail. For example, if it was the night before an English exam, I would suddenly get all these text messages from them saying, “All the best for English tomorrow! Praying for you!” Also, going through the HSC with my fellow year 12 REEFers, seeing them at REEF every week despite the pressure and their words of encouragement were a continual source of strength. I’ve finally come to realise that God is the priority in my life. Exams and school are not an excuse for skipping REEF or church, as everything is ultimately in God’s control and what we prioritise shows us exactly what we worship. After all, the wisdom to get through life can only be found in the Bible. But just as a random note, I used to think being a REEF leader was just some easy, Friday, social thing. But after not even half a year of being a new leader with no big official responsibilities, there is a lesson or two to be learnt about time management and a good work ethic from these guys.

Finally, attending REEF has had a big impact on my attitude and personal sense of security and confidence. I, like everybody else, am not perfect. Insecurities and the fear of being rejected was something I struggled a lot with when I was younger and is something that, I know, the majority of young people struggle with. After all, it’s only human nature to want to be accepted by our peers. However, coming to REEF gave me so much comfort. As a REEF kid, I recognised that as a big bunch of young people, we all struggled with the same things that only teenagers go through. While people at school were starting to experiment with alcohol and various other dodgy things, I looked at the REEF leaders and saw that they hadn’t turned out too badly, and wondered what they knew that I didn’t know.

Now, God has this wonderful but slightly creepy way of dropping helpful pieces of information when we need them most. Over and over again, the REEF leaders made it clear that it was OK to struggle with things in life. They provided us with the reassurance that we don’t need to worry about what anybody else thinks about us, because in the end, the only opinion that matters is God’s. And, of course, there was the ultimate display of love, mercy and grace that Jesus showed on the cross by sacrificing himself to cleanse us of all our imperfections. What’s more, the knowledge that we were all struggling with our sins together, yet everybody still managed to be so loving and patient, yet unafraid to rebuke wrongdoings when necessary, amazed me to no end. I truly believe that this group of people, who behaved so maturely during our years of most immaturity, teaching the message of Christ and living out their faith, is one of the biggest ways in which God has kept me on the right path throughout my teenage years.

Coming to REEF has taught me invaluable life lessons and has been a constant source of encouragement. It has grown me so much in my relationship with God and I think I can safely say on behalf of all the new REEF leaders, I hope we can offer your children the same kind of love and support that our REEF leaders gave to us.

Josephine Wong

1^st Year University Student

REEF Leader

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

Sept Methodist News- Monash CMYF

思源堂青少年小组

Monash Methodist Church (MMC) Youth Group

欢迎大家来到思源堂青少年小组的事工简报，希望大家透过此简报能更了解我们思源家这个大家庭。别于其它团契，我们思源堂的青少年主要以小组为主要聚会方式，并且分为职青，学青和少年。目前，我们共有11个小组，分别是6组职青，4 组学青和一组少年组；每组大约是5至10人不等，总平均人数大约是75 人，占了全教会80% 的人数。

小组模式主要是三次小组和一次联合大组。我们今年的目标是：一人一事奉，每日灵修与祷告。无论小组或是教会，我们都在推动灵命日粮和装备课程如门徒《一》，门徒《三》和顶峰门徒，参加人数大约是45人。透过灵修，祷告和装备来提升我们的灵命。对外方面，我们也都在每个学期的开始，在Monash 大学向学生传福音，也在Clayton Town和Glen Waverly Central 分发福音单张和对外宣教。

至于活动方面，我们从年初到现在也进行了新年聚餐，公园BBQ, 校园迎新会，Brighton Beach郊游，篮球与羽球比赛，一日茶栈，不可能的任务2，生日会，电影会，品格游戏，福音营和厨艺比赛之异国风胃。接踵而来的是棋类比赛，中秋晚会，Go Kart,，感恩会，圣诞节等。

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

Sept Methodist News- City Light EMYF and CMYF

City Light Methodist Church English Methodist Youth Fellowship

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

Young people of City Light,

Burning with passion as a fire consumes the wood.

A yearning to spur each other on,

Encouraging each other to do good.

Young people of City Light,

Continually creating culinary delights.

A weekly exhibition of gastronomic talent,

Is showcased on Monday nights.

Young people of City Light,

Always keen to play some sports.

Regularly meeting up to stay physically fit,

And making use of their t-shirts and shorts.

Young people of City Light,

Remember to humbly kneel before the altar.

May you glorify Him alone in all that you do,

And may your walk with the Lord never falter.

The youth of City Light meet regularly on Saturday evenings for various activities, including Bible study, Adam’s & Eve’s nights, BBQ/picnic outings, amongst others. Not only do we meet up for spiritual feeding, but we also meet up regularly for physical feeding, with countless opportunities to explore Melbourne’s food scene and also try each others’ cooking every week. Apart from going out for dinner together on Saturday nights and lunch on Sunday afternoons, we also have a unique tradition which has served to really encourage the youth to develop their culinary skills.

“Goodies” (“Godly Foodies”) is our weekly Monday-night tradition. A potluck dinner with a difference, each dish reflects the theme for that night. Themes have ranged from demure ones like ‘Chinese food’ or ‘Italian food’ to more unique ones like ‘cheap $2 eats’, ‘low-fat food’, or ‘Christmas in July’. Over the years, we have seen people’s creativity and talent grow through good food and good fellowship. After we’re physically full from all the food for the night, we encourage each other through sharing and prayer to provide spiritual fuel for the rest of the week. It really is encouraging to see so many keen faces that are willing to spur each other on through prayer each week!

As we continue to feed each other physically and spiritually, we also look forward to our next big challenge ahead. Hosting the 2013 Youth Convention, Adult Fellowship Retreat and Annual Conference seems like a daunting task at first, but we are confident that God will use us to do greater things for His kingdom. Please remember us in your prayers, as we all work together to catch the vision that He has for us. And of course, remember to block out your calendars to join us next year in Melbourne for the Youth Convention!

Thoughts on Youth Sunday…

Evelyn Khoo

City Light Methodist Church, Melbourne, Victoria

I just want to share something I have found while I was pondering what to share for Youth Sunday.

I was puzzled by what does Youth Sunday means. Is it a Sunday that is youthful? A Sunday for the young people? May be the best time of the year for youth camps? Or is it just another ordinary Sunday just to fill our calendars?

As I look up the dictionary for the meanings I started to think that this Sunday is very important.

What is ‘youth’? What is your definition of youth? Is it determined by the number of wrinkles you have on your face or the white hairs on your head? I found that Youth is not just defined by our age or appearances but also by our vigour, tenacity, freshness, and spirit. Some good examples I can think of is asking you to look at Pastor Peter and Dr. Peter Lam. Not on the fact that they’re both Peter but by the way they preach their sermon, full of energy and spirit. Wouldn’t you say they are youthful at heart even though they’ve aged well? Thus in my opinion the inside is more important than the outside.

What does being youthful has got to do with church that they made it a special Sunday? As I thought about it, it reminds me of our lives, our spiritual lives whether we are young - having the vigour, tenacity, freshness and spirit to know God and to do His work, having the courage to jump out of our comfort zone and take an adventure with God. Or being old and creaky, unable to move much – not wanting to move a lot, staying in the comfort zone. Therefore I think Youth Sunday is in the calendar to remind us to be youthful and we can be youthful despite the wrinkles and white hairs we have or going to have. Amen?

Of course, when talking about youths I cannot forget our EMYF, our youth fellowship. To me they are like my second family, though not related by blood but through Christ. These youths are more than acquaintances, more than friends. They have accepted me with great love and mercy for who I am despite my bad habits and my failures. We share joy and fun together, we share sorrow and worries together. We pray for one another, forgive one another, learn God’s words together and serve together. To those who I often see in youth fellowship, I thank you for the love and forgiveness and hope that you can feel some from me too. To those who I don’t often see in youth fellowship I hope you can give us more chance to know you better and join in this loving family, as we set out on the quest to help one another to turn away from worldly ways and grow to be more like Jesus Christ our Saviour. It doesn’t matter who you are, let’s all be youthful together.

Youth Sunday Sharing

Brenda Wong

City Light Methodist Church, Melbourne, Victoria

To me, EMYF means a lot. It means a time of gathering, to meet new and old friends, to chat and cheer for good things in life. It means a place to relax and relieve, where we share unfortunate things in life, pray for one another and give them a hug or pat on the shoulder. It means an opportunity, to invite non-Christian friends into our big family, to tell them what a church is. It means a lot more. Overall, it reveals God’s great blessing to the youths. As God loves and cares, such love is shown by all brothers and sisters in Christ to truly be the witness of God’s unfailing love for each and every one of us.

I joined this fellowship ever since I become part of City Light Methodist Church. It has been a really great blessing from God to be in the midst of these lovely brothers and sisters. Despite the very small number of members, we always enjoy doing various activities together. Help is always available whenever needed. This group of devoted young Christians has accompanied my journey in Melbourne. Through them, I see light and hope in Christ; through the things they did, I feel love. For instance, having someone to talk to in times of distress; meals prepared with warmth and love delivered to homes for students during exams and giving a lift to some of us at late nights regardless of the long drive.

I cannot help but truly be thankful for the work of these brothers and sisters. They play a part in shaping who I am today and how my life is enlightened by serving God and others. I love being part of this family and most importantly, being the salt and light of Christ in this world.

So, that will be all for my story in EMYF. For those who are not familiar with EMYF and may be wondering what seems so good about it let me brief you through what we usually do. Our usual weekly gathering activities include bible study, sharing, prayers and dinner afterwards. We also have fun and interesting special events such as Eve and Adam’s nights, parents’ day, Biggest Morning Tea, Dragon boat festival, live karaoke and etc. Other activities include outings, visits and sports. Places can be as close as Mount Dandenong for the thousand steps and Pie in the Sky or as far as into the woods. A very recent activity that we just had was the 2-day trip to Grampians, which is a 4-hour drive away from Melbourne. Despite the short stay and very exhausted, hectic hiking, I believe most of us enjoyed the trip as well as the fellowship very much.

Last but not least, I want to encourage those who are not yet part of EMYF or who haven’t been joining us for a while to come and be part of us! If you think you might be left out in the group, I can assure you that it will not happen. So come, see for yourself how and why these lovely, youthful Christians can be such passionate for Christ. Again, our weekly meeting is Saturday, 6.30pm at church. I hope to see most of you there!

City Light Methodist Church Chinese MYF

信主后的见证 (Tommy Fang)

大家知道8月27号是什么特别的日子吗？想不到吧，那是我重生的日子。两年前的那天我做了决志祷告从非信徒变成了基督徒。那时的我信主不久，心里很火热，很想多参加教会的活动，多跟弟兄姐妹们交往，多学习圣经知识和神的话语。所以去年我参加了门徒一，今年又参加了门徒三，同时也加入了青团成为团契执员。

但心里的那股热情因为时间而慢慢冷下来，我开始会犹豫、怀疑、心里变得不安。有时候我很挣扎、很烦恼，总会被大半辈子在学校所学的科学和理性框架而疏远我和神的关系。再加上我上两个学期学习上的巨大压力以及一些生活上的问题让我经常恳求上帝帮助我，但却好像没有答复。我会很无奈的问：“主啊，在我最需要您的时候，您在哪里？”就这样，我在不知不觉中渐渐地偏离了上帝和教会，有种冷淡信徒的感觉. 但是感谢主，弟兄姐妹你们没有抛弃我，教会没有撇下我，上帝没有停止爱我，我自己也始终没有放弃永生的盼望。虽然我们相信的神是看不见摸不着的，但看不见而单单凭着信心相信，得到的福分比看见的更多。这再次确定了我对神的信靠和追随。

其实，我更要感谢团契今年带给我的转变和成长。刚开始时，我真的不太懂团契是什么，我负责的见证组要做些什么，我只是把它看成是个教会的任务。但每次来到团契，我都觉得跟大家在一起很温馨和谐、没有压力；尤其是能和大家一起学习神的话语，一起更加的敬畏神、爱主。有时这还是我一周的紧张生活中最轻松的时刻，让我从中找到了平安、喜乐。同时，我在团契里的服侍也慢慢的变得充实、有意义，因为我发现原来能在团契事奉是神的恩典、是神给我的难得机会。再加上Ee Ling和Ivy一直以来的耐心指导和鼓励，我更加愿意在团契里学习、服侍，让自己的灵命更快的成长。真的非常感谢Ee Ling和Ivy！也谢谢团契里的所有成员让我学会了知足、感恩和常常喜乐！

说到感恩，我还想特别感谢一位弟兄，因为通过他让我再次感受到原来上帝从来没有离弃我。这位弟兄无时无刻地给了我许许多多的支持和帮助：在我最疲惫无助的时候他送我一句亲切的问候，让我心里充满温暖。深夜我忙功课快要发疯时他发给我一条鼓励的信息，让我重新得力。我的脚车坏了他把他的给我用，发现我睡眠不好他送给我一些好睡觉的茶叶，还有上周中秋节时他送我一盒我很久没尝过的月饼，上面留言说：“加油啊！记得要好好照顾自己！常为你祷告！以马内利！”每一次我都很感动，激励着我勇敢坚持的走下去。这就是主的大爱通过他的每个行动传给了我，也让我真正体验到圣灵在我身上工作。这位弟兄就是Oliver，非常非常的谢谢你一直以来的照顾和关怀！！当然还有在座的很多弟兄姐妹都给过我很大的支持和帮助，我非常真诚的谢谢你们！

重生得救后的我在生活上、言行举止上还需要继续完善。虽然我有时会因为一些鸡毛小事而生别人的气，有时会因为学习太忙而不来崇拜，有时还会让这个五彩缤纷的世界征服而忘了做基督徒的原则。。。但有大家不断的关心和支持以及主耶稣的爱和指引，我相信我会继续进步，继续向前跑，争取活出基督的生命。

弟兄姐妹们，主永远是我们最大的力量和盼望。让我们互相学习帮助，一起建立温馨的教会和团契；也让我们一起在主里茁壮成长！！

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

August Methodist News- Sherwood EMYF and CMYF

Thursday, 6 September 2012

主恩堂华语青年团契

今年，团契主题是『建立见证宣教的团契』。目的是要鼓励青年的弟兄姊妹们多多注重个人的生命见证，学习积极参与宣教传福音的事工。故此，团契除了鼓励青年人参与教会的事奉，更积极投入参与教会海外留学生的事工。

团契聚会的时间是在每星期六晚上七时至九时。出席人数在22至26人之间，大多数以学生为主。除了有主题和专题讲座，聚会节目也尽量多姿多彩，以符合青年人的需要，如：迎新会、查经会、诗歌祷告会、老人院探访、主青“Masterchef 2012”, 生日会，爱心点唱等。

我们欢迎青年人前来参加团契，一起过团契的生活，不但在爱中成长，爱神爱人，过着圣洁快乐的生活；更在教会中参与服事，扩展神的国度。

Sherwood EMYF

English Methodist Youth Fellowship (EMYF) is the English division of the Sherwood Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Since our initiation our youth has steadily grown in numbers and christian maturity. EMYF has historically boasted a wide of range ages in its members, ranging from those in grade 8 to those well established in their working career. Additionally, in previous years the youth has worked hard to recruit a larger body of members, and as of this year, by the provision of God, we have a healthy core group of members who attend every week. Consequently, the focus of this year for the youth group has been on developing interpersonal relationships, and to facilitate a closer walk with God for all members. To achieve this, EMYF has put forward the theme “Dinner with God”.

The theme “Dinner with God” draws upon the Last Supper, where all the disciples at their peak of Christian education under Jesus, were able to have fellowship and communion before they set off to spread the word of God to the world. EMYF hopes to model this, where it is our intention that each member of the youth can communicate and have fellowship freely with each other, and aid each other in growing stronger in Christ.

To practically achieve this, the youth has devised a schedule where bible studies occur every fortnight on Saturday, and a fellowship/fun event occurs on the alternative Saturdays. We have also developed small fellowship groups, each with 2 mentors (senior youth members), to encourage mentor-mentee relationships with the younger youth members. This has also been the basis for a prayer partner system.

This year we have enjoyed lawn bowling together (see picture below). And later this year we are looking to have a Big Christian Day Out, where all our youth members will travel down to the Gold Coast during the day, and then move to the hinterland at Mt Tambourine for Dinner and a night time Glow Worms trek. Please join us, if you are looking for a youth group who focuses on helping your growth with God, as well as having fun. We usually meet Saturday nights 7:00pm at Sherwood Methodist Church (English Hall).

Sharing by Lee Ann Khoo

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

When I was twelve years old, I remember having a good time with my friends and family on for a very special occasion. We were just partying the whole night. However, the next morning I woke up I had a very unusual sickness, which was one that I have definitely not experienced before.

The pain was indescribable, my whole body ached and it felt like there was a sharp knife piercing through my stomach. Not only did it hurt I felt like there was a huge rock on top of me, which prevented me from getting up or even lifting any part of my body. Not even my mum, dad or sister could move me and because of my weak condition I could not eat or drink. I also could not take any medication.

This unusual sickness lasted 2 days, and I still could not eat, drink, talk, move or do anything that I would normally do. At that time I was just thinking about the worst situations and complained about why am I still unwell. Then, I remembered something that was so important and that was too P-R-A-Y pray!

While I was praying I remembered what my dad always said to me, “remember to always quote the scriptures from the bible, it is so important to do that because you are reminding God that he has already promised it and he will heal you!” I remembered that God said that in his stripes I am healed and just kept on repeating that scripture over and over again but still nothing happened.

A few minutes later my Grandmother who had travelled all the way from Malaysia to Australia for a vacation, walked in my room with a bible and asked me to repeat scriptures from the bible after her.

(Psalms 6:2 NKJV)

“Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.”

(Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV)

“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.”

(Exodus 15:26)

"If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you."

She then prayed for me for a while and left me alone to rest. I kept on repeating the scriptures in my head and after, I slowly fell asleep.

The next Morning EVERYTHING was gone! Pain GONE, I was HEALED! I was so excited that I screamed so happily and my Dad came rushing in thinking that something bad had happened. Amazingly it was also Sunday! I was so excited to go to church I quickly dressed myself and went along with my whole family PRAISING God for his goodness and kindness and so very GRATEFUL that he has HEALED me.

I think that it is so important to share our testimonies because it states in Revelation 12:11, “we overcome our enemy be the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony”.

He loves us all so very much and that is what drove Him to robe himself in flesh just to have that flesh die, so that we can be free! And that you can see what He endured for our sakes. No matter who you are or where you’ve been He died for you, so that you can be saved!

So Never Give up! Keep praying and it shall be given unto you! AMEN!

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

July Methodist News - Eight Mile Plains EMYF (QLD)

Monday, 13 August 2012

Eight Mile Plains Youth

We’re a bunch of brothers and sisters whom gather together on a Saturday night at 7pm. Our Youth Fellowship includes university students and young workers, whilst our Junior Youth whom we worship with are the energetic high schoolers.

Recently, we’ve had a charity photo-shoot event to raise money in sponsoring kids who lack education in India through Gospel for Asia. In our youth programs, we’ve learnt about prayer and had a look at different ways in which we can expand our ministry to continually serve God. Bible study is held on Monday nights with an in depth look into 1 Corinthians at the moment.

About a dozen of us are currently in the progress of studying through the Discipleship 1 course – the big red book – and looking to equip ourselves with scriptural knowledge and devotion in order to edify God and other members.

Our biggest event of the year is coming up in 3-6th of July, which is the Annual Winter Youth Camp, and we have been preparing and praying for God’s work to be done. Our goal is to bring glory and praise to God through this camp, as well as to see youths come to Christ. The theme is “Superabundant”.

Finally, we ask for your prayers for our brother Alex Bui who is heading off to Tanzania at the end of June for 3 months to serve God.

Testimony by Frances Dong (2011 MYF Committee Chairperson)

There was no defining moment. I didn’t hear a loud booming voice and I didn’t see a bright light beam down from the sky. But I felt warmth in my heart when God was with me through struggles. I’ve had times of realising that God is bigger than anything else in my life. I’ve learned that nothing and no-one can separate me from God. Over the years I’ve seen God’s love for me and I’ve grown to know Him as my Father, my Master and my Friend.

I was practically born in church. Not literally, but I’ve been going to church since I can remember. I’ve been attending my home church for the past fifteen years and the church members have become like a second family. Going to church just seemed to make sense when you’ve been going all your life. I went through Sunday School and I went to Youth fellowship. I sang the songs and I read the scriptures that showed up on the overhead projector. But it was later in my teens that I actually started to understand the meaning of what I what I was doing and why.

It’s amazing how life experiences can set us on the path to learning about God; whether those experiences are good or bad, enjoyable or undesirable. Some of these experiences make us realize that life is very temporary and the things that used to seem all important become less significant. When I learned that the all powerful, all-knowing and Almighty King sacrificed His life to give me a second chance, how could I let things of this fleeting life overshadow that? When everything was measured up against Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, it was lot easier to put things into perspective and be content with what I had.

Some people would think that I am foolish for wanting to believe in God or they might say turning to an imaginary source of comfort is a sign of weakness or a cop-out answer to problems. But I’ve seen the result of people trying to take things into their own hands and substitute God for things that only lead to more heartache and emptiness. I’ve seen people run in circles, continually chasing the next buzz but never actually being satisfied. I’ve seen people get stuck in darkness and dwell on the past while life slips through their fingers. I’ve learned that sometimes it was actually harder to humble myself and admit that there is something bigger than me or my problems.

Maybe there’s more to life than getting 100% on an exam, getting a high paying job, getting married, having kids and retiring early. Maybe life won’t go our way and our plans may never become a reality. But when we have experienced the love of God and His unfailing forgiveness, there really isn’t anything else that we need in life. No matter how badly we’ve stuffed up in the past or how deep we’ve gotten into that dark place, God still loves us and wants to be with us. Nothing and no-one can ever take that away.

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

June Methodist News - Goodwood CMYF (SA)

Goodwood Chinese Methodist Youth Fellowship

今年青年团契主题是“与主同行，影响生命”。我们希望弟兄姐妹们能够藉着团契的活动学习如何以主为榜样，在当中影响自己的生命，也影响身边人（其它弟兄姐妹们和非基督徒）的生命。

今年的活动有：

i. 查经：我们所查的是以弗所书。查经的目的是为了提高弟兄姐妹们对神话语的认识，并且加强对基督信仰的根基。从中我们学习到神宝贵的话语。以弗所书说到我们凡事都要谦虚，温柔，忍耐，用爱心互相宽容，用和平彼此联络，恩慈相待，怜悯的心，彼此宽恕。从中我们学习到如何对待喜悦及不喜悦的事，也学习如何融洽的与其它弟兄姐妹们相处。查经由林牧师及组长带领。林牧师清楚的解释经文的含义。在小组查经时，组长及组员们都能彼此分享及讨论自己的见解及见证。

ii. 见证影片： 今年我们观看的是林书豪的见证影片。从中我们学习如何顺服及等待神为我们预备的道路，并且知道神为我们预备的都是最好的。我们沮丧和绝望时，神一直都在我们身旁。影片让我们知道我们所做的每一件事其目的不是给自己或其它人看，而是为了荣耀神。

iii. 亚当会及Ice-skating ： 今年亚当会的主题是：On call 36 小时。主题是为了提醒基督徒要时时警惕神的到来，要充实的装备好自己。亚当会的游戏节目让我们更增进及了解其它的弟兄姐妹。团契的小组之夜-ice skating，让弟兄姐妹们在忙碌的学业中有一个放轻松的时间，并透过活动联络感情，彼此更加了解。

iv. 洗车活动： 今年团契推出洗车活动（为教会弟兄姐妹洗车）为柬埔寨学生上学的经费筹款。经过契友们的踊跃参与，我们最后筹到足够的经费帮助柬埔寨学生。

在后半年的时间我们还有好多很丰富的节目，我们希望有更多的青年人能来参加我们的团契。让我们以主做榜样，活出基督的样式，来影响自己及其它人的生命。

见证分享
今年是我第一年升大学，也是第一次与家人分隔两地（马来西亚与阿德莱德）那么长的一段时间。2012年2月，第一次踏上阿德莱德的的土地，对什么都感到新奇，期待，但同时又感到恐惧。刚来到这里，心情难免感到复杂和挣扎，因为想家人，想朋友，想念家乡美食，但又得适应这里的生活作息，试着融入不同文化的大学朋友的圈子以及应付忙碌的课业。

这期间，生活上是没什么大问题，平平凡凡的过着，不过心里无时感到空虚、孤独。于是我凭信心做一个祷告：“神啊，我需要你，我愿意打开心门接受耶稣做我的救主和生命的主，求你管理我的一生，使我成为你所喜悦的人，也求你打开我的心眼，是我能看见你的旨意，奉耶稣名求，阿门！”此后的几天，我一直在思考人生，寻求上帝派我来这地方的目的。不久，远在马来西亚的妈妈在和我视讯的时候，说她在我们教会南钟报看到一系列在澳洲的卫理公会的名单，叫我找最近的教会。我在网上搜索阿德莱德教会的资料，“思恩堂澳洲基督教华人卫理公会”让我眼前一亮。一直都在卫理公会长大的我，顿时好像找到了希望，找到了“家”。

2012年3月18日的主日，我决定到那教会看一看，感受感受。可是又有点害怕，因为这是我第一次一个人到一个陌生的教会。早上读圣经是，这句经文点醒了我：“我们因信耶稣就在他里面放胆无惧，笃信不疑的来到神面前。”（弗3：12）于是，我鼓起神加添给我的力量，来到教会，来到神的面前。我还记得敬拜赞美的时候，听到第一首歌：恩典之路的时候，不知道从哪来的感动，心里充满了力量，也不禁流泪了。当天牧师讲的道，也让我领受不少。于是我决定留在这教会继续成长。我去了教会、团契，发现那里规模不大，人数不多不过却很温暖，人也很友善。或许这一班弟兄姐妹都是上帝派来我身边的，让我通过他们的爱感受上帝的爱。

虽然来到思恩堂教会与团契期间不到三个月，不过教会弟兄姐妹就好像我的家人一样，非常照顾我，爱护我。在这里，我也成长了不少。在弟兄姐妹的带领下，我学习事奉，把神给我们的恩赐，交托给神。由于弟兄姐妹人数不多，每个人的角色更显为重要，教会的每个领域，不管是行政，音乐，幕后工作如打扫、准备食物等等，都需要每个人的参与。大家齐心协力，就像神家里的人。

“主我亲近你，使我心变化更新，我知在主里，你恩典涌流，在你慈爱里，我心中一切软弱，都将被挪去，因你爱的大能……”谢谢主，因为有你的同在，让我们的生命更加丰盛。

Michelle

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

May Methodist News - Praise CMYF (Tas)

颂恩堂华语青少年团契

颂恩堂青年团契在今年是第11年了，感谢上帝！从一个小组聚会到今年的团契聚会，神不断的带领我们一路的走来。让我们能够在主里相遇并且一起来事奉这为创造主。

颂恩青年团契主题：“一生跟随主”为的是要让弟兄姐妹们能够肯定自己的信仰，得救的确据。我们今年将会是以团契的方式来进行，

每一个星期六下午 1.00pm – 3.00pm.

平均人数聚会是20左右，契友们都是大学生。

团契节目：迎新会，查经会，男女关系，前往雪山等等。透过这些的节目，让契友们能够彼此增进大家的关系和在灵命上能够有更多的了解。

“你们不可停止聚会，好像那些停止惯了的人，倒要彼此劝勉，既知道那日子临近，就更当如此。”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　［希伯来书 10：25］

透过这经文，让我们切记在脑海里，要去聚会，去崇拜，来亲近主！

见证分享

從小，我就不喜歡宗教。因為宗教讓我感到拘束，要遵守很多誠命和教訓。對於崇尚自由的我，宗教總是令我覺得煩厭。再者，在我所就讀的一所基督教中學，常常訂下一些令我煩厭的規舉，令我對基督教更反感。雖然在就讀副學士時，一些朋友都會邀請我出席基督教聚會，但是大多都被我拒絕。而我所出席的，也只是帶著應酬的心態，希望快點完結，可以早一點離開。

三年前，因為學業的失敗令我不得不到外國繼續升學。當我剛來到塔斯曼尼亞，便認識了一位基督徒。不出所料，她真的有邀請我去參加華人教會的崇拜。當時，因為剛剛到埗，人生路又不熟，而且也閒著無事，便帶著應酬的心態去，順道也去結識朋友。但當我參與其中時，感覺很奇妙，很不一樣。雖然各人都來自不同的地方，有著不同的背景，但竟然能夠感受到一份愛在當中，大家會彼此關心，感覺很溫暖，就像回到家中一樣。我好奇，想知道為什麼會感受到愛，感受到溫暖。所以我決定，每逢主日都要到教會尋求答案。那時候，是我人生中第一次發現基督教是一個充滿愛的宗教，亦是我第一次想認認真真地去認識一個宗教。

兩個月後，我參加了教會舉辦的Alpha Course。在這個課程當中，令我感受最深刻的，便是對生命意義的思考。記得在第一課的小組討論時，就被問到「你生命的意義是什麼？」，然後導師又說「如果你還沒有想到，不要緊，你會在這個課程結束時找到答案。」當時，我雖然想到一些答案，但沒有一個能令我滿意，我驚訝，活在世上二十年，但竟然不知道當中的意義是什麼。雖然在接著的一星期裡，一直都在思考生命的意義。但我只能想到，我所追求的一切都只是短暫，會消逝的名和利，一切都沒有保障，頓覺生命的虛空。所以，我決定藉著完成這個課程，去尋找一個令我滿意的答案。

感謝　神，當中我除了對基督教有更多，更深入的認識，亦改變了我生命的價值觀。經過大半年的教會生活，在陌生的國度一直經歷　神的帶領和豐富的供應，在一次佈道會中，我選擇回應　神，決志信主。因為這些經歷令我相信這是唯一的神。因此我決定接受　神，繼續蒙　神的恩典及慈愛。加上在2011年的聖誕節，感謝　神讓我能夠參與在　神的大使命當中，到中國的四川成都短宣。在短宣的過程一直經　神的恩典和帶領，去完成　神所擺在我面前的一切挑戰和信心的功課。更重要的是，於短宣中，能夠更深刻地感受與　神同行的福份，所以我決定接受洗禮，一生跟從　神。

感謝　神，在我信主後的生命得到很大改變。由信主前一想到生命的意義，便感到虛空，對任何事都失去盼望，因而變得消極。因為屬世的一切都只是虛幻，短暫的，即使我怎樣努力，所得到的總會消逝，屬世的一切都沒有保障。但在信主後，一想到活在世上只是寄居，我的生命已得到從天上而來的保障，一想到這個永生的盼望，一想到要為主而活，便會盡力做好一切所面對的，希望善用　神的恩賜，為主作光，作見証。生活上，雖然在信主後仍會面對很多挫敗和挑戰，但已從以往的消極，迷茫，變成現在的勇敢面對，倚靠　神，相信　神，而且學會感謝　神讓我有能力去面對一切。

感謝　神，令我的生命得到從天上而來的保障，讓我的生命變得不一樣，變得更豐盛。

願一切榮耀頌讚都歸予天上的父　神, Amen 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　黎曉東

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe

May Methodist News - Grace EMYF (Perth)　

Grace Methodist Church English Youth Fellowship

Grace Methodist Church Youth Fellowship was the first youth group I attended. Even though much of my time there was as a non-Christian, over the years I have come to accept Christ, but fortunately that’s not all. I have learnt and been shaped by God through this youth group, through the worship, the sermons, the fellowship and most importantly through God. Whenever my walk with God isn’t the way it should be or whenever I am conflicted about an issue or problem, I always seem to find answers or just learn to give up my own desire to solve things by myself and leave it all up to God. GMCYF to me is like a home where I can come in and see God every week, a place where I can lift up all my burdens and realize that God has full control. In the midst of all the conflicts in my daily doings, decisions and understandings, God has blessed me with GMCYF and has provided me with everything I needed, whether it be teaching, or support. Just being at GMCYF, I have learned so many things like the power and importance of regular prayer; my time at GMCYF is a testimony of God’s unending love for His children, that He has plans for all of us, in God’s own time, not ours.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

James Alexander Benjamin

This youth group has been the biggest blessing to me and my spiritual walk since i joined it. The interests are purely of a spiritual nature, and they don't care about number or size or fun - it's all about meeting God. Without this youth group i don't know where i would be, GMC forces you to make a choice about which path you want to take through life - whether it's the path of popular culture or whether you'd really make a stand for God in this world. Either way - there is a sincere longing and yearning for the presence of God in this youth group - and it is something that has kept me and all of my fellow brothers and sisters strong through even the toughest times. The familial atmosphere inside youth is amazing, it's my home away from home - just the knowledge that there actually are individuals out there who would care for me and have my back beyond what i can imagine is a phenomenal feeling in itself (that i know i take for granted). Our leaders are dedicated, our members are loving, and our God is awesome - i could not ask anything more from a youth group. GMCYF has been my blessing and i'm thinking about full time ministry because of how God has impacted and shaped me through this youth.

GMC Youth member

It's been an absolutely phenomenal year at GMC, God has blessed our youth group with much growth and has given us some of the most talented and loving youth in the entire state. We believe in making a difference - no matter what your size or where you're located; and over the past few years i can say with confidence, that we definitely have. Our outreach programs kick into gear this year with our youth's cell groups backing the ARMS project under the YWAM group. Our largest activity of the year, our camp (OneLove), is expected to fully fill the campsite!- and we're confident that many lives will be changed and impacted through this camp. Our relationships with other youth groups around the state (including our own brother and sister youth groups in Western Australia) has been solid, with leaders from all over the district meeting to discuss youth matters and just getting to know each other so that inter-church teamwork is becoming a more invaluable aspect within all of the churches in Western Australia. We believe our calling is to raise a generation of youth that will rise and stand for their faith - breaking down barriers of culture, tradition and status quo; and God has been immensely faithful to us thus far. It is going to be one extraordinary year for us at GMC - we cannot wait to see what God has in store for this youth, and this nation!

Jonathan Quay, GMC Committee Member

Labels: Testimonies and Sharings

Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe