Immanuel Methodist Church English Youth Fellowship
We are the Immanuel Methodist Church English Youth Fellowship, located in Perth, Western Australia. We meet on Friday nights, sometimes at Church and sometimes at Homes (depending on what the program for the night is). We have a regular attendance of 60 youths, all ranging from ages 18 to 25. We also have a Junior Youth Fellowship as well, and they have a regular attendance of 20 youths. Their age range is from 12-17.
Our focus as a youth group is to act as a second family for students in Perth. Most of our youth members are students and many still have their parents and families in their own respective hometowns. The journey to a new and foreign land is tough, and it can be hard to settle down. That’s where we come in – we aim to provide a warm, welcoming hand and act as a home away from home. We aim to show God’s love through our own actions, hoping to bring more to know Christ as the Risen Saviour.
We have also participated in numerous outreach events, including preparing Women’s Refuge Packs, helping pack gifts for Operation Christmas Child, donating non-perishable food and old clothing to good will. This helps our youth develop a sense of belonging in the community and reminds us of our responsibilities and duties to serve others in the name of God.
In 2011, we had our very first IMYF Youth Camp. The theme of the camp was “Finding Your Purpose”. The turnout was great and the experiences we all gained were amazing. Through the camp, we learnt ways we could find our purpose as God’s children in our lives, made countless friends, and strengthened bonds between the youth. Thanks be to God for such a wonderful experience that would not have been possible without Him.
The youth are divided into groups, that we call “Discipleship Teams” or “DTeams” for short. Each DTeam is assigned several youth leaders to oversee and guide the group in the programs. By assigning youth members into groups, the opportunity for small group fellowship and growth is present.
Every month, we have a YouthTalk program – this is a special program that we’ve started introducing this year where our youth leaders have the opportunity to prepare and lead a youth devotion talk. The idea behind this is that it is a program prepared by the youth, for the youth. That way, it is more relatable and it’s a better way for the youth to learn more about God’s word. Furthermore, it gives our leaders a great opportunity to learn and practice God’s word.
Twice a month, we meet at homes – once for Bible Study and once for a fellowship session. Meeting twice at home helps us increase our fellowship with one another and an intimate home setting allows for a more open Bible Study discussion. For our fellowship sessions, each group decides what they want to do and it’s to encourage fellowship between youth members.
This year, we are the proud hosts of the Annual Youth Conference 2012! We’re proud and honoured to be given this opportunity, and from glowing reports from participants of previous conferences, we can only hope that we live up to the expectation. We can’t wait to see you in sunny Perth!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Labels: Testimonies and Sharings
Posted by AMYF Witnessing Officer Phoebe