Youth Convention Report

Report on District Youth Convention 2009

The district youth convention for the year 2009 was held at 10:30hrs on Saturday, January 31 2009 in the Georgetown congregation. It was attended by 34 young people, who represented all the congregations in Guyana, the District Elder Patrick Thompson, Evangelists Andrew Bynoe and Patrick Thompson Jr, and Priests Dason Isaacs and William Warde.

The day started with an opening hymn and prayer by the District Elder and Ms M. DeClou, a youth from Georgetown, welcomed the gathering. Evangelist Thompson led the roll call and introduction exercise during which each participant stood to introduce him/herself.

In his opening address, the District Elder expressed his satisfaction with the success that was achieved by the youth work in Guyana as a whole. He thanked the youth for their efforts and hard work in 2008 and implored them to do the same and more to improve their respective youth groups in 2009.

Deacon Michael Thompson then performed a musical rendition to entertain the enthusiastic bunch of young people. Evangelist Bynoe inspired the gathering, with a word from 1 Timothy 4:12 and emphasised the importance of “preserving one’s dignity, principle and own self.” Special reference was made to the way young ladies dressed, spoke, behaved, etc and how they allowed others to treat them. After input by the young persons all agreed that we (a normal humans and as Christians) are profiled by our appearance and mannerism.

The theme for 2009 taken from 2 Peter 1:10 was revealed – “Year of renewed vision and diligence”. The youth were divided into three groups, each headed by a priest or deacon, in order to discuss various parts of the theme. After internal group discussions a representative of each group reported the salient points to the gathering. Priest Isaacs closed the morning session with a word of prayer and at 12:00 hrs everyone partook of the lunch provided.

The youth reassembled for the afternoon session at 13:30hrs and the activities were kick started by a lively musical rendition by the Zeelust Chorus group. Next, there were congregation reports by the various youth leaders. Zeelust and Georgetown reported the most successes, while Seafield, Victoria, Bagotville and Linden cited many challenges in the execution of planned activities. Unfortunately there was no report from Ithaca. An appeal was made to youth leaders to submit their plan of activities for 2009 to Evangelists Bynoe and Thompson, so that assistance and support could be given.

After the congregation reports there was a second group discussion on “How should young persons respond to contemporary culture to safeguard their faith?” Again a representative from each group reported on the groups’ discussion. Some groups reported on lifestyle, relationships, music, fashion, etc. Thereafter the youth itinerary for 2009 was drafted with the participation of all gathered.

Under any other business the following suggestions were highlighted – a change of venue for Youth Convention, a youth convention committee, a prepared debate on various topics and the creation of a youth blog. To conclude the proceedings Priest Warde moved a vote of thanks and Priest Isaacs offered a prayer.