Friendship Encounter - Lahad Datu

article by ds/st

photos by warren

Lahad Datu – What’s up! How are you doing?~the theme for the just concluded friendship visit to the Parish Youth Apostolate (PYA) of St Dominic’s Church. Anna Teresa and Sharon Tan from the Diocesan Youth Apostolate teaming up with three youth from St. Martin Telupid; Warren, Shirley Ann and Slone were at Lahad Datu Sunday, 22nd April 2012 for a gathering with the team. The friendship visit is an on-going program aimed at enhancing relationship among the youth of the Diocese. It is also part of the follow-up program of the Diocesan Youth Leader's Camp held last February 2012.

The event of the day held at the Parish Hall with an attendance of 22 youth started at 2 pm with a 'sing- along' action songs followed by an Opening Prayer led by Harl Joenie.

The session on 'Ice Breaking' or 'fun time' is an integral part of the program. The session is likened as the 'appetizer' to the youth before having the main course of the meal. The session, facilitated by Rikkie, comprised of two games; 'Ultimate Ninja' and 'How far can you remember?'. The objective of the session is to make leaders more focus, consistent and able to persevere in carrying out their leadership roles. Such elements can help a leader achieve their set goals.

Macam ini bah gaya Ninja.

1, 2, 3, Ultimate Ninja! 

Can you remember your friends name? 

"Know your friends" is a game where everyone is tested how much they know and understand their team members or their friends. We need to relate and build up an intimate relationship with each other to ensure gradual and healthy growth of the Apostolate as in John 10 : 14, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows His own. In fact He knows His own by name. He calls them by name.

Do you know your own by name? 

"When we consider the blessings of God—the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering—friendship is very near the top."

—Donald W. McCullough, Mastering Personal Growth

After the light, cozy and crazy but meaningful fun games, everyone joined the fellowship and serenaded a birthday song to Sister Marysia fsic.

May the Good Lord bless you... 

The next session was the 'YLC Flashback'. During this session, a video clip on the flow of YLC was shown to the youth to recall their journey during the camp and at the same time to share their experiences with those who were unable to join the program. 

Slone, from St Martin, Telupid shared his experience at the camp. He said, 'I am grateful to be part of YLC. I picked up much on leadership role during the camp. I am enriched and am much confident after the camp.'

After listening to the sharing of Slone, Warren also from St Martin Telupid gave the members a few prompting questions to reflect on and Shirley Ann invited all to express their reflections in creative ways.

Our version on 'Shine Jesus Shine'

Give Thanks (Lahad Datu Version) 

Thanksgiving was led by Sharon Tan where everyone was asked to express their gratefulness to God through their body movement. Such activity is also an opportunity for members to express their gratitude to the Lord with the blessing of their bodies, feeling comfortable and confident expressing freely in thanking and praising God

... I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you ...

- Romans 1:8