Appreciating God’s gift

May 13, 2016

By Matt Wee
On April 15-17, the Youth Ministry of the Melaka- Johor Diocese organised a Persons Are Gifts (PAG) camp. 47 participants from St Peter’s Church, St Francis Xavier’s Church and Chapel of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Portuguese Settlement attended this camp held at the Good Shepherd Seminary, Melaka. The speakers for the camp were Helena Michael and the team from the Melaka- Johor Youth and Campus Ministry. The outreach team for the camp were made up of a group of amazing youths who had attended the PAG in 2014. Besides them, there was another team of youths who made up the organising team and took care of the logistics for the camp.

The camp was kept abuzz with sessions that talked about Gifts. The participants were challenged to look within and not to get distracted by the outer wrapping. The importance of the person as a gift was emphasized throughout the camp and the participants were encouraged to appreciate themselves and those around them as gifts. The outreach team also kept the camp alive with skits, singing and dances that kept the participants laughing and on their feet. The outreach team also led the participants in praise and worship and various prayer sessions. The last few sessions focused more on relationships and how to apply our gifts and be gifts in our relationships with one another, our parents and God. Victoria Gayle said, “The sessions changed me in many good ways and I’ve grown closer to God.”

The final day also included a talent show put up by the participants. They were given only three hours to prepare for it. The show was well attended by parents and friends and the participants awed the audience with an awesome display of talents. The camp then ended on a high with the closing mass celebrated by Father Adrian Mathews.

At the end of the camp, participants left with not only memories but a definite closer relationship with one another and with God. Ezekiel Lazaroo said, “I wish I could go for PAG again next year. This camp was very meaningful to me.” “I want to serve in the PAG team next year!”, added an enthusiastic Rose Mary Ann.