Empowered To Shine: Celebrating Youth Sabbath at Tarat Mawang Church

By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission

Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Fifteen individuals were baptized in a joyful and transformative ceremony led by Pastor Chan Tin Loi, Pastor Joggery Gelu, and Pastor Kenny.

On November 16, a Youth Sabbath was held at Tarat Mawang Church, offering young people an opportunity to take an active role in the worship service and showcase their talents and leadership skills. A Youth Sabbath is a special event within many Christian churches where young people take on key roles in the worship service. This can include leading prayers, reading scripture, giving sermons, and leading music or other aspects of the service. It is a time for the youth to actively engage in the spiritual life of the church, showcase their talents, and demonstrate leadership while also fostering a sense of community and faith among the younger members of the congregation. Youth Sabbaths are often held on specific dates, such as once a year or on designated days, and can be a celebration of youth involvement in the church.

Churches invited to the event included Pasir Church, Tarat Sibala, Rayang, Plaman Nyabet, and Ampungan. Around 50 youths coming from different churches to celebrate the occasion. Bennia Joy, one of the vibrant youths involved in the recent Youth Sabbath program at Tarat Mawang Church, took a bold step in her spiritual journey by delivering her first sermonette titled “Why Me?”. Preaching for the first time in her home church, Bennia shared how this experience was a milestone in her growth as a preacher, expressing her commitment to continually improving and serving in ministry. 

Bennia shared that her motivation for continuing her ministry as a youth preacher is rooted in her desire to be an example to everyone around her—whether they are older or younger. Moreover, she emphasized her commitment to focusing on non-SDA audiences, aiming to share her faith and touch lives beyond her immediate community. Her courage and vision set a powerful example for youth in ministry.

Fifteen individuals were baptized in a joyful and transformative ceremony led by Pastor Chan Tin Loi, Pastor Joggery Gelu, and Pastor Kenny, who each played an integral role in guiding the candidates through this sacred act of faith, offering wisdom, encouragement, and prayers, while the community gathered to witness this powerful declaration of spiritual renewal and commitment.The baptism ceremony took place at the scenic Tarat Mawang River, adding a beautiful and symbolic backdrop to the sacred occasion.

 It took over a month of careful preparation for the Youth Sabbath program to ensure everything ran smoothly, with Cikgu Hazel, the dedicated youth leader, playing a key role in guiding the youth, ensuring they were well-prepared, and inspiring those who were shy or reluctant to embrace God’s work, serving as a strong example of faith and leadership. Over 300 church members attended the Sabbath program, making it a truly memorable and impactful event for the entire congregation.

Special songs were presented by every invited church, contributing to the event’s atmosphere of unity and celebration, as each congregation shared their heartfelt worship through music.The program concluded with a joyful potbless, where everyone brought food to share, allowing the congregation to enjoy a time of fellowship, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the day’s blessings together in a spirit of community.

    1 comments

  • | December 3, 2024 at 1:11 am

    Excellent program. Very inspiring in sharing God’s word. May all youth involved in the programme be blessed abundantly. Thanks to all especially Youth leaders and Pastors involved making the youth sabbath a success. Praise the Lord.

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