Christian Youth Speak Out

Christian Teens Chat at this Christian Teens website page. Come and share what is good about your Christian Youth Program and what could be improved? Please respond to one, two or all three of the questions below:

Click: Danielle "I want to share my dreams for the world"

Click: Mary Desmond " I love singing in church and chapel ..."

  • What do I like about our Christian youth group and this Christian youth website?
  • What have I learned from our Christian youth activities?
  • What can our youth group do better to help me grow as a Christian young man or woman?

If youth wish to be identified, let them give a first name and the state/country where they live.

Please share what your youth have to say about their Christian youth programs by emailing Timferguson@christianyouthgroup.org

"Feel free to visit our guest book and leave feedback."

What are our youth saying about Christian Youth Group Programs?
What are they saying to one another?

Join the dialogue across the world as Christian youth share their faith, hopes and experiences with each other. God bless their sharing!!

Received April 10, 2013 *

My name is Danielle LaLaina and I live in Madagascar, more specifically in our capital city, Antananarivo. I live my brother and sister now as my parents live in another province.

Our country is beautiful as you can see from the picture of myself at one of the local beaches. We do have challenges in Madagascar with the greatest challenge for our people being the fight against poverty, as so many people are trying to find enough money to provide for the needs of the family and themselves.

Danielle from Madagascar

I pray at the English chapel. It's not really a church but an association of our Christian community. We are small with around 150 people and we have a big youth group with around 50 members. Our youth group is split into different groups such as worship team group, drama and dance group, mission group and intercession group. We have a bible study session where all the groups gather together as one.

My favorite bible verses are in Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Isaiah 43:4. These verses really motivate me to do God's work because I really realize His big love for me. He has a great plan for me and I also experience a great and happy life with Him in being intimate with Him. He is the only who really cares for me and loves me so much and finds me in other ways. So I am sharing this to other people because I am pretty convinced that He loves so much the people the same as He loves me.

I am so glad to have discovered this International Christian youth website with ideas, games and testimonies. To young people around the world, my wish for you is that you would really know who God is, that He is the only one who cares for you and who has a great plan for you. I wish that you will have intimacy or a deep relationship with Him too, more than with anyone else and that you will experience a great and happy life with Him. To young people in my country, my wish for you is that you will seek more God and go further than where you are with God, because the more you seek for Him, the more you love Him and the more you obey Him. When we love and obey, He will totally reveal Himself to us, showing us unexpected miracles. Believe me your life will be totally different, not a routine but a blessed one.

I look forward to hearing the testimony of others and am so thankful that this website gives us this opportunity and wonderful resources for youth programs. I encourage you to read the reviews about the Chest of Visions book. It seems to be a special story with testimonies from unknown lands .

click: The Chest of Visions

Please read the many reviews received.

* Youth Speak Out Index

Danielle from Madagascar :

I pray at the English chapel ...an association of our Christian community. We are small with around 150 people and we have a big youth group with around 50 members.

Mary Desmond :

I love singing in church and chapel because it helps me to focus on the Lord and grounds me in the word.

Yanique, New York :

I attend youth group in Deer Park because it is a very involved youth group and it is good to do the work of the Lord with other Christ followers my age.

Daniela and Angelica, New York :

Both Angelica and I have been participating in the youth group for several years. Every year is an amazing experience and we always realize something new about other people's lives.

Elizabeth,Namibia :

After discussion we split into talent groups which the youth love so

Herbert, East Africa :

I thank God that for sometime i have been searching on the internet links for the Youths Internatationally

Jah, the Philippines :

Angelica - wow.. it seems like our group have similarities.. the Christmas carols, summer camp & Sunday meetings


          Free Monthly Newsletter

    I Want to be Empowered ...

   with activities that are both fun

                     and faith-based.

 


Horatio, Liberia :

Life means to me the following: friends and family, who you can trust and who trusts you. Most importantly, life means for me SERVING GOD

Paul, Pakistan :

The non-executive meeting our junior departmant(age range 15-18),holds twice a month, apart from discussing social tasks, we play different games everytime e.g a game named in urdu language as bait-bazi competition...

Arindam, Deer Park, NY :

...we got what was considered a meal for Indonesian people who had suffered from a terrible earthquake, a small plate of rice. It made me think about what some people have to go through and be very grateful for what I do have.

Noreen, Pakistan :

We, along with some other 165 students, not only got benifited as far as learning English language but afterwards they provided us complete career counselling

Davina Durgana, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. :

In our venerable adolescent years, when it was most easy to lose ourselves in our own trivial issues, Tim and Linda forced into our reality a consideration of the greater issues of the world.

Teddy, Uganda, E. Africa :

We took them food,clothes and the Gospel above all, over 2000 souls came to Christ

Julianne and Rachel, Deer Park, NY :

Hi Jah ... we talked about “The Traveler”, a person who had to go through many roadblocks in life

Angelica, Deer Park, NY :

Hi Jah ... This year I was chosen to be a leader for the Olympics.

Jah, The Philippines :

Hi Friends ... My name is Jah. I am 17 and I’m an assistant junior animator for our group.

Brian, Deer Park, NY :

beyond happiness and having a family, I want to be at least half as successful at helping the world around me be a better place ...

Rachel, Commack, NY:

Hello Teddy ... My name is Rachel. It is my first time writing to you.

Dennis, Wheatley Heights, NY :

Teddy: I am 14 and in my third year of Youth Group. I am writing to you during a break in 30 Hour Famine activities. The Famine is a lot of fun and we do a lot of cool activities.

Diana, Deer Park, NY :

When I was a teen, this group was my life... I have received so many blessings in the past 28 years that I will be spending the rest of my life asking why.

Teddy, Uganda, E. Africa :

Well, you guys, the C.U.T.S., are so great! You are indeed enjoying your youth fully in the Lord, I love that.

Friends from Deer Park :

Dear Discouraged – several members of Christians Under the Stairs wrote the following responses. One person advised that she had gone through a similar situation so you are not alone .

Discouraged in Ohio :

I am discouraged as I thought these two were believing Christians. They really made fun of our group ...

Brad, Deer Park, NY :

The youth group has the diversity to appeal to all youth no matter what their interests are...

Teddy, Uganda :

We have mostly been engaged in evangelism in schools, universites as well as local communities and our greatest joy is always whenever youths give their lives to christ ...

Ariel, Dix Hills, NY :

The friendships and family we have in our CUTS group are strong and will always become stronger under the influence of God...

Stephen, Babylon, NY :

What's to like about C.U.T.S.? Whether it is a meaningful discussioon or a Flashlight Sing, it is all enjoyable...

Kelly, Wheatley Heights, NY :

There are a lot of new events planned that will not only be a lot of fun, but bring us closer together as well.

Ariel, Dix Hills, NY :

We still have to fight against prejudice but we are holding out...

Caroline, Uganda :

I have a passion for young ladies because they go through a lot of problems. Here in Africa, women are still treated so much like less human beings.

Sean, E. Islip, NY:

I've been in the Youth Group for about six years and the thing I find most fascinating is how we are able to combine doing good things to help other people with having a good time doing it...

Stephen, Babylon, NY:

I also await the result of your power packed prayer day. All of us at C.U.T.S. Youth Group are really looking forward to the news ...

Michelle, Bay Shore, NY:

Dear Monica ... Thank you for finding us. I agree, there is no other way we would have found each other than by means of God...

*

12/29/12 ... My name is Mary Desmond. I am 14 years old and I have been attending the same Christian school since Kindergarten. I am currently in 8th grade. I serve on the worship team and have been leading worship every week in chapel as a vocalist since I was in fourth grade. I really enjoy writing worship songs.

Christian youth singing Christian youth ministry music

I am one of five kids acting as leaders in her school, called the Victorious Virtues. Our mission is to help students to lead a God filled life based on showing respect, compassion, perseverance, right thinking, responsibility, and cooperation.

I also sing at a Christian coffee shop called Escondido Joe's when I have time. This is something I really enjoy. I attend The Bridge Church, where I also serve on the worship team. I love singing in church and chapel because it helps me to focus on the Lord and grounds me in the word. I am thankful for all the blessings that the Lord has given me and would love to use my gifts to bless others.

My favorite bible verse is: 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Thank you, Mary, for your testimony.

To hear Mary sing click: Mary Sings

More Information on Mary, provided by her friend, Evan Powell: Since Mary Desmond was 3 yrs old, she always knew she wanted to act and sing. She enjoyed music and started practicing at home every chance she could get. At age 3, she joined a music group, landed her first solo, and she has never stopped. Her first big opportunity, at age 4 was singing "Love Letters in the Sand" with Pat Boone and his grandson Ryan; she also made an appearance on Larry King Live at the same age singing "God Bless America." At age 5, she appeared in a commercial for Disney Fantasy Princess and played extras for several films including "Yours, Mine, and Ours." Mary then began auditioning for local theatre and got her first big role as Annie at 7 years old. At age 9, she was in the ensemble for Evita and Brigadoon at the Regional Theatre, and then landed the role of Susan in Irving Berlin's White Christmas. She was also a part of The National Broadway Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. When Mary turned 10, she auditioned at Legoland California for the part of Emily in their holiday show, Let It Snow and immediately got the part. She has been performing as a part of seven different shows at Legoland, most recently as the lead in a new show called Lego Friends Live.

Three years ago Mary started playing with her band Fusion Beat, winners of the OC People's Choice for the best youth band. Fusion Beat has now played at over 85 live performances including House of Blues, Disney California Adventure Resort, and the Del Mar Fair. Mary also continued to work at Legoland, and is currently working her 8th show playing Olivia in Lego Friends Live Holidays. She has released over 31 videos as a part of Fusion Beat and 15 videos of her own on You Tube. Her current video, a cover of Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Getting Back Together" is all over You Tube and shows her voice, style and personality. Mary loves theatre, acting, entertaining, and of course music. She is a great role model to her friends and family.

It is youth like Mary and their youth leaders, who are reading "The Chest of Visions" For more information about this special book, please click: The Chest of Visions

Please read the many reviews received.

In May 2012 I received the following note from a youth member of our youth group. It tells me, and should tell all of us the reason we do the things we do as volunteer youth leaders. Seventeen year old Arindam wrote:

Christian youth website that demonstrates how to run a youth group. It invites Christian youth leaders to share the success of Christian youth activities and youth group games

Dear Tim,

I was just doing some stuff for teacher/guidance councilor recommendations and for my guidance counselor she asked me to fill out this packet. In it, it asked me what extracurricular activity was most meaningful to me, and I wanted to let you know it was the youth group. I don't think I valued it as much, when I was there, as I do now. The selfless things we did and the lessons you taught really impacted me and I just wanted to thank you for those experiences. I truly regret not being able to be a part of it this year, the chaos of my junior year was hard to endure even with the extra time I had gained from leaving the group. On another note, I have recently started a project independent from school about philosophy. religion, and science that I would enjoy telling you about sometime.

*

Youth Making a Difference (YMAD),

Namibia, Africa

Elizabeth Mbambus reports: we have an attendance of about 45 members at the weekly meetings, serving youth 13 years of age and older. The group started in July 2008 and has registered 144 members since the group’s inception.

Our mission statement is to instill Christian values in our youth and we have set the following aims and objectives:

to give the youth between the age of 13 and above a platform to interact in a more spiritual way

to give the youth a sense of belonging to the youth group and to the church as they get involved in different church activities

to study and share the word of God, apply it in their lives and live according to these every day of their lives

to enforce discipline in the youth which may prevent them from engaging in social evils

to learn to serve others through visits to vulnerable groups in our society

to participate in sport and other body and mind building activities

YMAD meetings

The group meets every week on a Saturday for two hours (14h00-16h00). At these meetings the group has a socializing period of time, which is needed by every young person. Snacks are served, which is followed by a prayer, the welcoming of new members or visitors, birthday's remembrances and a game. Then we move to the daily topic discussion led by a facilitator. The topics are based on the values and norms of life discussed from the Biblical point of view. After discussion we split into talent groups which the youth love so much. At these times each member’s inborn talent is discovered and developed as they take part. In addition to our weekly meetings we hold annual events as described below:

The youth night: an evening during which youth get together with youth from other congregations. It ischaracterized by Bible study, speeches from different speakers, and games.

Camp is our favorite activity. Up to 40 youth get a chance to go out on camp for 2 or 3 days. Through this experience we have seen the group get to know each other better and facilitate bonding. As they engage in activities, their true colors emerge and those who need psychological help get assistance as we are always accompanied by a professional counselor. We do a lot of games, team building activities, and self-discipline activities. We study the word of God, participate in group assignments to develop thinking skills and creativity and holdcooking competitions.

Outreach is an event when the youth go out to the community to an orphanage called CHIP (Child Hope Initiative Project). The youth spend the day in fellowship with the children at this orphanage; they also collect food stuff, clothes and books for them. In November the youth hold what we call early Christmas in November, where the youth collect money and buy cakes and snacks for a Christmas party. At times the youth visits the cancers ward for children.

Fun day and talents is an event during which the congregation engages in sport activities with the youth members during the day and at night the youth showcase their talent. One goal is to strengthen the bond between the congregation members and youth, offering an opportunity to interact in a different atmosphere.

The annual car wash is a favorite activity of the group. The youth sell car wash tickets as fundraising for the next year youth activities, as many of them cannot really afford to pay from own pockets.

Youth leadership training. Every year we select ten youth members to go for a 2 day leadership training for the purpose of grooming them to take over the group leadership one day or to use the skills in any other leadership position they may find themselves.

Apart from these activities the youth also lead the Sunday service twice a year.

Elizabeth Mbambus, June 2012

Ideas for youth groups like Elizabeth's Group:Activities for Christian Youth

Click: Christian Youth Ministry Hall of Honor

Believe in the future and what it can hold the dreams and visions of youth are the essence of change, the hope for the world. But when we stop dreaming and hoping and working, then progress will be stilled and the monotony of sameness will overwhelm us.

1) Christian Teens Hall of Honor

Kelly Marsh, Deer Park, NY, USA

Kelly has been a member of the Christians Under the Stairs Youth Group for the past six years. She can be seen in the picture at the right in the center singing “Mary Did You Know?” at our Christmas Show in December 2007 with friends, Ariel Durgano and Amanda Bolina.

Kelly has served as an elected leader of the youth group this past year and took the lead in arranging the decoration of the Social Hall at the church for the Fifties Night held on May 31, 2008. Kelly has also taught Sunday School for the past three years since her confirmation in June 2005.

Kelly gets this special recognition for not only the above but for the work she has done reaching out to the people of El Salvador. She has made several trips to the country, some to deliver medical supplies and others to reach out to the young people of the country. This year plans were being made to transport a group of Salvadoran young people to the United States for the purpose of performing a joint dramatic program with young people from the United States. The event was in great jeopardy due to the rising cost of airfare and it did not appear that the needed funds could be raised. Amidst all of her other duties for the church and the youth group, Kelly found time to raise approximately $1,500.00 to bridge the funding gap to make this trip possible.

She did all these things while applying for college and completing her senior year in high school. She truly deserves to be inducted into the Christian Youth Hall of Honor.

Editor's Note :

If you would like to nominate a youth from your youth group or would like to correspond with Kelly, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Kelly will be notified. She looks forward to hearing from you.

We have heard from Godfrey Mawa of the Commission International Mission Center, Uganda, E. Africa, who writes:

Kelly's a brave leader. God bless her. These experiences are inspiring to the youths and help train them into responsible leaders and citizens.

We have also heard from Michelle Turk of Long Island, New York, who writes ...

Kelly and I didn't really start to get close until we both traveled on mission to El Salvador in July 2007 but I am glad that after 2 years of knowing her we got to become such close friends. She is one of the funniest girls I know, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a wish in your heart to help her in her aspirations to make the world a better place. She blesses every life she touches in ways big and small and I admire her perseverance and strength in her spirit. I hope that the people whose lives she touches, whether at home in the United States or in El Salvador, are always brightened a little more because she is a part of it.

Ujaye Zeogar, Monrovia, Liberia

Ujaye is a fifteen year old, young lady, presently in the ninth grade. There was never a time people did not see Ujaye sitting with her note books and text books reading. Then she was always found talking out to her friends (both males and females) about why it is good not to fight, but to talk.

As beautiful as she looks – so are her virtues in good perspectives. Academically, morally, and most importantly spiritually, Ujaye is living a life to an extent that others, especially I, do appreciate God for. This lady lives in a community outside of Monrovia, Liberia. She lives with her "mother", a woman who serves Ujaye as a mother – since her mother disappeared during the civil war in Liberia.

Ujaye, like any other teenager, plays, chats, is with errors, and posseses the attributes of human. The most significance of her life is: she gets up when she had fallen. This last part of the above statements of Ujaye makes me believe in her. In her eyes you will see the aspiration of making the life she lives meaningful and worth while. In doing so, she tends to her make the world a better place for mankind. She is indeed a social being and a promising leader, in this our old gray world. It was a blessing coming across this special, God-created young woman.

Submitted by youth leader, Horatius Nallo, of Liberia.

Editor's Note:

Thank you, Horatio for your most worthy nomination and thank you, Ujaye, for being the special Christian teenager that you are. The world needs promising new leaders, like yourself, to overcome this "gray world" with the love of Christ Jesus as we open our hearts to the guidings of His spirit.

If you would like to nominate a youth from your youth group or would like to correspond with Ujaye, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Ujaye will be notified and she looks forward to hearing from you.

Read about her nominator, Horatio, by clicking on the following: Horatio Nallo

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1) What We Believe: January 31, 2010

Our Lord often referred to the young and stated that their faith should be an example of how adult faith should be. On January 31, 2010 the youth group met in a program that solicited statements about faith from our young people. We will just list them and let them speak for themselves as there is a message here for not only the young but for everyone.

  • “God loves us and we should stand up for what we believe in even if people hate us for it because God still loves us and them”
  • “Who am I? Who is God? God is my father; he knows everything and God will make me someone great.”
  • “We should bless the poor because God loves everyone equally”
  • “Having no hope won’t lead you anywhere in life; rather we have to love, shout, dance and learn not to fear”.
  • “Have faith; everyone is blessed and God loves all equally and he will be here for you in the worst of times.”
  • “Miracles can be looked at in many ways. But no matter what, it will have to do with faith and is a blessing sent to you.”
  • “Sometimes you may have problems or questions and the answer may not be clear but you have to follow your heart and have faith in Jesus Christ”.
  • “We need to act and do what Jesus Christ would want us to do.”
  • “Don’t be afraid to be different or to stand out. Stand tall in whatever you believe in even when people want us to conform”.
  • “People don’t know what to do because of the chaos going on around them. But embrace love and be happy that things will get better. Be optimistic and keep having faith”.
  • “In Haiti, a place that has seen damage and destruction, people still want to help others like the Good Samaritan and help those in need like God wants them to.”
  • “No matter how horrible your life is, remember Jesus has been through so much more pain and he loves you even when no one else does.”
  • “Some people worry about unimportant things. Instead of worrying about hunger they are preoccupied with what they eat. They should be thankful they have food and not complain.”
  • “Even though it seems that the world is a mess and has all of these bad things, if everyone just followed God’s word and love, there will be hope.”

Thank you youth group members for expressing your faith so honestly and openly. May we all be so willing to speak out.

The Book of Activities used by Christians Under the Stairs that helped lead to testimonials as those above.

l) Herbert of Uganda, East Africa writes

Praise God !!!!

My name Herbert Anderson in Uganda....

I thank God that for sometime i have been searching on the internet links for the Youths Internatationally and i have been failing to get links like this. Am 21years Old. Born on the 25th of May 1987..... I started a youth ministry way back like 6years ago but indirectly at school thus leading my fellow christian Students in our Lunch hours. As time went on i started sacrificing my lunch time whenever i would not minister at school and went to outside school and did minister there in the Gospel sharing.

I got convicted of starting a youth meating every sunday evening and i have to call afew christian friends who came in and that it was relevant. At home we have enough Compound to host over 150 people. And i got a donation of speakers from a friend in the USA in Hawaii. So we started. We started about 3weeks and we were 5 but now our number is increasing.

I have been so suprised to see that out there in the Western Countries youthis are taking their time to serve the Lord. Our ministry is Called Christ Round the Globe. Our theme is in Isaiah 43:5-6.

I would like to get the Contacts of all the Ugandan friends who have been frequently been involved in this. I got travel alot across my Country Uganda and i have been able to see what our Christian and non christian youth are passing through.

Please send me the emails or contacts of those people mainly Caroline and Teddy. my email address is crglob@gmail.com or burohert@hotmail.com anyone can email me or call me at +256 774 113 907.

Am glad to hear about this ministry i hope i will get alot to learn from you as time goes and make our ministry success full to.

God Bless you mightly.

With Love and respect

Herbert Anderson, Uganda

If you would like to respond to Herbert, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Herbert will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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k) Jah of the Philippines writes

hello...

News from our group. last june, we're already registered our group in Securities and Exchange Commission. And for the past months, we're preparing for our project this coming October. We plan to have a small activity for kids. it's like sport fest.

Angelica - wow.. it seems like our group have similarities.. the Christmas carols, summer camp & Sunday meetings. being a leader of the group is very challenging specially how you would handle your group mates. i have had a hard time before when i was the leader of our group, because some of my members are small kids and you can't keep them still. But, the heaviest tasks are those facilitator of the camp, because they are in-charge of all.. And like yours, we also have groupings, before its was only two groups but we seen how the leaders having hard time so we decided to divide them to three groups. I'll tell more soon.

Julianne & Rachel - hi there! looks like you really enjoyed your activities. i wish our members are expressive as you are. congrats! you've raised such a big amount of money. In Philippines, it would probably PHP20,000 plus. and it's nice that you've share it to those in need. Amazing Grace, I haven't heard of it. I'll try to look for it, so we can watch.

You really have had a great time in your activities cause it shows in your message. i hope you keep it up. ^^

sorry, I'm not reading my emails lately.

I'll try to response to your letters if i have free time.

God Bless.

Jah

If you would like to respond to Jah, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Jah will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Christian Jokes

Click here: Christian Jokes

j) Horatius Emmanuel Nallo of Liberia, Africa writes

I was born in April 1984 in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. While I was a child, my family moved to Liberia and it is in Liberia that I now live.

I graduated high school in 2003 and presently I am teaching English in lower high school here in Liberia. I have hopes of going to college, perhaps in Spain, Egypt or even the USA. I want to go to college to realize my dream which is:

  • To be a minister in God’s kingdom.
  • To be a professional writer in Biblical and general happenings.
  • To reach out to the less privileged; perhaps establish orphanages, build clinics or open a school.

I am a leader in our local youth group and I will be making a nomination for the Christian Teen Hall of Honor of a very worthy girl in our group. Life means to me the following: friends and family, who you can trust and who trusts you. Most importantly, life means for me SERVING GOD – by doing so I will be fulfilling His purpose for my life.

I am quite comfortable with my living situation, meaning that my aspiration of studying about God and becoming a professional will be seen about while I remain in prayer and waiting for God’s perfect timing.

Below is one of my favorite poems: The Road Beyond Tomorrow, written by myself on September 23, 2007 …

There is a road beyond tomorrow where the skies are blue again
There is a hope to follow sorrow just as sunshine follows rain

You and I may try hard to fathom what and how exactly tomorrow looks
We tried, but we can’t even locate the source to tomorrow, the part feet lead there

With an idea we possess and a belief we keep; a faith we acquired
Which help us hope for tomorrow with confidence, we are optimistic.

And the hills ahead look very hard and often we behold them with a sigh
But as we near them, the road gets leveled … the hills look harder than they are

And so with troubles, though they seem so great that men complain and fear and hesitate
Less difficult is the journey than we dreamed; it is never as hard as first we dreamed

There never comes a hill, a task, a day
But as we near them, easier proves the way

The hills of tomorrow are waiting for us, a little bit further to go
And now as we stand on the peaks of today, a hint of their beauty we know.

We catch but a glimpse of the splendors to be, the birth of another new day
And the joy we shall claim and the goals we shall know, if only we shall keep on our way.

As the sun always follows the rain and although the rain is falling
And the skies are grey not blue

On the road beyond tomorrow God is waiting there for you.

Editor’s note:

We read that Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream (Genesis 41). Yet are all dreams subject to interpretation?

Recently Horatio wrote to this website and shared a dream he had. He is asking for an interpretation as he believes it has meaning for his life. Would you like to help?

Click ... Dreams

If you would like to respond to Horatio, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Horatio will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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g) Noreen of Pakistan writes

Dear Tim,

The services of CYDO (Christian Youth Development Organization) are substantial and meaningful for young Christian peole of our country. Mr.Robin Daud,along with his dedicated team, are going along for facilitating the deserving youth.

I want to present the testimonial that how I and my cousin got benifited from their services. "My name is noreen,16,and my cousin paul,my age, fellow just completed our secondary school education. Our families had limited resources; we wanted to do the English language course but here the cost of English language course is quite high but somebody told me about the free classes being conducted by Mr.Robin Daud and his team under the professional faculty. We, along with some other 165 students, not only got benifited as far as learning English language but afterwards they provided us complete career counselling in different seminars which helped us in determining future aspects in a substantial way. Its not only us but also other Christian young fellows are being served We wish best of Luck of all the team of Christian Youth Development Organization".

Noreen

Editor's Note:

Noreen - thank you for sharing. Your mentor, Robin Daud seems very committed to reaching out to all of the youth in your area of Pakistan. We are glad that you are doing well. If you could tell us some of the activities that you do apart from study, we would all be quite interested. I asked a member of our youth group to share some thoughts with you and with another young lady, Teddy from Uganda, who has been corresponding with us. Arindam's thoughts will follow. Look down the page to see what Teddy has to say. After reading what Arindam and Teddy are saying, would you like to respond to them? One letter for both will be fine.

h) Arindam of Deer Park, NY responds

Dear Noreen,

I hope these few words find you well and enjoying the hot weather. I am a new member of the youth group and find it really fun. I will take some time describing what we do here in our youth group. There are two activities that I really enjoyed: the 30-hour famine and Hope for the Future. These were both learning experiences that were also fun.

First, I will tell you about the 30-hour famine. This is a program where we experience hunger firsthand. This was a fun experience since we fasted together and helped each other along the way while trying to help those in need. At the end we got what was considered a meal for Indonesian people who had suffered from a terrible earthquake, a small plate of rice. It made me think about what some people have to go through and be very grateful for what I do have. Next, I want to tell you about Hope for the Future.

Hope for the Future made me feel good about myself. The youth group and I went to New York City and set up tables. We then put different sorts of food on the tables and then allowed homeless and poor people to walk in a line and take what they needed. I saw what some of the people wore in such cold weather, it was shocking. Seeing what happens to some people makes me believe that everyone should help the people that are in poverty.

As you can see, the youth group through these programs helps me see and experience the hardships faced in parts of the world and how each of us can lend a hand and make a difference.

Arindam Jurakhan, Deer Park, NY, USA

i) Paul of Pakistan replies

Dear Arindam,

Actually,Noreen wanted to correspond with you but she went to have summer holidays with her relatives to another city,Gujaranwala. Yours,both activities that you mentioned in youth activities i.e 30 hours famine and Hope for the future,are extremely good as it makes a man realise about the difficulties of other people.

Anyway,the non-executive meeting our junior departmant(age range 15-18),holds twice a month, apart from discussing social tasks, we play different games everytime e.g a game named in urdu language as bait-bazi competition. The theme of this compitition is as follows: the groups are divided into two equal groups and the first team sings spiritual song and the next team has to start the new song with the last alphabet and so on. In this game at every win a single point is given and whichever team gains 25 points wins the match. We really enjoy it.

God bless you,

Paul

Arindam of Deer Park, NY responds

Dear Paul,

Sorry for the late reply. The summer holidays were very busy and now I am back at school. I guess Noreen is back from her holidays as well. The game you mentioned sounds like fun. We may also try it someday in our youth group.

We are having a youth group picnic to start back our meetings since we do not meet during the summer. We are going to have it at my cousin’s home.

I just celebrated my thirteenth birthday and instead of getting a big present from my parents, my family is donating money to help a needy child. He lives in India and has a very hard childhood. However, despite this hardship, he is doing well at school and has great faith in God. It makes me feel good that I am helping him in some small way to achieve an education.

I hope all is well with you and your group. I hear that there is much violence in Pakistan. I pray that things get better soon and that you and your family remain safe.

God Bless,

Arindam, East Northport, NY

If you would like to respond to Noreen,Paul or Arindam, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. Please note that Paul is in the white shirt in the picture on the right.We all look forward to hearing from you.

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f) Davina Durgana of Dix Hills, N.Y. writes

In my years as a President of the Deer Park Presbyterian youth group, I have seen many wonderful things come to pass from an energetic group of kids through the dedicated guidance of Tim and Linda Ferguson, Frank Tangredi and Rev. John Underwood. I have seen teenagers giving up their Sunday nights to openly discuss the Bible and it's teachings for today's youth and how it can be best applied. Other activities include: gathering together in Hope for the Future's warehouse on Friday nights, putting away canned food items, or on Saturday, traveling with a packed food truck into New York City to distribute food among the homeless. each of these events help us find ways to make a difference. In addition there is the annual Thirty Hour Famine when we refrain from eating food for 30 hours in an attempt to understand the strife of many other children around the world enduring famine. Most importantly, I have found this youth group to be extraordinary in the way that it cultivated lifelong friendships, built leadership and confidence, as well as a strong sense of moral responsibility to both the global and local community.

Long before I entered the seventh grade and was eligible for full participation in the Deer Park Presbyterian Youth Group I remember following my dad along as he assisted Tim and Linda in their recreation of the difficulties the developing world faces in providing for their children in a reality of limited resources. This exercise, as was many of their other inventions was not only creative and innovative, but it allowed these suburban youth to relate to an experience that was so foreign to them in both concept and implementation. Despite my youth, I was welcomed and my interest in the group sustained. Upon officially joining, I found several of my closest friends. This group made a significant difference in my young life, providing a safe venue of friendship, fun and companionship. We all even grew to appreciate the adult guidance as much as our own counsel and found Tim, Linda, Frank and Pastor to be formidable friends and confidantes. With tireless energy, Tim and Linda would consistently work their social calendar and vacations around the youth group's events and their dedication to this organization has made it a pivotal experience for everyone that has been a part of it.

The Deer Park Presbyterian Youth Group has done more than just provide a social outlet for children; it has sincerely instilled a sense of civic duty and global consciousness. In our venerable adolescent years when it was most easy to lose ourselves in our own trivial issues, Tim and Linda forced into our reality a consideration of the greater issues of the world. We came into contact with the homeless we intended to feed, trying to inspire hope in the hopeless through encouragement of the love of God. We sponsored children around the world, in an attempt to learn and love them as peers that were simply less fortunate and desperately needed our assistance. We also grew to appreciate an open dialogue of the Bible and what it meant personally to each of us. It was a healthy forum for discussion on something that is often ambiguous and confusing for teenagers, especially as it pertained to our lives, in essence assisting us to grow with God instead of despite Him. My involvement with this youth group was a defining element of my personal development and I learned so much more than what could be listed on paper. I have found the meaning of sincere and genuine friendships, from both adults and my peers. I learned healthy competition and to strive for excellence making the most of my talents and what is available to all of us, as well as learning what I most valued and what was truly important.

Years later as I look back on the countless hours I spent down in that youth room, in the company of the people I met there, I know that when I have children I will adamantly support their involvement in such a group. I know that the dedication that Tim and Linda have shown to the Deer Park Presbyterian Youth Group is unique to them and their benevolent calling to work with children, but I would hope that many other adults, sensing the critical skills and lessons that this group has taught myself and my friends, would follow in their example, making this same great opportunity available to their own children in their own neighborhoods.

With love,

Davina

Editor's Note:

Davina is a junior at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and continues to join our youth group events when home from school. She is particularly committed to serving the homeless on the streets of lower Manhatten with us when possible.

If you would like to respond to Davina, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Davina will be notified. She looks forward to hearing from you.

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d) Teddy of Uganda, East Africa writes

Hello Diana, Dennis and Rachel,

How are you guys? Thank u for serving the Lord. I do appreciate your response, you guys really do inspire me the Zeal you have for the Lord, keep it up.

We had a great Easter weekend; we went for a mission to Northern Uganda- AMURU Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) and had a good time with the Refugees there.We took them food,clothes and the Gospel above all, over 2000 souls came to Christ and we went with a team of 100 missioners.Can you imagine? We had a lady's football match and I was apart of the players! We really had fun with those people. How was your Easter spent? Tell me about it please.

Greetings from our ministry director- Ev.Mawa Godfrey

I love you all,

Teddy

If you would like to respond to Teddy, Diana, Dennis or Rachel, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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c) Julianne and Rachel of Deer Park, New York writes

Hi Jah, we are members of the Christians Under the Stairs Youth Group

How are you doing? In our youth group we are doing the Olympics. Our favorite event is Musical Chairs. We are doing twenty different events (over seven Sunday evenings). There are two teams: Pocket Change and Lunch Bunch. The Lunch Bunch team is winning so far . We recently had the 30 Hour Famine. We raised $5,600.60 and got a lot of food donated. We are giving all the food to hungry people and the money goes oversees to the hungry. We also had a retreat in January. The whole weekend ,while we were there, we talked about “The Traveler”, a person who had to go through many roadblocks in life to get to his final destination of “Truth”.

We also did many activities like going through the Lemon Squeeze, which is two boulders very close together and many people struggle to get through. Another activity was hiking. We also watched a movie called “Amazing Grace”. When we went to the lake, it was frozen so we got to run across it. We have so much fun in youth group . May God be with you and your group.

Chantel, Julianne and Rachel

Love, Rachel and Julianne

Editors note:

Click here for information on the January retreat

Click here for information on the 30 Hour Famine

Click here for information on the Olympics

If you would like to respond to Julianne, Rachel or Jah, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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b) Angelica of Deer Park, New York writes

Hi Jah, my names Angelica.

Seems like your youth group has a lot in common with our, like Christmas caroling, teens, meeting on Sundays & summer camp (what we call vacation bible school). Every year our youth group does Olympics. It when make two teams and get to compete in sports and other activities like making a skit, song, and spelling bee. Which is good cause if your not so good at sports you can make the skit or song or whatever and vise versa. This year I was chosen to be a leader for the Olympics. I've never been able to be a leader so its new but I'm really having a good time. I think my favorite part of Olympics would be playing soccer and making the banner for our team.

Some of our youth also participate in the summer camp which is called vacation bible school. Its really fun; you get to work with little kids and teach them about God. Otherwise from doing big activities like that we usually meet on Sunday nights for about 2 hours. Well that's just a little about our youth group; we would love to hear about yours! Its good to hear from people like you ... if you have any ideas or comments feel free to talk to us! =] Hopefully we'll talk more and can share our experiences or simply just talk about youth group.

Click here for information on the Olympics

Love,Angelica

If you would like to respond to Angelica or Jah, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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a) Jah of Philippines writes

Hi friends …

My name is Jah and I live in the Philippines. Our youth group is Catholic with the name Young Christian Society … YCSian, for short. We are made up of mostly pre-teens between 10 and 14 years old. There are some high schoolers and college students and they are the group’s officers. I am 17 and I’m an assistant junior animator for our group. Our senior animator is abroad, a cook on a marine ship so our junior animator (me!) and the rest of Timothy (the cluster name for the officers) are in charge of the group.

Our group meets on Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM and sometimes our officers have emergency meetings at different times. At 3 PM we play our favorite song: Yippie Alelulia and it encourages other kids to attend our catechism. It’s like a sign to them. I will let you hear it … it is good.

I have a favorite scripture passage. It is Proverbs 22:6 which reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go, so that when he is old, he should not depart from it. YCSian has many activities. Every April we do a Passion of Christ play for the kids. We also do a comedy show we call Makcornick. In English Makorni means “cheesy”. At Christmas time we go caroling and perform a Christmas Contata.

We do have a favorite activity. It is an all time favorite – summer camp. I know everyone of us will agree on this “bcos we have lots of activities”. There is a pre-camp during the season. Right now (in April) it is summer here so we are excited about summer camp.

We don’t have a lot of songs in our meetings becos we are Catholic but we did attend some charismatic ministry meeting in our place and find it interesting and fun becos they have instruments playing.

We do have some difficulty. We are not an ordinary group like some parishes have. YCS was founded by six young people with the help of two Bosconian (sp?) priests back in2001. We were not formally recognized by the parish but were allowed to use some facilities.

The next year we became recognized and since we were mostly kids the priest gave us a children’s mass from 4 t0 4:00PM. Then the parish priest changed. We did get close to the next priest so much that we visited him when he was assigned to another parish. When the third priest came things became different.

This priest questioned our group … he said we already had a Parish Youth Ministry… so we’re like, we are there but not actually, like a shadow of the PYM. The new priest said we are snatching their roles. We told him we are not – we have our task, which was given to us.

In the end we agreed to move out of the parish so we would create commotions.Starting this new year we are an independent group, more like a community group.We still do things at the church and attend mass together. We are also trying to register our group as an NGO. It is hard becos we don’t have other adults besides us – we are in charge of all of us. I hope you can give us advice and share some topics that we can use. Now you know how dramatic our group is … well that is all.

God bless, Jah

If you would like to respond to Jah and she has expressed interest in hearing from other youth, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Jah will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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aa) Brian of New York, USA writes

Dear Friends,

My name is Brian Ferguson, I'm Tim's son and as such I spent many years in his youth group whether I wanted to or not. I was there when it was first started and I was the youngest member for years. Eventually I became a leader in the group in various ways be it writing skits or planning events and my friends became involved too. This experience was invaluable to me as it helped me develop useful skills while having some fun and learning more about religion along the way. It was also good to have a place young people like myself could meet and be together in a fun and positive way.

The most interesting meetings to me were the ones that involved discussions that were open to ideas outside of standard Christian thinking. I can recall discussing what various religions consider the afterlife or ways that modern science and the Bible agree and support one another. These are the meetings I and my friends remember to this day because they were intellectually stimulating and taught us to have an understanding with the people and world around us. Even friends of mine whom do not subscribe to a religion look fondly on this. From what I know of other groups in our area these sort of events are uncommon, which is a shame.

Lastly I want to say that I am very proud of my father for the work he has been doing for years. Not just anyone can do what he does and it truly seems to be a gift. He is a man who is always working on some project or hobby and who rarely takes time to relax and enjoy a quiet evening. Recently in a discussion with my friends about life goals I said that beyond happiness and having a family, I want to be at least half as successful at helping the world around me be a better place as my father has, while doing it in my own way. I may not know exactly how I will do this yet, but it is important to me that I continue the tradition of serving my community that I've seen in my family for generations.

Brian Ferguson

Brian ... thanks for sharing from your heart. Dad

If you would like to respond to Brian, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Brian will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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More ideas ...

try our newly formed website .... Not the Same Old, Done-it-before Youth Meetings: Site Two at ... Site Two

1) Rachel of Commack, New York writes

Hello Teddy,

My name is Rachel. It is my first time writing to you. I’m 12 years old and it is my first year of youth group. In youth group we are doing a 30 Hour Famine. I tried the 30 Hour Famine because my older brother and sister are also in Youth Group.

We are also doing an Olympics. My team is the “Lunch Bunch”. I heard that you graduated with a bachelor of laws. Congratulations.

God bless you and may God be with you, now and forever.

[Note: The Olympic schedule is given on the C.U.T.S. page under events]

Click here for information on the Olympics

Love, Rachel

If you would like to respond to Rachel, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Rachel will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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2) Dennis of Dix Hills, New York writes

Dear Teddy,

How are you? This is my first time writing. My name is Dennis. I am 14 and I am in my third year of Youth Group. I am writing to you during a break in 30 Hour Famine activities. The Famine is a lot of fun and we do a lot of cool activities.

Congratulations on getting your degree and best wishes for the events you will be doing over the Good Friday to Easter span of time. I hope the mission goes well. May God be with you in all of your efforts.

Click here for information on the 30 Hour Famine

Dennis

If you would like to respond to Dennis, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Dennis will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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3) Diana of Deer Park, N.Y. writes

Dear Teddy,

My name is Diana and I was a youth member/ youth leader from the time the group started in 1994. I was 14 and heavily involved. I am now 28 and have now come back to C.U.T.S. as an adult leader.

When I was a teen, this group was my life. I have fond memories of friends, youth Olympics, trips to the Christian camp in upstate New York and the 30 Hour Famine (the first two in 1997 and 1998). Today we are in the midst of our twelfth 30 Hour Famine.

Over the years I have learned to be faithful to Him because he is always so lovingly faithful to us. We are His children and He provides us with blessing upon blessing. I have had a rough life. However, I have received so many blessings in the past 28 years that I will be spending the rest of my life asking why. I can only pray that the Lord blesses you as much as he has I.

Godspeed my dear friend … with love in Christ,

Diana Elsener

If you would like to respond to Diana, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Diana will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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4) Teddy of Makerere University, Uganda writes

Hello Vito,

It's really good to hear from you. Waawuuh! can i say that happy belated birth day, there is a saying that, better late than never. Thank you for always responding to my mails and thanks for your prayers. I graduated with a bachelor of Laws at Makerere University-Uganda. I am now doing a Diploma in Legal Practice to qualify fully as a lawyer.

Well, you guys, the C.U.T.S., are so great! You are indeed enjoying your youth fully in the Lord, I love that. Keep it up my dears. I am as you fine but my heart is sold out to the youths more, that's why i love the youths very much.

Otherwise, over here ministry is really fun too! I've served the Lord ever since I gave my life to Christ while in my 1st year at the University. There's joy in serving the Lord, have experienced it. Vito, hope you guys are enjoying it too.

Right now, we are planning for an interesting mission to the Northern part of Uganda and our target is the Internally Displaced Camps (IDP).These IDP CAMPS house people who are displaced due to disaster like recently we had a problem of floods and many people's houses got flooded so they got displaced.Others came into Uganda from Kenya as a result of the ongoing election crisis. So we are planning to take them gospel with a wholistic approach that is, take them relief like food, clothes, shoes etc and above all, the gospel. We have scheduled it for GoodFriday - 21st -23rd march this year and it will be a 3day mission out.

We are raising funds, collecting clothes and organising ourselves spiritually in prayer too. please stand with us in prayer to have this planned mission happen so that people's lives can be changed.<

Well, allow me stop here for now, let's keep in touch and pray for each other too. God bless you all; I love you so much!

With Love,

Teddy.

Tim

If you would like to respond to Teddy or Vito, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Vito of Deer Park, NY writes

Dear Teddy,

It's great to hear from you. I want to say thank you for staying in touch with us for all this time. We've also been praying for you the same way you have been praying for us. I've also heard you are graduating from law school soon so congratulations on that accomplishment in your life. We're going to be doing our Thirty Hour Famine ain the beginning of March so I'll write to you about that too. Also today (2/3/08) is my birthday and I have just turned 24 years old. Well , take care of yourself and say hello to all of your friends for us.

Vito

If you would like to respond to Teddy and/or Vito, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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7) Friends of Deer Park, New York, USA write

Dear Discouraged,

Dear Discouraged – we examined your e-mail during our recent retreat and several members of Christians Under the Stairs wrote the following responses. One person advised that she had gone through a similar situation so you are not alone in facing these things. She did not wish to be published but did state she handled the matter by speaking to the people privately at a later date and by realizing that the people have a right to make their decisions and, if they don’t comethey are just missing out on a good time. You wanted to hear directly from our youth members so here are their responses ....

It’s different for us here because our meetings are on Sunday. But just because they complain and discourage the youth group to others doesn’t mean they are completely disbelieving Christians. They still attend, showing that they still care. Accepting religion being a big part of your life comes with maturity and they will soon learn that. :) Ariel, 17

Don’t worry. If you have other friends in the group that you can depend on, then you should stay. I once belonged to a youth group where the kids were really rude. I left and my friends recommended another group. I am still in it and the people are like my family. We’re tight like Spandex. You should decide if they are your friends or not. If they are, stay. If they are not, find another place you’ll like. Vicky, 15.

It’s their choice to make fun of something that they are involved in. Don’t worry about them; just ignore them, Chantel, 13.

Hey, it’s natural to feel betrayed when people you care about don’t seem to find importance in the same things you do. It is still possible to remain friends with these two and perhaps you should bring your discouragement to them. If they are truly your friends, they will listen. If they choose to ignore your feelings, then perhaps you should seek other friends within your youth group. You should try to talk to the people in your group about the discussion to see who truly cares, You should try to chill with those who care about the things you care about. Stephen, 19

I can honestly say that nothing like that has happened to me. Although on “bring a friend” night the first year I joined, I didn’t ask my friends because I was afraid that something would happen to me. However, to my surprise when I asked the next year, they were interested. I think you shouldn’t worry about them and I know you will find someone to go with. Dennis, 14

You’re in high school. Kids are always trying to fit in and one way kids try to fit in is by putting other things down. They did this because they were nervous your other friends would think differently of them. Brush it off; you can remain friends with them… just don’t let it bother you. You seem to be a very good, person. Keep them in check and keep on trucking! Dan, 17

No, this has never happened to me but I do have a suggestion. One would be to try to point out how the Bible verses relate to the situations that we, as teenagers, go through. Also just because the youth members don’t like the Bible study, it doesn’t mean that they are not true Christians. They just have not been as touched by God as you have. I went through the same thing a while ago but then I went through a lot of searching and understanding and now the Bible studies are things I don’t mind as I once did. John, 16

Some people could very well be peer pressured by other friends; for example, a kid in boy scouts, I was picking up for meetings, said our troop “s______” and boy scouts “is for gays”. Remember peer pressure could have caused this because their other friends might think Christian youth groups are stupid. Don’t lose faith in them. Danny, 16

Well, I’ve never had something like that happen to me but your friends are probably still your friends. They are probably just saying that because other people might make fun of them for being in a youth group and they’re scared to be different. That’s O.K. though. Eventually they will realize that being in a youth group is not a bad thing. Bianca, 16

Do you have some thoughts for Discouraged in Ohio regarding this matter? Please share them by e-mailing TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. The young people will be notified. We will publish any responses given, which are supportive in nature. As a community of Christian youth let’s share helpful ideas and experiences with Discouraged in Ohio.

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Something new, something different: fresh, fun and effective ideas for youth groups
Click here: Activities for Christian youth

9) Discouraged of Ohio, USA writes

Dear Friends,

Your youth group sounds great. I especially liked some of the things you wrote on the youth page. Our youth group does things like you- hikes, pizza night. We also have a short Bible study as part of our meetings. A couple of weeks ago we decided to have a Bring a Friend night. I was talking to two friends about youth group when two members saw us in the lunch room. I waived to them, called them over and told them I was telling my friends about youth group. To my surprise they began complaining about the Bible study and said there were better things to do on a Friday night. They never complained when they came which was almost every Friday night.

I am discouraged as I thought these two were believing Christians. They really made fun of our group and my friends, of course, decided not to come. Did this ever happen in your group? I want to hear from kids not youth leaders. I am fifteen years old and am wondering if I should be looking elsewhere for friends I can count on. Did something like this ever happen to you? What did you do?

Discouraged

If you would like to respond to Discouraged, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Jah of The Philippines writes

Dear Christian Friends,

hi there!!

I haven't read the posted messages but I will soon. [I'm just busy with schooling]

and I will share with you guys everything we do and some of our group photos soon too.. I would like to give you our yahoo groups but it wasn't updated for centuries so....hehe. till next time..

Jah , a/k/a Powder girl, The Philippines

Jah ... we look forward to seeing your photos and hearing more about your youth group.

If you would like to share something about your own youth group and its program as Jah will be doing, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Jah will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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10) Brad of New York

states "Throughout all my youth group years, I have seen changes. However, when I reflect on these significant changes, I begin to understand that the youth group might not have changed drastically but my perception differed. I, in a sense, evolved every year looking forward to different experiences as I grew older.

In the beginning I loved the friendly competitions we took part in, from the creative experience of putting a banner together for Olympics to the sport of basketball. What I like about the youth group is that there are dynamic and eclectic events we partake in as a group. From intelligent discussions under the guise of trivia games, such as "Let's Ask God", to the impact of movies like "Joni", complete with its charge to impact others.

The youth group has the diversity to appeal to all youth no matter what their interests are. Tim has much to do with this and, through electing youth leaders, he has established a bond that never makes any of the numerous events outdated. With the annual 30 Hour Famine program every child is impacted and, at times, taken aback by the poverty and strife that affects some of the underprivileged nations. By fasting for thirty hours not only do we grasp an iota of the suffering these impoverished children endure, but we pledge and raise money to satiate their spiritual and physical hunger.

However, no matter how prosperous and blessed a youth group is, there one question that always prevails in the minds of those who are a part of it. How can we make it better? To this question I have the same answer I did when I first participated in the group. I canít think of any way to make it better. I feel that there is no way I can make this environment any more responsive, heartwarming and fun. Throughout all the years I have attended this youth group, it is always comforting to know that I have a second home every Sunday night.

Click here for information on the 30 Hour Famine

Brad, 20, Deer Park, N.Y."

If you would like to respond to Brad, you can write too him at TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Brad will be notified. He would like to hear from you.

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11) Teddy of Uganda, East Africa states

To my fellow Christian youth,

I greet you all in Jesus' name!

Well, we have mostly been engaged in evangelism in schools, universites as well as local communities and our greatest joy is always whenever youths give their lives to christ.Tim, am very soriry for having taken long without replying but it is because am a student at the Law Development Center in my 5th and last year so at times am kind of fixed but i always have you at heart.God bless you for the work your doing in His kingdom as for us, we are so much involved in evagelism all the time. Otherwise we love you somuch as Commisssion Int. Ministries, our dear friends and always pray for you in our prayer meetings.

Wawooh! those pictures are really great, do you have a ministry magazine whereby those pictures can always be put? As for our group, we do not have one yet but are believing God to produce one next year. Yaeh, we do hold meetings especially prayer meetings every Monday evening. However, we also hold leaders' meetings but the timing depends on what we agreed upon in the previous meeting. Nevertheless, besides meetings, we have other activities like ballet worship dance trainings after which we go and minister in the various churches in worship ballet dances.

With love,

Teddy

If you wish to contact Teddy, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Teddy will be notified. It will be posted on this website and Teddy will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for a direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Teddy and many others from New York and Uganda have been doing.

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12) Ariel of New York states

Dear Youth Group Members,

The friendships and family we have in our CUTS group are strong and will always become stronger under the influence of God. I want to see us work together as one and be able to trust and come to each other if we need help or advice. All of us have our really good friends but I want us all to be good friends. The opportunites to get to know each other are coming up. Events such as painting the youth room, hope for the future and the retreat. They all consist of fun! getting to know God a little bit more and getting to know each other a little bit more. I look foward to this year with CUTS and I hope you all do too. This year's theme is Leadeship and Friendship.

Ariel,17, Dix Hills, N.Y.

If you would like to reflect on your own youth group and its program as Ariel has done, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Ariel will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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13) Stephen of New York states

"My pre-C.U.T.S. (Christians Under the Stairs) days were that of religious ignorance for the most part. Oh sure, I knew some random facts about the Bible but the names were just names. After joining the youth group more of the people in the Bible and the things they did seemed to flow better and make more sense.

So exactly what do I like about youth group? Perhaps the better question is: what is there not to like about C.U.T.S.? Whether it is a meaningful discussioon or a Flashlight Sing, it is all enjoyable. Learning about Elijah (and the still, small voice of God) or finally talking about the fisherman of men (Jesus' call to all his disciples)or participating in the annual Youth Group Olympics, the Christians Under the Stairs Group helps my faith grow, introduces me to new friends and is just a grand old time!! "

Click here for information on the Olympics

Stephen,18, Babylon, N.Y.

If you would like to correspond with Stephen, please write to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Stephen will be notified. He says he would love to hear from other Christian youth beyond the Christians Under the Stairs group.

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14) Kelly of New York states

"I'm really looking forward to this years program. There are a lot of new events planned that will not only be a lot of fun, but bring us closer together as well. I hope this youth group year will bring new people and more friendships. Youth group can only get better, and i really believe that bringing in new people and their ideas from our community will really add something special to the group. I also hope that this year we not only make friends with new comers, but also with people who are already in the group. There are a lot of great opporunities to get to know those who are new and to also learn something new about those who aren't. I think reaching out to those on the outside is something that can really make this group better. I'm really excited for youth group to start, and I hope you are too!"

Kelly,17, Wheatley Heights, N.Y.

If you would like to reflect on your own youth group and its program as Kelly has done, please write to TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Kelly will be notified. We look forward to hearing from you.

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14) Caroline of Uganda, East Africa states

Hello my Friends,

Hope you are fine and doing great. How is Ministry over there and how is the whole team?

Here we are doing fine and ministry going on well. Many lives are being changed and there is a revival in our country.

God is sending us great ministers and many people are being changed and transformed.

May God continue to bless you for the work you are doing in his kindom.

Caroline

If you wish to contact Caroline, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Caroline will be notified. It will be posted on this website and Caroline will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for his direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Caroline and many others from New York and Uganda have been doing.

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Middle top - Godfrey Mulangwa (see archives for his letter)...Middle bottom - Caroline Nakato.

15) Ariel of of New York shares

Hi Caroline,

Caroline "I think it is wonderful how you are fighting for womenís rights. Fortunately, for us in the USA women have the same legal rights as men. We still have to fight against prejudice but we are holding out. We finally have a woman candidate or the presidency and women all throughout our country are becoming more involved as leaders. My older sister is really into politics and I was elected president of the Girls Leaders Company which is something I really believe in. Keep up the good work. We are all here to support you.

As for your family,I send my deepest sympathy" keep praying and everything will work out soon. We are all here for you and look up to you for all you have done.

Love always, Ariel

Tim

If you wish to contact Ariel, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. It will be posted on this website and Ariel will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for his direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Carol and Ariel have done.

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16) Carol of Uganda, East Africa states

Hello Tim, Tayna, Ariel and friends!!

This is Carol yet again greeting you in the name of our Lord Jesus. I have been so inspired by your zeal and love for Christ. You are really soldiers at the battle field.

I am so glad that these two lovely ladies are happy to write to me and this really excites me. We should endeavor to make wide our youth connections as possible. This will really connect us to other youth who even do not know Christ.

Is there a way we could begin communicating to the non-Believers so that we could also share the love of Christ with them through this youth connection?

I pray that you stand with me in prayer concerning my family. I come from a staunch family and they are so much against salvation. I am the only saved person in my family and the first born with four siblings. My parents want me to work elsewhere but not have anything to do with salvation or ministry work and yet this is what I love to do.

I have faced this persecution since 2001 when I gave my life to Christ. Currently things have intensified and I am not free to go home and visit because they so bitter with me. I not about to give up on my Salvation, but to keep praying that one day God will change my parents.

I have a passion for young ladies because they go through a lot of problems. Here in Africa, women are still treated so much like less human beings. They are still battered, molested sexually, raped and defiled very many times. They are forced into early marriages so the parents can get money.

Many young ladies are rarely given good education like the boys. But friends, do you know what hurts most: there is no platform of speech for such victims. Such young ladies are often sent away from school and home with no much attention to their situation.

What happens is that they usually become prostitutes on the streets if only to survive. Those of us who have been educated, they always want to decide for us what to do.

It is upon this background that I keep seeking for a platform to speak out for these ladies and I know that one day, things will be better.

My friends Tayna and Ariel, I know that you can join me become a big voice for such girls only by being a friend and talking to other people so that we rise up and defend the mothers of tomorrow.

That is what drives me every day. Just to see the woman in a better position. Please tell me how is it on your side?

It is my desire that I communicate with many other youths in your team. On the University however, many girls are caught up in a wave of immorality and we usually have powerful conferences there to try and decampaign immorality on the campuses.

I hope to hear from soon . May God's love continue to be with you all.

Caroline Nakato, Scretary Commission International Ministries.

If you wish to contact Carol, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. It will be posted on this website and Carol will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for his direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Carol, Ariel and Tayna have done.

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17) Sean of New York states

"What I like about the youth group is all the community work we do especially Hope For The Future. This is a soup kitchen that goes to New York City and we join them two or three times every year. We also do other things like collecting food for charitable organization in our community and putting on performances to benefit charities as well.

I've been in the Youth Group for about six years and the thing I find most fascinating is how we are able to combine doing good things to help other people with having a good time doing it. "

Sean,18, E. Islip, N.Y."

If you would like to correspond with Sean, please write to him at: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. Seanwill be notified. By the way, Sean is our new 19 year old church custodian and he does a great job!!!

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18) Stephen of New York states

Dear Godfrey,

I am glad to hear of the starting of the peace talks within your country. With the power of prayer hopefully these talks will bear the fruit of peace and prosperity for your people.

I am an eighteen year old male and I teach Sunday School within my church so you and I have something in common. Additionally, two years ago, I went on a mission trip to Ghana, which, although far away from Uganda, has its own set of problems. While there my colleagues and I assisted in the completion of a church in a small village located by Winneba. It seems God has chosen both you and I to help in His name.

I also await the result of your power packed prayer day. All of us at C.U.T.S. (Christians Under the Stairs) Youth Group are really looking forward to the news. With a bit of luck may some be touched by your words, join your cause and accept Jesus Christ as their savior. "

Sincerely awaiting your reply,

Stephen,18, Babylon, N.Y.

If you wish to contact Stephen, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. It will be posted on this website and Stephen will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for his direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Stephen, Mulangwa and John have done.

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Fresh, fun and effective ideas for Christian youth groups
Click here: More ideas ... more activities

19) Michelle of New York states

Dear Monica,

It touches my heart that the Holy Spirit has brought us together from all the way across the ocean! I hope you are doing well as you fast and I hope that the Awakening Prayer Revival was a success. My name is Michelle and I will be 18 next week. I love to read and write too as well as sing. I plan on going to college to become an English teacher in September. In my school, I am a member of a Bible study group called "Breakaway." We aren't very welcomed by our school's teachers and administrators. We have a very difficult time reaching out to the students in our school.

In Tim's group, however, we have a much easier time with our outreach work to the community. We don't get to spend much time praying together but we do a lot of work to aid those who need it. At the 30 Hour Famine, when we learned about war in Uganda, we were heartbroken. Now that we know we want to help by praying. I too believe that Uganda will be saved by God's hand and soon. Our group made it a goal to pray together as a group more often, especially for those whose needs are greater than ours. What does the Commission International Ministries work towards and what are some things in particular you would like us to pray for? What are some of the things that you do as prayer leader to help the group connect with God? What are some things you would suggest we should do?

Thank you for finding us. I agree, there is no other way we would have found each other than by means of God. I cannot wait to hear of the events of the Awakening Prayer Revival! If you would like my email address so we may talk some more, you could ask Tim for it and he will give it to you. Please write to me of how you're doing. This is one of my favorite Bible verses and I wanted to share it with you as a closing note.

"Let no one look down on because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith, and purity to believers." -1 Timothy 4:12 "

Peace,

Michelle,18, Bay Shore, N.Y.

If you wish to contact Michelle, please send an e-mail to: TimFerguson@christianyouthgroup.org. It will be posted on this website and Michelle will be contacted as to your interest. If you would like, leave your own e-mail address for his direct reply. Let's all start sharing with each other as Michelle and Monica have done.

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To read previous Youth Testimonials, including correspondence with our friends from Uganda, please visit our Archives page.