2 Crossroads Retreat ... from page 1
"Stand at the crossroads and ... ask where the good way is, and walk in it. .. n (Jer6:16)
AT THE CROSSROADS A few years ago, CYA began developing an evangelistic retreat that could bring young people to a point where they would renew their commitment to the Lord-and decide to continue in that process of growth. Culled from years of experience, the Crossroads retreat combines a healthy dose of faith and fun, zeal and zest. The youthful atmosphere is contagious: Walking into a roomful of young people singing, laughing, and sharing
about their faith, one feels the excite~ ment, the earnestness, the sincerity. "Crossroads" is itself an apt title. Young people today, especially those in college, are' at a spiritual and moral crossroads. Too many of their friends have discarded the last vestiges of their "cultural Christianity." Confronted with so many choices in life (values, friends, ideas, career, lifestyle alternatives, etc.) they need help to choose that which is most important, the "one thing needful" that Jesus told Martha: having a personal relationship with Him. A passage from the prophet Jeremiah sums up their situation: "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask forthe ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jer 6:16) MIGHTY RUSHING WIND At the last Crossroads, CY A staffer Terry Savage was grinning from ear to ear. He said that the retreat was special. "It was God's answer to our Mission Petition. God has sent forth His Spirit 'like a mighty rushing wind', and is awakening the young people of this country!" The talks helped the participants to
FOCUS ON:
CYA-ILIGAN by Minnie Parangan
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For the past six years, God has used CYA-lligan to bring more young people into His Kingdom. From the 23 who responded to His call in 1985, we now have 275 members. This growing achievement was the result of everyone contributing his time, talent, and treasure. And surely, God's grace and blessing made it all possible! Our group's regular activities include a General Assembly every first Friday of
understand the call of God, and our needed response. Saturday night was highlighted by a summons to partake in God'sfeast, if onlywe turnfromour sins and yield to His love. The session was capped by a public commitment to Christ, and a prayer for strength for each participant. Justine Silva, a student from the University of Santo Tomas said: "The retreat opened my eyes and my heart, and touched my life. I have seen the beautiful face of Christ in the CYAers." Jason Gonzales of Don Bosco was one of those "CY Aers" who served as a discussion group leader. "Of course I had my expectations for the retreat," he shared, "but what happened went beyond them. I didn't expect it to be so successful. God revealed Himself to all of us, and imparted great exuberance for us to follow Him with joy."
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the month. There is a weekly gathering for faith-sharing and fellowship in each of the six parishes we're serving in Iligan. We organize Christian concerts and campus gatherings to evangelize more young people. We've noticed that young people are attracted to our group because of the strong relationships we
(Ed's Note: For more information about the Crossroads retreat, you may contact our CYA-Manila office, or any of our groups in other parts of the country. Requests for CYA to conduct Crossroads at your localities may be sent to the CYA Director. Our response will depend on our schedules and resources.)
have with one another; they also see their need for God. Recently, we hosted a three-day leadership training coursewiththetheme: Youth on Discipleship -Onward in Building God's Kingdom." Of the 97 participants, some came from as far as Valencia, Bukidnon. It was a time of being refreshed and challenged to move ahead. Last year we helped CY A-Zamboanga conduct a Christian Life Series. This year we are helping the group in General Santos City conduct a Crossroads retreat. Mindanao is such a vast mission field! May we accomplish more, and bring the CY A cu Itu re to many more youth!