The Public Campus Ministries (PCM) of the Youth Department of Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) spearheaded a Youth Alive week for students from July 12-17, 2021. The online event was hosted by the West Indonesia Union Mission (WIUM) and the East Indonesia Union Conference (EIUC), with the youth and health ministry departments of SSD collaborating to make the program possible.
The PCM students in Indonesia had the privilege to attend different need-based topics during the plenary sessions. The topics and their corresponding speakers are: “Abundant Life in Jesus: Celebrate Your Freedom” by Pastor Petronio M. Genebago, SSD Youth Ministries director; “Fitness for Life: How to Combat Sedentary Lifestyle” by Amelina Fabroa, founder of Charobix Exercise; “Self-Compassion as a Christian Youth” by Dr. Sheryll Ann Castillo, a guidance counselor at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP); “A Purified Life: Breaking Free from an Addicted Brain” by Dr. Rhalf Jayson Guanco, an instructor at the AUP Psychology Department; “You Are What You Eat: Food As Medicine” by Miss Keziah Arle Reyes, a health coach coordinator of SSD; “Spirituality Formation and Development” by Pastor Pako Mokgwane, GC Associate Youth Director and PCM Coordinator; and “Redefining Christian Lifestyle” by Dr. Lalaine Alfanoso, SSD Health Director.
Students shared how the PCM Youth Alive had been a blessing to them:
From EIUC, Delaxita Welan, studying at Universitas Sam Ratulangi:
“I learned a lot, such as how to take care of my body, how to have a better lifestyle, and how to be a blessing where I am. I have to become an evangelist on my campus, and my witness doesn't have to be by preaching, but by practicing a good Christian life.”
From PCM Jakarta under WIUM, Evryl Gaileen Tumangkeng, studying at Bina Nusantara (BINUS) University:
“God has blessed me through the topics presented by all the speakers each day. I'm blessed to meet so many new friends from different unions who shared struggles that I am familiar with! I'm reminded to take care of my health every day by moving actively and by eating healthily. I'm also reminded to be in control of the gadgets that I use and the food that I consume rather than them controlling me. I'm reminded that I have freedom in Christ, and I need to place value on myself! Pastor Pako reminded us to pray, read the Bible, meditate in His Word, memorize the Scriptures, share the Word, and serve. Dr. Lalaine Alfanoso reminded us to practice a Christian lifestyle, having our thoughts, actions, speech, habits, and choices go with the will of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are to keep our minds clear, and free from worldly distractions. To sum it all: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. (Phil. 4:13, KJV).
From South Philippine Union Conference, Claudine Valles, a member of Adventist Ministry in Colleges and Universities (AMiCUS), and studying at Davao Oriental State University:
“PCM Youth Alive has blessed me a lot. It uplifted my spiritual life to the highest level. It guided me towards improving my lifestyle. I am thankful to all those who have graced this event. I have learned a lot from all those brilliant speakers.
Pastor Petronio Genebago, SSD Youth Servant