JESUS YOUTH | KAIROS GLOBAL | APRIL 2021

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

Gifting Youth with Rich Memories

The art ministry had their first meeting at Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary¹. On my attempt to find the route, Google Map said, ‘Can’t find a way there.’ Later I discovered that there was no direct road access – I had to cross the river in a boat. This Jesus Youth coordinating team was having their first physical gathering, after the long spell of Covid-induced isolation. But they had chosen an out-of-the-way place and at first I wondered why. But my trip there was so enjoyable and unforgettable that I understood their reasons for choosing that place. Every young person who spent that weekend there would never forget that ‘first’ meeting. 

Gifting of unforgettable memories

‘Your session is for this group of new youth,’ Chackochan was briefing me on the forthcoming input. ‘But you will have to talk as you walk with them, through the forest and over a riverbed. In between you can sit on a boulder and they can gather around. Finally, you all will climb the hill.’ That session on Discipleship became unforgettable for every one of us.  

Most Jesus Youth programmes are unrepeatable. Almost every time it follows a time of dreaming, planning and a lot of prayerful preparation, evolving into not merely a retreat, training or conference, but a creatively memorable event, for every single person associated with it. For example, with the approaching summer vacation, two young women came up with the idea of organising something for children. But after a few rounds of brainstorming, it evolved into a week-long camp parallelly happening for different age groups, combining games, skill training and faith formation. A range of youth leaders worked behind it, the whole series became quite varied and eventful. Finally for every person who entered that campus it was a glorious experience.  

Memories make or mar each one of us

Healing of memories was a new concept that we learned when we came into the renewal. God created us for love, but the presence of sin in the world inflicted wounds. Each one of us continues to suffer from those wounds, conscious or hidden. Inner healing points to a possibility of rectifying these past damages. So, we have reflection sessions, inner healing prayers and even opportunities for conversations to help heal these past hurts. 

The burden and bondage of sin and past hurts are painful realities for every young person. In most JY programmes there is a time for healing those emotional hurts. But we can have more. Healing of past hurts can be a start, but our groups can be wonderful places where youth make beautiful memories.  

While negative experiences and hurtful memories make a person bitter and dejected, loving and joyful occasions in life help a person come alive and become energetic. Helping a person to be healed of past negativity in only a first step, which should be complemented with a gifting of up-building memories. Providing each person with such positive, formative experience is the essence of rich community life in the movement. 

Creating Rich Memories for Youth

Each person is a bundle of memories. Here we are talking of gifting young people with beautiful memories through Jesus Youth groups and programmes. What are some of the approaches for giving young people memorable experiences?

1. Friendship. ‘I felt accepted’, ‘I found wonderful friends in that group’. Young people find a friendly setting most enriching and feel drawn to persons who value relationships.

2. Beauty. Good music, beautiful stage setting, art, media and the like, very much present in Jesus Youth programmes make them so special.

3. Fun and Play. Most gatherings begin with ice-breaking activities and have interludes or evenings set apart for games. For many, long after their childhood days this became a time to unwind and relax.

4. Travel. In the movement, journeying comes in a variety of ways. Programmes are held in special places and travel there becomes memorable. During programmes there are outings; then there are pilgrimages and people are sent on visits or missions. Jesus also used travel as a memorable setting.

5. Encounters. Often there are reflective times during programmes when one discovers oneself or is led to a deep God experience. Such encounters become memorable. I have often heard young people remark, ‘After discussions, games, and talks when we came to the quiet Adoration time I really experienced a deep touch.’

6. Community Experience. Our ‘kanji (gruel) gatherings’ used to be unforgettable and formative. Every Now and then, many would gather quite informally, to get to know one-another, celebrate something and share food. We all need some network to which we truly belong. 

7. Meaningful Prayer and Holy Mass. What makes JY truly different is unforgettable times of praying together and celebration of the Eucharist. 

8. Acts of Mercy. Regular slum visits made a big difference in the early days of our youth group. I have seen so many youth getting transformed through the work camps that Raiju organised. Opportunities of service and times with the sick and poor become memorable acts of true self-giving. 

Memory is so important for a Christian. Israel kept alive the memory of God’s saving act from Egypt. Jesus instructed his followers, ‘do this in remembrance of me.’ In Jesus Youth in so many ways, we pass on beautiful memories to the growing generation that become the foundation for their faith, life and mission. 

I am sure the art ministry gathering was quite memorable for many of those who came for it. Cars and bikes could only reach the boat landing. From there special boats were arranged. A long boat ride, a lengthy walk and then you reach a serene pilgrim center. There, a most joyful fellowship time with good food awaiting each of them. How could they forget such a beautiful experience!

Kainakary is a village in Kerala, South India having numerous small water bodies.