The 27th Territorial Youth Congress was held during 18th - 21st May 2017 at Marthoma Youth Centre, Adoor. This was one of the blessed and great experiences for the territory, especially for the youth. There were 625 youth from various divisions, and the delegates from Banglore Malayalm Corps also participated in the congress.
The congress started with inaugural ceremony by Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi, Territorial Commander by evening on 18 May 2017. Colonel encouraged the youth to start the service as the next generation is standing behind them and watching their actions; if the present generation not acting well, how the next generation will come forward and follow them.
The meeting was presided by Lieut. Colonel Vanlalfela, Chief Secretary. Captains Jonathan and Vikky Harvey, USA North Western Territory were the chief guests in the congress as well as Commissioners Irine & Malcom Indruvage from Sri Lanka territory were present at the inaugural ceremony. THQ and DHQ officers and staff participated in the inagural ceremony.
Dr. Alexander Jacob, IPS, DGP of prison, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Moolayil, 'Theeram' Project Manager from Orthadox Church, Mr. Lowrance Matthew, Carrier Guidance expert, Dr. Mical Vedasiromany, IAS, Coirfed MD were the resource persons and they had handled various topics in different ways.
Camp Fire and Cultural Night: Youth got an opportunity to develop good relationship with each other at camp fire and cultural night helped them to prove their talents through classical dance, songs, music fusion, choreography, skit, magic show etc. at the congess. They performed March of Witness led by Captain Ajeshkumar Joseph, TYS; it was the declaration that the youth are ready to share the gosple in every situation. The youth had carried the Salvation Army flag, banners and musical instruments. The rally was continued for almost four hours. People were watching with great interest; one of them presented gifts to the flag sargent to encourage the youth.
Meditations & Prayers: The meditations and knee drill conducted by youth was the new experience of the congress. A prayer group was formed under the leadership of Spiritual Life Development Secretary, which was praying for the successful youth congress. The programme presentation of the 'Jesus and Me' group was an encouragement for the delegates.
The Holiness Meeting: Holiness meeting was started by 10.00 a.m. on the final day of the congress which was led by the Chief Secretary. The Territorial Commander reminded the youth to 'keep the same attitude as Jesus Christ' based on Philippians 2:5. Captain Jonathan Harvy encouraged the youth by saying, "you must be role model to other in every sense." Many youth responded to alter call and rededicated themselves; especially, 25 youth desided to become The Salvation Army officer. Colonel Rohini Hettiarachchi, TPWM, Lieut. Colonel Ropari, TSWM and Cabinet officers had taken their own parts in the congress. The programme department has made all the arrangement under the leadership of Lieut. Colonel S. P. Simon.
Reported by Major Jose P. Mathew, Editor, India South Western Territory
