Y Gen creates a Y!ES bang
The Youth Explode Series: The Bible Adventure Begins has given a foresight that the efforts to reach out to the Filipino youth would greatly help in the Scripture engagement of the Philippine Bible Society. After discovering that 70% of teenagers and young professionalsfrom the 60% of Philippine population who do not own a Biblecant see the relevance of Gods Word in their lives, it is definitely timely that PBS partnered with CBCP, PCEC, NCCP and other independent churches to start the Youth Explode Series.
The event last Saturday, 29th of November 2008, kicked off with a Bible March from two assembly points (Baywalk and Derham Park in Pasay) that converged at the Bulwagan ng Panginoon in CCP. Youth representatives from different Christian organizations eagerly joined the Bible March and assembled with the marching band of Airforce and Philippine Army, biker groups, ati-atihan and the police escort (provided by the Pasay City government), which then proceeded to Bulwagan ng Panginoon (formerly Folk Arts Theatre).
The proclamation of Psalm 119:9-11 was read by two youth leaders to establish foundation of the Youth Explode Series and was echoed by the participants to drive emphasis on the goal of the event. May They Be One Bible Campaign was also relayed as San Carlos Optimi Choir sang its theme song Can You Imagine? and briefly introduced by General Secretary Nora Lucero. Mrs. Lucero shared the gist of the May They Be One Bible Campaign to the youth and promoted that their participation to bring the Bible in every Filipino home will be a great influence to this nation. The General Secretary then introduced the speaker for the PBS Anniversary celebrationPastor Ed Lapiz.
Pastor Ed Lapiz hit home with the message he imparted about the Youth, the Bible and the Philippines. His message reminded the Church authorities, as well as Christian organizations leadership, about the essence of sharing the Word of God. He also encouraged the Filipino youth that Gods Word is the story of the youth, citing several young people who were used by God, and that the Bible should excite them to read it. Since Pastor Ed Lapiz also touched on making the Bible understandable for the youth to suit the present trend in reaching out to them, PBS presented its newest Bible translationthe Pinoy Version of the Gospel of Mark. To dedicate the Gospel of Mark-Pinoy Version, Bishop Nathanael Lazaro shared a youthful prayer to entrust the efficiency of this translation to be able to speak and minister to the Y Generation to live according to Gods Word.
After the PBS anniversary celebration in the morning, Pastor LA Mumar was welcomed on stage to enlighten the participants about the role of Gods Word in the lives of young people and their role in church. His talk engaged the youth to share what motivates them and putting it in perspective. Pastor LA Mumar clarified that only Gods Word can provide the answers and purpose that a young person is looking for. Facilitation groups were created to process and stress on the message imparted by the speaker. This moment also provided avenue for the participants to get to know each other and experience personal interaction with their fellow youth.
To break the ice, the grand finals of the Bible Quiz commenced at the Youth Explode event and Saint Gabriel Academy emerged as over-all Bible Quiz champions. Then simultaneously, the Blib Ako sa Biblia Ko (BaB-K) Dance for the Word Grand Finals also began. Youth from different churches and schools showed their skillful dance moves interpreting the PBS Theme song Blib Ako sa Biblia Ko, which was composed by Mr. LaVerne Ducut and interpreted by Ms. Priscilla Lace Ramos. The participants got all excited watching the creative grooves and stunts of eight qualifying contestants. After thorough judging by Jungee Marcelo and the Hood, COG Dance Group from the Church of God Dasmariñas, Cavite was declared the grand winner of BaB-K Dance for the Word.
Bro. Bo Sanchezs witty preaching caught the attention of the participants as he shared his personal testimony of how the Bible greatly influenced his life. His message to the Filipino youth was simple, read the Bible and it will transform your life. This short exhortation by Bro. Bo about the power of Gods Word has emphasized that it is better to surrender their young lives to Jesus for them to be used mightily for Gods kingdom. The participants reaction to the message, according to the facilitators, was remarkable citing that Bro. Bos message, though brief, has struck the hearts of the young people to make the Bible as their manual to life.
Finally, to cap this historical youth event, Y!ES had a Bible concert where renowned Christian artists, who believe in the Bible cause, rendered fantastic performances to the delight of the young audience. Hats off to Director Mark Aranal who directed the Bible concert and Mr. Jungee Marcelo’s upbeat hosting the entire time.
The Youth Explode Series: The Bible Adventure Begins was truly a holistic approach to encourage the Filipino youth to own, read and live the Word of God. The joint cooperation of PBS, CBCP through ECY, PCEC, NCCP and independent churches is not yet accomplished, as all would need to work together to continuously rally the youth to be Bible lovers. Nonetheless, the success of this event is all attributed to God Almighty for making His word available to everyone, especially the youth, to teach them to live like Jesus Christ.
More links on Y! Explode:
(let us know if you posted something about Y! Explode and we’ll link you)
GMA News on Y! Explode
Kuya Ronald captures BaB-K Dance Contest
Direk Mark Aranal’s shots of Y!ES Bible Concert
Agnanayon still photos of Y!ES
Lace Ramos singing B’Lib ako sa Biblia Ko with The Hood and COG Dance Group
Jungee Marcelo at Y! Explode
From a Y!ES Facilitator’s point of view
