One Day Youth Retreat

Highlights from the “Cease Fire” Youth Retreat
Our recent “Cease Fire” Youth Retreat, hosted by Baptist Church Sanathnagar (BCS), was a powerful and inspiring event for youth across the twin cities.

President of BCS – David Immanuel shared the greetings speaking about the theme. Associate Pastor Rev S Sudhir Kumar shared few points about finding wonder in life through God, followed by Youth Director Paul G Vikrant, who emphasized the importance of youth fellowship and addressed the gathering. Senior Pastor Rev Dr K Daniel Solomon shared a devotion based on Ephesians 2:13.

Rev G Peter Samuel was the guest speaker, and with his introduction by Joel Immanuel we drove into the powerful sermon where our guest speaker delved into the spiritual battles we face and the profound peace that comes from God. Using the compelling story of the man possessed by demons in Mark chapter 5, Rev. G Peter Samuel highlighted:

• The Reality of Ruin: Describing the man’s desperate and isolated state.
• Radical Redemption: Emphasizing that Jesus traveled specifically to heal this one man, showcasing God’s power over Satan and sin.
• Renewed Responsibility: The man, once healed, was instructed by Jesus to go and testify to his family and community about what God had done for him. Rev. Samuel also shared parts of his personal testimony, including struggles with addiction and fraud, and how God gave him a second chance and a purpose.

The session concluded with a call for those who haven’t given their lives to Christ to do so and experience true peace, followed by a time of prayer and worship

He then presented five key principles for finding “Peace Under Pressure,” drawn from the life of Daniel:

• Purposeful Priority: Daniel’s commitment not to defile himself, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, especially concerning one’s body.
• Powerful Friendships: The significance of having praying, encouraging Christian friends who provide support and accountability.
• Personal Integrity: Emphasizing honesty and avoiding compromise, sharing his own experiences of maintaining integrity in the corporate world.
• Persistent Prayer: Daniel’s unwavering prayer life even when facing threats, stressing that prayer is a two-way communication with God and should be a daily part of a believer’s life.
• Perspective of God’s Power: Understanding that God’s power within us is greater than any external force.

The retreat also featured engaging activities by BYF Secretary S Bhavishya, heartfelt worship, and inspiring testimonies, by Anmol Melchizedek and Haveela our own BYF youth members, a powerful story of spiritual growth and a moving mime presentation by BYF boys and girls illustrating themes of insecurity, rejection, and finding identity in God’s love and a choreo by girls. A lively singing competition showcased the talents of various church choirs, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and with sincere efforts people participated in Quiz competition showing their interest towards word of God.
Across two dynamic sessions, the retreat focused on crucial themes of finding peace in the midst of pain and living a life of surrender and freedom in Chris.

The “Cease Fire” Youth Retreat was a testament to God’s work in the lives of our young people, equipping them with tools to navigate life’s pressures with peace, purpose, and the freedom found only in Christ. We are incredibly proud of our youth and grateful for everyone who contributed in making this event a resounding success.