Our Future

Sixty years ago, I’ve learned a famous quote from a writer who is also a medical doctor (ophthalmologist) and an illustrious patriot. His words keep ringing in my ears and have become the foundation of my aspirations during my early formative years as a child and as a teen. He quotes “The youth is the hope of our future.”

The man is Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero who was born in 1861. He lived only for a brief period of 35 years destined to be martyred for his love of his country. His literary works (“Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”) fueled the fire of Philippine revolution against the excesses of Spanish colonialism and corruption of the Catholic Church, and later resistance to American and Japanese imperialism.

Rizal’s first novel Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase that literally means do not touch me. This has biblical origin found in the Gospel of John 20:17 when our Lord Jesus Christ had risen from the dead and showed Himself to Mary Magdalene. El Fibusterismo (The Reign of Greed), the second novel is a sequel of Noli Me Tangere, depicts the loss of faith of the main character in effecting reforms by peaceful means.

Besides the two novels, Rizal also wrote poems. One of the most important poems he wrote in Spanish language is addressed to the Filipino youth – “A la Juventud” (To the Filipino Youth). This is where he embodies his famous quote.

Relevance of Generations Y and Z

Young people born in 1977-1994 belong to the Millenniums or Y generation, while those born in 1995-2012 belong to the Z generation. These groups are very much exposed to the social media phenomenon and more engaged in high-tech gadgets than any other generations. They communicate more using texting, video conferencing, and other social media means. They contact each other more via electronic media and less in personal way.

TMEC youth belong to these two groups. Some of them already occupy responsible leadership positions and are active in various church ministries let alone leading the church corporately. They are the emerging group that will soon populate the leadership areas in our congregation. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and given the appropriate spiritual encouragement and motivation of the baby-boomers, they will be our hope in the future of our church.

Word of Advice

1 Timothy 4:12 says “¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” This verse is very relevant to today’s young Christians who genuinely know their Lord and Saviour in their lives. I am completely sold out to the idea that when young people are immersed in studying the Word, the Holy Spirit will work in them to crave more for the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Their positive outlook in life will be firm because their hope is anchored on the solid Rock. The principle they learned will not be swayed even in the midst of depressing circumstances. Psalm 119:9 confirms this “⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:105 amplifies this  fact “¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

God’s Promises

The Scripture is replete with God’s promises for those who trust in Him. TMEC youth, consider the following verses:

Romans 15:13 – “¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 1:89 – “⁸ Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ⁹ They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

Isaiah 40:29-31 – “²⁹ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;³¹ but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Ephesians 6:1-3 – “⁶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Our church is constantly engaged in spiritual warfare. It needs the consolidated spiritual strength of every genuine believer including the youth to win every battle. Just like a strong and formidable army, a decisive victory is not won by generals but by the humble infantry young soldiers who have the vigour, courage, and will to fight. So goes the same in our congregation – TMEC youth.

TMEC youth, with the Lord Jesus Christ our Leader, let us move forward and win every battle!

****embiel****