MALAYSIA- A few hundred young Chinese Methodist leaders from all of the country gathered at Port Dickson for the 15th Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Methodist Youth Convention, where they are challenged to put their faith into actions and be used by the Lord for the Great Commission.
Running from Aug. 31 thru Sep. 3, the biannual convention was entitled "Methodist Youth, Commission Today". The Chinese Annual Conference Methodist Youth Fellowship chairman John Hii delivered the opening speech. He said the chaotic era really brought huge challenge to Christian youths today. From the Da Vinci Code controversy to the homosexual movement, the prevalent social environment is threatening the teachings of Christianity. Therefore, Methodist youths must confirm their commission in this era, and to rise up to speak for God, becoming the real leaders of the society and the nation.
On the other hand, MYF advisor Rev. Dennis Lau pointed out that in order to take up the commission, the youth must start working from individual faith. That is why the theme of MYF in 2006 was set to be "Methodist Youth, Enbody Faith, Enlarge God's Kingdom". Lau emphasized that Christian faith is what all of our lives mean, so it must be taken into actions instead of remaining as a concept.
"Faith should not be confined to our logic. If we only focus on logic, we will end up lifting up ourselves as God," Lau warned of the fatal crisis of faith. He further explained with the experience of John Wesley. Once Wesley almost lost his life when evangelizing, and was very fear, while the puritans remained peaceful. Wesley came to realize that he was being too analytical in his faith, and what he lacked most in his faith was experience. After he repented, God used him preciously as one of the forerunners for the revival of the English church.
"You must work with the heart like you are part of the last inheritance for the Great Commission, in order to impact the world," Lau exhorted the youth.
In the national level, Chinese Methodist young leaders in Malaysia are urged to participate more actively. During the closing speech, the president of the Chinese Annual Conference shared the vision of Chinese mission in Malaysia, "Apart from pioneering the North Thailand and Burma missions, CAC has set goals for the nationwide missions, so that we will plant more churches." He called for people to join the huge mission force.
At the very end of the Convention, Lau made an altar call, challenging the young participants "not only have they received the love of Christ, they should also dedicate themselves in evangelism." Half of the audience responded, and received the prayer of blessing from pastors and elders.
[Editor's Note: Dorcas Lim contributed reporting from Malaysia for this article.]
