The 29th UAE CSI Youth Conference was held on Saturday, 15th June, at the St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Hall, Dubai from 8.00 am, hosted by the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai. The theme for the conference was "Yeh Dil Maange More" (This heart desires more) based on Psalm 42:1 ("As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.").
The theme was presented by Mr. Mathew Chacko (Psychologist, Motivational Trainer and Bible Teacher at David C Cook Ministry, one of the largest publishers in the world). He challenged the attendees to have a thirst for conviction of their faith in life, rooted in the word of God, despite difficulties that may come in the way of life. This requires believing in the promise of God, that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even though we walk through the valley of shadow of death (Psalms 23:4) or pass through the waters or walk through the fire (Isaiah 43:2). The speaker also enlightened the attendees about the importance of building character, having faith inspired by conviction, focusing on worthy goals with self-discipline, willingness to complete tasks with diligence, taking decisions with wisdom, and cultivating an attitude of thankfulness.
The opening prayer was done by Rev. Charles M. Jeril (Vicar, Jebel Ali), followed by the introductory address by Rev. Raju Jacob (Vicar, Dubai). The welcome speech was delivered by Jerin Sam George (Dubai Youth movement secretary). The UAE youth conference flag was hoisted at the beginning of the meeting.
The melodious singing of the 35-member youth choir led by Jino Mathew Joy was a major highlight of the event and turned out to be a memorable praise and worship experience for the participants. The choir renditions included popular praise and worship songs viz. "Come, now is the time to worship"; "Njan paadidum"; "Vazhthi paadiduvin en maname (Bless the lord, O my soul)"; "Yenthen Yesuve"; "Yaahe"; "God is an Awesome God"; "Entha parayya"; "Daiva Kripayil Njaan Ashrayichu"; "Enthathishayame" and "Nee ente sarvavum (He is my everything)". The songs "Anperum Pithave" and "Yuvathaye ningal unarumo" composed specially for the conference by Sachin Saji Mathew and Anil Idicula Mathew respectively were also sung by the choir. George Reshmin K, Jithin Abraham, Anil Idicula Mathew, David Anush, Abin John Varghese, Reuben Thomas, Jerin Sam George and Amrith Eapen accompanied on the instruments. The choreography titled "See the victory" led by Shilpa George and team was indeed a visual treat. The participants joined the group photo session and lunch thereafter.
Rev. Raju Jacob led the dedication prayer, reminding the audience that, "there is only one life that will soon be past, but what is done for Christ lasts forever". The business session that followed, was chaired by the UAE CSI Youth Committee President, Rev. Sunil Raj Philip (Vicar, Sharjah). Sachin Saji Mathew, the 29th UAE CSI Youth Conference Convenor handed over the conference flag to Obin Joseph, the Convenor for the 30th conference to be hosted by the Sharjah parish. Rev. Biju Kunjummen (Vicar, Abu Dhabi) did the closing prayer followed by benediction by Rev. Raju Jacob.
Around 300 youth members from the CSI Parishes in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jebel Ali, Al Ain and Dubai attended the conference. The exemplary efforts of the Youth movement committee with Sachin Saji Mathew as the conference Convenor and the active participation of all the organisations and members of the Dubai Parish, helped to make the conference a blessed time for the attendees.
Photo Gallery of conference highlights are available here : https:ucychighlightsce