Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/68

Contributor - John Kapteyn

Title - If you really love Me, you will serve Me

Topic - Youth

These words sounded over and over again in my mind and still do. I have just returned from the Reformed Church Youth Fellowship General Youth Council, held at Camp Geneva, Holland, Michigan August 26 - 29. These who accompanied me from the Ontario Classical Executive : Al Nijp, George Baak and Rene Smid share with me a sense of overwhelming joy and thanks to the Lord for giving us this tremendous experience.

As Christians we must give our total self to God, for Him to use in whatever way He sees f it. If we are not willing to do this, and to seek the Lord's guidance in all we can do, can we call ourselves members of the chosen people ? It is apparent that membership in RCYF groups in Ontario is rapidly declining. While I do not believe that the number of members is as important as the strength and faith of the same, I consider this to be significant. I am certain that God is reminding us that too often we only have fun, but how much have we done to help others or to increase our faith ?

The main fault for this lack of a Christian spirit is in the leaders. What projects has our Classical executive undertaken to help others ? It appears that the only business at meetings concerns Youth Rallies, camp-buying, camping and our annual impersonal mission contributions. At Camp Geneva the four of us who attended, received many ideas and a zest to do something with them. We are restless to bring Faith and Outreach back into our groups and pray that we may pass along to all members our ideas and restlessness. As your leaders we have a charge to keep to God. As Christian Youths we are constantly observed by other youths and adults. If we act unlike Christians while we use that name to identify ourselves, God forgive us.

Now as for the convention itself; we had lots of fun and met youth from all over the continent (except for us, everyone was from the U.S.). Although there were about 200 representatives from different area's, a real, close Christian atmosphere prevailed and a few tears fell when we had to part. At the workshops we received some much-needed and exciting ideas for topics, including the Gospel According to Peanuts. Rev. Levin West, a negro, who has experienced many of the larger riots in American cities and a close friend of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, spoke to us twice about: Crisis in the nation. Also included in the agenda were personal reflection times, Synodical clinics and recreation (swimming, tennis, basketball, etc.) and a "happening".

We hope that many young people in Ontario will attend the convention at Champagne, Illinois on September 27 - 31. Although the cost is $35.00 a person, we feel that it will be worth much more than money, if it is at all like the Council at Camp Geneva. The theme is "Tell It Like It Is". It is hoped that if we get enough people to go, the Classis (that is classical executive) might-be able to supply the transportation in the form of a bus or train-car. Registration forms will be sent to each church and registration is from September lst until December lst, although only the first 900 applications from the entire RCYF will be accepted. Let's show the Americans that we are a restless and active group, "up North" here in Canada.

May God put His blessings over us all that we may serve Him in whatever way He desires.

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