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A Voice of Our Own: Reflections on Global Youth Summit

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — "Anybody can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed."

With this image, Ronald Lizwe Moyo, member of the Global Youth Summit Committee, welcomed delegates and participants to the first ever Global Youth Summit (GYS) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. More than 220 young people from 28 different countries gathered here Aug. 7-10 to discuss the challenges facing Christian youth and young adults today.

It's not easy being young. Living in the Philippines, for example, means living amidst poverty, unemployment, crime, political corruption, injustice and disintegration of moral values. The media and entertainment industry have a "money and power can buy you happiness" perspective, and modern technology bombards with confusing philosophies and ideologies.

Fortunately, MWC church leaders provided a space for youth to learn, to grow and to share with brothers and sisters from all over the world and "we have found a voice of our own," said a delegate.

The GYS began with a survey phase a year ago to discover challenges facing youth all over the world and how the church and youth can address these issues. About 1,500 respondents participated in the survey.

The second phase, discussion and discernment, took place in Bulawayo. The Filipino delegate was surprised to discover that other Asians, Africans and Latin Americans encounter economic, educational and political situations similar to hers while youth from Europe and North America struggle with getting the "best" job, becoming successful and trying to remain strong Christians in a pluralistic world.

Delegates from each continent prepared worship services with songs, dances, plays, testimonies and Bible studies, providing a glimpse into the richness of each other's cultures. They felt deeply the theme, unity in diversity, as nationality and language barriers were torn down by bridges of love, openness and compassion.

After two days of discussions, five delegates, representing each continent, reported concerns and proposed action to the MWC General Council. Young observers cheered silently as the General Council received the report and invited youth to attend its final meeting.

In the closing GYS session, delegates identified actions for youth, local churches and the MWC. The youth committed to serving local churches, to disciple young people, to work hand-in-hand with and follow local, continental and global leaders.

They suggested that local churches engage in more inter-generational programs such as mentoring and include youth on church boards and leadership bodies. MWC was tasked with continuing the GYS and strengthening communication among youth worldwide. This is phase three, the action component.

Wistfully, one delegate wondered if all the commitments envisioned could be fulfilled. Due to the firm foundation borne out of the first GYS, youthful energy, together with church leaders' wisdom and encouragement, are bound to make a mark for the glory of God, she concluded.

Strong bonds were created at the GYS in spite of racial and cultural differences. Fond memories - drinking the Latin beverage terere, linking hands and dancing to India's "Yeshu ne hame jeevan diya hai" and joyously singing "We are going to the Polytech" - shall remain etched in our hearts.

A high level of energy and enthusiasm characterized the gatheirng. The youth shared a sense of purpose, as well as anticipation that this event could bring about positive changes in the church and the world. They now had a greater appreciation for belonging to a global church, and had made many new friends from other countries.

The issues presented were complicated and serious and don't have easy answers. But here in Bulawayo, seeds of hope, of faith, and of commitment were planted. Only God knows what amazing things might grow out of this gathering.