Against the Flow: Nazarene 
Youth Congress Pilipinas 20
By Janary Suyat
Last April 18-23, 2011, three hundred sixty (360) young leaders from the Philippines and Micronesia gathered fro the Nazarene Youth Congress Pilipinas. The theme of the event is “Against the Flow.” It was held in Hidden Paradise Resort, San Fernando, Cebu. It has been a month already since the Youth Congress was held yet the resounding shout of the participants “Laban ako sa Agos” (I go against the flow) still continues today. They were challenged and inspired to follow the call of Christ and to go against the flow of this world.
The event emphasized the core values of the Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. Dan Balayo as the speaker for “We are a Christian People”, Rev. Bonifacio Plantilla for “We are a Holiness People”, and Rev. Stephen Gualberto for “We are a Missional People. The speakers challenged the youth to offer their lives to the Lord and to “not let anyone look down on you because [they] are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Rev. Josephine Ano-os spoke about the mission of the Church of the Nazarene which is to make Christlike disciples in the nations.
The youth leaders also participated in different workshops: Intentional Discipleship, True Love Waits, Ministry to Children, Human Trafficking, Ministry to Unreached People Groups, Creative Arts Ministry, and Multi-media Ministry.
During the District Caucuses, partnerships were made among the districts, and they challenged each other to continue following the mission to “Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations”; and praying for each other’s passion for the ministry became a highlight.
The youth were challenged as they saw short videos that promote discipleship and evangelism according to the experiences of young people that lived in other parts of the world, as well as testimonies of local artists and celebrities that have committed their lives to go against the flow. After the evening worship services, the different districts presented performances they have prepared. Everyone had fun and made new friendships as well.
To date, participants continue to communicate in Against the Flow Facebook account. Many are now doing intentional discipleship and creating small groups. They have continued updating each other’s evangelism and discipleship tools, new ministries, leadership trainings, harvested souls, and even challenges. They have committed to pray for each other as they go against the flow of this world; pressing on to become more like Christ each day.
