In a gathering that highlighted the growing hunger of young people for spiritual nurture, more than 160 young delegates participated in a one-day Youth Retreat jointly organised by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and Suvartha Church on 28 October 2024, in Vapi, Gujarat.
The retreat, hosted at Suvartha Church, Vapi, was focused on spiritual renewal, youth empowerment and discipleship, the full-day program featured prominent Christian youth leaders including Rev. Ashish Hirday, Global Facilitator of WEA's Youth Commission and Brother Gladson Peter, also famous as the One Man Band, as resource persons.
Rev. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, expressed his satisfaction with the event's success. “The enthusiasm we witnessed among the youth today is truly encouraging,” he stated to Christian Today. “In an era where young people face numerous challenges, it's heartening to see them actively seeking spiritual guidance and community connection. This retreat represents our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of faithful leaders.”
The day-long program, which ran from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, saw active participation from young people across the region. Rev. Ashish Hirday opened the sessions with an inspiring message on “What is God's Plan for Your Life,” while Mr. Jimmy Damore, EFI Secretary for West India, spoke on “How to Find God's Plan and Purpose in Your Life,” drawing from Jeremiah 29:11, emphasizing that God has a definite plan and purpose for every individual.
Brother Gladson Peter shared his personal testimony and stories of various leaders who had followed God's plan in their lives and glorified the Lord. The afternoon session included interactive games and group discussions, fostering fellowship and deeper spiritual conversations among participants.
“The response from the youth has been overwhelming,” Damore remarked to Christian Today. “What particularly struck me was their genuine desire for authentic spiritual experiences. Many participants expressed that they found not just inspiration but also practical guidance for their faith journey. The decision of several youths to dedicate their lives to spiritual service is a testament to the retreat's effectiveness.”
The retreat’s program included various sessions designed to address contemporary challenges faced by young Christians while strengthening their faith foundations. Organisers reported that the event exceeded their initial expectations both in terms of attendance and impact.
“We carefully designed this retreat to create an environment where young people could freely explore their faith and find answers to their questions,” added Damore. “The presence of experienced spiritual leaders and the interactive nature of the sessions helped create meaningful connections and foster deep spiritual reflection.”
The success of this youth retreat in Vapi adds to the growing trend of faith-based youth engagement programs that EFI has been conducting in West India. According to Lal, similar events are being planned for other regions to meet the increasing demand for youth-focused spiritual development initiatives.
The event concluded with a final message by Rev. Ashish Hirday on “Focus on Jesus,” followed by a dedication service where multiple participants made and renewed personal commitments to spiritual growth and service, marking what organizers described as a significant milestone in their ongoing youth ministry efforts.
