President's Message
Our President Writes..
Revolutionary or “Rebelutionary” ?
It seems as though in today’s world these words have become synonymous. We are no longer able to see the difference. How would we describe Jesus? How did he propose to establish the Reign of God? It is important for us to ask these questions because we believe that our expressly stated mission is to extend that reign. How we decide to accomplish that will depend on how we understand the methods that Jesus adopted in the fulfillment of His mission.
There is absolutely no doubt that certain areas of our lives, and the communities we live in, need drastic change, especially those that hold us back from progress. Sometimes they are traditional practices and beliefs that hinder community. Many times it seems like it is just our very way of life that is dehumanizing, and that must be changed.
There is such an outcry for change all over the world. The present young generation is restless until they see their expectation met. That is fine. But the manner in which that change is achieved makes a world of a difference. “Then how do we change the world?” you ask. “How do we break with dead tradition and bring about transformation? How do we correct the wrongs and injustices around us? How do we act on the convictions that drive us day and night?”
Even as I write this, the news headlines are screaming about the turbulence in Lebanon and the strife in Sri Lanka. East Timor, Thailand and Nepal are settling down after their share of turmoil. It is not just Asia that is going through all these troubles. This is worldwide. Sometimes it makes us wonder if there really is a future in the midst of all this. If there is what is going to look like. How do we find it? The greater question for us is “how do we create the future that we want – that God wants”? A future where peace and justice will prevail and is the normal way of life? A future where peace and justice will prevail and is the normal way of life? A future where we do not have to fight for these… a future where all these can be accomplished without conflict.
Am I being too idealistic? Do I sound too other-worldly? No, I don’t think so. It is possible, we can make it happen. We are called to make it happen. That is the positive revolution that Christ initiated and has commissioned us to continue. That is exactly what we mean when we talk about the “reign of God” and our part in extending it on this earth.
The future no doubt is in the hands of today’s young people. But often we hear them give excuses of every kind. When God called prophet Jeremiah, he replied, “Ah Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth” (Jer 1:6), But God corrected him, “Do not say, I am a youth,” God gave several reasons why Jeremiah should not hesitate to accept His commission. We have thousands of young men and women today who are excusing themselves under one pretext or the other. To the young people of the YMCA today I too want to echo those same words. There is no excuse!
Yes, there will be criticism. Motives will be questioned. You may not find success in every effort. We will have to walk those steep steps to climb higher but we must persevere. We cannot afford to give up.
We have with us the assurance of God’s constant enabling and empowering presence. His promise is both to guide us and to go with us. Because of that, I do believe we can make a difference in this world.
It is said that there are three types of people who respond to the call service:
Rowboat people – they have to be pushed wherever they go to
Sailboat people – they always go with the wind; and
Steamboat people – they make up their mind where they ought to go and go there regardless of wind or weather.
Today we need more of these highly motivated “steamboat” type of young people in the YMCA who have decided where they want to go, how to get there and are ready and willing to make it happen.
Sam Stephens
Revolutionary or “Rebelutionary” ?
It seems as though in today’s world these words have become synonymous. We are no longer able to see the difference. How would we describe Jesus? How did he propose to establish the Reign of God? It is important for us to ask these questions because we believe that our expressly stated mission is to extend that reign. How we decide to accomplish that will depend on how we understand the methods that Jesus adopted in the fulfillment of His mission.
There is absolutely no doubt that certain areas of our lives, and the communities we live in, need drastic change, especially those that hold us back from progress. Sometimes they are traditional practices and beliefs that hinder community. Many times it seems like it is just our very way of life that is dehumanizing, and that must be changed.
There is such an outcry for change all over the world. The present young generation is restless until they see their expectation met. That is fine. But the manner in which that change is achieved makes a world of a difference. “Then how do we change the world?” you ask. “How do we break with dead tradition and bring about transformation? How do we correct the wrongs and injustices around us? How do we act on the convictions that drive us day and night?”
Even as I write this, the news headlines are screaming about the turbulence in Lebanon and the strife in Sri Lanka. East Timor, Thailand and Nepal are settling down after their share of turmoil. It is not just Asia that is going through all these troubles. This is worldwide. Sometimes it makes us wonder if there really is a future in the midst of all this. If there is what is going to look like. How do we find it? The greater question for us is “how do we create the future that we want – that God wants”? A future where peace and justice will prevail and is the normal way of life? A future where peace and justice will prevail and is the normal way of life? A future where we do not have to fight for these… a future where all these can be accomplished without conflict.
Am I being too idealistic? Do I sound too other-worldly? No, I don’t think so. It is possible, we can make it happen. We are called to make it happen. That is the positive revolution that Christ initiated and has commissioned us to continue. That is exactly what we mean when we talk about the “reign of God” and our part in extending it on this earth.
The future no doubt is in the hands of today’s young people. But often we hear them give excuses of every kind. When God called prophet Jeremiah, he replied, “Ah Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth” (Jer 1:6), But God corrected him, “Do not say, I am a youth,” God gave several reasons why Jeremiah should not hesitate to accept His commission. We have thousands of young men and women today who are excusing themselves under one pretext or the other. To the young people of the YMCA today I too want to echo those same words. There is no excuse!
Yes, there will be criticism. Motives will be questioned. You may not find success in every effort. We will have to walk those steep steps to climb higher but we must persevere. We cannot afford to give up.
We have with us the assurance of God’s constant enabling and empowering presence. His promise is both to guide us and to go with us. Because of that, I do believe we can make a difference in this world.
It is said that there are three types of people who respond to the call service:
Rowboat people – they have to be pushed wherever they go to
Sailboat people – they always go with the wind; and
Steamboat people – they make up their mind where they ought to go and go there regardless of wind or weather.
Today we need more of these highly motivated “steamboat” type of young people in the YMCA who have decided where they want to go, how to get there and are ready and willing to make it happen.
Sam Stephens
Secretary's Report
Y.M.C.A SALEM
A brief Report of Programs and activities of the Salem YMCA from September to November 2009.
Youth Discipleship Camp 2009
This year we organised a new program called ‘Youth Discipleship Camp’ with the help of IGL Salem at Shalom Camp Site, Yercaud on 2nd to 4th October 2009. 55 youth from different churches from Salem participated in this program. The theme for this program was “I will Build my Church” and this camp included Meaningful sessions, Group games, Trekking, Stream walk, sing songs and campfire. Mr.Rajah Daniel Stephens, Mrs.Samita Nelson, Rev.C.Benjamin and Mr.John Selvakumar have handled the sessions. Really this program made the participants to equip them in bible knowledge and Christian leadership.
Blood Donation Camp
To observe the Blood Donation Day and to create awareness about the importance of Blood Donation, a Blood Donation Camp was organized with the cooperation of CSI Polytechnic College and Salem Blood Bank on 1st October 2009 at CSI Polytechnic College, Salem. About 200 students participated in this program and 69 students voluntarily donated their blood.
Biblical Counseling Retreat
To find a solution biblically for the problems like fear, depression and family issues, a biblical counseling program has been organized with the help of Restoration Ministries, Salem on 17th October 2009 at YMCA mini conference hall. Bro.David Meengs, Biblical Counseling Trust of India, Chennai was the special speaker. About 40 families took part in this program and benefited. There was a special program for the children on the same day and the children have been taken care of by Bro.Santhosh, Children for Christ ministries.
World YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer
The World YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer was observed by our YMCA from 9th – 15th November 2008. The special programs organized during this week are as follows.
1. Inaugural Service
The Inaugural service was held at CSI Immanuel Church, Salem on 8th November 2009 at 8.30am combined with their regular morning worship service. Rev.Dr.V.M.Gnanaraj, Bethel Bible Institute, Danishpet was the special speaker and he delivered a message on the theme “Striving for Global Citizenship for All”. Mr.P.G.manuel Stephens, Vice President YMCA Salem read the World YMCA / YWCA President’s message.
2. Workshop on Globalization
A half day workshop on “Globalization” organized on 9th November 2009 at CSI TTI Conference Hall for the students of CSI Teacher Training Institute, Salem. Rev.Fr.Jai Bernard Joseph, Director, Epiphany Communication Centre was the special speaker and he spoke about “Young People and Globalization”. 160 students and institution staff actively participated in this program and benefited. This program made the young students to understand their role in the present world to bring global citizenship.
3. Cottage Prayer
A cottage prayer meeting was organized at the residence of Mr.Reynold Eliezer Benjamin, on 11th November 2009. Mrs.Helen Sophia, Teacher, Goldengates Matriculation School, Yercaud foothills was the special speaker and gave a meaningful message on the theme “Gender and Citizenship”. Mrs.Jayakumari Honibald, Administrative officer, CSI Polytechnic College chaired the meeting.
4. Annual Oratorical Contest for Rev.Rajah D.Stephens Memorial Trophy
To commemorate the Children’s Day, an Oratorical Contest for Rev.Rajah D.Stephens Memorial Trophy was organized on 13th November 2009 in our YMCA Hall at 10.00 am. 92 school students from various schools of Salem, Rasipuram, Attur and Mettur actively participated and given away their speaking talent in the topic “Students Role in creating Awareness about the Climate Change” and the students those who came in first two places got the awards and certificates. Cluny Matriculation H.S. School won the overall Trophy. Mr.Rajarajan, Chief Educational Officer, Salem was the chief guest and he distributed the prizes and certificates in the presence of Mrs.Sarojini Rajah Stephens. This program not only brought out the speaking talent of the children but created an awareness about their role in the world of climate change.
5. Valedictory Service
The valedictory service was organised at YMCA Salem on 14th November 2009 at 6.00 pm. Dr.Jones Ronald, Nephrologist, Salem was the special speaker and he gave a message on the theme. Mr.B.Joshua, Board Member, YMCA Salem led the meeting.
17th Open table Tennis Tournament
The Salem YMCA in co-operation with the Salem Round Table –28 organized the 17th Annual Open Table Tennis Tournament at the YMCA Hall on 14th and 15th November 2009. The Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association recognized this Tournament and more than 250 players from all over Tamil Nadu took part and given away their talent in this Tournament.
Mr.K.Rajavinayagam, Correspondent and Secretary, AVS College Salem, inaugurated the Tournament on 14th November and Dr.P.Shanmugam, Dean, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem was the chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony on 15th November 2009. Mr.P.G. Manuel Stephens chaired the prize distribution function and the treasurer Mr.S.Nelson Jeyakumar welcomed the guests, players and parents. This annual event really encouraged the players to come up in various levels.
Projects
Long Tern Tsunami Rehabilitation & Housing Project
Children & Crisis Program
Under the program ‘Children & Crisis’, uniform clothes and study materials have been distributed for the children of Koonimedukuppam village. Totally 80 students, those who are coming for the Children Care Centre, have been benefited.
Apart from these special events, our regular activities like Evening Tuition, Recreational programs and Health & Hygiene are functioning well.
Extension Work
YMCA Introductory meet at Kolli Hills
YMCA introductory meeting was organised at Kolli Hills on 11th October 2009 at Dr.Paul Grand memorial Christ Church, Kollihills at 4.00 pm. About 32 Christian including women and youth participated in this program. Mr.Manuel Stephens, Convener, Program and Extension Committee chaired the meeting. Mr.M.Jose, General Secretary of Salem YMCA spoke on YMCA History, its work throughout the world and its structure. Since the participants have interested to start a new YMCA, an ad-hoc committee has been formed. Mr.S.Nelson Jeyakumar, Treasurer, Mr.Joshua, and Mr.D.Thambi Prakasam our Board Members, and our staff Mr.G.Kamalesan also participated and they felicitated the new YMCA members.
Licence for Palacode YMCA
The letter of Permission to use YMCA emblem and Logo for YMCA Palacode, has been sent by the Southern Region of YMCAs. It has been received by us and it would be handed over to Palacode YMCA authorities on 1st December 2009 during our Christmas program.
Finance and Administration
These reported months made us to spend more towards maintenance work and some unexpected expenses. The Tar Road work, expenses towards servicing the Borewell motor and the property tax are some of the examples. Since the front gate and compound wall have been damaged because of a tree fell on the gate, it has to be repaired immediately.
The bank balance as on 25th November 2009 is as follows…
ICICI Bank (General Fund) :1,55,298.02
Canara Bank (Old project) : 1,499.00
Syndicate Bank (Building Fund) : 57,521.94
ING Vysya Bank (Development Fund) : 25,940.74
Fixed Deposits at T.M.B :3,14,382.00
National and International YMCA News
National Programs
1. Mr.Daniel Ravikumar -Regional Secretary, Southern Region of YMCAs.
2. Mr.Anil K.Charles -Regional Secretary, South East India Region.
3. Mr.Anjan Mukherjee -Secretary, National Programs, NCYI
4. Mr.Rajiv John -Secretary,Youth Work, NCYI
Regional Secretary, North India Region of YMCAs.
5. Mr.Bernard Rajkumar -General Secretary, Madras YMCA.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
The members and the hostellers are usefully spending their leisure time with the recreational activities of our YMCA. Especially the Table Tennis, Ball Badminton, Chess, Carom and Shuttle Badminton games are being fully utilised by youth groups.
M. John Michel Jose
General Secretary.
A brief Report of Programs and activities of the Salem YMCA from September to November 2009.
Youth Discipleship Camp 2009
This year we organised a new program called ‘Youth Discipleship Camp’ with the help of IGL Salem at Shalom Camp Site, Yercaud on 2nd to 4th October 2009. 55 youth from different churches from Salem participated in this program. The theme for this program was “I will Build my Church” and this camp included Meaningful sessions, Group games, Trekking, Stream walk, sing songs and campfire. Mr.Rajah Daniel Stephens, Mrs.Samita Nelson, Rev.C.Benjamin and Mr.John Selvakumar have handled the sessions. Really this program made the participants to equip them in bible knowledge and Christian leadership.
Blood Donation Camp
To observe the Blood Donation Day and to create awareness about the importance of Blood Donation, a Blood Donation Camp was organized with the cooperation of CSI Polytechnic College and Salem Blood Bank on 1st October 2009 at CSI Polytechnic College, Salem. About 200 students participated in this program and 69 students voluntarily donated their blood.
Biblical Counseling Retreat
To find a solution biblically for the problems like fear, depression and family issues, a biblical counseling program has been organized with the help of Restoration Ministries, Salem on 17th October 2009 at YMCA mini conference hall. Bro.David Meengs, Biblical Counseling Trust of India, Chennai was the special speaker. About 40 families took part in this program and benefited. There was a special program for the children on the same day and the children have been taken care of by Bro.Santhosh, Children for Christ ministries.
World YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer
The World YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer was observed by our YMCA from 9th – 15th November 2008. The special programs organized during this week are as follows.
1. Inaugural Service
The Inaugural service was held at CSI Immanuel Church, Salem on 8th November 2009 at 8.30am combined with their regular morning worship service. Rev.Dr.V.M.Gnanaraj, Bethel Bible Institute, Danishpet was the special speaker and he delivered a message on the theme “Striving for Global Citizenship for All”. Mr.P.G.manuel Stephens, Vice President YMCA Salem read the World YMCA / YWCA President’s message.
2. Workshop on Globalization
A half day workshop on “Globalization” organized on 9th November 2009 at CSI TTI Conference Hall for the students of CSI Teacher Training Institute, Salem. Rev.Fr.Jai Bernard Joseph, Director, Epiphany Communication Centre was the special speaker and he spoke about “Young People and Globalization”. 160 students and institution staff actively participated in this program and benefited. This program made the young students to understand their role in the present world to bring global citizenship.
3. Cottage Prayer
A cottage prayer meeting was organized at the residence of Mr.Reynold Eliezer Benjamin, on 11th November 2009. Mrs.Helen Sophia, Teacher, Goldengates Matriculation School, Yercaud foothills was the special speaker and gave a meaningful message on the theme “Gender and Citizenship”. Mrs.Jayakumari Honibald, Administrative officer, CSI Polytechnic College chaired the meeting.
4. Annual Oratorical Contest for Rev.Rajah D.Stephens Memorial Trophy
To commemorate the Children’s Day, an Oratorical Contest for Rev.Rajah D.Stephens Memorial Trophy was organized on 13th November 2009 in our YMCA Hall at 10.00 am. 92 school students from various schools of Salem, Rasipuram, Attur and Mettur actively participated and given away their speaking talent in the topic “Students Role in creating Awareness about the Climate Change” and the students those who came in first two places got the awards and certificates. Cluny Matriculation H.S. School won the overall Trophy. Mr.Rajarajan, Chief Educational Officer, Salem was the chief guest and he distributed the prizes and certificates in the presence of Mrs.Sarojini Rajah Stephens. This program not only brought out the speaking talent of the children but created an awareness about their role in the world of climate change.
5. Valedictory Service
The valedictory service was organised at YMCA Salem on 14th November 2009 at 6.00 pm. Dr.Jones Ronald, Nephrologist, Salem was the special speaker and he gave a message on the theme. Mr.B.Joshua, Board Member, YMCA Salem led the meeting.
17th Open table Tennis Tournament
The Salem YMCA in co-operation with the Salem Round Table –28 organized the 17th Annual Open Table Tennis Tournament at the YMCA Hall on 14th and 15th November 2009. The Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association recognized this Tournament and more than 250 players from all over Tamil Nadu took part and given away their talent in this Tournament.
Mr.K.Rajavinayagam, Correspondent and Secretary, AVS College Salem, inaugurated the Tournament on 14th November and Dr.P.Shanmugam, Dean, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem was the chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony on 15th November 2009. Mr.P.G. Manuel Stephens chaired the prize distribution function and the treasurer Mr.S.Nelson Jeyakumar welcomed the guests, players and parents. This annual event really encouraged the players to come up in various levels.
Projects
Long Tern Tsunami Rehabilitation & Housing Project
Children & Crisis Program
Under the program ‘Children & Crisis’, uniform clothes and study materials have been distributed for the children of Koonimedukuppam village. Totally 80 students, those who are coming for the Children Care Centre, have been benefited.
Apart from these special events, our regular activities like Evening Tuition, Recreational programs and Health & Hygiene are functioning well.
Extension Work
YMCA Introductory meet at Kolli Hills
YMCA introductory meeting was organised at Kolli Hills on 11th October 2009 at Dr.Paul Grand memorial Christ Church, Kollihills at 4.00 pm. About 32 Christian including women and youth participated in this program. Mr.Manuel Stephens, Convener, Program and Extension Committee chaired the meeting. Mr.M.Jose, General Secretary of Salem YMCA spoke on YMCA History, its work throughout the world and its structure. Since the participants have interested to start a new YMCA, an ad-hoc committee has been formed. Mr.S.Nelson Jeyakumar, Treasurer, Mr.Joshua, and Mr.D.Thambi Prakasam our Board Members, and our staff Mr.G.Kamalesan also participated and they felicitated the new YMCA members.
Licence for Palacode YMCA
The letter of Permission to use YMCA emblem and Logo for YMCA Palacode, has been sent by the Southern Region of YMCAs. It has been received by us and it would be handed over to Palacode YMCA authorities on 1st December 2009 during our Christmas program.
Finance and Administration
These reported months made us to spend more towards maintenance work and some unexpected expenses. The Tar Road work, expenses towards servicing the Borewell motor and the property tax are some of the examples. Since the front gate and compound wall have been damaged because of a tree fell on the gate, it has to be repaired immediately.
The bank balance as on 25th November 2009 is as follows…
ICICI Bank (General Fund) :1,55,298.02
Canara Bank (Old project) : 1,499.00
Syndicate Bank (Building Fund) : 57,521.94
ING Vysya Bank (Development Fund) : 25,940.74
Fixed Deposits at T.M.B :3,14,382.00
National and International YMCA News
National Programs
- National Youth & Cultural exchange ‘Sadbavana Utsav’ at Ajmer during 27th to 29th November 2009.
- National Students Assembly at Always on December 4th to 6th 2009.
- National Consultation on ‘Becoming Instrument of Peace and Liberation in the multi - religious context of India’ during December 4th – 6th 2009 at Pune.
- Dr.John Lalsangzuala, Former President of National Council of YMCAs of India passed away on 10th June, 2009.
- Dr.G.Ebinesan, General Secretary of Madras YMCA passed away on 16th September 2009.
- Mr.Alan S.Hermit, former Regional Secretary of North India Region passed away on 29th September 2009.
1. Mr.Daniel Ravikumar -Regional Secretary, Southern Region of YMCAs.
2. Mr.Anil K.Charles -Regional Secretary, South East India Region.
3. Mr.Anjan Mukherjee -Secretary, National Programs, NCYI
4. Mr.Rajiv John -Secretary,Youth Work, NCYI
Regional Secretary, North India Region of YMCAs.
5. Mr.Bernard Rajkumar -General Secretary, Madras YMCA.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
The members and the hostellers are usefully spending their leisure time with the recreational activities of our YMCA. Especially the Table Tennis, Ball Badminton, Chess, Carom and Shuttle Badminton games are being fully utilised by youth groups.
M. John Michel Jose
General Secretary.