Atayal youth retreat defies trend by highlighting spiritual training instead of entertainment

["Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>]

3128 Edition

February 6-12, 2012

Church Ministry News

Atayal youth retreat defies trend by highlighting spiritual training instead of 
entertainment

Reported by Simon Lin

Written by Lydia Ma

Atayal Presbytery held a youth retreat from January 31 to February 3, 2012 at 
Hsieh-wei Memorial Camp themed “Restoring My God-given Image” to help its 
youths recharge spiritually during their Lunar New Year vacation. In contrast 
to previous camps emphasized fun and games and had spiritual components on the 
side, this is the first time that a youth retreat included spiritual formation 
seminars led by experienced pastors. 

Atayal Presbytery Youth Director Maya Umaw said that churches cannot afford to 
ignore the spiritual formation of youths. “Though youths love action, they also 
need to learn how to be still,” he said, adding that the camp’s purpose is to 
help youths know themselves and know God more and enjoy an intimate 
relationship with God, as well as apply biblical teachings in their lives.

The worship section of the opening service was led by youths from Kngyan 
Presbyterian Church and PC(USA) missionary Rev. John McCall delivered a message 
entitled “Eat This Book,” where he emphasized the importance of Bible-reading 
and daily devotions. McCall also hosted various seminars on spiritual formation 
during the camp.

Besides McCall, Church Revival Association Director Rev. Chang Szu-tsung was 
the other main speaker at this camp. Chang used 6 sessions to help youths 
understand themselves more fully and understand human depravity and God’s 
salvation. Following his message, youths were be divided into small groups to 
discuss what they had heard.

To encourage youths in their spiritual devotional times, a prayer room was set 
up during the duration of the camp. The prayer room used Taize hymns as 
background music and reference books such as “Praying with Calvin” were also 
available in the room. Youths at the camp were encouraged to use these 
materials and practice fasting in their spiritual devotions.

Maya Umaw underscored that youths have been distracted by lively and fun youth 
retreats in recent years organized by other churches. However, the presbytery 
felt that it should go against this current and adopt a simpler and more 
traditional approach to youth retreats that would focus on inner being and 
inner growth because it would be more helpful to youths today. 

With this vision in mind, the camp included keynote speakers, group 
discussions, morning and evening prayer sessions. However, there were also 
outdoor activities in between, such as rock-climbing and outdoor games to help 
youths get to know one another, learn about teamwork, and get some physical 
exercise.

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