33rd Diocesan Youth Conference
33rd Diocesan Youth Conference
The 33rd Diocesan Youth Conference hosted by the Youth Fellowship of the Trinity Mar Thoma
Church, Houston with the goal of participating in the building up of God’s kingdom by instilling
Christian values in our youth was a great blessing and a huge success!
The theme for the Conference was “A Portrait of God” based on Romans 1:20. “For since the creation of the world
His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
The Conference was hosted at Southshore Harbour Resort and Conference Centerfrom Thursday, August 9th to Sunday,August 12th 2012. The Conference was attended by 265 delegates representing 28 parishes from our Diocese. The Conference was officially inaugurated byourDiocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa on Thursday and concluded on Sunday with Holy Qurbana celebrated by our Thirumeni. His powerful inaugural address set the tone for the Conference, when he portrayed God by reflecting on Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple, leading to the commissioning of Isaiah to be sent for the Lord.
Thursday evening Worship was led by Rev. Larry Varghese and delegates from the Houston region. The Friday morning Worship was led by the delegates from the Northeast Region. Rev. V.M. Mathew, Chaplain of that region, led the Morning Devotion with a portrait of God based on Isaiah 1. The Saturday Morning Worship was led by thedelegates of the Southeast Region. Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla, the Chaplain of that region led the Morning Devotion portraying God who revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush based on Exodus 3.
It was indeed a great blessing to have Pastor Brad Cauley as the Main Speaker for the Conference. In a
powerful way, he portrayed the awesomeness, knowledge, goodness, and holiness of God, who descended into human history out of His love in the person of Jesus Christ to save and redeem humanity. In an inspiring way he challenged us to come and live in an intimate relationship with Christ, overcoming sin and Satan and the worldin the power of Christ.
Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla, along with Mr. Varghese Mathai, led a track on How to Study the Bible. Rev. V.M. Mathew, along with Ms. Betty Vattakunnel led a track on the Faith and Practices of the Mar Thoma Church. Rev
George Jacob, Chaplain of the Dallas region, along with Mr. Arun Abraham, led a track on Fasting and Prayer.
Rev. Roy A. Thomas, Chaplain of the Houston region, along with Rev. Larry Varghese, the newly ordained Achen,
led a track on Discerning God’s Will for our Life.
Small Group sessions were led by Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla, Rev. V.M. Mathew, Rev. George Jacob, and various youth members from the Diocese who were also Prayer Partners throughout the Conference. A Townhall Meeting was held under the leadership of our Diocesan Bishop and the Chaplains from our Diocese to answer questions the Youth had on
various topics concerning Christian life and practices of our Church. We were blessed to have an amazing concert
Friday evening by Houston’s own Robbie Seay Band, a main stream Christian band, who inspired the delegates, preparing their hearts and minds in an attitude of worship for the Lord. We were also blessed to have them spend time with us after the Concert to interact and pray with our delegates.
After an inspiring and touching message by Pastor Brad Cauley, Rev. Roy A. Thomas led the Dedication Service in a unique and meaningful way. Many of the youth from our Diocese came forward dedicating and rededicating their lives
to the Lord. Our Leaders and Prayer Partners spent a great deal of time personally praying with delegates to lead them in a full commitment to the Lord.Recreational activities were arranged in the South shore Recreation Center for entertainment and fellowship on both Friday and Saturday afternoons.
I acknowledge the contributions of our beloved Thirumeni, our Vicar Rev. Zacharia John, our Youth Chaplain Rev. Roy A. Thomas and the Diocesan Youth Fellowship Council including Rev. Biju P. Simon for the blessing of this Conference. I take this opportunity to appreciate the hardwork of the Co-Convener, Dr. David Cherian, Treasurer Mrs. Relin Mathai, Senior Advisor Mr. Ajit Varghese, and the committee members involved in making this Conference a great success. We greatly appreciate the wholehearted support of the 2012 Trinity Mar Thoma Church Office Bearers, Executive Committee, and our entire Parish. The incredible support we received from our Parish through their
invaluable prayers and financial support is greatly appreciated. We also thank all of the Parishes in our Diocese who encouraged their youths to attend this Conference.
Above and beyond all, I give thanks to God Almighty for His abounding grace that we experienced in all aspects of this Conference. Let me conclude by quoting St. Paul who wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:11. May God continue to use the youth of this Diocese to reflect a Portrait of God in their respective Parishes so that this Diocese may grow into a vibrant and Spirit filled Diocese for the establishment of God’s kingdom.
For His Glory,
Mr. Jay Mathew
2012 Diocesan Conference Convener
