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AUSTRALIA WEST DISTRICT
District English Youth Leader’s Retreat Reflection
(20 th April - 22 nd April)
Kingsway Methodist Church attendees: Grace Chan, Andrew
Chen, Eddie Cheng, Abigail Chew, Christilyn Neo, Hayley Lim,
Sarah Moritz, Esther Ting, Nathan Ting
Throughout this retreat, I learnt many things through Rev. Elijah,
Ps. Dexter and everyone there. Rev. Elijah was loving and
genuinely concerned for each one of us and our ministries and
had sacrificed a lot by coming to Perth and we are so grateful for
his dedication and commitment to the work of God. He shared
with us a passage from Ezekiel 37on the ‘Valley of the Dry
Bones’ and what it means to have a vision. He told us that when
we have a vision for something, we should not distract ourselves
with other things but strive towards figuring out what God wants
for us. He challenged me throughout his 3 talks and two things
stood out to me; that the devil does not fear my studies, my ministry,
my religion unless it is backed up with prayer; and secondly
that being in a place that makes me uncomfortable is a good place to grow.
This retreat was a wonderful experience, getting to spend time with everyone in the presence of God and having
joyful fellowship was a great boost to morale. The final night we all split into separate groups consisting of each
youth’s respective roles (i.e. all the presidents/treasurers etc. in one group). Here we shared our troubles and
successes and was able to support one another through prayer. Following that, we split off into our own
committees to prayer for our own individual selves and youth. Finally to end the night, we all gathered and everyone
prayed for the 4 leaders of the youths. This whole night was a time of prayer which I believe brought everyone
closer together and it was a night the devil would fear.
This youth retreat wouldn’t have been possible without the help of WA District. The generous offer of paying half of
all expenses was what made it affordable for a lot of people to be able to attend. With the youth paying 50% of the
remaining amount and the committee forking out the other 50% was a great idea.
Throughout the few days and couple of nights away, I’ve gotten to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and his
generosity. Through the constantly crashing waves on the shore, the amber rays from the setting sun and the
different personalities of the brothers and sisters I spent this time with. I and many others I believe have been given
hope through Rev. Elijah’s talks and it was all in all such a wonderful experience.
Hope Methodist Church attendees: Stephanie Ting, Suleen Ho, Tim Wong, Mel Ting
Youth Fellowship Corner
The retreat was very refreshing, encouraging and motivational. Despite his busy schedule, we were able to fly Rev
Elijah Chew over to speak about 'Visions and Dreams'. It was eye opening and challenging, as he asked where we
thought our valley of dead bones were, if not, will be or if we had any. He said that it wasn't until we've been put in
the center of desolation, will we finally see a vision from God; a vision that might seem almost impossible, difficult
and challenging. But if we continuously pursued it with courage and perseverance from God, we can make a
change, we can make things happen; God will breathe life into the dead bones.
Thank you, WA District, for supporting us and making this retreat happen. It has definitely broke the ice among the
district leaders and strengthened our bond as brothers and sisters in Christ. We would also like to thank Pastor
Dexter and his team for initiating and hosting this retreat in such short notice. We thank and were very grateful to
have had Rev Elijah with us, through the Holy Spirit he led and taught us many things. This retreat was very
inspiring and we hope it will continue on next year.
Jor-
Grace Methodist Church Attendees: Dave Rebello (Youth President – myself), Nicole Ngo, Frank Thai
dan Tai, KiendaowBooncharoen, DonniThavorn, Josh Axtens, Deme Yong, Pastor Dexter Nguyen
In the past, at the Grace MYF, leaders retreat usually consisted of bonding and reflection periods – to grow and
understand one another, and to reflect on the progress of the youth. Upon evaluating the progress of the various
Methodists youths thus far, Pastor Dexter suggested that we have leadership seminars in order to build up and
train the new leaders, as all three youths have somewhat started from scratch in the beginning of this year. In other
words, he sought out to solve the issue of inexperienced (new) leaders and to equip them.
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