INTRODUCTION

Youth is the period between 15 to 35 years.  It is a vital transition from childhood to adulthood, from dependence to inter-dependence and from being protected to being protective especially, of the marginalised.  It is also a time of curiosity, learning and experimenting, when special skills are acquired to face life and mature habits are formed. It is also a stage of physical and psychological changes as well as a phase of BELONGING, BECOMING and emphasizing BEING of a growing person. All of us agree that youth means enthusiasm, energy, creativity, optimism and idealism.

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE YOUTH IN ASIA TODAY

Youth is a complex reality who needs to be understood against the background of the present social, economic, political, environmental, cultural, and spiritual realities which affect youth and which are affected by all the realities of life. Last few years, our world has been experiencing a swift and drastic changes that we never imagined before. Impact of globalization, political changes, media influence, featuring Internet technology greatly affect youth lives, no matter how and where we live. Urban and rural, poor and rich, educated and uneducated, employed and unemployed as well as organized and unorganized, youth are on the front line, washed by the new wave. There is a cry for help from the youth to the church and we need to response to it urgently because youth are the reality of today, not only the hope of tomorrow!
Youth is a source of energy and vitality of the society as well as in the Church and at the same time, youth are the most vulnerable part, who are always victimized by the structural sins:
 

RESPONSE

Realizing the challenges faced by the youth in Asia, the Church in Asia need to respond in various ways at different levels:

1. From the organizational point of view;

        On the level of the FABC, from the year of 1995-99, four major events (BILA on youth, AYG, AYD,AYMM) and coordination efforts took place on the continental level.  It tried to respond to different needs of youth at different levels.

        1.1 National Conference levels and the level of diocesan and parishes. We also observe that a number of national conferences / dioceses set up the youth commissions and taking care of some of the youth needs.
        1.2 The directors or youth chaplains also had been appointed.
        1.3 Some lay youth animators are employed and appointed to serve the youth.

2. The pastors and animators have become more and more aware of the importance of the new way of looking at youth. Some of the aspects of change can be described as follows;

        2.1 Seeing the young people as resources, not as problems.
        2.2 Journeying with the youth, not only work for the youth.
        2.3 The formation in which youth are encouraged to learn from their own experiences, not from the ready-made answers.
        2.4 Involve youth more in the decision making process.

These are not totally new attitude in the youth ministry, but they are rather authentic attitudes which we can find good example of Jesus who conscientized the disciples. Jesus had tremendous patience and capacity of accompanying. (Lk24: 13-35)

PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Church (FABC, Episcopal Conferences, etc.) has made several statements on the urgency of the ministry to promote the spiritual welfare of the youth and we need to respond to the challenges faced by the youth immediately and consistently. Therefore, to establish FABC Office of Youth (FABC – OY) with proper resources and personnel (lay youth animator as full timer) which can help :

• To support the sub-regional youth networks which are operative especially from August 1999 i.e. East Asia, South Asia and South East Asia
• To organize sub-regional formation programs on “Youth Leadership for 3rd Millennium” for youth leaders and on “Youth ministry skills” for youth animators during 2001
• To prepare an Asian Youth Pastoral Plan based on the National Youth Pastoral Plans
• To do follow up of the proposals of WYD and AYD till the next FABC Plenary Assembly

3. We need to foster more vocations and lay youth animators for building and renewing the Church. The Church needs to encourage more youth to participate in the decision making process at the parish, diocesan and national level.

4. The Church documents (Vatican II, Encyclicals, Pastoral Letter etc.) need to be simplified for the laity and especially, for the youth.

CONCLUSION

It is absolutely essential not only to do something for youth but to be with the youth because the challenges of the New Millennium are stupendous. They need to be tackled collectively, along with the youth leaders. We also feel hopeful that the New Millennium awaits for us with hope, openness and optimism due to the very resources of our own youth especially to deal with the concerns of Evangelization, Leadership, Unemployment, Women Empowerment and Communal Harmony in order to establish the Kingdom of God based on justice and peace.

The principle of partnership lies in trust, mutual respect and giving scope to each other for utilizing the capacities and capabilities of the partner. If the Church journeys with youth then so many new horizons of love and service could evolve and emerge of the partnership in our Mother Asia and the objectives of the Youth Ministry (i.e. fellowship, formation and service) could be realized.
 

Appendix NEW HORIZONS OF LOVE AND SERVICE  IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE YOUTH OF ASIA INTRODUCTION Youth means enthusiasm, energy, creativity, optimism, idealism.  Usually, child looks forward to future, an old person speaks about the past but youth lives in the present, talks of "here and now" and becomes a link between the young and the old. Ideally speaking, according to U.N.O. Youth is the period between 15 and 25 years, which may differ from country to country e.g. 15 to 30 years, 15 to 35 years, etc.  However, all agree that youth is a vital transition from childhood to adulthood, from dependence to inter-dependence, from being protected to protective.  It is also a time of curiosity, learning and experimenting when special skills are acquired and mature habits are formed.  It is also a stage of important physical and psychological changes as well as a phase of belonging and becoming by stressing not so much the having, but BEING of a person. We all know that Asia is a vast region and for the sake of an in depth study, we always refer to the three sub-regions i.e. East, South East and South Asia.  We are also aware that the "Youth Realities" in all these sub-regions differ to a large extent.  Therefore, what we share with you is from our limited knowledge and experience.  It is for this reason that we have based our Paper mainly on the ten major events, after the F.A.B.C. Meeting during 1995, in the life of the Youth Ministry in Asia. 1.  FABC'S JOURNEY WITH THE YOUTH OF ASIA SINCE 1995 A BRIEF CHRONICLE In Manila during the FABC Fifth Plenary Assembly, the bishops of Asia identified the youth as one of the five areas of pastoral concern (Bila on Youth Final Statement, par.4). True to their commitment, the FABC through the Office of the Laity - Youth Desk paid attention to the needs of the young people of Asia by organizing with various national youth commissions several activities since 1995 till 1999.  A short chronicle featuring the main events on the youth and with the youth done by the FABC is found at the appendix of this working paper 2. AN ANALYSIS OF FABC'S JOURNEY WITH THE YOUTH SINCE 1995 The FABC's Journey with the Youth in Asia since 1995 has been on two levels: with the young themselves and with their youth ministers and youth leaders of the Asian Youth Gathering (AYG) and the Asian Youth Day (AYD); and with the Asian Youth Ministers' Meeting (AYMM) and the BILA on Youth. In synthetic form this part of the working paper presents the insights emerging from these FABC activities for and with Asian youth since 1995.  Reflection questions are sprinkled throughout the discussion to guide the workshop participants in their personal assessment of youth ministry in Asia. 2.1. AYG and AYD The first was both formative and celebrative; the latter was formative and organizational in direction.  AYG and AYD made the young people in Asia cognizant that the Church through its leaders is truly concerned with them. On the one hand, in these gatherings the youth celebrated God's gift of life, faith, culture, tradition, and community.  They recognized their own identity as Asian youth as well as the reality of other Asian young people.  The spirit of solidarity that pervaded these meetings gave them a first-hand experience of being a "Church of the Young in Asia." On the other hand, during AYG and AYD, the young were challenged to live their youthfulness at the service of the Church in their own countries.  They committed themselves to promote the culture of life and to extend their experience of communion and solidarity with their fellow youth, particularly with those who are at a disadvantage in society.  Both AYG and AYD are memorable because of their meaningful community experience. Have I taken part in one or both of these programmes? If yes, what were some of my memorable experiences? What were my learning experiences? How often should these activities be organized by the FABC? 2.2. BILA and AYMM These two study weeks promoted fraternity, unity of purpose, and communion among the youth animators and bishops who took part in them.  In these two meetings they became aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the various national youth commissions in Asia.  They welcomed opportunities for networking and collaboration for effective youth ministry in Asia.  Several important concerns were clarified in these two meetings, namely youth situation, youth ministry, and strategies in carrying out youth ministry in Asia. Below are issues and recommendations that emerged from the final papers of these two gatherings that may be points for reflection. 2.2.1. On Youth Situation BILA discussed more thoroughly the youth situation than AYMM.  It acknowledged positive signs among the Asian youth. (Cfr. Appendix Page.) But both gatherings converge in pointing to similar problems the young continually face.  These are:          The youth are victims of: poverty (BILA, AYMM, AYD) unemployment (BILA, AYMM, AYD) exploitation, bondage, drug addiction, injustice, oppression (BILA, AYMM, AYD) the ill effects of modernization (BILA, AYMM, AYD) dysfunctional and broken families (BILA, AYD) unjust structures and sinful situations (BILA, AYD) the experience of alienation of the youth as seen in: the communication gap between them and the Church, elders, and youth (BILA & AYMM) the gap between them and God, leading to "spiritual poverty" (BILA) their sense of inferiority and powerlessness (BILA) having no voice for their genuine concerns and aspirations to be heard (BILA) the value crisis, value conflict, and value confusion that lead to a "value vacuum" (AYMM) the lack of good role models (AYMM). In my country/my diocese do I find the youth in the situation described above? Which of these issues do I feel as priority concerns that need immediate attention? What steps have been taken to help the young confront these issues? 2.2.2. On Youth Ministry Both BILA and AYMM also discussed the nature of youth ministry in Asia.  BILA in its final statement mentioned that youth ministry is reaching out to youth through structures and programs initiated at the different levels.  On the other hand AYMM noted that the vision of youth ministry in Asia has become clearer and more concrete.  Youth ministry is an essential and integral part of the Church's mission and ministry that recognizes: the significant role of young people in rebuilding the Church and transforming society and the tremendous "youth power" that can be tapped. Asian youth ministry is also characterized as multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious. How would I envision youth ministry in my country/in my diocese? How convinced am I that youth ministry is the response of the Church in Asia to the plight of her youth? 2.2.3. On Structures and Organization In BILA's Final Statement, structures and organization were simply mentioned, but in the AYMM report, these were reported in detail.  Worth mentioning are the establishment of. Youth Commissions and appointment of national and diocesan Youth Directors in 11 countries; wherever national youth commissions are set up, formation programs have been designed and distributed by the National and Diocesan Bodies to the local youth ministers and youth leaders; some kind of linkage on a national level among youth ministers and youth movements in 6 countries. For all these developments, the youth ministers of Asia are grateful to the support of the Bishops and of FABC.  The little glow of light that was lit for the young during FABC V is gradually growing brighter and is turning into a ball of fire. However, planning, organization, coordination and collaboration of youth ministry on the various levels are still inadequate.  In fact, only one country (INDIA) has a full-fledged national youth pastoral plan. Financial constraints limit the growth of youth ministry in many Asian countries.  Often projects and programs envisioned by the youth ministers cannot be implemented due to lack of funds.  Likewise, poor networking and communication system at all levels prevent proper coordination of youth ministry. How are the organization and structures of youth ministry in my country/in my diocese? Which of the problems above am I facing today? How do I face them? 2.2.4. On Programmes and Activities AYMM noted that many of the Asian countries offer a variety of programs and activities for the youth.  These are done on a regular basis for some; while for others, periodically; in formal and non-formal settings.  They include: training and formation programmes, growth programs, faith formation, value education programs, programs in preparation for the Jubilee Year, youth events, like Youth Meetings, Youth Festivals, Youth Rallies, Youth Retreats, Live-in Experiences leadership training, exchange programmes among Asian countries. Which of these programs have I ever taken part with the young? How did I feel being with the young in their activities? What other programmes do I feel youth ministry should offer the Asian youth? 2.2.5. On Youth Ministers AYMM also expressed its concern on the youth ministers.  They lack training and they have no sufficient opportunities for ongoing formation.  Moreover, their frequent transferring from parishes and youth organizations and their being overburdened with other assignments seriously affect the progress and continuity of youth ministry.  Some youth ministers and church authorities still find it hard to entrust youth with responsibilities. How do I find the youth ministers in my country/in my diocese? How do I relate with them? What kind of support and how much of it do I give them? Do the youth ministers and the young themselves feel that I trust them? Do the youth feel that their youth ministers trust them? 2.2.6. On Visioning the Church of the Young in Asia BILA was an experience of a strong sense of community.  "What bonded us together were the common prayer and Eucharistic celebrations, the exchange of life-experiences, working together, sharing meals, and joining in one another's songs and dances." So significant was this experience that in strategies and recommendations of its Final Statement, the participants agreed to give importance to community experience in youth ministry.  On this score, they recommended: an inclusive community, open to peoples of other faiths, engaging in ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, being service-oriented, imbued with the missionary spirit, sharing resources and networking, building a community of Asian youth. This last proposal of BILA was realized during AYG in Paris (1997) and during AYD in Thailand (1999). During AYMM, though shorter than BILA, the youth ministers also experienced community living.  The spirit of unity and solidarity that they felt intensely during the recent AYD was lingering among them.  The AYMM participants saw in this experience the elements of the "Church of the Young in Asia".  They outlined a vision of the "Church of the Young in Asia" as: a Church that will accept, respect, affirm and love young people... a Church that will lead them to recognize the presence of Jesus in their lives... a Church that is youthful and vibrant.... (For complete text, see page _____.) How do I envision the "Church of the Young in Asia "? In my country/in my diocese how intense is the spirit of communion and solidarity among the youth? How does youth ministry in my country/in my diocese promote the "Church of the Young"? How can FABC further the growth of the "Church of the Young in Asia "? 2.3. On Recommendations The papers of both BILA and AYMM contain concerns for the youth and youth ministry in Asia that they propose as recommendations.  They are given in summary below. 2.3.1. On the Bishops to study and further explore the possibilities of implementing the AYD' 99 Message. to take a personal interest in the young people of his diocese by meeting them, taking part in their activities, being present with them and by taking a united stand with the young on common issues 2.3.2. On youth ministry and youth ministers to strengthen and develop youth ministry, first at diocesan and then national levels by: setting up National Youth Office or Commission up in all Bishops' Conferences (BILA & AYMM).  This office or commission will help in: clarifying and preparing the vision of youth ministry in the country formulating concrete plans of action at the national, diocesan and parish levels (BILA & AYMM)) to draw up a National Youth Pastoral Plan to give direction and guidance to the ministers. to provide and support full time personnel to work in the Diocesan and National Youth Commissions 2.3.3. On programmes and activities to share and exchange formation programs both at inter-diocesan and sub-regional levels, that will lead the youth to participate in all levels of Church life; these programs include: training of leaders/animators teaching students on human and Christian character and values faith formation creating social and political awareness promoting inter-religious dialogue peer ministry a common plan for rural youth ministry that will empower to uphold Asian Spirituality and the culture of the respective country to provide adequate facilities for training Youth Ministers and Youth Leaders. to promote and support the publication of an Asian Youth Magazine 2.3.4. On networking to set up a network among the Asian countries to facilitate communication, exchange, cooperation, and dissemination of ideas; this will help develop better collaboration and cooperation among the Bishops of Asia and the youth commissions of each country.  Through this networking, the vision of community among youth may be built. During the AYD, the participating countries began the twinning of youth ministries.  This aims at bringing closer the youth of at least countries through their national youth commissions.  This is at its experimental stage. 2.3.5. On new offices to be set up to establish a coordinating office for the sub-region with the adequate funds made available that will draw a common plan at sub-regional level to set up a Youth Office at FABC It is significant to note that in all the four activities organized by FABC for the youth in Asia there has been an increase in the number of participating countries.  In the AYMM five new countries joined, namely Nepal, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.  Youth ministry in Asia is growing fast; it needs proper direction, efficient coordination of initiatives and continuous support from the Bishops.  Thanks for the Youth Desk that FABC set up.  The situation and vision of youth ministry in Asia somehow indicate a need for more than a desk, yes why not an office! Which of these recommendations have FABC and I as individual bishop heeded in these past 6 years? Which of these recommendations do I find urgent and important that FABC VII should consider for the growth of youth ministry in Asia and for the good of the young of Asia? What are my other recommendations for the youth and youth ministry in Asia? 3. NEW HORIZONS OF PARTNERSHIP: A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE We find Jesus as the ideal youth and youth animator.  He has an authentic style of functioning which could be summarized in four basic ministries i.e. The Ministry of the Word, the Ministry of Community Building, the Ministry of Worship and the Ministry of serving/healing.  We find the elements of all these Ministries reflected in the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24: 13-35). Jesus shared his life with others.  He proclaimed that God is good and every person is also good.  He worked in a particular place, with peculiar people, at an opportune -time and in a symbolic manner.  He analyzed the place, people and problem.  He acted freely, frankly and fairly with "gentle firmness".  He did not punish others but rather, inflicted injury upon himself by dying on the Cross.  His method was "Formation through Action". Youth is one of the major concerns of the society and the Youth Apostolate is one of the most important Ministries in the Church.  Therefore, empowering the youth for the betterment of the society and the Church is one of the topmost challenges for the Church of Asia.  It is for this reason that we indicate some areas of partnership between the elders and youth, hierarchy and Laity, between the experienced and the experiences. 3.1 "Youth to Youth" approach for Faith Formation Life is a relay race.  Each generation hands over the torch to the next.  In this sense the future, literally, belongs to the youth because they are the ones who are going to live it.  They are not stuck in the old and familiar prejudices and habits that often paralyze their elders; and they don't get scared to try out new ideas.  Therefore, we need to give youth, the potential agents of social change, every possible inspiration, opportunity and support to realize some of their aspirations most dear to their hearts. Jesus was accepted so well because he was a youth and he had mainly youth as his apostles.  His "Youth to Youth" approach in inculcating Formation made difference in the lives of the others because he helped them to make a pradigm shift from BECOMING (i.e. to foster total personal growth of each person) to BELONGING (i.e. relationship with one another and God) leading to BEING (i.e. fighting for the human rights and dignity even of others) in order to establish the Kingdom of God based on justice and peace.  Who then are better qualified to work for youth other than youth? "Redemptoris Missio" sees the Kingdom as transforming human relationship, growing radually as people learn to love, forgive and serve one another.  The Kingdom is the concern of everyone.  Working for it means "acknowledging and promoting God's activity, working for liberation from evil in all its forms". The word "formation" is linked with information, for transformation.  It is not only imparting bookish knowledge from head to head but front heart to heart, beginning with the attitudinal change as we see in the life of Jesus in the episode of the adulterous woman (Jn. 8:3 - 11).  When the holistic approach is applied for formation, the integral development takes place in the giver and receiver.  If we involve youth in the formation of our laity and the hierarchy, the yoke will become light and burden easy.  The followers of the other religions do apply "Youth to Youth" approach fruitfully. 3.2 Youth as Resources The youth population (15-25 years) of the world was 550 millions during 1964 and it is expected to touch 1061 millions in the year 2000.  Most of this population is found in the developing countries.  In the Asia-Pacific Region the youth population was 258 millions during 1950, 494 millions during 1980 and 631 millions during 1990.  At the dawn of the 21st century, the Asia-Pacific region will have 55.6% of the world population constituting 17.64% youth of the total population in the region. You ask a little from youth and they may not give anything but if you ask them for much they give everything.  This is the psychology of youth i.e. generosity, willingness to sacrifice.  This very characteristic is tapped by some e.g. Mafia-Muscle-Money-Media power who use-abuse-misuse youth.  Then they may appear "problems".  They no longer remain "resources" for those who are questioned about Status Quo!  After all, "to disturb the comforted and comfort the disturbed" was the life of the Asian Youth: Jesus. It is when the youth are disturbed, hurt and wounded that they need understanding, patience and support.  Because quite often the "problems" may not be of their own making.  The "seen problems" may be only bubbles, tip of an iceberg.  We need to help them go deeper to trace the root causes.  If the root causes are not dealt with then youth could act-react out of guilt and shame. When proper scope is given to the youth power then, we have seen youth changing the course of history e.g. 1970 in South Korea, 1971 in Bangladesh, 1973 - 76 in Singapore 1973 in Malaysia, 1975 - 77 in India, 1976 in Hong Kong, 1986 in Philippines, 1988 in Myanmar, 1989 in China, 1990 in Nepal and 1997-98 in Indonesia. When proper provision is made for empowering youth and in decision-making, and when sufficient personnel, places and funds are set aside for catering youth then the experience tells us that youth do shine in the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive wings of democracy and making remarkable contribution in the challenging field of Evangelization.  When youth are regarded as resources and we give them scope for utilizing their potentials, they do change the whole face of the country and the Mother Church. In this connection, it will be appropriate to quote a famous song composed by a young Greek "Peace Campaigner" "There's sky for all our singing Ground for all our dancing Garden for fruit and flowers growing for us all fresh rivers flowing. What people need for joy we'll find cotton and bread to clothe and feed. Peace and friendship is all we need Embracing forever all humankind" 3.3 Youth Challenge (Unemployment) More than 300 millions youth who are "The world's best resources" are unable to find jobs.  They don't know as to how to spend day as they get up in the morning because they don't have any livelihood.  To add to that misery, lack of access to education and high rates of school drop-outs result in widespread illiteracy, particularly among the poor and girls.  Poor children and women work on cheaper wages and so, youth are denied jobs, too.  Thus, some youth take up to "short cut" money e.g. violence, drug trafficking, prostitution, human bombs, suicides or "slow deaths". A recent study revealed that the key words in the experience of youth in the present decade are "Unemployment/underemployment, ill-employment/scarcity/survival" etc.  Due to industrialization, globalization, liberalization, Free Market Economic Policy, GATT and WTO, poor and rural youth (i.e. Tribals, Women, Dalits, Children) become all the more vulnerable.  Thus, the youthful energy of youth gets thwarted and rejected, youthful potentials wasted, backfiring on the society at large. It is said that if the church does not pay attention to the "burning issues" of the youth and fails to read the ";signs of times'; then the religion will become irrelevant and insipid. It is worthy of note that the FABC has expressed concern for the youth world in a crystal clear manner, "On the occasion of the 10th World Youth Day, the Church likewise confronts the reality of Asia as the continent of the youth.  As in other FABC forums, we stand in solidarity with their struggles for authentic life.  We share their concern and alarm in the face of misguided policies and structures that are already laying the foundations of their future.  We wonder with them if the earth will still be preserved for them and their children at the rate it is being misused now.  We commit ourselves to accompany to transform themselves and our societies towards fuller life." (FABC Document 1995) Brazilian Bishop Helder Camara spoke of the rhythm between action and reflection.  For him reflection is not for its own sake but to improve the action.  Our reflection need to revolve around the one of the most topmost concerns of youth i.e. unemployment.  That's what is voiced by one of the unemployed youth, "We need to do something for unemployed youth So, lead, follow or get out of the way" 3.4 Youth of different religions / faiths Almost all the countries of Asia, except Philippines, have the majority of the people of the various faiths.  The Catholic youth rub shoulders with them daily and so, not out of obligation but making fundamental option, even the Church has started to shoulder the additional task of catering to the youth of different religions through Dialogue. The youth of today is the vibrant force and hope of our continent.  We realise it more in our day to day lives.  Religious Pluralism is indeed an asset to our countries provided we accept and respect the people of other religions and faiths.  It is the responsibility and duty of every youth of our continent. Usually, dialogue means talking with and listening to the other person with a specific purpose.  Dialogue is a sign of wisdom, openness and commitment for a cause.  If done with a proper perspective, dialogue always results in fraternity, harmony and integration.  Inter-Religious Dialogue is an expression of faith, hope and love.  Firmly rooted in Jesus, having God experience, for Christians it is an integral part of authentic Christian life since Jesus has told us to love others as He has loved us. The starting point of the Inter-Religious Dialogue is the love and appreciation of our own faith as a gift of God i.e. to have a deep joy and pride in belonging to the Church, to be sufficiently grounded and rooted in the Catholicism and to relish the uniqueness of Christ and of Christianity. At the same time, to have adequate knowledge of and a healthy respect for other religions. Jesus and his far sighted Teachings, mainly and chiefly, form the basis of Inter-Religious Dialogue i.e. "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you". (Mt. 7:12) which has the roots also in the Old Testament i.e. Love your neighbour (Gen. 19:18) Jesus' prayer of "Our Father" (Lk. 11:2-4 / Mt. 6:9-13) is another nuance of the same Dialogue process.  The story of the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mk. 7: 24-30) being cured by Jesus, though she did not belong to his religion, indicates the seriousness of Jesus' reaching the un-reached persons of any religion. With regard to the Inter-Religious Dialogue, the church went through different trends in various places, at different stages of the History.  However, the Vat. II (1962 - 1965) is one of the most striking events in the History of the Church for the Inter-Religious Dialogue.  In one of the Documents it is said, "The Church, therefore, urges her sons to enter with prudence and charity into discussion and collaboration with members of other religions.  Let Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians, also their social life and culture". (N.A.2). Pope John Paul (II), during 1986 while visiting India, said, "Dialogue between members of different religions increases and deepens mutual respect and paves the way for relationships that are crucial in solving the problems of human suffering.  Dialogue that is respectful and open to the opinions of others can promote union and a commitment to this noble cause.  Besides, the experience of dialogue gives a sense of solidarity and courage for overcoming barriers and difficulties in the task of nation building.  For without dialogue the barriers of prejudice, suspicion and misunderstanding cannot be effectively removed..... "We feel the need to join with our brothers and sisters of other faiths in dialogue in all its forms, sharing a common humanity with them, made in God's image and likeness, we can practice the dialogue of the heart, which is the basis for the dialogue of living and acting together for human rights and social change ...." It is one of the most demanding tasks, like that of Evangelization, and to involve youth in the Dialogue Ministry is the need of the hour. 3.5 Lay Youth Ministries Taking into account the reality of the Church in Asia where most of the countries suffer from the "Minority Complex" (except Philippines), and by reading the "signs of the times", it is essential to take note of the present day aspirations of youth who vibrate more easily with the laity rather than with the hierarchy, as they share the same or similar "joys and, sorrows" in more realistic and pragmatic way.  So, selecting appropriate persons right from their youth, training them for and offering them various opportunities in the Youth Apostolate will be ideal.  This needs to be done on priority basis. At their meeting in Manila, on November 29, 1970, the bishops declared, "It is our resolve ... in this continent of young, to become, in them and for them, the "Church of the young".  We wish to be, in them and for them, a Church that they shall see as worthy of their devotion and hope; which seeks to understand and trust them; which is responsive to the needs and demands of men in contemporary society; a Church not "established" in the world and which lives out in deeds, day by day, the conviction of her faith and the imperatives of her compassion.  We know this is the Church they seek, and with the courage with which Christ shall support our weakness, we shall endeavor to rise to this demand. (Message of the Asian Bishops' Meeting, No. 23) In the countries where priests and religious are taken as the "threats" because they are missionaries and/or are involved in the "conversion work", the role of the Lay Youth Ministers will be highly appreciated.  So also, a ratio of vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life is increasingly going down, the real role of the ordained and consecrated persons could be reserved mainly for Formation, Community Building and promotion of Small Christian Communities / Small Human Communities.  Even the FABC Meeting during 1986 emphasized this need. Since Youth Ministry is the integral development of youth for the Church and for society, Lay Youth Ministers will be the additional asset for the formation of youth and transformation of the society. 3.6 Opening up hearts and hands The Church explains her stand about the youth in the following powerful words of the Vatican II Council (1962 - 1965), "Young people exert a very important influence in modem society.  The circumstances of their life, their habits of thought, their relations with their families, have been completely transformed.  Often they enter too rapidly a new social and economic environment.  While their social and even political importance is on the increase day by day, they seem unequal to the weight of these new responsibilities.  The growth of the social importance demands from them a corresponding apostolic activity; and indeed their natural character inclines them in this direction.  Carried along by their natural ardour and exuberant energy, when awareness of their own personality ripens in them they shoulder responsibilities that are theirs and are eager to take their place in social and cultural life.  If this enthusiasm is penetrated with the spirit of Christ, animated by a sense of obedience and love towards the pastors of the Church, a very rich harvest can be expected from it.  The young should become the first apostles of the young, in direct contact with them, exercising the apostolate by themselves among themselves, taking account of their social environment." "Adults should be anxious to enter into friendly dialogue with the young, where, despite the difference in age, they could get to know one another and share with one another their own personal riches.  It is by example first of all and, on occasion, by sound advice and practical help that adults should persuade the young to undertake the apostolate.  The young, on their side, will treat their elders with respect and confidence; and though by nature inclined to favour what is new, they will have due esteem for praiseworthy traditions." (Vat. II A A No. 12) Even human being wishes to love and to be loved.  And all youth long to belong.  That's why, on the occasion of the Asian Youth Day at Bangkok during Aug. 1999, an informal twinning of countries was initiated and is much appreciated by the youth and the animators of each country.  This experiment, operative for next two years, between the youth of the twinned countries will help share their resources, visit each others' countries for various programmes as "Invitees" and express solidarity in different ways.  This opening up of hearts and hands to the neighbouring countries will facilitate youth to express solidarity and enable in tackling some topmost concerns of youth e.g. Faith Formation, Unemployment, etc.  Of course, if the Episcopal Conferences of the respective countries respond to this novel idea, the Youth could grow and will also go a long way! 3.7 Vital Role of Bishops Youth is a time of boundless energy, unrestricted ideas and noble idealism.  Youth are not only the "Hope of Tomorrow" but also "Reality of Today".  Youth have a distinctive way of relating to reality.  That's why there is a problem of "generation gap" (i.e. "communication gap").  It is in this connection that we promote the Youth Spirituality because - Youth are our greatest national asset (more than 30% population) Youth are exploited, oppressed and manipulated lot. e.g. caste system, politics, etc. Youth have different value system e.g. fashion, fad, etc. Youth have different attitude towards culture i.e. Youth culture is contra-culture (revolt / revolution), Youth culture represents a compliant attitude to the problem of socialization in industrial societies. Youth culture is a caricature of adult culture which is exaggerated or distorted one Youth culture is a secretive autonomous entity which is the result of young person's physical maturity and sexual powers. Youth are given a special role in the history of salvation e.g. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Mary, John.  It is for this reason that the bishops of Asia who met in Rome during 1998 for the Asian Synod came out with the clear thrust for the youth and the Holy Father includes the seine spirit in his document called "Ecclesia in Asia" with the following substantial Statement - "The Synod Fathers were particularly sensitive to the team of youth in the Church.  The many complex problems with young people now face in the changing world of Asia impel the Church to remind the young of their responsibility for the future of society and the Church, and to encourage and support them at every step to ensure that they are ready to accept that responsibility.  To them the Church offers the truth of the gospel as a joyful and liberating mystery to be known, lived and shared, with conviction and courage. If young people are to be effective agents of mission, the Church needs to offer them suitable pastoral care.  In agreement with the synod Fathers, I recommend that, where possible, every diocese in Asia should appoint youth chaplains or directors to promote the spiritual formation and apostolate of young people.  Catholic schools and parishes have a wider role in providing all round formation for the young, by seeking to lead them in the way of true discipleship and developing in them the human qualifies that mission requires.  Organized youth apostolates and youth clubs can provide the experience of Christian friendship which is so important for the young.  The parish, and associations and movements, can help young people to cope better with social pressures by offering them not only a more mature growth in the Christian life but also help in the form of career guidance, vocational training and youth counseling. The Christian formation of young people in Asia should recognize that they are not only the object of the Church's pastoral care but also "agents and co-workers in the Church's mission in her various apostolic works of love and service.  In parishes and dioceses, young men and women should therefore be invited to take part in the organization of activities which concern them.  Their freshness and enthusiasm, their spirit of solidarity and hope can make them peace makers in a divided world; and, on this score, it is encouraging to see young people involved in exchange programmes between the particular Churches and countries in Asia and elsewhere fostering inter-religious and intercultural dialogue ". (Church in Asia / Ecclesia in Asia #47) In the present day circumstances, the role of the shepherd of each diocese is significant, indeed.  He could truly be the friend, philosopher and Guide of youth and the Youth Animators.  With the compassionate heart of Abba, the bishops have become healers, reconcilers and liberators of the youth all over the world in the past by their visionary leadership (e.g. East Timor). So, for this specific cause, may we request our bishops to ensure Youth Chaplains and Animators at each diocesan and national levels to enable our journey with youth, like Jesus, towards the New Millennium. It is here that we place on record the significant contribution of the Indian Bishops for evolving the National Youth Pastoral Plan during 1996 and for the formation of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement during 1999 which is the lampstand for the Youth Ministry in Asia. Conclusion World famous William Shakespeare describes the glory of youth tersely, "Crabbed age and Youth cannot live together; Youth is full of pleasance, age is full of care; Youth like summer mom, age like winter weather; Youth like summer brave, age like winter bare. Youth is full of sport, age's breath is of short; Youth is nimble, age is lame; Youth is hot and bold, age is weak and cold; Youth is wild, age is tame. Age, I do abhor thee; youth, I do adore thee." In the recent years the one who has understood youth the most is our Holy Father who believes in Youth and he cherishes youth as the "Special Treasure".  In his encyclical "Tertio Millennium Adveniente", he stresses, "The future of the world and the Church belongs to the younger generation, to those who born in this century, will reach maturity in the next, the first century of the new millennium.  Christ expects great things from young people, as he did from the young man who asked him: "What good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" (Mt. 19:16).  I have referred to the remarkable answer which Jesus gave to him, in the recent Encyclical Veritatis Splendor, as I did earlier, in 1985, in my Apostolic Letter to the Youth of the World.  Young people, in every situation, in every region of the world, do not cease to put questions to Christ : they meet him and they keep searching for him in order to question him further.  If they succeed in following the road which he points out to them, they will have the joy of making their own contribution to his presence in the next century and in the centuries to come, until the end of time: "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and for ever". (TMA No. 58) We don't know what is in store for us in the New Millennium because sometimes truth trembles but falsehood is bold; the face of truth is covered and lies go on roaming in the broad daylight; sycophants are honoured and the authentic persons are made to suffer.  So, the new millennium may not be altogether different from the present millennium but it could be renewed by conscientization, conviction and commitment for "Better Tomorrow" on the part of the youth.  We need to enable youth (a) To analyse the present day society (b) To reflect (c) To help in self transformation (d) to help youth commit themselves for the society and church (e) social transformation on some vital issues as prevelant in their respective countries.  The more the youth are made aware of the "realities" of their own neighbourhood in the context of global reality, they will be able to do something for the last, the least and the lost of the society, following the good example of Jesus himself who thought globally and acted locally. It is absolutely essential to note that the New Millennium is not for doing something for the youth, but doing something with the youth and above all, not only for doing anything but being with youth in order to empower them for a new world. The challenges of the New Millennium are gigantic.  They need to be tackled with collective efforts.  They could be tackled also by the proper use of media instead of dumping media as nuisance and condemning its misuse and abuse.  Even the FABC Consultation stresses the same point, "Violence, sex, and a consumerist mentality are being foisted upon the young and the old by television, films and the print media.  Positive steps should be taken to stem this evil tide.  At the same time, it has to be admitted that a media-conscious society is here to stay.  The enormous potential of the media for good has also to be recognised and rigorously pursued". (Final Statement, FABC Regional Consultation 1996, Kathmandu) The formation and transformation of each youth and our society is possible, through proper information though at times it may be difficult, once we are committed to the person of Jesus and His kingdom based on justice and peace. We also feel hopeful that the New Millennium waits for us with hope, openess, optimism due to the very resources of our own youth whose stupendous energy is not fully tapped by us so far, though the secular would harps on their energy and make use of youth for media, technology, politics, etc.  When entrusted with any task, the youth have proved themselves even in various revolutions e.g. India, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.  So, the more we journey together, the better avenues of love and service could emerge which could be shared jointly. The principle of partnership lies in trust, mutual respect and giving scope to each other for utilizing the capacities and capabilities of the partner. If the Church journeys with youth then so many new horizons of love and service could evolve and emerge for partnership in our Mother Asia and the objectives of the Youth Ministry could be realized i.e. Fellowship, Formation and Service. Fr. Renato de Guzman, Philippines Fr. Joel D'Cunha, India QUESTIONNAIRE (1) "Youth are not the problems to grapple with but the force to reckon with".  Do you agree with this statement in the context of your own country? (2) How could we involve youth in the mission of the church in Asia. Which are the areas of partnership with the youth of Asia? Are you convinced of involving youth in the mission of evangelization? How? (3) In the light of the New Millennium, do you envisage a need to make a paradigm shift in the Youth Ministry in your own diocese, country and in our FABC? Which areas need radical change? How about making provision of Personnel, Places, Funds for youth at various levels? (4) Asia is such a large continent.  We are aware of the diverse cultural heritage of even each sub-region.  Therefore, would it be better to promote sub-regional Youth Apostolate (e.g. South Asia, South East Asia, East Asia, etc.) and in order to co-ordinate the sub-regions, to establish FABC Office for Laity ? (5) Taking into account the need of the On-going-Formation in the Youth Ministry, could we initiate an Institute for Youth Ministry in Asia where indigenous training could be made available easily, (instead of the training in the West), for promoting Youth Leadership, Inculturation, Career Guidance, Media Awareness, etc.? Appendix FABC's Journey with the Youth of Asia since 1995: A Brief Chronicle 6-12 January 1997, Tagaytay City, Philippines, BILA ON YOUTH In response to the challenge to improve the youth ministry in Asia, FABC organized the first BILA on Youth.  There were seventy-seven (77) delegates from 14 countries, namely: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan (ROC) and Thailand.  The International Catholic Organizations (ICOs) were represented by IMCS, IYCS, ICMICA, ICTCW and IYCW).  The theme was "Youth in the Socio-Economic Development of Asia: A Challenge to Integrate Faith in Youth Life and Work". The objectives of this week-long meeting with bishops and youth ministers and youth leaders were the following: to have an exchange of experience in youth apostolate by Asian Episcopal Youth Commissions and Youth Organizations; to discover how youth apostolate in Asia can be more contextualized to deepen their commitment to the youth apostolate, and youth involvement in the integral transformation of society. To achieve these objectives the participants encountered various young people in their real milieus, listened to their stories, reflected on their experiences and on the basis of knowing and understanding the youth, they sought to act together.  In the process, they also experienced deep fellowship and intimacy, being for a week the "Asian Church in miniature." At the end of BILA on Youth, the participants came out with a Final Statement. (The complete text is found in the appendix of this working paper.) It contains the following observations as Asian Youth Realities: youth as victims, as alienated, as minorities, engendering a sense of inferiority and powerlessness.  On the other hand, it also presented positive signs among the Asian youth, such as being idealistic, seeking to be authentic, having a potential for generous service and involvement in the Church and in the wider society, hungering for spirituality, etc. The participants also expressed their convictions about the youth in Asia in the Final Statement.  Some of these convictions are: the youth's search for identity; the youth as important actors in the Church today; their hunger for meaning in life; their longing for authentic witnesses who can teach them to pray and have a personal experience of God; the presence of God inside their pains, problems and storms; the need to dialogue with the young of other faiths; and the need for formation as disciple of Christ. The Final Statement suggested some strategies that are grouped in three headings, namely: renewal in the way to look at youth formation of youth a need for community. The participants of BILA on Youth committed themselves to the youth of Asia and recommended the following: a follow-up of BILA on Youth formulation of concrete plans of action at the national, diocesan, and parish levels high priority be given to Youth Ministry when setting the budgets of Bishops' Conferences Youth Commissions be set up in all Bishops' Conferences. 20 August 1997, Paris, France, ASIAN YOUTH GATHERING As a follow up of BILA on Youth, FABC Office of the Laity - Youth Desk organized the Asian Youth Gathering (AYG) during the XII World Youth Day (WYD) in Paris.  AYG was a venue for WYD delegates from Asia to become aware of the Final Statement of the BILA on Youth.  At the same time it was the time for them to gather together and have an exchange of their culture and tradition through folkloric songs and dances. To achieve these objectives AYG was divided the whole afternoon till the evening of 20 August into two moments: first, the moment of study and reflection, then, the cultural festive of Asian Youth.  The participants were also given time to express their commitment to the Youth Apostolate in Asia.  They wrote their personal pledges of commitment on AYG postcards which were later mailed back to them as a reminder. The brief encounter of almost 2000 Asian youth during AYG revealed the creativity and strength of the young, their enthusiasm and generosity, their sense of community and solidarity.  All these challenged the Church to harness the evangelizing power of Asian youth. 7-12 August 1999, Hua Hin, Thailand, ASIAN YOUTH DAY '99 Almost 700 Catholic youth along with special delegates from other faiths, animators and bishops from 21 countries of Asia, and guests from other continents gathered for the first Asia Youth Day in Hua Hin, Thailand. The celebration had the following objectives: to harness the evangelizing power of youth; to provide an opportunity for the youth to share their God experiences with youth of different faiths and in various situations; and to celebrate the call and the gift of being an Asian youth. AYD '99 was a discovery for the participants of what it means to be an Asian youth as well as a challenge for them to be in solidarity with one another.  Like the disciples of Emmaus the participants walked together reflecting on the theme: "Asian Youth Journeying with Jesus towards the New Millennium." In all this they were guided by the "See-Judge-Act" pastoral methodology. Through the national reports and the synthesis done by the youth in AYD came to know the reality of as youth in Asia; they saw the signs of hope from which they draw their energy to face the pressing problems in their respective countries.  The catechesis on Jesus in their country, as Asian, and in their life as well the afternoon activity "Youth Walk with Christ" helped them to know and appreciate authentic Asian values like respect for human dignity, communitarian way of life, deep religiosity, and recognition of the Supreme Being.  The interreligious dialogue that the young themselves conducted opened their minds to the wealth found in Asia: profound spirituality expressed in various faiths. A very touching and meaningful moment of their journey in AYD was the night of reconciliation with God.  The participants spent the evening in prayer and songs while the bishops and priests administered the sacrament of Reconciliation. On the concluding day, the participants wrote their personal commitment on the AYD postcard while at the end of the final Eucharist, the 21 countries that took part had "country twinning".  This was the start of a closer cooperation among the Asian youth through their national youth ministry commissions. The last activity that capped AYD '99 was its message to their fellow youth in Asia. (The complete text is found in the appendix of this working paper.) Toward its end, the participants expressed their commitment: to share and live in communion and solidarity with the poor, oppressed, marginalised, lost, desperate, exploited, and manipulated in the society; to courageously confront elements that destroy life and to bring forth the abundance that Jesus shares with us; to be open and sensitive as we approach other peoples, cultures, and religions, and to further collaborate with them for the good of humanity; to participate actively and concretely through youth apostolate hand in hand with Church leaders in fulfilling our mission as the Church in Asia. They appealed to the Church leaders and ministers to join and support them in their commitment. In AYG the Asian youth offered the Church and society their personal as well as communitarian commitment. 13 - 17 August 1999, Petchburi, Thailand, ASIAN YOUTH MINISTERS' MEETING After the Asian Youth Day celebrations at Hua Hin, Thailand (August 7-12, 1999), the Catholic Youth Council of Thailand and the Federation of the Asian Bishops' Conference Office of the Laity's Youth Desk organized for the first time the Asian Youth Ministers' Meeting (AYMM).  The venue for the AYMM was the picturesque Sawang Resort Golf Club, Petchburi, Thailand. Two youth animators from each member country of the FABC were invited to join the AYMM, accompanied by two youth leaders.  At the AYMM ninety-two (92) Youth Animators and Youth Leaders representing nineteen (19) countries were present: 5 countries from South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal; 5 countries from East Asia: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia; 9 countries from South East Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Apart from these were representatives from International Catholic Organizations (ICO's), namely IYCA, IYCS/IYSM, and MIJRAC. AYMM had the following objectives: 1. To deepen our vision of "Being a Church of the Young" in Asia; 2. To celebrate and be renewed in our commitment to youth ministry; 3. To create a network of exchange and mutual support; 4. To acquire more knowledge and skills on social communications - its present development and influence on youth ministry. It is significant to note that the objectives set by the organizers were for the most part in agreement with the expectations expressed by the participants at the start of the meeting. The participants brought their national reports on youth ministry.  The main focus of the reports was on two areas: Achievements and Challenges in Youth Ministry in their respective countries.  Like in BILA on Youth, they met together sub-regionwise, that is, South Asia, East Asia, and South East Asia. Achievements and Challenges of Youth Ministry in Asia It is very gratifying to note that despite the inevitable difficulties and challenges youth animators face, still they had achievements and success stories to share.  Their achievements are classified under the following headings: On Youth Ministry The vision of youth ministry in Asia has become clearer and more concrete.  Youth Ministry in Asia has created new awareness or recognition of the important role of the young people in the Church and society; hence the youth power.  This brought a new acceptance of Youth Ministry as an essential and integral part of the Church's mission and ministry. On Structures and Organization a. In eleven (11) countries structures have been created on national and diocesan levels to coordinate and support youth ministry on the local level.  National and diocesan Youth Directors have appointed and Youth Commissions have been established. b. In six (6) countries some kind of linkage has been established among youth ministers and youth movements on a national level. On Formation Programs Wherever national youth commissions are set up, formation programs have been designed and distributed by the National and Diocesan Bodies to the local youth ministers and youth leaders. These commissions reported the following: a. training and formation programs for youth ministers and youth leaders; some of them are on a regular basis; others, periodically; b. growth programs, faith formation and value education programs in the formal and non-formal settings; c. programs that prepare young people to march into the new millennium as responsible Catholics and good citizens. d. Youth programs of activities at the national level have been drawn up to give direction and guidance to youth ministers in the country.  However, only one country (INDIA) has a full-fledged national youth pastoral plan. Other Youth Activities a. Youth events, organized at local, diocesan, and national levels, like Youth Meetings, Youth Festivals, Youth Rallies, Youth Retreats, Live-in Experiences for deepening the faith and Christian commitment of the young people; b. Leadership training for the social work and social action c. Exchange programs for youth leaders and animators between two (2) countries, Malaysia and Thailand; this exposure has been mutually beneficial and enriching. Together with these achievements in the field of Youth Ministry during the past years were undeniable difficulties in the youth ministry of Asian countries and all these pose consequent challenges. On Youth Situation a. The socio-economic and political realities, such as injustice and oppression, grinding poverty, inequality and corruption in politics, unemployment, have a negative impact on young people and on youth ministry.  Depressing as they are, they result to stifling the creative energies of the young and they are not able to actualize their potentials. b. Serious lack of good role models for young people make them easily follow wrong models, particularly those projected in the media. c. Young people are today exposed to the influences of the modem trends like consumerism, globalization, free trade, masse media, etc. d. Value crisis, value conflict, and value confusion lead the young people to a "value vacuum" with no values to guide them. e. Generation gap between Youth/Youth Animators, elders and Church authorities is further aggravated by the existing communication gap and lack of dialogue. On Youth Ministers a. Trained youth ministers are still lacking; sufficient opportunities are not provided for training and on-going formation of youth ministers. b. Moreover, frequent transfer of youth ministers from parishes and youth organizations as well as overburdening them with other assignments seriously affect the progress and continuity of youth ministry. c. Some youth ministers and church authorities still find it hard to entrust youth with responsibilities. On Youth Ministry a. Asian youth ministry takes place in a multi-lingual, multicultural and multi-religious ambience which place serious restrictions on youth ministers and demands extreme caution. b. Planning, organization, coordination, and collaboration of youth ministry on the local, diocesan and national level are still inadequate. c. Some formation programs for young people lack social dimension, and others, that of evangelization. d. Financial constraints place serious restriction on youth ministry in many Asian countries.  Often projects and programs envisioned by the youth ministers cannot be implemented due to lack of funds. e. Poor networking and communication system at all levels prevent proper coordination of youth ministry. A Vision of the Church of the Young in Asia The discussion went to the participants' sharing of their ideas or experiences from which a picture of the "Church of the Young in Asia" emerged.  This is how the AYMM participants envision the "Church of the Young in Asia": a Church that will accept, respect, affirm and love young people, that will listen to them, trust them with responsibilities, that will be open to their ideas, aspirations, hopes, and dreams, that will be sensitive to the struggles and pain of young people, that will help them bloom and blossom, and actualize their potential to the full; a Church that will lead them to recognize the presence of Jesus in their lives, that will strengthen their faith and be faithful, that will accompany them in their life's journey, that will lead them to regain their faith in themselves, in the Church, and in God, that will recognize the ability of the young people to be agents of evangelization, especially among their peers. a Church that is youthful and vibrant, that is active, alive, and relevant, that will give new hope and optimism to the million of youth in Asia, who are struggling for survival, that will stand for justice and truth that will make a definite option for the poor that will stand firm and stable as a moral force against the winds of change, that will "Christianize" the positive values, traditions, rites and symbols of other religions through a positive process of inculturation, that in her openness to other cultures and religions will incorporate elements that are rich in meaning, in para-litrugy and liturgical celebrations, that will respect the rich and ancient cultural heritage and values of the other great religions of Asia. In the same session, the participants also shared areas of concern for the coming two years.  These are reported according to sub-regions, namely South East, East, and South. The AYMM participants made an appeal on behalf of Asian youth and youth ministry to the Church of Asia - addressed primarily to the leaders of the Church.  They expressed their appreciation for the support and encouragement given by the Bishops of Asia to the youth ministry. On the feast the Assumption of Mary, the AYMM group met in plenary session for a one-day seminar-workshop on "Media and Youth Ministry." Mr. Agustine Loortosamy was the resource person.  Everyone appreciated his lively input on media and their influence on the youth and youth ministry. AYMM was concluded with great enthusiasm among the bishops, youth ministers and youth leaders.  Everyone expressed a strong feeling of gratitude to God for gathering them together and to everyone for being there.  They experienced a deep sense of communion accompanied with a commitment to support each other and continue networking with one another. They left Thailand convinced that Youth Ministry is a vocation, a special call from God.  They are called by God to be co-partners with the young to help them grow and become all that they are capable of becoming.  They are called to be the signs and bearers of God's love, joy and hope to the young.  They went back to their countries challenged to lead the young people to Jesus.  For this is their mission as youth ministers.  They are to continue in the youth ministry in their respective countries committed to be "Jesus" to young people; to accompany the young people in their journey, just as Jesus accompanied the young men on the road to Emmaus.  They pledge to do this as Jesus did - by: taking the initiative, being in their midst as their friends, listening attentively to their stories, struggles, and pain, helping them to understand the events and experiences in their life in the light of the Word of God, building community and breaking bread with them until they "recognize" Him (Jesus). The AYMM participants knew that this is not an easy task but they went ahead with faith and confidence, trusting in the promise of the risen Lord, "I will be with you till the end of time."

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