FSY
(For the Strength of the Youth) has come and gone and it is over 5 months at my
last count, but still I have this emotional, spiritual and even to a very large
extent a lovely experience and story that I feel is sharable.
I
remembered the first day I heard of the word FSY I was skeptical, yes skeptical
of the success because I thought it was a new program and the commitment from
the volunteers might not be effective, but I was proven wrong after the
program. My initial fears; 1.) was the first youth camping in Nigeria under the
new youth program title F.S.Y going to be successful? 2.) are we prepared
(those chosen as the counselors, building counselors and co-ordinators) to
handle and take of this youth for the almost one(1) week camping period. But I
took solace in the word of the Lord that says whom the Lord has chosen, he
qualifies.
Then
came the sudden change of heart, after attending about three meetings organized
for us (counselors, building counselors and co-ordinators) which also serves as
training I was then gradually beginning to believe the program/camping in
totality, yes I did.
The
last meeting/training sealed my believe (faith) for the program and then after
seeing the dedication from all involved, seeing them call off their
appointments for the next one week, seeing employees trying to get leave from
work from the employers, even those who after taking permission for leave from
work couldn’t get theirs were still hopeful they can one way or the other be a
part of it.
And
then came the day we were supposed to leave for the venue of the camp, to get
accustomed to the environment about two (2) days before the camp proper. The warmth,
the genuine preparation, the smiles, the love and most of all the understanding
amongst us the (counselors, building counselors and co-ordinators) cannot be
overemphasized. What joy and love I felt that faithful day, it was a renewal of
my faith and assurance that it was indeed a program/camping that has its root
and revelation coming directly from our Heavenly Father through his living
prophet.
Knowing
fully well I was going to be a part of the media team (the photographer) in
camp, always brought about this fear in mind and further questions of how
effective I am going to be. But in all, I was prepared for the task and know
fully well what my job entails after making research of previous Youth camping’s
under the name (E.F.Y) outside Nigeria.
Article by: Otumbari Mathew O.
Photographer: Otumbari Mathew O. (For M.O.O.N Photography & DAZA Images)
