An alternative event for campus youth in the ‘new normal’
By Eva Arcelia Shiera
KUCHING — On 27 March 2021, Kuching Campus Ministry (KCM) organised its first online Servant Leadership Formation (SLF) through the ZOOM. This formative event was attended by 50 students from different campuses in the Archdiocese of Kuching, namely: Asia Metropolitan College Kuching (AMCK), Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (ILKKM) Kuching, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Batu Lintang (IPGKBL), Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Rajang (IPGKR), Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak (IPGKTAR), Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS), UiTM Samarahan, and UNIMAS. The program also had participants outside the Archdiocese, those studying in UiTM Mukah, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, and Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Kent (IPGKK), Tuaran, Sabah.
The objectives of the formation program are: (1) to ignite the spirit of servanthood and leadership in the newly elected campus leaders; and (2) to prepare these new leaders on how to serve their fellow campus youth during the new normal. The guest speaker for that event was Stephen Borja, a youth minister serving under the Episcopal Commission on Youth in the Philippines.
The formation program was divided into several sessions. It started with the hosts, i.e., the officers of KCM, welcoming all the participants from the different campuses. Then, a moment of prayer together was led by representatives from UiTM Samarahan.The program proceeded with the presentation of what KM is and what are its objectives. This was done by the president and vice-president of KCM, Wayne Arthur and Azellecrystal. After all these introductory stuff, the guest speaker was presented to the group, and then he began his presentation and sharing. Other than the talk delivered by the guest speaker, the program also included an interaction between the speaker and the participants. There was also group discussion via ZOOM using ‘break out rooms’ and presentation of the fruits of the sharing done. The whole event turned out to be an enlightening formation for everyone, attractive and insightful.
As a fitting conclusion for the session, Stephen shared three points to the students as something for them to reflect on more and put into action. First point—“BE CLOSE TO OUR MASTER” (by spending more time in prayers, valuing more the Word of God, and getting to know a saint who can be an inspiration and example, not just an intercessor). Second point—“CONNECT WITH OUR FELLOW SERVANT” (which means loving one another, showing concern for one another, having more small group interaction, and having fellowship programs as part of our campus rhythm). Third and last point—“GIVE AND RECEIVE” (by exercising both servanthood and leadership, and taking care of others and oneself).
The online formation ended with a closing prayer led by Brenda from Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS) and a final blessing done by the priest from the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission, Fr Ramon Borja, SDB, who accompanies the youth in KCM.
“From the Heart” testimonies from some of the participants:
“An important message that I have learnt from the formation is to acknowledge God, The One who created me, and Mother Mary, our role model of servanthood who said ‘Yes’ to the will of God. I enjoyed the session. I not only gained knowledge but also had the chance to meet other fellow youth and friends from other campuses. I hope I can join more programmes like this more often.” –Christie Melly Anak Sirucoh of Politeknik Kuching
“After joining the session, I felt excited, motivated and hopeful. To lead my chapel and campus youth in this pandemic, I feel it’s a heavy burden. But after this activity, I feel the task is getting lighter. What struck me the most is the reflection, guided by Brother Stephen, where I realised that I am a servant of the Lord. And as God’s servant, I am given all the talents and wisdom that I need to grow in servanthood. The KCM committee has done a tremendous job in organising this information, in handling the event and also in facilitating. I hope to see more talks like this in the future as it really helps the young to live in God’s ways.” –Matthaiz Risob anak Jeffrey of IPGBL
“From this programme, I learnt so many things. Who am I? For whom do I serve? I began to search for answers to such questions. Our speaker talked about identity and self-awareness in the context of servanthood. I believe we need to know who we are so that we would know what we should do, so we can proceed with our next actions because how we understand who we are influences or directs how we act, how we make choices and how we live. That was the thing that has awakened me spiritually. That was the thing that has made me realise the path that I am currently walking. And lastly, it’s good to get reminded again that we are here to serve and not to be served.” –Alvera Dora Paul of UNIMAS
“Through the Servant Leadership Formation, the most important thing that I learnt was how to give and receive from one another. I now feel strongly that our main mission is to bring our fellow youth as servants to have more faith and care for each other, and also to strengthen the bond among students. Hence, it leads to uplifting their spirits in finding their purpose in life and also finding their passion for Christ.” –Cleophas Abel of UiTM Samarahan
“One thing that I learnt from the formation is this—getting to know yourself first is very important. In order to make a change, it all starts with yourself. Once you get to know yourself, then it is easier for you to know your responsibilities and what you can do to help other people. It would really be nice and fun if I am able to encourage my campus community about the beauty of giving to others rather than just receiving. I hope it is something that I can accomplish soon.” –Phoebe Dolores Dora of IPGTAR
“Luke 1:46–47 tells us—And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” One thing that I learnt from the formation is “to persevere in action even if the path is not always clear”. This sentence tells us that as children of God whatever circumstances happen we need to serve because we are servants always, and not only in churches but also everywhere in our daily lives. What I can bring to the campus community is to gather all the Christian students there to get involved in the servanthood journey following God’s will.” –Darren Garit Ak Leo Dennis of UITM Mukah
 organised its first online Servant Leadership Formation (SLF) through the ZOOM.){kind=link}