The Philippines-Micronesia Nazarene Youth Congress, held in the Philippines’ summer capital, Baguio City, April 25 to 29, was "exciting and life-changing," according to the youth leaders who gathered at the event. The theme was "Emerge: Honoring the past. Shaping the future." NYC is a quadrennial event of the Nazarene Youth International in the Church of the Nazarene. This year’s congress was attended by 190 youth leaders from 12 districts on the Philippines and Micronesia fields.

"With the leadership of Racquel Valeza, the PMNYC coordinator, together with the Philippine NYI Council and working committee, PMNYC truly was a success," said  Janary Suyat, Asia-Pacific regional NYI coordinator.

The event included workshops, meetings, and plenaries led by Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto, Global NYI Director Gary Hartke, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Professor Daniel Behr, Suyat, and other invited guest speakers.

“I thought I would never join NYC, but God made a way for me to be here and He provided just in time,” said Joemarie Lorono of the Central Visayas District. “Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened in my life, and NYC follows.”

Each evening concluded with services and solemn ceremonies such as foot-washing and candle lighting.

“When my leader knelt in front of me and washed my feet, I was humbled and moved,” said a delegate from the Southern Tagalog District. "It was the first time that I saw him do that, and it touched me. I’ve always looked up to him, and now I look up to him more.”

Aside from the formal gatherings, the event was filled with fellowship that allowed delegates to present their culture and tradition. Participants were also divided into small groups for discussions. 

"It was inspiring to see everyone share their story and encourage one another through prayer," Suyat said. "PMNYC was also a venue for the NYI to thank, acknowledge, and honor leaders who have shown tremendous support and encouragement."

The event concluded with a community immersion event where delegates visited provincial jails, hospitals, and nearby communities to share the gospel and spread the love of Jesus Christ.

“No words can further describe the beauty of what God has done to everyone who attended,” said Terence Lustaña, an APNTS student. “Everyone went home revived, empowered, and amazed by the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. Truly, this was no ordinary event. Everything that happened was  part of God’s great plan, and the delegates themselves can prove that.”

Suyat looks forward to the future and how the delegates will use what they have learned. 

"Though PMNYC 2016 has ended, everybody’s journey is just beginning," Suyat said. " New challenges are about to come, and it's up to those who attended to respond to the call. Thank you to everyone who supported and prayed for this event. Without you, PMNYC will not be a success, but most of all, thank you to Jesus, who has made all things possible."

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region