The Emerging Generation
Brief report
In 20 years or so, church and mission leadership will be handed over to the emerging generation who is energetic and techno-savvy, who seems to hunger for challenge in a fast-paced society, and who appears to be cross-culturally equipped and tolerant of ethnic diversity. For this group of young people, growing up in the eventful global culture, many of whom without proper parental role models, the most important events would be love relationships, i.e. true intimacy. Yet they have little ability to relate to others genuinely and with empathy. At the same time, they are vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pursuit, when the desire for intimacy is not properly channelled.
IN Malaysia, it is evident that "the young people today are being groomed to become successful in their lives. Parents are pushing them to get good grades, study at a good university, and find a high paying job" (March 16, New Straits Times). At the same time we read of incidents of rape, murder, violence and thefts being committed by and against our young people. In general, many become indifferent towards their surroundings, more liberal in their moral judgement and lead a permissive lifestyle. Prof. Chiam Heng Keng, SUHAKAM commissioner, believes that if no moral values are taught at home and if there is no role model for the youth, it implies that the converse values are internalized. We may attribute moral decadence among the youth to western influence, yet denouncing the West does not help if God’s destiny for the youth is not acknowledged and accepted.
Dr David Damien heeded God’s destiny for this emerging generation to reclaim the God-ordained relationship between the fathers and the children. Now is the time for them to redeem their destiny. God remembers them and has placed His seal upon them, unmistakably, irrevocably.
As a generation gifted with a passion for intimate relationship, they will walk wholeheartedly, surrendering to God's will and His ways, when they are released. They will run like a fire in a dry land: unrelenting and unquenchable. Indeed, the future leadership of the church and mission belongs to them.
Dr Damien believes that it is now the time for an establishment of right relationships between the generations that will impact Malaysia and the nations of the world. This is the hour of visitation for the emerging generation.
Suggested prayer points:
1. Pray for the NECF National Prayer Conference (August 26 – 28) & Merdeka Prayer Rally (August 29): preparation, administrative works, responsive participation & speakers, etc.
2. Pray for the youth-the emerging generation, youth leaders / pastors / workers of churches, para-churches or colleges, etc.
3. Specifically for more young people
- to be released to fulfill God's destiny in their lives
- to willingly obey the call to impact the nations in their respective vocations.
4. Pray for the emergence of proper parental role models and their attendance at the conference.
Suggested course of action:
1. Youth: come for the meetings and bring your friends.
The public meetings are held from 8:00 - 10:00 nightly @ Glad Tidings Assembly, PJ
(1) "Malaysia's Hour of Destiny" - Dr David Damien (Aug 26)
(2) "Costs of Revival" - Dr Iman Santoso (Aug 27)
(3) "Walking Backward,Running Forward:A Prophetic Call to Gen X-the Emerging Generation" - Dr David Damien (Aug 28)
2. Older adults/parents: come for the meeting and commit yourselves to be partners in God’s plans for the youth.
3. For those who cannot make it: continue to pray for the events.
4. Read biographies of young men who have responded to God's call in their lives e.g. Hudson Taylor, CT Studd, Erik Lidell, Brother Yun, etc.
