Ikthus Youth: Growing up with Christ
The Ikthus Youth with Pastor Boyet
The desire to belong is a human need that we always seek to fulfill through making friends and affiliating with people who have the same interests as we do. But once you find your friends and acquaintances, what next? One important consideration is for one to choose the right persons to be with. These persons can influence you or vice versa. And a good influence is always necessary.
For four young people, a Christ-centered ministry involving the youth called "Ikthus Youth", has been a good influence on them.
PATRICK
Patrick Checa, 22, and his family hail from San Mateo, Rizal in Luzon. However, due to financial difficulties, they transferred to Iloilo City where life is simpler. Patrick narrated that their difficulties led him to depression. "My life had no direction when I was in Manila," he said. Then, he became part of Ikthus Youth and he gradually evolved into a happier individual.
Jamming with Pastor Boyet
Not only that, his talent for singing was discovered. So, he and some friends are jamming during Ikthus Youth's Sunday service and he serves as the vocalist.
"My past, which is filled with bad memories were forgotten when I am worshiping Christ. Here, I have met real friends who accept me as I am," he said,
KATRINA
Katrina Jay Balones, 17, hails from Bacolod City and is now a 1st year Psychology student of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miagao. "I received Christ two years ago and was baptized in Ikthus. Being part of Ikthus is an opportunity for me to share Christ's life to other people. We learned to be mature," she said.
Katrina is one of those who are being trained to be youth leaders who will promote Christ in their respective universities.
Playing the bass guitar, Katrina practices with the band every Saturday.
TOMMY
Tommy Tabujara, 23 is from Jaro, Iloilo City and a graduate of Nursing. He just finished his IELTS preparations. Now, he is preparing for his volunteer work for the West Visayas State University Medical Center.
He became a member of Ikthus Bacolod in December 2006 and has since then been with Ikthus Iloilo. "This is an opportunity for me to serve God in a personal way by regularly attending our service," he said.
Presently, Tommy is on a getting-to-know stage with other members of Ikthus Youth. His talent for events preparations is also being tapped by evaluating Ikthus Youth's different programs.
Tommy, who was educated in Central Philippine University (CPU), received a Christian education and his leadership skills had been tested through the activities that he had organized there.
TRINA
Trina Villanueva, 21, is a student of BS Aquaculture in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miagao. She's going to graduate this March 2008.
She started attending the Ikthus Church service every Sunday since November and she jams with the group by singing and playing the guitar.
Trina revealed that being part of Ikthus had been a blessing. "My family and I did not go to church together before. Now, my parents, me and my sister attend Sunday service in the morning, then my sister and I attend the youth service in the afternoon. After the morning service, we buy groceries together and go malling, too. It's been a long time since we did that," she said.
Trina said that things have fallen into place, too. "It's been good for my dad's health too. He does not work straight anymore because he had been consistent with his worship. He gets to rest, too."
According to Pastor Giovanni "Boyet" Punzalan, Ikthus Youth is like a caring person next to a classmate that can impact one's life. "Christianity is not just a religion but a life changing experience. With such impact on the youth, there would be less drug abuse and other dysfunctions. This is a wiser alternative to what the world can offer," he said.
Punzalan had been a youth pastor for 26 years.
Ikthus Youth holds service every Sunday, 1:30 pm at the Castle Hotel, Bonifacio Drive. Ikthus ... church was never meant to be boring.