Pakistan Report
Released 20 May 2010
The group of WYC delegates holding their
English-language Bibles
The weekend began on Saturday 24 April and ran until Monday afternoon,
when the delegates returned from a long trip
to the FedEx office to submit their visa applications. In addition
to taking care of final documentation for their visas the delegates also
discussed information that would be helpful for them as they prepare to leave
Pakistan and join with others from around the world in this great youth
celebration. After arriving and getting settled in the delegates shared
lunch and then gathered to discuss the details of the visa application.
Following afternoon tea, Colonel Robert Ward (the Territorial Commander) and
Colonel Marguerite Ward (the Territorial President of Women's Ministries
– TPWM) led the
keynote meeting focusing on the theme of ‘Questions’. This began by
placing a chair in the centre of the room and inviting four individuals, Majors
Dennis and Lynn Gensler, Cadet Abid James and Cadet Hummera Anayat,
to sit in the ‘hot seat’ to be questioned by the other delegates.
This
was to demonstrate the fact that they would need to be able to respond to such
questioning while at WYC, as many will have questions about them and their life
in Pakistan.
Following this exercise several questions were posed and
discussed by the Territorial Commander and the group.
1. WHAT
HAS HAPPENED IN THE TERRITORY IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
Each delegate was
asked to summarise in 30 seconds what had changed in their lives, their corps,
community or division, since the last orientation in the autumn. Colonel
then shared some of the things that have happened within the Territory to make
delegates more knowledgeable about The Salvation Army in Pakistan.
Two choruses were shared – ‘Majesty’ and ‘Blessed be
the Name
of the Lord’.
2. WHAT WILL YOU TAKE WITH
YOU?
This was introduced with a brainstorming session
as delegates shared there thoughts including things like culture, native dress,
good attitude, worship style, email addresses, photos, music, traditions, joy,
confidence, 123 slogan etc.
3. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT
TO EXPERIENCE WHILE YOU ARE IN SWEDEN?
An exercise using the tool
based on the acrostic COWS (Challenges, Opportunities,
Weaknesses and Strengths) was used to discover these answers. Groups
were formed and each took a topic.
Answers included:
| CHALLENGES |
OPPORTUNITIES |
WEAKNESSES |
STRENGTHS |
|
Different cultures
Different language
To introduce a civil nation
To meet and clear thinking of Indian youth about PAK
Unity of Purpose
To make a place in the hearts of people
Food
|
Show faith
Culture and customs
Christianity not involved in terrorism
Territorial theme
Questions about terrorism
Youth activities
Worship style
Change negative view of Pakistan
|
Language accent
Food problems
Climate difference
Worship style
Murder trial
Gender problems
Reserved culture
Different worship style
|
Cohesiveness
Confidence
Communication skills
Openness to learning
Positive attitude
Culture and dre
Territorial leaders' support
Friendly nature
Knowledge about country and Territory
Territory with 60,000 soldier
|
English Bibles were presented to each delegate to take to Sweden, and a
prayer
of dedication offered in gratitude for this gift and in petition for God to
bless these young people as they study the Word and minister in his name. These
were a gift from a Dr. Len and Janet Drury from Australia East
Territory. A thank you card was circulated to be sent to this donor and
pictures were taken to be sent with the thank you card.
4.
WHAT WILL YOU BRING BACK?
This exercise was
to draw something that would be packed in their suitcase and then to write on
it what they hoped to share with others and to bring back with them from this
experience in Sweden.
These were shared later in the weekend and
discussed.
On Sunday, Chapel Service was conducted by Majors Dennis
and Lynn Gensler. College age youth from THQ were invited to attend.
The meeting contained several praise and worship choruses to introduce them to
the
types of songs that might be shared during the WYC. In the afternoon a
session was used to discuss activities that will take place using the
delegates. They discussed how they will share their experiences as they
participate in Divisional Youth Councils and rallies upon their return from
Sweden. Some good ideas were shared and a new format for the
upcoming Youth Councils was developed that will be more interesting and
inviting for the young people. In the evening a fellowship time was planned by
Major Dennis and Major Lynn. Several team building games were enjoyed
and some time given to discuss question number four (‘What will you
bring back?’). Refreshments were
served to complete a busy day.
On Monday morning delegates headed
off to the Bank and FedEx office to complete their visa application
process. This is now in God's hands and we are trusting that soon all
delegates will hear confirmation of their visa approvals.
Report by Major Lynn Gensler
Mission
Training and Education Cooordinator
Pakistan Territory