During my stint as the National President of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines, we initiated the campus ministry program of the UMYFP dubbed as Student Methodists Active in Campus Kirk. The project has received funding from the Division on Ministries with Young People for 2008. It’s just that due to a number of activities being implemented by the UMYFP, the SMACK Forum got pushed back to 2009. Hence, it will be held on May 20-23, 2009.

Here’s the information about SMACK Forum.

The SMACK Forum is a gathering of high school and college students for leadership training, spiritual development, fellowship and networking. It is envisioned to be a biennial event in between the convening of the National Youth Conference of the UMYFP.

SMACK Forum provides an opportunity for the students to learn skills, exposed to new ideas, voice their concerns and develop specific plans for enhancing and establishing campus ministries.

Theme: “Campus Ministry: Spiritual Formation, Relevant Scholarship, Strong Church”

Venue: Wesleyan University Philippines, Cabanatuan City
Date: May 20-23, 2009, Wednesday to Saturday

Who may participate in the SMACK Forum?

SMACK Forum is open to any United Methodist youth who are in the high school (given priority to Junior and Senior) and college levels. Delegates should be actively involved in campus ministry or has the leadership potential to start a ministry. Local churches, districts, annual conferences and campus ministries are encouraged to sponsor and send participants. Campus ministers (or potential campus ministers) are also encouraged to attend and coordinate the delegations.

A total of 200 participants are expected.

We are now busy preparing for the SMACK Forum and I expect it to take up most of my time in the coming 30-day period. Please do pray for us and for those who will participate in the Student Forum.