DIAKONIA 2026 VOLUME 2
CBSM Youth Rally 2026
Introduction
Over the past three years, we made some observations on some key realities about Gen Z (in Southeast Asia):
- Highly connected yet profoundly lonely
- Skeptical but hungry for objective moral truth
- Tired of being lectured at; want to be engaged
- Long for authenticity, real relationships, radical honesty
- Want to participate, not just observe
- Searching for identity, meaning, and belonging
The CBSM Youth Rally aims to address some of these observations with our Youths through affirming that Scripture understands their experience deeply and offers something the world cannot give.
Following Youth Rally 2025’s goal of being an authentic follower of Jesus with the theme “What Matters Most : Being Authentic”, Youth Rally 2026 was aimed to address the heart issue of Belonging among our Youths.
YR 2026 : Belonging to Christ and in Christ
The goals of the Main Sessions were to guide the youths to see that true belonging is not found in the world, but is designed by God and secured through a Redeemer. The theme of belonging was encapsulated through the book of Ruth.
The Main Sessions followed a flow where the Youths read the prescribed Bible passage in small groups (according to age) with their Group Facilitators, shared observations and questions, then the Main Speaker delivered the main messages building on the theme. After each Session, the groups gathered back to discuss implications and critically evaluate the teaching. This format was designed to help the Youths to build on their group observations and model how Scripture shapes life.
The Main Sessions covered :
-The Human Search for Belonging Always Fails. (Ruth 1)
-Belonging is only found in God’s design (Ruth 2)
-Belonging must be redeemed, not earned – Our belonging is secured by a Redeemer—ultimately Jesus. (Ruth 3-4)
Our main speaker was brother William Ngeow, a member of the fellowship of believers at Jalan Imbi Chapel. He is happily married to his wife, Rachel. He serves the Lord by preaching His Word at local churches and by teaching Bible classes in the youth and young adults ministry at JIC. Outside of ministry, he works as a software engineer.
We also had two Workshops (divided by age groups over 2 days) :
- Belonging in a Church Community – conducted by Zachary Nathan
This Workshop helped the participants to discover that Christ saves believers not only into a personal relationship with Him, but into a shared church community where grace gives them belonging and identity and where participation flows naturally from belonging rather than earning it. The challenge was to move from a consumer mindset to discipleship, serving others because grace has welcomed, formed, and sent them.
Zachary Nathan serves full-time in ministry with Agape Chapel, with a passion for discipling youth and young adults to know Christ deeply and live faithfully for Him. He is involved in teaching, preaching, and building Christian community, with a particular interest in apologetics and helping believers think biblically about faith, culture, and the church. His heart is to see the next generation grounded in Scripture, growing in spiritual maturity, and equipped to impact the world for Christ.
- Discerning God’s Will – conducted by Jonathan Wee
This Workshop covered a framework of understanding and learning to choose “Jesus over impulse”. It also showed that while seeking to discern God’s Will, there is a spiritual reality we often forget – that discernment is not merely intellectual, it is spiritual. Hence, the importance of the framework of Jesus as Lord and Scripture as the basis of our choices.
Jonathan Wee is a member of Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall, and has a deep and ever-growing conviction for discipleship – especially among the youth and young adults. His journey of ministry began in Youth Fellowship, where his heart for discipling others was first nurtured. After eight years of working in auditing, Jon pursued his Master of Divinity at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and completed in 2025. He now serves as Youth Ministry Coordinator in PJGH.
We also had a cultural exchange of learning the art of Chinese tea led by Andrew Tan and Uncle Ban Chin. This cultural exchange was aimed to help participants slow down the pace of life and learn to connect and have conversations over a small cup of tea.
The participants also got a chance to explore the streets of Kuala Lumpur and experiencing different sights, sounds and taste – all on foot on a hot sunny Sunday!
This year, there were 40 youth participants, 22 of whom were highschoolers and 18 college students with 25 adult facilitators and helpers.
Gratitude
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to :
- Gospel Hall Kuala Lumpur, their leaders, members and church admin team for their warmth and hospitality in hosting the participants and allowing their church facilities for YR 2026;
- The Facilitators and Helpers their guidance of the Youths and providing practical help;
- CBSM Board of Trustees for their support;
- The participating Churches and sponsors who are so generous in their support through prayers, gifts in kind and love gifts;
- Parents and Church leaders/youth leaders; and
- The Youths themselves for coming and to participating in YR2026!
Above all, we praise GOD for being the Master Planner who made all things possible and guiding YR 2026 into fruition! We give all glory and praise to God and Jesus our Redeemer!
The Youth Rally aims to rally a generation that searches the Scriptures for themselves and allows the Word of God—not culture, emotions, or trends—to shape their understanding of identity, purpose, and belonging: What Matters Most. We pray and hope our Youths continue to seek after God and His Word.
See you at Youth Rally 2027!
From the CBSM Youth Rally 2026 Team :
Andrew Tan (Bandar Sunway Gospel Centre)
Jonathan Wee (Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall)
Zachary Nathan (Agape Chapel)
Ann Choo (Setapak Gospel Centre)
June Chai (Bandar Sunway Gospel Centre)
Alicia Yong (Bandar Sunway Gospel Centre)
Lim Chin Pei (Cheras Gospel Centre)
David Liew (Bandar Sunway Gospel Centre)
With Elder Adrian Low, CBSM Board of Trustees
Sunday Worship Service with the Elders of GHKL, Elder Micheal Goh & Elder Jimmy Chok (visiting Elder William Yeong from PJGH)
What the Youths said about CBSM Youth Rally 2026 :
I learnt a lot about belonging through the main sessions about the book of Ruth that we belong permanently to God and Jesus is our redeemer. The speaker gave interesting illustrations for us to understand it. I also enjoyed the workshop “Belonging to the church community” which reminded and taught me on how to make youths feel belonged. I also enjoyed the culture exchange (tea session) where we got to learn and experience about tea ceremony. I really enjoyed getting to know lots of new people and catching up with old friends that I haven’t seen in a long time too! – Jing Hwei, Sungai Long Chapel
I learned what it truly means to belong in Christ and gained a deeper understanding of the Book of Ruth. Through sermons and discussions, I get to see how Ruth’s story show trust in God and His providence even during difficult times. It reminded me that my identity is found in Christ and not in circumstances.
Overall, I really enjoyed the camp as it was nice to reconnect with friends and spend time discussing God’s Word together. My favourite part was the group discussions because I got to hear different perspectives and learn from one another, which helped me understand the message more. I also liked that the Book of Ruth was chosen for the sermons. It is simple enough for the younger children to understand, yet it was also meaningful and allows deeper reflections for the adults. – Charmaine, Gospel Hall Kuala Lumpur
Through YR 2026, I learned that God’s pillar will never brake or fall when life’s pillar crumbles. God will always stand beside you when you need Him the most. I have also learnt that the book of Ruth is teaching us more about faithfulness, devotion, and how God provides for ordinary people during difficult hours and also through Ruth the Moabite, the message of God’s grace and salvation extends to all nations. – Occus, Bukit Mertajam Gospel Centre
My favourite part of youth rally was the group discussions. It was a great reminder that we share many similar struggles as believers. I’m grateful to my group members who were so willing to share honestly and openly about their walk and also their takeaways from the sessions. I also learnt much from the Belonging to the Church Community workshop and found the Explore KL session a fun bonding time. – Lynsey, Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall
I learnt in Youth Rally 2026 that belonging to Christ and living in Christ is more important. I learnt that belonging is not defined by getting rich or having a lot material things. Through this year’s Youth Rally, I learnt how to care more for others and to look out for team members. I had fun and learnt a lot during the “Discerning God’s Will” workshop session. – Yanhao, Temerloh Gospel Chapel
Attending the Youth Rally gave me a deeper appreciation of the story of Ruth and what it means to live a life of faithfulness and trust in God. Ruth’s unwavering loyalty, humility, and willingness to follow God even through uncertainty challenged me to reflect on my own faith and commitment. I left encouraged to trust God’s plan more fully and to reflect His love and faithfulness in my daily life. It was also a great opportunity for me to meet other believers my age as well. – Carolyn, Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall
I learnt that God should ultimately be the pillar of our lives, we usually have our worldly materials, friends, circumstances and ourselves as our pillars. However, to belong to Christ and in Christ we have to make God our main pillar, giving up our old pillars to Him if not we will always crumble and fall. It was a nice experience although it felt like a smaller group than expected, still got to meet many amazing people all from different churches, William is a good speaker and relates his lessons to us younger audience and keeping to the messages very well. The schedule felt very comfortable with enough time to rest, but for us older groups, we felt we needed more time for our discussions! – Je-thro, Agape Chapel
Throughout Youth Rally 2026, I learned that I need to surrender myself fully and trust God completely. I was reminded that my true belonging is found in God and that I should focus on what lasts forever rather than on the temporary things of this world. I enjoyed my time during Youth Rally 2026, I got to open up to my group members during discussions and was able to pay full attention to devotions and understanding the passages read during the camp. I felt grateful to be able to attend the camp this year and I will be looking forward to the next one as well! – Hannah, Melaka Gospel Chapel
This year’s Youth Rally was a reminder for me that all things are in God’s hands. Through the book of Ruth we can see how the choices she made affects her life. When all that happen seems like a coincidence but it actually leads to God’s ultimate plan. Something that stood out to me was one of the devotion passages that we belong to God and He calls us by name. It is very special that such a big God knows each and every one of us by name and has a plan for us. Throughout Youth Rally, I enjoyed getting to know new people from different churches and also see some familiar faces. Overall it was a good experience and I know that my identity is placed in Christ and not in anything else. – Erica, Sungai Long Chapel
My youth rally experience was amazing. Meeting fellow believers from different churches was such a blessing. One message that really stayed with me is that when we try to find our identity in other things, we often times find ourselves empty and lost. True belonging is found in Christ. – Joshua, Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall
At Youth Rally 2026, I learned about belonging in Christ through the book of Ruth, and it was a truly meaningful and memorable experience for me. Through the messages shared by William and the discussions, I came to understand that my identity and belonging are not based on my background, achievements, or circumstances, but on God’s grace and faithfulness. The worship sessions, fellowship, and discussions with other youths also encouraged me to reflect on my own walk with God and trust Him more deeply. Throughout the rally, I was reminded that I have a place in God’s family and that His love and faithfulness never fail. I also enjoyed building new friendships, strengthening existing ones, and growing spiritually alongside fellow believers. Overall, it was an inspiring and enriching experience that strengthened my faith. – Jensen, Bukit Mertajam Gospel Centre
One thing I can still recall today from Youth Rally was in the story of Ruth, on how God’s love extends to everyone including a Moabite like Ruth. Sometimes in the midst of struggles, we think that there is no way out and sometimes we cannot see God helping us in those times. Yet, like Ruth, it is important we still choose to belong to God, to worship and put our faith in Him above all else. And in God’s timing and will, will he then bring us out of those struggles, whilst also shaping us to become stronger people in the faith. As a first time camper, it was a good experience, being able to see not only familiar friends and staff, but also new people from different churches. – Jonathan, Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall