The Work Of The F.C.Y.A.

John Piening, Trowel and Sword. Jan./Feb. 1963

Preamble: I am constantly in awe of the early pioneers of the Reformed Church in Australia. They achieved so much in such a short space of time that the only conclusion that one can draw is that God was with them and guiding them in each step of the way. Among the many achievements was the establishment of what was then called the F.C.Y.A – The Federation of Calvinist Youthclubs in Australia. If you are like me you will have many fond memories of your time being part of your local church youth group; as well as attending Christmas camps and Easter camps and many other activities. Today’s post gives us a glimpse at those early days and is a reminder never to neglect the children and youth of today because they will become the church of tomorrow.

The Work of the F.C.Y.A.

Also this year, on the second Sunday of February, we will have our special Youth Sunday. On this day the Youth of the Church and the Youth work are to be remembered in preaching, prayer and offering.

While we may be thankful for this special opportunity to remind one another of the urgency of Youth work in its entirety, we know that in preaching and prayer the Young People are remembered every Lord’s Day. For during the sermon the whole congregation hears the Word. And the prayer in Church is by and for the whole congregation as well. That makes every Sunday a Youth Sunday!

Yet on the second Sunday of February the needs of the Young People receive an added emphasis. An offering is taken for Youth work. The money is evenly divided between the work in the local Church and the F.C.Y.A. In this way the Federation’s treasurer received a total of £136 during 1962. For this generous support the Young People are very thankful.

In this article I would like to tell you something of a few aspects of the work of the F.C.Y.A. as it is carried out by its executive. This may give you an idea how the money you gave is being used. You have a right to know! More important still: where I mention one or two specific problems with which we are confronted, I trust we may count on your prayerful support concerning these concrete points.

The beginning of last year saw the transfer of the executive from Victoria to Tasmania, Such a change-over always involves a temporary set-back in the work. Inexperienced folk have to take over. Nevertheless we have been richly blessed. It has been a year of consolidation. The Federation counts about 30 affiliated clubs, with a total membership of approximately 500. One New Zealand club has joined our ranks, and no doubt other clubs across the Tasman will follow suit.

During the year there was also a noticeable increase in Branch activities in the various States, due to a large extent of the interest shown by the Churches and Classes. The Young People asked for and received the Rev’s. W. VanderKolk and J.H. Derkley as Branch Presidents for N.S.W, and Tasmania respectively.

Encouraging reports have been received from the many camps conducted, The young folk’s behaviour at the camps has show a marked improvement over the years. With the inevitable exceptions, our young people are becoming more and more “Evangelical” in the good sense of the word. The next Convention will be in Victoria, probably during the week around New Year’s Day. A concerted effort will be made to keep the costs down. The fees for the previous Convention were definitely too high. Convention days are for ALL the members, not for rich bachelors only! I would ask the parents to encourage their children to start saving for the Convention now. Or to do it for them!

Every month 900 copies of the “Calvinist Youth Herald” are printed and distributed. During March we plan to launch a vigorous promotion drive, with a view of increasing the number of subscriptions. Financially the Federation is in a reasonably sound position, but (with due modesty!) we feel that in the “Herald” we offer worthwhile reading material for adults also.

We all, Churches and Parents, may be very thankful that at all club-meetings the study of the Word of God is still the main subject. The Church’s young members are grounded and educated in the precious Truths of the Bible at home, in Church and during the Catechism instruction. But it needs no explaining that the Youth Club has its rightful place in the education of the children. The club is something that belongs to the members themselves,. Here they are at home. They gather around the Bible, prepare introductions, and discuss the meaning of the Spirit together, This takes study. We realise the immense importance of this study in the local club. The executive has now published a booklet containing Bible Study Outlines to help the members. We plan to have these issued to all the members once every three months. The publication of this modest little book marks a milestone in the short life of our Federation, How we have longed for years to be able to do this! Now our hopes have materialised. Your donation on Youth Sunday helped to make this possible.

Another matter of great concern has been the position of Junior Clubs, for children between 10 and 15. What are the possibilities in this field? Perhaps something about that urgent question at a later date. Or (let me make the most of this opportunity!) read about it in the Youth Herald! These then are some of the activities of the Federation.

I solicit your prayerful interest and support on behalf of the Young People. It is a joy to be allowed to work for the young members of our young Churches. For all Christian Parents and Leaders have this glorious promise: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and…. he will not depart from it.” (Prov.22:6).

J. PIENING

Addendum: This is most definitely a long shot but could it be that someone has saved a copy of the “Bible Study Outlines” mentioned above. If so we would dearly love to receive a copy and would be ecstatic to receive a photocopied or electronic version. If you can help, send a message through the comments section. Bert.

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