TAGAYTAY, PHILIPPINES — More than 400 young people and leaders from across the Asia-Pacific Region gathered in Tagaytay City from 22–26 July 2026 for the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Youth Conference.
Centered on the theme “Holy Surrender,” based on Romans 12:1–2, the five-day conference brought together participants from different nations, cultures, and ministry contexts for worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, cultural exchange, and a renewed call to surrender their lives fully to Christ.
The conference opened with a vibrant Parade of Nations, as participants proudly represented their countries and celebrated the rich cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific Region. The colorful procession set the tone for the days ahead—a gathering marked by both joyful celebration and spiritual expectation.
Rev. Sharon Latu, Asia-Pacific NYI Regional Coordinator, delivered the opening message and introduced the conference’s central call to holy surrender. She invited the young people to approach the week with open hearts, ready to listen to God and respond to His direction.
The opening evening became even more colorful as the Philippines-Micronesia Field presented cultural traditions and performances representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. While the presentations celebrated the uniqueness of each culture, they also reflected something greater: the unity of young people from many places gathered under one faith, one mission, and one Lord.
Beginning Each Day in Prayer
Each morning of the conference began with a time of intercessory prayer led by Rev. Daniel Latu. Participants prayed for one another, their churches, their nations, and the young people of the Asia-Pacific Region.
This daily posture of worship and prayer served as a strong reminder that the gathering was more than an event. It was a sacred opportunity to seek the presence of God and invite the Holy Spirit to transform the lives of a generation.
The rhythm of each day included prayer, morning plenary sessions, small-group and intergenerational conversations, workshops, cultural activities, fellowship, and evening worship services. Together, these experiences allowed participants to grow spiritually, build relationships, and discover practical ways to live out their faith.
A Daily Call to Surrender
On the second day, Asia-Pacific Regional Director Rev. Kafoa Muaror led the morning plenary with the message “Dying to Self.”
He reminded the young people that dying to self is not a decision made only once at a youth camp, altar service, or conference. It is a daily choice—to surrender to God each morning, lay aside personal desires, and continually choose His will over one’s own.
The morning also included a meaningful intergenerational activity that connected the NYI sages, participants aged 35 and above, with the emerging generation of young people aged 34 and younger.
Through a series of speed conversations, participants asked questions, shared experiences, and listened to one another’s perspectives. Emerging leaders gained wisdom from those who had walked faithfully with God through different seasons of life and ministry, while the older generation learned from the experiences, hopes, struggles, and insights of younger people.
The activity created a space for mutual learning and reminded participants that discipleship is strengthened when generations listen to, encourage, and learn from one another.
In the afternoon, participants celebrated the cultures of the region through the World Market. Each field shared food, clothing, traditions, customs, stories, and creative displays representing their communities.
The venue was transformed into a lively place of discovery, friendship, and connection. Participants moved from one cultural station to another, learning about the diverse contexts in which the Church of the Nazarene serves throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.
The afternoon schedule also included workshops led by ministry leaders and practitioners from across the region. The workshops addressed topics relevant to the spiritual, emotional, relational, and missional lives of young people. These sessions gave participants opportunities to engage in practical discussions, ask honest questions, and explore how faith shapes their identity, relationships, emotional well-being, response to challenges, and witness in digital spaces.
That evening, Rev. David Nam delivered the message “Nevertheless,” based on Romans 5:8. Drawing from his personal experiences and struggles in ministry, he spoke honestly about seasons when serving God can become difficult, painful, and discouraging.
Yet, even in the middle of those challenges, he pointed the young people back to the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. He concluded with a question that challenged every heart: “Will you still love God, nevertheless?”
Trusting God in Times of Doubt
The following morning, Sealands Field Youth Coordinator Wendi Pasaribu led the plenary with the message “Why Surrender When in Doubt?” based on Matthew 14:29–30.
Through the story of Peter stepping out of the boat, participants were reminded that surrender does not always mean having every answer or knowing exactly what will happen next. Sometimes, surrender means trusting God enough to take the next step, even when the way ahead is uncertain.
After the morning plenary, the young people were given the opportunity to ask a group of panelists about Hot Faith Questions. The panelists answered a wide range of questions about faith and living a holy, surrendered life.
In the afternoon, the participants did the Holy Surrender activity, where each participant would be part of a team, and each team needed to finish the 10 Holy Surrender stations.
During Field Connections, each field strategy coordinator and field youth coordinator was able to connect with their delegates for a time of fellowship and learning from one another.
In the evening, General Superintendent Dr. Christian Sarmiento challenged the young people through his message, “Revived: When God Awakens a Generation.”
He called them to recognize their place in what God is doing in the world and to believe that God can work through their surrendered lives to bring renewal to their churches, communities, and nations.
He declared: “You are a generation that is going to awaken your nation.”
His message called participants not merely to wait for revival, but to become young people through whom God can bring spiritual awakening.
Twelve Lives, One Powerful Testimony
One of the most significant moments of the conference was the Baptism Service. Although baptism is not usually part of a youth conference program, 12 young people chose to publicly declare their commitment to follow Christ.
As each young person entered the water, the congregation responded with celebration, prayer, and worship. Friends, leaders, and fellow participants gathered around them, affirming their decision and welcoming them into a new chapter of their journey with Christ.
For many, the number twelve also carried special significance, bringing to mind the twelve disciples whom Jesus called to follow Him and carry His message to the world.
More than another activity in the conference schedule, the baptism became a living picture of holy surrender—young people choosing to give their lives to Christ and responding to His call to follow wherever He leads.
The day ended with a bonfire, where participants gathered for fellowship, laughter, music, and opportunities to share their talents. After several days of worship, teaching, workshops, and reflection, the informal gathering allowed the young people to enjoy one another’s company and strengthen friendships across cultures and countries.
Reclaiming Identity and Remembering Who We Are
On the fourth day, Rev. Josefin Ano-os led the morning plenary with the message “Reclaiming Your True Self.”
She challenged the young people to look beyond the images, expectations, and standards often promoted through social media. She reminded them that their value cannot be measured by likes, followers, appearance, popularity, or online approval.
Instead, she encouraged them to see themselves through God’s eyes and embrace the person He created them to be. True identity, she reminded them, is not found in comparison or performance, but in a secure relationship with Christ.
The afternoon continued with workshops and activities designed to help participants process what they had learned and consider how they could apply it when they returned home. Conversations throughout the conference addressed real issues facing young people, while leaders provided spiritual guidance, encouragement, and practical tools.
During the evening service, Rev. Janary Suyat shared the message “Sons and Daughters of God,” drawing from the story of the prodigal son.
Through this familiar story, she reminded the young people of their identity and place within God’s family. She pointed them toward the love of a Father who seeks His children, restores them, and welcomes them home.
The fourth day also brought a different kind of celebration through NazGala, sponsored by The Cause. Dressed in their finest, the young people celebrated their individuality, friendships, and the beauty of being uniquely created by God.
The event provided a joyful space for participants to connect, take photographs, enjoy one another’s company, and celebrate the relationships formed throughout the conference.
Honoring Faithful Service
The final evening carried a deep sense of gratitude—not only for what God had done throughout the conference, but also for those who had faithfully invested their lives in the next generation.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the recognition of Rev. Elsid Paragas as a recipient of the Timothy Award.
Rev. Paragas served for 12 years as the Philippines-Micronesia Field Youth Coordinator, faithfully walking alongside, mentoring, encouraging, and investing in generations of young people. His recognition honored a ministry shaped by long-term commitment, discipleship, and a deep belief in the potential of young leaders.
The conference also celebrated the many youth leaders, volunteers, coordinators, speakers, worship teams, facilitators, and ministry partners whose faithful service made the gathering possible.
Their work behind the scenes—from registration and transportation to worship, workshops, technical support, meals, security, and pastoral care—created an environment in which young people could encounter God and build meaningful relationships.
Moving Forward in Holy Surrender
On the final day, Global NYI Coordinator Rev. David Gonzalez challenged participants to carry the message of the conference with them as they returned to their homes, churches, schools, workplaces, and communities.
He reminded them:
“Holy surrender is choosing to keep moving—but moving with God. It means trusting His timing, following His direction, and taking the next step when He says it is time.”
His words offered a fitting conclusion to five days centered on surrender.
The conference concluded with worship, prayer, reflection, and a commissioning of young people to live out what they had received. Participants were encouraged not to leave the message of holy surrender in Tagaytay, but to embody it in their everyday decisions, relationships, ministries, and witness.
The young people came from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds. They worshiped together, prayed for one another, shared their stories, celebrated their differences, attended workshops, listened to God’s Word, and witnessed lives being transformed.
They now return home carrying more than memories from a conference. They return with new friendships, deeper faith, practical tools for ministry, and a renewed invitation to live in holy surrender—not simply as a theme experienced for five days, but as a daily decision to trust God, follow His direction, and keep moving with Him.
The conference may have ended, but the call continues:
Surrender. Keep moving. Let God awaken this generation.
