On 15th September 2025, Christ’s Youth in Action (CYA) Penang joyfully celebrated their milestone 10th year anniversary at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang with the theme ‘Called, Yielded & Anointed’ inspired by Philippians 1:6 - “He who began a good work in you will carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. The celebrations with Christ-centered fellowship, praise & worship, inspiring talk, personal testimonies and BBQ dinner with lots of youthful fun.
His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, sent his heartfelt congratulations and blessings reminding us that: Youth is not the Future - they are the Present!
Joining in the celebrations were Rev. Fr. Francis Anthony, resident priest at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Brother Vincent Lim, Presiding Elder of the Covenanted for Christ Community (CFCC), Brother Peter Legaspi or affectionately called ‘Brad Pete’ who is the CYA Manila Director and Kairos Missionary, Christopher Kushi, Mark Chong and members of CFCC.
The celebrations were led by Esther Loh and Fabian Morais and together with Jeremy Lim, Mabel Tan, Elizabeth Kau, they shared testimonies, each down to earth, deeply moving and a testament of God’s transformative work at CYA. Kudos for their sharing as sharing is enlightening us to face similar trials. This is truly a Christ Youth in Action celebration, where from the musicians, attendees and sharing of food, the brotherhood and sisterhood spirit in Christ can be seen and felt.
Peter Jess Legaspi, who journeyed from Manila to be part of the celebration, has walked alongside CYA Penang since its inception. He offered insights into the theme Called, Yielded, Anointed. As proclaimed by St. Paul in Philippians 1:16 - God is at work in us now. First, we are called- God chose and appointed us (John 15:16). Setting us apart for his Kingdom. Second, we are yielded like the Blessed Virgin Mary who said “Yes” to God. We are invited to surrender our lives with integrity, courage and service. Thirdly we are anointed – empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear lasting fruit, to witness boldly and even embrace daily sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Further, he exhorts everyone that our anniversary celebration is a renewal of our “Yes” to God to bring into completion what God has begun in you to serve in way you never imagined.
Vincent Lim, the Presiding Elder, addressing the youths, ask all to give glory to God for His faithfulness and abundant blessings from the early beginnings to the vibrant community CYA Penang is today. God has truly transformed your lives and empowered you to serve. Today we celebrate the sacrifice of early youth leaders and dedicated young supporters from Taiping, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, for the time, energy and sacrifice spent in the growth of CYA Penang. Vincent also reflected on the word ‘Yielded’ which is surrendering to God’s Will, the importance of humility, total commitment and recognizing that God’s ways are higher than our ways. We are Called to Yield and Anointed to advance the Kingdom of God here on earth. Wishing all a Happy 10th anniversary and thank past leaders like Jeremy Lim and all the present leaders led by Esther Loh.
CYA is an arm of the CFCC, affiliated with the Sword of the Spirit. They started as Kairos Malaysia and after experiencing Kairos Arise 2015 and led by the Holy Spirit and with support from the CYA Movement, the CYA Penang was officially founded on 14th June 2015.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we pray that CYA Penang continues to be a beacon of light, transforming the lives of youths in Christ, evangelizing and training leaders for the service of the Church. In this fast-paced digital age, where youths are constantly connected with each other 24/7 via digital social communications, they don’t need more connections; they need a Christ-centered community where they can experience love, laughter, touch, warmth and care!
Here’s to the next decade of Christ’s Youth in Action – growing stronger, deeper and welcoming more to be Called, Yielded, and Anointed in Christ’s Mission on earth.
By Christopher Kushi
