Elevate - A Youth Experience

I remember the first time i attended Elevate. I was invited by my friend Albert whom i met through borrowing his pants when i forgot to bring mine. Anyway, he told me there was this place where youth come to worship and at the same time have fun. Now this is not like anything I've ever heard of but i agreed to accompany him anyway. The following day, Albert and i commuted to Molito in Alabang Muntinlupa. Then i realized this was the church my folks used to take me to when i was a kid, Christ Commission Fellowship or CCf for short.

So we took the elevator to the 3rd floor, Inside was some kind of waiting room where the youth could relax and be entertained while waiting for the service to start. As we waited, there were a lot of teenagers who were entering the room. To my surprise, the hosts were also teenagers who were entertaining the youth by playing games and singing songs. After a few minutes, they announced that the doors were open. Then i thought, what does that mean? All of the sudden everybody got up and rushed upstairs to the main hall. I was a little confused at first and at the same time pumped, good thing Albert grabbed my hand and yanked me upstairs.

The main hall looked more like a Theatre than an ordinary church podium. It was loud and modern, there were so many lights flashing in different colors, not to mention the art designs and sound system. Then i thought to myself, is this a church or a concert? Then as the lights dimmed everybody began to shout as a song played. The song was called "Wake" by the band Planetshakers. Then i finally understand why they called it that. So Albert once again grabbed me and pulled me into the crowd. I was so surprised to see everyone jumping and singing while raising their hands. So this is what its like to be a Christian. I felt something, i felt like crying and at the same time smile as i listened to the songs. Little did i know that it was the presence of God.

After a couple of songs the announcer spoke some motivational words about God and how our problems are smaller than we think. I was curious at that time and didn't know where to place my faith. After that we finally got back to our seats. There were games, prizes and song numbers which i have to admit was very enjoyable. Then the lights dimmed and people began to shout. I asked Dhon who is that? is that the pastor or a famous actor. then Albert told me; This guy is good, listen to him.
His name was Daniel Carandag or as he's called, Kuya Dan. He was in his mid 20's, lean, fit and didn't look famous. But alot of people seem to know him, then i realized why.

Usually services are looked upon as boring and dull, but not this one no. It was more of a motivational seminar and my ears could relate to every word he said. Kuya Dan spoke about Jesus and why he died for our sins, why God loved us more than anything in this world, why we should surrender our lives to Christ. I used to think that this was all a bunch of ritualistic mumbo jumbo but then Kuya Dan said these exact words which changed my life forever "Christianity is not a religion, It is a personal relationship with God" I was immediately stunned at what he said.

When i got home i had time to reflect on that very phrase "A personal relationship with God" So i grabbed my bible and read some stories from the book of John then began to pray. I cried and expressed all of the pain, the hardships, the trials and challenges. There and then i surrendered my life to Jesus. It was such an amazing experience for me, and i had my friend Albert to thank. There's a purpose for everything that happens. Why we are born, the way we live, the way we struggle and the way we see the world. For me, There's no such thing as mere coincidence. Just simply the act of God.

Photo (c) https://www.facebook.com/ElevateAlabang/?fref=photo
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