2006 National Youth Conference

Jonty Jerome and Richmond Christian

INDIA BRETHREN TRAVEL FARTHEST TO ATTEND NYC
For Richmond Christian and Jonty Jerome, who traveled halfway around the world from India to take part in National Youth Conference, the peace and unity of Christ are cemented through service and ministry.

Christian is a member of the Church of North India (CNI) in the city of Valsad, and is in his first year of college. Jerome is a member of the Brethren church in the same city. Some might find their friendship a little surprising because representatives of CNI and the India Brethren have been locked in a lawsuit over property ownership for many years.

But none of that matters to the youth of both groups, who know each other as friends, according to Christian and Jerome. “Me and Jonty know nothing about the conflict,” said Christian.

The two added that the Christians in India, who represent only three percent of the population, actively minister to all people. “And when there is natural calamity we help all the people,” said Christian. “When there is a disaster religion doesn’t matter. We forget about our differences in religion to help each other out.”

This cooperation is reflected in their relationships with people of different religions and castes. “Some people wonder how we can talk to each other, but this is the way we spread the good news,” Jerome said.

“Yes,” Christian added. “The people have heard about Jesus but they don’t know anything about him. When we help each other out, this is our chance to tell them.”

The two are sponsored at NYC by Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren and the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and are enjoying themselves immensely. They are looking forward to reporting about National Youth Conference to their church youth groups at home.

–Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren