YMCA England & Wales Global Link

First Morning at 19th YMCA World Council

Following a fairly early rise for breakfast at 7am with our national delegation, we crammed into a local red taxi to be taken back to the Empress Hotel. It was here that Purity Kiguatha led what seemed to be almost the whole World Council in a morning devotion – a time constituting fantastic worship, meaningful prayer and a powerful message on our creation for good purposes. This was begun by another traditional Thai dance.

Particularly poignant moments of the devotionals included Ernestine’s awe-inspiring rendition of Sinach’s ‘Waymaker’, as well as the morning’s inspirational art, which was an Indonesian sculpture placed underwater to help create a new coral reef, at a time of shrinking coral populations; truly important reminders of the consequences of our choices, and of our place as humanity.
An almost seamless transition into Johan V. Eltvik’s final speech as Secretary General ensued, during which, Johan took the entire room on a journey through his experiences of the last 4 years in his now-concluding role. Citing the 4 year old Our Way strategy, emphasising the incredible movement for youth empowerment and recounting fascinating memories of his time as Secretary General, it was indisputably a speech of global proportions, with memories from all across the planet, united by the YMCA. Through the videos, the ambiguous essence of the slogan “YE [youth empowerment] 4 Good” was really driven home, as the lasting impact of our work was demonstrated, whilst the powerful metaphor of seeing through the eyes of George Williams (our founder) was cleverly used with the presentation of the glasses themselves, even despite them not quite fitting Johan :)

Following this, a short coffee break, and then for voting delegates and observers, the business agenda. This is a time for tabling amendments to the constitution, and then for those voting to do so. While this overran, eventually helping to contribute to the group photo’s cancellation, it extension initiated an impromptu hokey-kokey, call and response activities, and singing. (much to the amusement of all those too 'boring' to join in!). However, any disappointment at its postponement was surely overcome by the prospect of lunch, anticipation for A/C, and high expectations for the afternoon. The photo shoot took place shortly afterwards.
 

(Joseph Clay) England & Wales

Monday 9^th July 2018