Fifty-six participants from across Malaysia gathered from August 28–30 for a three-day Youth Alive Facilitators’ Training, equipping them as facilitators for Youth Alive, a camp-like programme designed to build resilience among teens and young adults by guiding them to navigate through fear and toward the assurance of Christ’s unfailing love.
Organized by Adventist Malaysia Health Ministries, the training focused on the “UNDEFEATED” module, created by invited trainer Marvin Marcelino, and rooted in Romans 8:35–39. The module reminds young people that nothing—not failure, criticism, rejection, betrayal, or abandonment—can separate them from the love of Christ.
Marcelino served as lead trainer alongside Dr. Jane Yap, Tabitha Andrews, and Ann Tan. Participants experienced devotionals, seminars, energizers/songs, and interactive group activities designed to mirror the actual Youth Alive experience. Each activity was followed by reflection and processing, helping facilitators understand not only what to do, but why each activity matters to the young people they will serve.
The training addressed five common fears among young people: fear of failure, criticism, rejection, trust, and abandonment. Facilitators were equipped to approach students, listen intentionally, respond appropriately, and help them reframe their thoughts through a Christ-centred perspective. The goal was not simply to help young people overcome fear, but to help them recognize God’s unfailing love and understand that nothing can separate them from Christ.
For Sharon Villamor, the experience was both meaningful and transformative. “It was such a meaningful experience—equal parts exciting and humbling,” she said. “I got to guide, listen, and support the youth. Seeing them open up and grow made every moment worth it.”
Villamor also shared how the experience strengthened her own capacity to serve. “It built my confidence and taught me how to truly listen and understand others. It also deepened my own faith. Guiding others drew me closer to God, too,” she said.
For Dexi, a first-time facilitator, the experience brought a mixture of excitement and responsibility. “Being a facilitator was a mix of fun, excitement, as well as a little intensity,” Dexi shared. The fun came largely through interacting with team members and facilitating activities, while the challenge came from being responsible for the team’s time management and overall flow.
The three-day preparation proved valuable in helping Dexi and many others understand both the activities and their deeper purpose. “The training has indeed helped me personally to comprehend what games and activities will be conducted and why, especially for the processing part,” Dexi explained. “It well-equipped me with proper preparation, especially in understanding what is expected of me as a facilitator.”
More than preparing facilitators to conduct activities, the training emphasized connection, listening, and spiritual mentorship. Its ultimate goal is to help young people recognize that their fears do not define them and that, through Christ, they can live undefeated.
As the Adventist Malaysia Youth Alive core team continues to invest in training young adults for the Youth Alive programmes, these facilitators are being trained not simply to lead programmes, but to walk alongside youths, listen to their stories, and point them to Jesus—the One whose love never lets go.
Reported by Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department
17, September 2026, Thursday.