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Leaders’ Training Programme, Europe The Jesus Youth Leadership Training Programme for Europe was held at Ark of Covenant, Diocesan Centre for Prayer and Evangelisation, Coventry, UK from the 20th to 23rd July 2006. Participants for the training included 56 Jesus Youth leaders from UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy along with Rev. Fr. Sebastian Arikat - Pastor JY UK, Rev. Fr. Sony Palathara - Pastor JY Ireland, and Rev. Sr. Ancila Tharappel – Animator JY UK. This training was held as part of the global vision of the Jesus Youth International Team to equip Jesus Youth leaders of each continent with indispensable resources and zeal to evangelise with new fervour, expression and method. Jude Antoine from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Colin Calmiano from Banglore, India - two Catholic lay missionaries and effective trainers in leadership and ministry were the resource persons for the programme. The commitment, sacrifice, zeal and personal testimony of these two men spoke to the hearts of everyone who attended. 
“For the Kingdom of God depends not on mere talk but power” (1Cor 4: 20). Ten power-packed sessions full of new insights and challenges were presented to the leaders, provoking them to think beyond their current level, as they continue their journey as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God in this world. Small group discussions, time for personal prayer, Adoration and Eucharistic Celebration, along with the availability of priests for those who wanted to make the sacrament of confession in the quite corners of the centre and its gardens, - all added colour to this training programme despite the hot weather. Presence of Mr. Manoj Sunny, the JY International Co-ordinator was beneficial in forming a new three-phase vision for the activities of JY Europe focused on initiation, formation and a European Convention planned for next year. This is what some of the participants had to say : “JY Leaders Training was an occasion to look back and evaluate how much I have responded to the call as a true disciple of Christ. The Spirit filled sessions and living witnesses of both the preachers have challenged me to a higher level of commitment and faithfulness to the Master's call. The interaction with the leaders from different countries has given us a common vision, and new direction to our activities in Europe.” Rojo James, Germany "The Leaders' Training aptly met the need of the hour. It made us re-align our priorities according to God's will in our lives. We also realized the importance of focusing on living as true disciples. These were truly moments of grace.” - Sunitha & Anil Israel, Germany “The idea that struck me most was the importance of being a disciple before a leader. It gave a whole new dimension to leadership for me”. Dorin Symon, UK “The talks about constants, setting goals and priorities of life were very fruitful”. Shibu C V, UK Report compiled by Ajesh Abraham, UK.
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