Sunday, 10 August 2025 marked a significant moment in the history of Calvary Church – our first-ever Youth Day at Calvary.  The youth didn’t just attend church service — they led it.

Inspired by Romans 12:11’s “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord”, “GEN ZEAL” went beyond celebrating youth. It was a declaration that the younger generation has a vital, God-given role in energising His Church. 

The excitement in the air was palpable, tangible from the moment people arrived at the Calvary Convention Centre. Youth and young adults stationed themselves at all the entrances, from the main doors to the escalators, the plaza, and every possible access point into the sanctuary, offering warm smiles, enthusiastic greetings, and providing newcomers with welcome packs. The youthful presence was intentional; whether greeting parents, children, guests, or regular church members, the genuine joy and hospitality set the tone for what would be a deeply impactful day.

The highlight of the morning was the service. From the worship to the sermon, every element was prepared and delivered by the upcoming generation, reflecting their heart for God and His people.

Pastor Michael Loon delivered a stirring message titled “Lit for Life,”  unpacking the three stages of spiritual zeal:

1. Zeal starts with an encounter – Pastor Mike reminded us that genuine passion for God is birthed from encountering His presence, not from performance or pressure.
2. Zeal is sustained by fuel – Scripture, community, worship and discipline are what keep the fire burning long after the emotional highs fade.
3. Zeal spreads when you show up – Our faith becomes contagious when we show up, just like how Paul wrote letters expressing his zeal when he could not show up physically.

“Zeal is a holy fire that God wants to ignite in every heart,” exhorted Pastor Mike, calling the church to fan the flames.

Following the message, three young people shared how zeal for the Lord had taken root in their lives:

• James Guneratnam, a young man serving in the Royal Rangers and Church Communications (Photography) ministries, spoke about how God uses anyone who shows up, even behind the camera: “When we say yes to God to do small things, He can use us to do more than we expect. Zeal spreads when we show up and do our part.”
• Chelsea Chin, another youth leader who serves in Calvary Youth, testified about how encountering God through His Word, prayer, worship, and being in a community grew her faith: “Continue to press on, even if you’re in a dry season. God is a keeper of His Word because if you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him.”
• Yuen Tze Svenn, a young youth leader serving in Calvary Youth and OneVoice, shared how zeal was a product of her quiet obedience from encountering God in the ordinary, and how she was transformed and blessed as a result: “You don’t have to be perfect, God meets us even in exhaustion and hidden seasons. He can encounter you right where you are.”

Their stories, raw and real, were an unequivocal testament to how God is actively moving among our younger generation today.

As the message concluded, the atmosphere shifted into one of dedication and consecration. Deacon Chow Sang Hoe was invited to pray over the youth at the altar — a deeply moving moment as hands were laid, tears were shed, and lives were committed.

Subsequently, Samuel Ng led the rest of the congregation in prayer, covering the entire church body for a heart of unity and a shared burden to raise, support, and run alongside the next generation.

Following the service, the festivities continued in the foyer. Youths served handmade lemonade, which disappeared almost as fast as it was poured. The much-anticipated Waka-Waka Gelato carts drew long queues, quickly becoming a firm favourite of families and children alike. Alongside these refreshments, regular drinks and snacks created a warm space for everyone to mingle and enjoy fellowship. There was also a podcast station for youths to share the things they felt zealous for. Information counters were also set up for youth-based ministries such as Calvary Youth, OneVoice, Royal Rangers and Missionettes.

By 11:30am, just before the afternoon Youth Zone event kicked off, all young people were invited to collect their free McDonald’s snacks outside the Multipurpose Hall (MPH), a treat many looked forward to!

Inside the MPH, energy levels kicked into high gear with a couple of icebreakers led by our enthusiastic youth emcees. From a lively group dance to a hilarious rock-paper-scissors “snake” game, laughter and fellowship filled the room.

A short briefing followed, introducing the participants to the day’s main activity — seven interactive booths, each designed to create meaningful conversations and connections through shared interests:
🎨 Graphic Design
🎲 Board Games
💃 Dance
🎧 Music & Mixing
📖 Bible Discussion
💼 Career Exploration
📸 Photography

Each booth, manned by youth and young adults, created avenues for deeper engagement, mentorship, and discovery. Whether it was learning a new dance move, discussing faith over Scripture, or exploring creative interests, the heart behind it all was simple: to build real, lasting community.

Youth Day 2025 painted a picture of what the church can look like when every generation works together in unity. We praise God for all that He has done through Youth Day, and we look forward to what comes next.

To God be all the glory!