First-ever gathering of francophone youth took place in Canada’s Eastern Townships with the theme “We are no longer strangers.”
Two things are clear from the gathering of francophone youth, La rencontre nationale des jeunes francophones du Canada (Ré-unis), held at Jouvence, QC, November 29‒December 1.
One: There is an eagerness among francophone youth to gather together in one place as the United Church.
Two: Francophones are not just from Nakonha:ka region; many of the youth who attended were also from Shining Waters and Eastern Ontario Outaouais regions.
More than 100 youth enthusiastically participated; they were divided into groups of under age 13 and older than age 13. More than 95 percent were from French-speaking African communities in Canada.
“All the participants were so happy for the event. The kids had a wonderful time during that weekend and are eager that another youth event should be organized again as soon as possible,” says Ruth Sandeu, Adjointe à la programmation des ministères en français, Église Unie du Canada, who organized the event with Shanna Bernier, Responsable du ministère des jeunes et des jeunes adultes de la Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council. “They celebrated their faith and connected with other French-speaking youth through songs, praise, and worship. We saw an actual church of communion during this weekend.”
During the weekend, the youth heard from Éric Hebert-Daly, Regional Council Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais, and Nakonha:ka regional councils, and Jennifer Henry, Executive Minister for Organizational Development and Strategy. Participants also shared in worship, icebreakers, workshops, presenters, and panels, all around the theme “We are no longer strangers.”
On Saturday, other speakers joined the participants, including Martin Bellerose, Jean Daniel Ó Donnċaḋa, Noubissi Luc, Marie-Claude Manga, Isaac Kamta, Kofi Akoussah, Mepoubong Floriane, Bukam Florence, and Samuel Dansokho.
On the final day, they worshipped and ate together, along with parents in attendance, with Plymouth Trinity United Church at Jouvence, during which messages from the Moderator and General Secretary were read. The event left the adults who attended feeling energized, says Sandeu, and certain that the next event will bring even more youth out.
“For the ones who are in immigrant churches and involved in current social issues,” she says, “we’re observing a revival.”