By Inaliza Nongbyrsaw

Shillong, March 18, 2020: It is with a sense of joy and love that I share my experience working as an editor for the National Youth Commission, Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI), for the past two years.

I recall the day of my appointment which was unexpected. I was excited when chosen as the editor. All my life, I have loved the experience as a youth and now as a national leader.

God truly used me as a special instrument for His kingdom during this tenure.

There is something special about stepping out of one’s comfort zone, meeting and interacting with young people from different parts of India and working for the betterment of society at large.

I feel honored to have met the youth and discuss with them the issues and concerns that are similar to my culture and lifestyle. I am privileged to get in touch with young people from across the globe. I will always cherish and appreciate the opportunities throughout my life.

I have learned to communicate, adapt, learn and cope with different cultures, food habits and weather conditions. I have enjoyed working with many youths from diverse backgrounds. It is through these interactions with various cultures that my world view has widened dramatically.

At the start of my journey in the youth ministry as a national leader, there was skimpy support from my family. But today they are proud of me. Not only did the experience ignite my enthusiasm to work in the youth movement, but it reminded me of the key to success.

As was expected, the challenges I did face along the way were many. Some were to be faithful and patient, to wait for articles and publish them and always try to finish the work on time.

Managing many roles and time was not so easy. Since I am the eldest daughter, I have to look after the family. Moreover, I am also given a charge to oversee the functioning of the executive members of many movements (including social and political life). These responsibilities did affect my time management.

I also feel the pressure to perform. As a national leader, all expect me to perform well.

Another challenge was the need for effective communication. I had some problems with language since I could not understand Hindi properly.

It was also a challenging environment that lived and worked with. I am from Shillong, the state of Meghalaya, a northeastern Indian state. The food habits and weather conditions were different from the places I had to travel.

The next aspect was something to do with the self-image. Self-esteem can impact one’s life. Some may believe they are unworthy of the post.

I was also equally concerned with safety measures. As a northeasterner, I was always alone in my travels so it was risky and I had some fear.

Above all, what bothered me the most was the financial status. I had many problems with finance especially while traveling and managing my expenditures since I left my job and dedicated myself to a full-time youth ministry.

Although the work was tough, the experience has been memorable and distinct in my life.

As I look back, I am reminded of an incident.

One day, when I was told to share my experience in one of the diocesan youth conventions in the North East Region, I was so nervous. After one year, when I went again to that same diocese as a resource person. During the break time, one young person came to me and told me that she was inspired and touched by my sharing.

She also informed me that she is now an animator of the Young Catholic Students (YCS) movement and also an active youth leader. [The YCS is a student movement under the guidance of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement. As a movement YCS walks in the footsteps of Jesus to build the kingdom of God in the present world; its main objective is to spread peace, love and brotherhood in society].

She also told me I dared to come and tell you that you have changed my life, so think of those youth who are feeling shy to come and meet you. She also told me, “Many youths have changed because of you.”

I was so overwhelmed and touched when I heard these words from her. Tears of joy and happiness flowed from my eyes.

If ever I was able to touch people’s lives and inspire them, it was not all my competence or skill. I give my credit to God and a number of people who have extended their support to me, including my parents, CCBI Youth Commission officials, bishops, priests, nuns, Catholic Youth Movement leaders and others. I am grateful to them.

Finally, this is the conviction that drives me to move on in life. Let us not look down upon the efforts that an individual can make. The little step we take signifies a great stride for the youth ministry. Rest when you surrender everything to God, who takes you from nowhere to everywhere and from zero to infinity. Just experience God’s love in every moment of your life and let Him work through you for the good of the youth ministry and church at large.

[Inaliza Nongbyrsaw worked as the national editor of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (2018-2020).]