Matters India Reporter
Manila, April 3, 2020 — A student of theology in the Philippines has come up with a novel way to reach young people through his video ministry covering hot topics for youth.
Young people in Cambodia receive invitations from this first year student of theology Salesian cleric John Bosco Phen Nary popularly known as John Nary stating “Follow me! – Like! – Share!”
Any one visiting two-month-old ‘LIFE-SHARING’ Facebook pages (started on 10 February 2020) of 33 year old Salesian seminarian from Cambodia now studying in Don Bosco School of Theology, Parañaque City in the Philippines is greeted with “Welcome to Life-Sharing page! We are sharing our experiences of Love, Faith and Hope.”
Adding a note of caution Br. Nary says, “However we are also sharing the morality of stories and values to all people, especially young people… May God bless you all!”
“Actually nobody told me to enter into this digital-play-field with young people. I was just inspired by God and Don Bosco! I just started it two months ago!,” says Br. Nary who is both editor and administrator of ‘Life-Sharing’ week-end productions thanking his superiors and companions for their encouragement.
Br Nary explains his video ministry concept saying, “Actually, It’s my first time to make these videos as a Life-Sharing ministry. Here are my 3 simple methods: first, choosing a topic or quote from the Gospels or Don Bosco’s life; second, using the language of the young, and third, conclude the show with values of life.”
‘Ask Life Sharing’ section of the FB page has two options for young people seeking immediate assistance. First option asks: Is anyone available to chat? Second option says: I have a question. Can you help?
Among the collection of 16 short videos (as of 3 April 2020) one finds topics like: How to chose your friends? What to do when you get angry? How do you love your friends? How do you love your parents? Why do we need to have a spiritual guide? How to find your precious value (not money)? What is the value of your life? or A message to young about love. What does it mean prayer, fasting and almsgiving? What religion is the best in the world? How to chose a better life?”
Each zero budget video clip is usually less than 5 minutes long. The Life Sharing videos are available now only in Khemer language of Cambodia.
“I’m planning in the near future to produce English language version of these videos as I have been receiving many comments from young people,” says Br. Nary citing comments from young people.
“Dear Br. John, thank you very much for sharing experience of life with me! I love your Life-Sharing Videos very much! Please keep it [coming] on!,” wrote an 18 year old girl student So Ly.
While another student 16 year old boy Sophanoun wrote, “Thanks brother, I was touching (sic) by your videos, I have never seen it before, I love to listen to your Life-Sharing. Keep it on! Missing you brother!”
“I found these short video clips of ‘Life-Sharing’ very creative and well done!! Very good and up dated contents, attractive visually, and educative!! I will share these videos with our Social Communication Sector Team. I think that short videos like these, will have a good impact and will pass on the message [of love, faith and hope],” says the newly elected Salesian General Councilor for Social Communications (2020-2026) Brazilian Fr Gildásio Mendes dos Santos, commenting and congratulating Br. Nary’s video ministry. END