SAGC 2009 Report

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South Asian Global Convention 2009 (SAGC 2009)
July 22-26, 2009 - SINGAPORE
Third Trans-Denominational and International Christian Gathering for South Asian Youth and Young Adults for Mission Mobilization

"This day is sacred to our Lord." Nehemiah 8:10c

The third international gathering of South Asian Christian youth, young adults, and ministry leaders from around the world took place in Singapore from July 22nd -26th, 2009 at the South Asian Global Convention 2009 (SAGC 2009). The theme chosen for this third convention was "Beyond Boundaries" based on Isaiah 54:2

In July of 2001, God laid a vision in the hearts of various leaders of the South Asian diaspora for a new and relevant work aimed at the present and next generation of young South Asians. With this goal in mind, a core group was formed of South Asian ministry leaders and advisory council members from different countries and denominations. These individuals joined their hearts in fervent prayer for God's wisdom and creativity to turn this vision into a reality. And so was born South Asian Connection and plans for the first South Asian Global Convention. The very historic SAGC 2004 was held in Vancouver, Canada followed by SAGC 2007 in London, United Kingdom.

The objectives of SAGC 2009 were five-fold:

     To celebrate in worship our eternal God
     To challenge Christian South Asian youth and young adults to embrace the Great Commission
     To equip Christian South Asian youth and young adults to work locally but to think globally in evangelism
     To communicate ideas, strategies and resources
     To provide opportunities for relationship building and networking

There were fifteen different missions organizations and specific South Asian youth ministries represented at SAGC 2009 through informative Exhibit Booths and Video Presentations. Each generously made their resources available to interested delegates. Some of these include Parivar International, Christian Broadcasting Network, GEMS Missions, Operation Mobilization, Passion to Reach Ministries, Urban India Ministries and The Orphanage Project.

The SAGC 2009 experience was further enhanced through the "Eco-Urban Tour of Singapore"- a half-day sightseeing tour of the major tourist sites of Singapore including walking tours of Serangoon Road, the Esplanande Marina Bay WaterFront and the Padang. Each participant was encouraged to pray and bless at least three people that they meet during their walking tour of Singapore. The SAGC 2009 participants worshiped the Lord in the public parks with songs, prayers and prophetic declarations to be a "Beyond Boundaries" blessing to the nations. It was a memorable experience as SAGC blessed Singapore and the countries of the southern hemisphere at the strategic point of Mount Faber and countries of the northern hemisphere at the strategic point of the Kranji Dam.

SAGC 2009 was experienced by about 350 delegates and invited guests between the ages of 16 and 45, varying from students to young urban professionals and ministry leaders, representing over fifteen different denominations. All evening and the Sunday plenary sessions were open to the public who thoroughly enjoyed the SAGC mission experience.

The South Asian diaspora is spread out in many parts of the world thus making SAGC 2009 a truly global experience. Delegates came from many different nations including Canada, Australia, India, Kenya, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, New Zealand, Myanmar, Pakistan, Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Scotland, United Kingdom and the United States. The following South Asian language groups were also represented: Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalee, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Sinhalese, Bihari, Bengali and Urdu. SAGC 2009 brought socio-cultural and spiritual unity amidst a great diversity of the South Asian diaspora to the glory of God.

SAGC 2009 was conducted entirely in the English language with the theme song "He Reigns" by Newsboys. The SAGC 2009 program consisted of seven plenary sessions, thirty-six seminars, six talk-show style interviews, seven different worship bands, a talent night and twelve video presentations of God's work locally and globally among the South Asian diaspora.

The keynote plenary speakers and topics allocated who spoke on the "Beyond Boundaries" theme were as follows:
     "Beyond Borders" - Ernest Victor - Chaplain of St. Martin's Anglican Church from United Arab Emirates
     "Beyond Excellence" - Dr George Kovoor, Chaplain to the Queen of England and Principal of Trinity College Bristol from United Kingdom
     "Beyond Fears and Failures" - Sungeeta Jain - Founder of The Orphanage Project from USA, India
     "Beyond Imagination"  - Mr. Glenn Knight - Lawyer from Singapore
     "Beyond Socio-Economic Structures" - Datuk Denison Jayasooria - Principal Research Fellow from Malaysia
     "Beyond Strongholds" - Pastor Kulbal Singh - Pastor/ Revivalist from Australia
     "Beyond the Visible" - Bhab Bahadur Ghale - General Secretary of United Vision Nepal from Nepal

Each of the speakers delivered relevant and challenging messages inspiring the delegates to become visionary, mission-focused leaders, as they purpose in their hearts to serve God in this generation.

A large number of young people made public and private commitments to serve God's purposes locally and globally wherever God may take them. Our prayer is that God will birth many more visions, dreams and strategies transforming each SAGC 2009 delegate into world-changers and history-makers for the South Asian community and beyond.

It was unanimously expressed that SAGC 2009 was a blessing from God with inspiring examples to follow, practical ideas to implement, and lasting friendships to develop. Delegates were equally impressed with the organization of SAGC 2009. The organizers are commended for their spirit of professionalism and excellence. Hearts were full of gratitude towards all the pastors, mission agency leaders and brothers and sisters in the worldwide community, who have graciously contributed to see the gospel presented to the South Asian community in a culturally-relevant, Bible-based and Spirit-led way.

The major monetary contributors for SAGC 2009 were Christian, Sikh and Hindu friends who gave the bulk of finances to sponsor and undertake the costs of holding a first rate convention. May the Lord bless these Sikh and Hindu partners with favor, finances and a faith revelation of who Jesus is. To those Christians and Christian marketplace professionals and individuals who supported SAGC 2009, we extend our gratitude to you. We would also like to record that only one South Asian Tamil church financially supported SAGC 2009.

We put on record our deepest gratitude and thanks to TEAM SAGC consisting both of the local Singapore team as well as a dedicated team of international volunteers for hosting SAGC 2009 and making it a success. Each of them did a phenomenal job of owning the vision of SAGC and going the extra mile to host a quality convention in Singapore.

Future plans for South Asian Connection include holding local, city-wide or country-wide South Asian events for youth and young adults in 2010 in the delegates country of origin, followed by an International SAGC 2011 in a yet to be disclosed location.

SAGC 2004 was held in Vancouver, Canada
SAGC 2007 was held in London, United Kingdom
SAGC 2009 was held in Singapore
SAGC 2011 - city location will be announced soon.

Last word from Rev. Dr. TV Thomas, Advisor, SAGC 2009 and Co-Chair International Network of South Asian Diaspora Leaders (INSADL) -

"Why did a man whose physical stature was only five feet and two inches, born in Northampton, England become recognized as the "Father of Modern Missions"? The reason was because William Carey in 1792 was willing to go "Beyond Boundaries" to teach, preach and translate the Scriptures in India. The biblical roots of Carey's well-known motto for life "EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD, ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD" was from Isaiah 54:2-3. "Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left and your descendants will possess nations and will resettle the desolate cities." With all the intercessory prayer undergirding the preparation for SAGC 2009 we can expect great things from God. With the amazing team of SAGC 2009 resource personnel, including plenary speakers, seminar leaders and worship teams, God is going to enlarge our vision, energize our faith, and explore new horizons. Let's believe and pray that each one of us will leave SAGC 2009 to attempt great things for God! "

CONCLUSION

For more information regarding South Asian Connection and future events, you are encouraged to visit South Asian Connection website at

To view the SAGC 2009 slideshow and videos capturing the highlights and reflections of this historic event, click here or view Mr.Bilson blogspot at http://mrbilson.blogspot.com

 

"Remember us for this, O our God, and do not blot out what we have so faithfully done for the house of our God and its services. Remember us with favor, O my God". Nehemiah 13:14, 31b

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done.
The things You planned for us no one can recount to You;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5

Glory to God in the Highest for SAGC 2009.

Feedback of SAGC 2009 Singapore

"SAGC 2009 is a pivotal cornerstone in missions among South Asians. This synergistic gathering of South Asian believers has helped identify areas of the world - both urban and rural - that desperately need the gospel. It has also helped establish fresh ideas and strategies to effectively evangelize these areas."
- Wilson Mathews, Youth Pastor. Vancouver, Canada

"SAGC 2009 gave me an opportunity to build relationships with the South Asian diaspora and their mission engagements in different parts of the world.  It was challenging and inspiring to hear their testimonies of mission 'Beyond Boundaries' and the concern they have for South Asia.  Glory to God for SAGC 2009."
 - Kasta Dip, Coordinator, South Asia Christian Youth Network. Nagpur, India

"I rejoice at the like-minded mission passion of the delegates at SAGC 2009. I saw God's fingerprint in raising up a South Asian army for the nations. The Lord is truly the Lord of missions. Like iron sharpening iron, the power of the Holy Spirit in the unity of His people has humbled me and ignited in me a passion for His name to be glorified among the nations".
- Rajwin Singh, Psychology Undergraduate. Singapore

 "SAGC 2009 was a great breakthrough in my life as well as in the mission field where I am working. The "Beyond Boundaries" models, testimonies and teachings was a paradigm shift in my life and has caused me to come out of my small thinking patterns to possess the greater blessings that the Lord has kept for me."
- Esther Rani, Missionary Pastor. Bihar, India

"SAGC 2009 was a kairos gathering of South Asian youth mission leaders from around the world, providing a practical know-how global exchange of ideas and experiences in the mission field of the 21st century. The five days convention was just too short as the connectivity of the people of God was just gaining momentum."
P.K.M, Senior Member, Diocese of Peshawar-Church of Pakistan. Pakistan

"SAGC has connected me with like-minded passionate people across the globe. It has broadened my thinking, ignited my mind to have fresh new ideas and the testimonies burdened my heart to pray more, to do more so as to reach more as soon as possible."
- Edward W Kuntam, Anchor Nireekshana CBN-TV9 www.gurukul.tv, Bangalore, India

MORE FEEDBACK OF SAGC 2009 WILL BE POSTED SOON.
ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN HEAR THE VIDEO TESTIMONIES ON YOUTUBE