Today, youth face problems such as depression, anxiety, emptiness and unresolved traumas, which keep them from growing, thriving, and deepening their relationship with God.
The rate of young people living in dysfunctional families continues to grow, and many find refuge in drugs, alcohol, other addictions, and unhealthy relationships; consequently, more young people today have attempted suicide.
In our community we have witnessed the transformation of many young people thanks to the SEARCH youth retreat. On November 22 – 24, SEARCH # 22 was held in Tijuana. Over 240 young people were part of Search #22.
One of the objectives of the retreat is to help participants heal from past experiences, and reconcile with themselves, their families and God. In this retreat, young people also discover the true meaning of love, sacrifice, faith, hope, charity, and perseverance. Through prayer, testimonies, music, the sacraments and other activities, young people have a powerful experience of Love and healing.
Ernesto is a young man that attended the Search retreat for the first time. Listening to the personal testimonies of other young men and women, Ernesto was able to open his heart and confront the emptiness that he had been struggling with for many years. For a very long time, Ernesto felt unloved and alone, which led him to think about ending his life. During the Search retreat, Ernesto was able to heal from past experiences and forgive himself and others. For the first time in his life, Ernesto felt that his life had a purpose.
At the end of the retreat the participants are invited to share their experience publicly, in an Open Microphone activity. Many of them asked for forgiveness from family members, othersexpressed their love and gratitude to God and their families. There were many tears of joy, forgiveness, and gratitude. This deep transformation is only possible by the Grace of God and by the witness of other young men and women who work tirelessly to bring this experience of love to other youth. The SEARCH retreat is a sign that our Church is Alive, and many young men and women want to fully participate in the life of the Church!
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