| Written by Minu Jose, Youth Speak News,
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Views : 1350  |
 TORONTO - God’s redeeming love was the theme of the All4HIM Praise and Worship night held Sept. 22 at the Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School here. More than 700 people attended the event, half of whom were youth under the age of 25 from parishes across the Greater Toronto Area.
The All4HIM concert was not just a well-rehearsed presentation and an evening of high energy music, but also a genuine worship experience. Aaron Fernandes, a third-year engineering student at the University of Toronto, attended the concert for the very first time because he had heard about the success of the concert in the previous years.
“It was a night that would forever be etched into peoples’ hearts and I am so glad that I got the opportunity to be a part of it this time,” said Fernandes.
The program was led by the All4HIM band out of St. Thomas the Apostle Mission parish with the full support of Fr. Jose Thaipparampil, CMI, pastor of St. Thomas parish.
The All4HIM band is the brainchild of Suresh Jacobs who said he “wanted to create an environment for Christians from all walks of life to come together in unity to praise and worship the Lord without being hindered by their cultural and denominational baggage.”
The band is made up of young people, ranging in age from 14 to 25. The All4HIM band has played at various retreats and has also released several albums over the years with proceeds going to charity.
Jacobs started the original All4HIM praise and worship concert in Dubai and re-established it here when he migrated to Canada.
“Music is a common platform that has the potential for bringing Christians together,” said Jacobs.
“Music is an ever powerful tool that transcends all cultures and has the power to reach out to the masses,” added Jimmy Varghese, the All4HIM program co-ordinator.
Evangelization through music was the goal of the program. Varghese said evangelization can be sped up if young people set the example for other youth by worshipping God and using their talents to glorify His name.
Prithwin Varghese, 22, a fourth-year chemical engineering student at the University of Toronto and lead singer of the All4HIM band, said the evolution of contemporary Christian music has played a huge role in getting the youth to come out to events where the band plays. These events let youth use their talents for the glory of God and enhance their spirituality at the same time.
“By singing, one is actually praying twice and using music as a tool for praise and worship appeals more to youth as opposed to the archaic way of silent worship,” said Ben Fernandes, 20, a third-year life sciences student at the University of Toronto and violinist for All4HIM.
“The youth of today especially go through a lot growing up and they need to be constantly reminded that with the Lord by their side, they can overcome whatever challenges are presented to them,” said Prithwin.
Jacobs said the main message from the night was if you make yourself available to the Lord, He will call you to participate in His work.
Thaipparampil hopes the event has created a lasting impression on the young population and inspire them to become more involved in their parish.
(Jose, 22, is a chemical engineering student at the University of Toronto.)
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