In JY, the world becomes so small. It is the power of networking! (BJRE093)

In JY, the world becomes so small. It is the power of networking!

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2025)

My colleague from the chemistry department was traveling to a city in Australia for a paper presentation. He had a few stops along the way and was eager to visit some places with his wife and kids. Hesitantly, he approached me, asking if I knew anyone in those countries. “Of course I have Jesus Youth friends there,” I replied. I connected him with my JY friends in Singapore, Australia, and other locations. When he arrived, he was warmly welcomed and shown around. My friend was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception and the close bond among these Jesus Youth friends. After he returned, he told everyone about this wonderful network called Jesus Youth.

For those of us in Jesus Youth, this close connectedness and family-like bond is something we often take for granted. By now, this movement that started in a small way in South India has spread to almost all major countries and cities. Most of its leaders are closely linked, and there is a culture of genuine hospitality and readiness to be of service everywhere. My friend was a small beneficiary of this network of friendship and generosity.

Bamboo Grove – United Below, Rising Together

My wife is fascinated by bamboo trees. In our backyard, she has planted different kinds, but they all follow a pattern of mutual support and standing tall. Individually, a single tree is humble and slender. But underneath, they support each other through a strong network of roots. And above, they grow so tall that even strong winds can't bring them down. Some other tall trees may bend and break in the lashing monsoon winds, but not these bamboo stalks.

Something beautiful that happened at the end of my high school days was becoming part of a joyful and intimate prayer group. I tried never to miss a single Wednesday meeting. Everyone there was deeply connected through a strong spiritual bond. All wanted to build a life of praise and eagerness to do God’s will. They were also eager to get to know each other and help others in any way possible.

Two years later, when an opportunity arose to connect with other youth groups, we were all very excited. Of course, I was the one who traveled to different cities to ask the leaders of other groups if they wanted to collaborate. But many of my friends were there to dream, suggest ideas, and offer all the help they could. Soon, a network of young leaders and groups began to take shape and expand. This bamboo grove eventually received a name after many years—and that name is Jesus Youth.

To Network or Not to Network

In these changing times, many prefer to go it alone. The percentage of people who say they have no friends is growing fast. Many believe that life is a contest, and to succeed, you should walk alone. Not only individuals but even families want to disconnect. Many parents tell their children not to waste time with others. Even when they form groups, they aim to compete with other groups to come out on top. What is worse, many forms of spirituality that promote a lonely path and focus only on personal perfection are on the rise.

Here, Jesus Youth is countercultural. As someone commented, in Jesus Youth, it is not six pillars but one big pillar—fellowship—and five other smaller pillars. In the movement, there is such a strong emphasis on coming together, building meaningful relationships, and doing mission as a team. But then, this was the true style of Jesus Himself. He called His disciples to be with Him. He wanted His followers to be as well-connected as the vine and branches. His mission plan was also to go out in friendship groups and build a large network of friends. And He said, “By your love, others will know that you are my disciples.”

But people may ask: why connect? People are so messy. Isn’t it better to go alone? But God is a community, and He created us to connect and enjoy each other’s company. This is basic human nature. We grow when we gather and journey together. I’ve seen this again and again in youth ministry. When a young person first joins a group, he or she is unsure and confused. But after a few months of journeying together, they become confident. Without realizing it, they become fruitful and joyful. And we do marvelous things when we join hands with people of different interests and talents. You may be a hand, another a leg, and all others different organs—and together, you become the wholesome Body of Christ doing wonders.

Connectedness becomes most helpful when a person faces challenges in life, becomes weak, or gets lost. “I was quite active in the group, but when I failed in one exam, I became so depressed and disconnected from everyone,” I heard Peter share. “But my friends did not leave me alone. They prayed for me, came in search of me, and gently brought me back to the group. I am so indebted to them for saving my life.”

This is not just for individuals. I have seen that groups also have seasons of luscious growth and periods of dryness. When a group is part of a wider network and is actively interacting with other groups, it becomes easier to weather those dry spells. Such mutual help ensures everyone’s growth. And this is the pressing need for networking.

How Do They Network in Jesus Youth?

• Connect with others and build friendships

• Become part of a prayer group or small group

• Come alive in Jesus Youth ministries

• Jesus Youth teams and councils constantly attend to networking leaders and groups

• Gather in Jesus Youth events, picnics, and trainings

• Share time, talent, and money with others

• Form online groups and networks

• Immerse themselves in a culture of love, joy, and connectedness

I like the way Pope John Paul II speaks of the importance of this connectivity:

“To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium which is now beginning, if we wish to be faithful to God’s plan and respond to the world’s deepest yearnings.” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 43)

God wants us to connect, and we are also eager to have good friends. So why hesitate? Let’s do it!