Gibichan George, the secretary of the Malayalam community and Jesus Youth from Kanjirappally, now at Sharja recollects his old Jesus Youth ministry experiences in the context of Agape, the annual fellowship gathering.
Agape, the loving fellowship of the Malayalam community at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Sharjah, is truly a celebration that fully deserves the description, “an unceasing stream of enduring love.” On January 10, the Malayalam community joyfully organized the 28th Agape gathering here. Each Agape offers experiences that gift us priceless memories to cherish amid the busyness of expatriate life.
This Agape became a special day for me, as I was able to experience both the responsibility of serving as the Secretary of the Malayalam Community and the creative freedom of directing a cine-drama of two hours and involving more than two hundred artists. Through the drama, we attempted to communicate the message of Christian mission, inspired by the life of the martyr Flory Birt, a shining star in the dark regions of the African continent. Using the creative narrative style titled “The Evening Melody of Aging Songbirds,” we also sought to highlight the need for new forms of community in the modern world and the importance of reconciliation within family relationships.
One of the priceless treasures that our children often miss in expatriate life is the blessing of growing up experiencing directly the love and affection of grandparents. Through the story, we tried to help people recognize the rarity of this love, to strengthen family bonds, and to reinforce the sweetness of reconciliation.
In my twenties, I had embraced a mission: to glorify the Lord through art forms. During the days when I directed audio-visual programs at camps organized by Jesus Youth, my goal was to glorify the Lord through the arts. Nearly thirty years later, I can proudly say that those audio-visual teams remain a vibrant spring festival of the performing arts blossoming in creativity.
When artists from six to sixty years of age came together for this Agape, one truth became clear: the gifts given by Jesus have never faded. Though the marks of age may appear on the body, I consider it a blessing that the old Jesus Youth spirit could be revived once again in the heart—this is nothing but the grace of Jesus. When the story was presented creatively in a modern style before an audience of more than 1,200 people, the Malayalam community received it wholeheartedly.
My old friends who read this may remember how enthusiastically and sincerely we once worked together on campuses for the Kingdom of God in a Christ-centered manner. Our audio-visual programs helped many young people give first place to Jesus in their hearts. This Agape too became a re-enactment of that very mission. From the initial conception of the story to the development of the script, dubbing, and every stage of the related work, I unknowingly felt within my heart an intense longing for the Kingdom of God. “Jesus Youth,” then and now, remains a wonder given to my heart by Jesus.
Through each Agape, the funds we gather—like the widow’s mite—are used for charitable activities that bring Christ’s love and consolation to many. Let us strive to become the Good Samaritans of the modern world. Through the offering of art, what an artist receives is not merely applause; it is also the divine mission of glorifying the Lord through the self-realization found in art.
My heartfelt thanks to all my friends who worked with me in Agape with one heartbeat. The YouTube link for Agape 2025 is given below:
https://youtu.be/2ABruhyvTTY?si=tU_jkWM6JaNpO2Er
With love,
Jiby George
Sharjah
7 February 2026
