In September 1946, at the initiative of Rev. 叶恩汉, then serving at the church, members of the choir met to prepare for the formation of the fellowship. It continued the work of the pre-war youth organisation, 务德会, which had already served the church for 30 years. Rev. 叶 selected 10 October as its founding day. The fellowship began with just over 20 members. Mr 洪清江 was its first president, Mr 林路 its secretary, and several others served on the committee.
The following year, Mr 洪清江 stepped down because of work commitments, and Mr 叶恩潭 was elected the second president. As the church’s many gatherings made it difficult to share the premises, the fellowship moved to a new meeting place at No. 8 鲁雁律. Six months later, Mr 叶恩潭 moved to Singapore, and Rev. 叶恩汉 became acting president. In February 1948, Rev. 方明德 arrived as the church’s pastor-in-charge and was invited to advise the fellowship. Rev. 叶恩汉 was then appointed to lead the Medan district, and Mr 宋万庆 was elected president. That autumn, because the new location was difficult to reach, fellowship meetings returned to the church.
In 1950, Mr 陈中书 and other representatives attended the first Chinese-language Methodist Youth Fellowship summer camp in Ipoh. It was a well-attended gathering, at which plans were made for a national Methodist Youth Fellowship organisation in Malaysia and a constitution was drafted. The fellowship subsequently followed the constitution issued by the national body, bringing greater order and renewed vitality to its work.
Mr 宋万庆 served as president for three consecutive years. Mr 陈中书 became president in 1951, followed by Mr 李昌明, who served from 1952 to 1954. At the end of 1952, Rev. 方明德 left Penang for a pastoral appointment in Singapore. He and his wife were devoted to youth ministry, and the fellowship flourished under their guidance. That year, it published a sixth-anniversary commemorative volume, with Mr 骆仁敏 as chief editor and Mr 洪辉德 as deputy editor. Beautifully printed and rich in content, it was a substantial record of the fellowship’s work.
In 1953, Rev. 蔡约翰 became the church’s pastor-in-charge and the fellowship’s adviser. Mr 郭赳赳 became president in 1955. Mr 李昌明 returned to the presidency in 1956 and served for four consecutive years. For much of this period, Mr 洪辉德 served alongside him as vice-president, bringing humility and considerable leadership ability. In August 1955, the Annual Conference appointed the promising young Rev. 许彼得 as the church’s associate pastor and to lead the Ayer Itam preaching point. His energy, diligence and planning greatly advanced the fellowship’s work. In 1957, Rev. 洪瑞云 became associate pastor and leader of the 日落 preaching point. He cared deeply for young people and made a significant contribution to the fellowship.
In 1960, Mr 张东发 became president and served for three consecutive years. A gifted leader, he brought renewed energy to the fellowship. In 1961, it undertook the ambitious task of publishing a substantial 15th-anniversary commemorative volume, edited by Mr 杨昭铭 and recording the fruits of its first 15 years.
On 10 August 1961, at the invitation of the Annual Conference, the fellowship organised a well-received “Youth Night” variety programme. Rev. 殷文宗 became the church’s pastor-in-charge in 1962. In 1963, Mr 杨昭铭 was elected president with the support and affection of the members, serving until 1964. With the cooperation of the committee and members, and Rev. 殷’s patient guidance, the fellowship’s plans and activities proceeded smoothly.
From 29 December 1963 to 4 January 1964, the fellowship joined the youth fellowships of the Cantonese 救恩堂 and Ayer Itam church to organise a short-term volunteer training school for the Penang, Province Wellesley and Kedah district. It was held at the Methodist boys’ school at 拜吉 in Penang. Rev. 殷文宗 and Rev. 陈碧玉 served as principal and deputy principal, Rev. 许彼得 as dean of studies, and fellowship president Mr 杨昭铭 as chief coordinator. The teaching and administrative team worked diligently, with encouraging results. At the opening ceremony, the principal presented certificates that Rev. 殷 had personally designed and inscribed. In 1964, the fellowship also marked its 18th anniversary with a finely produced commemorative volume edited by Mr 朱振兴.
Mr 谢雅各 became president in 1965. In 1966, Mr 朱振兴 was elected from vice-president to president but declined the position. At the fourth regular committee meeting on 1 March, Mr 宋建发 was nominated and accepted responsibility at a time of uncertainty, earning the fellowship’s admiration. The committee unanimously appointed Mr 杨昭铭 as adviser with voting rights. Through their united efforts, the work proceeded steadily, and members gave thanks for the Lord’s grace. Mr 宋建发 continued as president in 1967.
In 1968, Miss 陈雪兰 was elected president with widespread support, becoming the first woman to hold the office in the fellowship’s history. Her determination, capable leadership and willingness to improve its work brought fresh vitality, supported by the guidance of the American missionary Miss 高丽丝. Adviser Mr 朱振兴 also contributed greatly to the fellowship newsletter, making it both substantial and beautifully produced.
Mr 黄春福 became president in 1969 and actively developed the work of the fellowship’s five groups. When he obtained a postal-service position requiring him to move immediately to Kajang, Selangor, he resigned on 9 August. Members rejoiced at his new opportunity while regretting the departure of a devoted president. Vice-president Miss 陈雪兰 took over until the election of the new committee at year’s end. That year, the fellowship held a fellowship meal to mark the first anniversary of the autonomous Methodist Church, directing the proceeds to the fund for the autonomous Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore.
In 1970, Mr 黄良鸿 became president. Although young, he served the church and fellowship tirelessly and with dedication, remaining president for four consecutive years. That year, the fellowship again joined the Women’s Society in organising a fellowship meal for the second anniversary of the autonomous Methodist Church, raising a considerable sum.
At the end of June 1970, Rev. 殷文宗, who had cared deeply for the fellowship, died suddenly and went to be with the Lord. His loss brought profound sorrow. In the turmoil that followed, the church experienced division, and the fellowship’s work also faced rejection and slander. It was a deeply painful time, but by the Lord’s gracious guidance the fellowship was able to continue. In 1971, the Annual Conference appointed the promising young Rev. 李前军 as pastor-in-charge.
The fellowship celebrated its silver jubilee in 1971. Alongside the main celebrations, it published a silver-jubilee commemorative volume, edited by Mr 黄良鸿, bringing together records of the anniversary events and earlier fellowship history.
In September 1973, president Mr 黄良鸿 began studies at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. Vice-president Mr 李华清 had left earlier to study in the United Kingdom. With both leaders overseas, Rev. 李前军 appointed Mr 吴端耀 as president in early October.
Mr 吴端耀 continued as president in 1974. To support the church’s extension of its side hall and parsonage, the fellowship organised a sponsored walk. With the support of its advisers, committee, members and other devoted church members, it raised more than RM2,000. That year, the fellowship also won the first Bible knowledge competition organised by the Penang Bible Society.
Past Presidents
洪清江 1946
叶恩潭 1947
宋万庆 1948-1950
陈中书 1951
李昌明 1952-1954, 1956-1959
郭赳赳 1955
张东发 1960-1962
杨昭铭 1963-1964
谢雅各 1965
宋建发 1966-1967
陈雪兰 1968
黄春福 1969
黄良鸿 1970-1973
吴端耀 1974
The first committee, 1946
The committee, 1961
The committee, 1963
The committee, 1964
Northern District Volunteer Training School, 29 December 1963–4 January 1964
Retreat, 1965
17th-anniversary photograph, 1963
18th-anniversary photograph, 1964
An adviser presents an award
Faces full of joy
Beaming smiles
Listening attentively
Christmas Carol Teams Through the Years
1948
1953
1955
1956
1958
1963
1970
1971
1972
1974
Sister 蔡友莉 served as president from 1975 to 1977. Devoted to the Lord and generous in service, she led the fellowship in a variety of activities and competitions with encouraging results. Brother 李福寿 succeeded her in 1978. Brother 曾如安 served from 1979 to 1980, working hard to develop its ministries and bringing renewed vitality.
Youth Fellowship advisers and committee, 1975
Brother 黄益安 became president in 1981 and continued to develop fellowship activities. Brother 骆俊仰 was elected president for 1982–1985. The publication Manna was launched during this period. He worked with all the members on activities including welcoming newcomers, Youth Week evangelistic meetings and a football team.
In 1986, Rev. 李前军 was transferred to the Klang pastoral charge and appointed District Superintendent of the South Central District. Rev. 黄约辉 became the church’s pastor-in-charge and actively supported youth ministry. From 1986 to 1989, Sisters 伍丽芳, 蔡素意, 谢小云 and 庄丽明 served successively as presidents. With women leading the fellowship throughout these four years, its character developed and its ministries broke new ground.
Brother 曾华兴 served as president in 1990 and 1991, working tirelessly to develop the fellowship and encouraging more members to join. Brother 洪昭荣 served as president in 1992. With a heart for service, he worked alongside the members to organise a variety of activities.
Sister 陈丽珍 became president in 1993. She and the committee brought fresh energy and new activities that attracted more members. Brother 庄恩顺 succeeded her in 1994. As many members were preparing for public examinations that year, he generously gave extra time to sustain fellowship activities. Sister 陈丽珍 returned as president in 1995.
Youth Fellowship committee, 1995
The Methodist centre on Penang Hill, 1989
42nd Anniversary
A group photograph outside the seaside holiday home on Pangkor Island
Youth Fellowship Activities
Sister 杨佳怡 served as president for two years from 1996, followed by Brother 宋仁惠 in 1998. Brother 陈健逸 served as fellowship leader from 1999 to 2002. Around the turn of the millennium, the fellowship gradually adapted its approach to changing times, while the pastors ensured that its organising committee had a sound structure and clear direction for growth. Brother 庄永祥 was appointed leader in 2003. Brother 李俊学 served from 2005 to 2008. Sister 黄婉冰 became leader in 2009 and was succeeded by Sister 李晓雯 in 2011. Brother 叶致荣 led the fellowship from 2013 to 2014.
Youth Fellowship singing competition, 2006
Youth and Teen Fellowship outing to Teluk Bahang Dam, 2007
Christmas carol team 22-12-2009
In 2015, Brother 叶政熠 became fellowship leader, with the theme “From Loving God to Loving Others”. The fellowship had about 20 members, with an average attendance of 15. Monthly studies in Romans, Bible games and quizzes helped members become rooted in God’s Word. The church arranged for young people to attend training entitled “Living Out the Gospel, Bearing Witness to Christ” and the district’s My Fellowship programme. It also held Youth Week and celebrated Youth Sunday on 25 July, using a promotional video to invite more young people to join. The youth singing group held evangelistic music programmes at Christmas and Easter. Recognising that work and study could leave young people distracted from God and their friends, the fellowship sought to provide care, practical help and a place where they could experience love.
Brother 叶政熠 continued as leader in 2016 under the theme “Serving God, Loving the World”, seeking spiritual growth through God’s Word and mutual care and support. The fellowship planned its 70th-anniversary celebration for 13 August, together with the Young Adult Fellowship, Teen Fellowship and 拿细耳 band. Its “Let’s Talk” programme gave young people a platform for public speaking and helped prepare future leaders for teaching and speaking ministries. Young people also joined the church’s mission work in Orang Asli villages to learn about village life and take part in teaching. In May, 21 members attended the district’s My Fellowship programme. In August, they attended the district fellowship members’ assembly hosted by the Bukit Mertajam church.
In 2017, Brother 叶议泽 became fellowship leader, and the theme was “Shining for the Lord Again”. The theme was drawn from John 8:12, where Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (WEBBE) In an age full of enticements and temptations, we cannot obtain the light of life by our own strength, for we are all sinners with weaknesses. Only by relying on Almighty God, following Christ and allowing Him to reign in our lives can we receive the light of life and shine for our Lord again in this world.
With a new year, a renewed vision and a fresh direction, the fellowship set two priorities. First, its fellowship team would strengthen care and follow-up for members studying locally, studying away from home or entering working life. In Christ, we are one family. The fellowship therefore introduced a family newsletter to keep members studying or working elsewhere informed and to encourage mutual prayer as an expression of family life. Second, its service team would develop outreach, giving priority to care for college and university students, including a transport ministry to help them attend church.
To encourage attendance at the Annual Conference’s MY Team dedication camp, the fellowship subsidised members’ camp fees. The missions team also planned a Wycliffe Night to deepen the Youth and Young Adult Fellowships’ understanding of mission. Members were encouraged to join Annual Conference disaster relief and rescue training, equipping them to serve in emergencies. Pastor 谭鸣晖 also led the fellowship in exploring Youth Alpha. Members enthusiastically attended the Annual Conference Youth Department’s Changemakers Conference at 宣道堂 in Sitiawan from 31 August to 2 September 2017, broadening their perspectives and nurturing spiritual growth.
Members were encouraged to enrol in the Isaiah Training School’s full-time or short courses in 2017. The programme had two parts: “Renewed Life and Worship”, led by Dr 陈康 from Hong Kong and Rev. 陈志浩 from Penang, and “Building a Church That Responds to the Times”, led by Dr 何强赞. The Youth and Teen Fellowships also jointly organised 奉加油站 every two months. To nurture good character, the fellowship promoted ball games, initially called 品格球 and later The Match. Its worship team led Movement 10, encouraging the spiritual disciplines of ten minutes of prayer, ten minutes of Bible reading and tithing.
Youth Fellowship, 2015
Sister 李诗愉 became fellowship leader in 2019. That year, the fellowship faced a decline in membership. Almost 12 members had left home for further studies or work, leaving only a few. Similar challenges had arisen over the years. In addition to members studying elsewhere, working members often found it difficult to attend Saturday gatherings. After careful consideration, Rev. 谭鸣晖 and the fellowship advisers decided to rethink the fellowship’s development.
At the beginning of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide, Rev. 张振祥 guided the fellowship’s transition into small groups. As the situation worsened, Malaysia introduced a nationwide lockdown. During the Movement Control Order, gatherings moved online, and the pastors continued to nurture the young people spiritually. This continued into 2021.
In 2022, the church’s fellowships gradually resumed in-person meetings, and Brother 陈凯祥 temporarily took on the leadership. To include young people working overseas, the fellowship held hybrid gatherings. Members accommodated one another and agreed on a common meeting time so that their spiritual needs could continue to be met. The youth small groups included Sunday School teachers, church ministry volunteers and members of the worship team. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, WEBBE) Through their gatherings, members experienced God’s love, learnt to care for one another and encouraged one another to serve the church faithfully and build its ministries together.
Changing times and the profound effects of the pandemic mean that youth ministry cannot rely on a single approach or expect steady progress in a short time. Although the fellowship has repeatedly faced declining numbers, its spirit has remained strong. As Paul encourages us in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (WEBBE, excerpt). The Youth Fellowship is both a place for young people to grow and a home where they belong. Spiritual growth and fellowship life are equally important. Alongside grounding members in God’s Word, advisers and leaders need to plan a rich and meaningful fellowship life.
Music-sharing gatherings continued, giving members who love music opportunities to serve and praise God. Creative Bible competitions encouraged those interested in biblical knowledge. Sporting activities included friendly Captain Ball matches, and young people also joined the Northern District’s first Captain Ball League Camp. Fellowship life was enriched by picnics, day trips, prayer-sharing days, games and activity runs, bowling, rock climbing, singing and talent competitions, volunteering and church cleaning.
In 2023, Sister 黄诗恩 became fellowship leader and Brother 林建宏 became deputy leader. As the small groups were renewed, membership gradually grew. Leaders and advisers explored fresh approaches, including gatherings outside the church and new shared experiences. Instrumental training nurtured musical interests and renewed the music ministry. On 19 August, the Youth and Teen Fellowships jointly held a singing competition with about 20 participants. Rev. 张 and the advisers also organised a series of faith-related question-and-answer sessions to engage young people and build their spiritual lives. The fellowship promoted its 5R programme—Reform, Rebuild, Renew, Recharge and Reborn—to support those serving, reorganise its structure and develop the fellowship in unity.
In 2024, the fellowship’s theme was “Building Up in Love, Reaching the Next Generation”. Through spiritual growth and fellowship life, young people were encouraged to build one another up in Christ and commit themselves wholeheartedly to the church’s service and ministries. Plans included fresh approaches to fellowship, activities beyond the church premises, original themed programmes, games and challenges. Instrumental training encouraged more young people to learn instruments and serve in the music ministry and morning worship. The fellowship also offered a listening ear and companionship, encouraged dialogue with pastors and leaders, cared especially for newcomers and shared the gospel with those who did not yet believe, offering appropriate support. Joint fellowship gatherings and worship were encouraged as expressions of unity.
To nurture the basic qualities of Christian living, the discipleship team planned to encourage daily devotions, weekly Bible-reading gatherings, fasting and watchful prayer, cultivating holiness in daily life. Monthly discussions would explore Scripture, questions of faith and everyday concerns to deepen understanding of the truth. Young people were encouraged to attend courses and training offered by the church’s Christian Education Department and short courses at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM). The discipleship and worship teams also planned two youth worship nights, connecting Christian living with worship and using songs to reflect on Christian values. The missions and evangelism team planned two evangelistic meetings for secondary school and local college students. The CPR movement—Change, Pass On and Revive—was also promoted, encouraging transformed lives that influence others, leaving behind old patterns and living more fully for the Lord.
The fellowship looked forward to celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. We thank God for His guidance: through the years, the Youth Fellowship has continued to grow and flourish in His love. Our heartfelt prayer is for an even brighter future, with many more young people joining, being guided in righteousness and coming to the Lord, fighting the good fight for Him and bringing glory to His holy name.
1946to2024Youth Fellowship presidents and leaders/Fellowship Leader
1946: 洪清江
1947: 叶恩潭
1948 – 1950: 宋万庆
1951: 陈中书
1952 – 1954: 李昌明
1955: 郭赳赳
1956 – 1959: 李昌明
1960 – 1962: 张东发
1963 – 1964: 杨昭铭
1965: 谢雅各
1966 – 1967: 宋建发
1968: 陈雪兰
1969: 陈春福
1970 – 1973: 黄良鸿
1974: 吴端耀
1975 – 1977: 蔡友莉
1978: 李福寿
1979 – 1980: 曾如安
1981: 黄益民
1982 – 1985: 骆俊仰
1986: 伍丽芳
1987: 蔡素意
1988: 谢小云
1989: 庄丽明
1990 – 1991: 曾华兴
1992: 洪昭荣
1993: 陈丽珍
1994: 庄恩顺
1995: 陈丽珍
1996 – 1997: 杨佳怡
1998: 宋仁惠
1999 – 2002: 陈健逸
2003 – 2004: 庄永祥
2005 – 2008: 李俊学
2009 – 2010: 黄婉冰
2011 – 2012: 李晓雯
2013 – 2014: 叶致荣
2015 – 2016: 叶政熠
2017 – 2018: 叶议泽
2019 – 2021: 李诗愉
2022: 陈凯祥
2023 – 2024: 黄诗恩
Youth Fellowship Committee:
Advisers: Rev. 张振样, Rev. 李仁民 and Church officer 庄永祥
Adviser: Brother 陈凯祥
Leader: Sister 黄诗恩
Deputy Leader: Brother 林建宏
Treasurer: Brother 陈罕良
Secretary: Brother 李康正
Discipleship: Rev. 张振祥 and Brother 陈凯样
Care: Brother 陈罕良 and Sister 陈昱潓
Transport: Brother 陈罕良 and Brother 郑凯扬
Multimedia: Brother 陈昆贤
Worship: Brother 林俊宇 and Sister 黄诗恩
Missions: Brother 陈凯祥 and Brother 陈昆贤
Programme Planning: Brother 郑凯扬 and Brother 陈昆贤
Youth Fellowship membership: 22
Average attendance: 17