The Youth Quest for Unity and Koinoinia Enhancement, better known as YOUTHQUAKE, was held at the Nan Hwa (Private) High School, Sitiawan from the 15th till the 19th of December 1997. YOUTHQUAKE II was organised by the Board Of Youth Work of The Trinity Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia (TRAC). The theme for this camp was "FREEDOM BOUND". a total of five NCOs of the 1st Penang Company Boys’ Brigade represented Trinity Methodist Church, Penang.

All together there were nearly 350 participants from all over Malaysia as well as a few delegates from Singapore. The participants were divided into care groups under the leadership of selected volunteers. And as usual the boys and girls were housed in different dormitories during the camp.

Among the highlights of this camp were the main sessions conducted by Rev. Lowell Sheppard and Andy Harrington, both members of an organisation called Youth For Christ (YFC). Numerous workshops were also arranged to meet the different needs of the participants. There was also a concert by the Bethany Singers from Jakarta as well as a Youth Rally. Beside all of these there was also a basketball competition and a dance drama by the Canning Garden Methodist Church , Ipoh entitled "The Toy Maker’s Dream" . On the last night of the camp, we all had a Street Party which lasted way into the night. We were fortunate to be able to witness a somewhat acrobatic performance by Team Rollerblade Malaysia that night.

Throughout the duration of the camp, the presence of the Lord was working in our midst. This was evident in the large number of participants who were moved to become new believers who as well as to rededicate their lifes to the Lord. As we worshipped together with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters we were reminded that we are not alone in our daily Christian Walk.

This camp also unearthed some hidden talents of our members. Some showed off their "Buaya" skills while others were just content to stretch their vocal chords and dance away. Nevertheless, new friends were made and old bonds reacquainted. The outing to the Lumut Naval Base was also an exciting eye-opener.

On the last day of the camp, we, members of the 1st Penang Company Boys’ Brigade had reason to be proud as two of us were presented the prestigious Tokoh Belia Methodist Award. They were namely former Sgt. Victor Abel Malayapillay & Sgt. Daniel Khoo Chen Yao. We had even more reason to celebrate as there were only 5 such awards presented this time.

As the camp drew to an end, we all found it hard to say goodbye. Addresses were exchanged and hugs were given. Promises to keep in touch were made with echoes of Merry Christmas in the background. Truly we all departed from Sitiawan Changed and Different from how we had first arrived. "I will never be, the same again.....".

By : W/O Victor Abel Malayapillay