It’s not always easy to navigate through life as a young Christian.

Perri Furbert wants to be able to help.

The 24-year-old recently started a weekly discussion group called Young Generation Conversation.

Its aim? To get Bermudians between the ages of 18 and 30 talking about issues going on in their own lives, communities and the world at large.

“It really is real issues that we are talking about,” Miss Furbert said.

“We have had conversations about the work environment and how you conduct yourself as a Christian, how you have to operate in love and serve your colleagues and boss the way that God serves us.

“We have also talked about the temptations of the time and how we might have good intentions, but get led into a different direction.

“It might lead us onto a path of violence, drugs or having children that we didn’t want initially, but who are still a blessing in the long run.

“We talk about how the root of something can spiral out of control. It’s real because people experience these things everyday. It’s also encouraging because the group is filled with individuals who are their same age and who they can relate to. The most important part is during the discussion we also relate the topic back to what God says in His word to get guidance.”

Miss Furbert said she got the idea for the group after talks with her friends. She then ran the idea by Bishop Vernon Lambe Sr.

“I was having what felt like the same conversation with my friends and was starting to notice the repetition of it all,” Miss Furbert said.

“Some had been through failed relationships or were not getting the affection they needed in that relationship. There were also some people I knew of who were dating people who were part of gangs and associated with that part of Bermuda.

“I realised there were a lot of young people who needed love and maybe just a little kindness and guidance.”

The group didn’t get off the ground until last summer.

“When we first brought it up it just wasn’t the right time so it didn’t happen,” she explained. “Then last year in June, I randomly bumped into Bishop Lambe again and asked him for a meeting.

“The time for it was just right. Young Generation Conversation didn’t even have a name at that point, but he let me know the Spirit led him to the same place I was and when he bumped into me he also felt it was time.”

At first there were weeks when no one would show up; there are now ten core members.

“When people weren’t there that was really a test for myself and my endurance,” Miss Furbert said.

“It’s not about me, but it really did instil in me a lot of humility.”

The hope is that these talks would teach people something new and help them identify areas where they need to grow.

“It’s enriching,” Miss Furbert said. “There is conflict sometimes because people don’t want to accept the changes they have to make, but it’s quite beautiful to see them get to a point where they are ready to be transparent with themselves and say ‘I do this and maybe I do need to change this about myself; maybe I don’t operate in love or could be more kind in this situation’.

“It’s awesome to see the transition when people accept their strengths and weaknesses.

“Even if they are good in one area they can still hone in on their strengths and be strengthened in their weaknesses.”

YGC is currently discussing the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, self-control etc) and how young members can go about living out those qualities in their daily lives.

“God wants us to live those out because we shouldn’t have to tell someone that we are His followers. Our actions should show or reflect that,” Miss Furbert said.

She added that she has already seen ways in which the group has been a blessing.

People who attended for the first time would return the following week to report a testimony or a test they experienced. In most situations the talk humbled them and helped them through their issue, she said.

In the near future, Miss Furbert is hoping to add an outreach component to the group, so that attendees can take what they’ve learned and share it with others in the community.

YGC meets in the First Church of God (North Shore) Overflow Room on Fridays at 7.30pm. It is open to anyone who wants to learn more on how to live out the Christian faith.

For more information, visit Facebook page: Official First Church of God; or call the church office 292-6080.