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Volume 15, Issue 1

n From the Editor’s Desk

Champions in Praise!: JBUYD Conference and Rally 2016

It's the Lenten Season again: the time when we give up something that we hold dear to our hearts as a sacrificial offering. As we are called to Live the Sacrificial Life, let our sacrifice be lifelong. In this season, reflect on the Crucified One and His ultimate sacrifice for us, and strive to be perfect as He is.

CONTRIBUTED: Anna-Kaye Mighty

After months of planning, practising, promotion and prayer, it was time for praise to be lifted high for three days at the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Conference and Rally 2016. Although torrential rainfall was the order of the day, this did not quench the spirits of attendees to the weekend's proceedings. Baptist youth and the young at heart from all over the country gathered to share in God’s blessings and in fellowship.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20

Best regards, Marcel Clarke

What’s Inside? Adulting the Real Way: YAF Bible Talk Seminar Review

Believers’ and General Assembly 2017 Highlights

The Conference, which commenced on Thursday, November 24, 2016, saw over 90 conferees, one of the largest contingents in the history of the event, with the St Elizabeth and Manchester Baptist Association Youth Arm (SEMBAYA) having the largest contingent. It was a weekend filled with work and worship. Persons were encouraged to live the sacrificial life to the glory of God through sermons,

...And As Always

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The Right Angle

On Fasting...

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Make a Note

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Baptist Distinctives, part 1

Members of the YD’s uniformed groups in drill display at Rally 2016

Conferees in a workshop at Youth Conference 2016 devotional exercises and through interactions with friends and members of the body of Christ. The issues that youth faced, whether personally or in youth ministry were also addressed through informative and interactive workshops. Delano Mighty from the Giblatore Baptist Church was also elected to be the Youth Department's Chair-Elect. The fun did not stop there as on Saturday morning, it was en route to the Youth Rally: the All or Nothing Edition. All five zones were encouraged to give of their best while on stage at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church. The competitions held were Deejay, Mural, Short Story, Choral Singing, Choral Speaking, Bible Quiz and Dance-Drama. It was evident that the entrants were indeed brilliant and (see Champions in Praise, page 3)

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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

 The Right Angle

“Adulting” The Real Way: YAF Bible Talk Seminar Review

CONTRIBUTED: Rev. Oneil Brown

The first of many annual events, the Bible Talk One Day Conference took place in the windy cathedral of the Ebony Vale Baptist Church with 30+ young adults catching the "How to Adult" breeze. The Real World was the theme and How to Adult in it captivated the conferees. How to Adult in the Real World was also the title of the first message, delivered by the young Rev. Oneil Brown, the host pastor. His message hit persons: “‘Adulting’ is deliberate, not automatic”; adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:11. This sounded the battle cry for young adults to be ready to declare God in today's modern world.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11 The Apostle Paul linked his understanding and his thoughts with the way he acted. It is the mindset that we possess and encourage that develops into speech and actions. We cannot grow as believers and mature in the faith if we close our minds to learni ng f r om our experiences. This is embracing false positivity, the belief that things will go right just because we want them to go right. This is the self-centred, childish mindset which refuses to believe that sometimes things go wrong even in the lives of believers. It is the mindset that refuses to change, believing that the result will eventually fall in line with the expectation. And we call this “faith”! The maturing believer instead must be willing to embrace refocusing of the mind. This refocusing is based on experience and self-knowledge. As we learn and become more self-aware there must be a willingness to differentiate between childish nature and maturity. Refocusing is more than identifying the differences in our own mindset. It must also spur wilful action towards abandoning that which no longer works and embracing what does. It is not about self-gratification and self-praise but rather about selfless and sacrificial service. It is recognising how we impact the lives of others with our speech, attitude and actions. It is the willingness to accommodate and include others in how we occupy shared space, embracing our own transition towards maturity. If I ask for things that I should not ask for, if I pray for things selfishly. If I ask for myself and not for my neighbour, lift this veil from my eyes and let me see. renew

The panels for How to Adult in Worship, Wealth, Wellness and Work offered sound advice, answers and directions for key questions like, "How do you deal with co-workers who are hard to love?" "Credit cards - crosses or cure?” and "Is going vegan to stay healthy a good idea? "

The room later got intense when the Relationship panel began. Our panellists offered sound relationship and dating advice on How to Adult in relationships. The panellists helped participants to navigate current and potential relationships, arguably one of the more difficult parts of adulthood. The panel explored issues of sex before marriage, dating, courtship, romance, and even ‘looking' a mate. In a fitting way, the day ended with prayer, as Baptists (in their true fashion) chatted until the last person left. If you missed it, we look forward to seeing you next year. reach

Panellists and presenter at YAF Seminar

YD Objectives 2015-2017 Unleashed! Objective 5, "Strengthen the leadership capacity of the Youth Department by using various media to provide training for the youth leaders and workers". The Youth Department has the mandate to develop a set of youth leaders who are fit and able to lead. It is our goal to strengthen our youths as leaders through webinars, conferences, and retreats. We all play a part in building the Kingdom of God. Let us work together to achieve this goal. reach

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Believers’ and General Assembly 2017 Highlights CONTRIBUTED: Jaevel Brown (abridged) previously published in the JBU Reporter

Assembly 2017 will impress strongly on me for years to come. I was treated to four days of an excellent, practical study of God’s Word led by Rev. Alyn Waller and to workshops that were relevant, thought provoking and instructive. From a notable presidential address on ‘Giving Freely’ by Rev. Dr. Devon Dick, a charging mission address by Rev. Brenda Walker, giving blood as a part of the blood drive launched as an initiative of the Union to the sheer privilege of witnessing the election of the first female PresidentElect of the JBU, Rev. Karen Kirlew, I was thoroughly engaged throughout this assembly. Champions in Praise (Continued from page 1)

talented. Persons were further rendered awestruck by the precision and skill of Uniformed Groups of the Union, and awards were bestowed upon persons who had served at the annual JBU Youth Camps for ten years or more. The audience sat attentively, interested in what was happening on stage. When the dust settled, Zone Two came out winners of #Rally2016, edging out amazing performances from Zones Five and Three. It has been said that this was one of the best Rally events attended in recent years. The Youth Department

Our time in Falmouth Square for the open-air meeting on Friday was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Two profound sermons were delivered from Rev. Davewin Thomas and from Minister Jermaine Edwards. Without realizing, Jermaine had captured the essence of sacrificial living and us being unapologetic in our approach to the sacrificial life. The 167th Assembly came to an extraordinary close at the Montego Bay Convention Centre with a massive turnout of Baptists from across the island. In the first of the two closing services, President Rev. Dr. Devon Dick charged Baptists to take on the OUT challenge: an Outward Urgent Thrust. He declared a state of urgency for the fervent witness of the believers in Christ to those who are in dire need around us, leaving the results to God. Rev. Waller complemented the sermon with a rousing rendition of 'Fill My Cup, Lord'. Rev. Norva Rodney, in the final message of the day, beseeched believers to witness fervently in spite wishes to thank those who played a part in ensuring that the day was a success. We now look forward to b i g g er an d b e tt er t hin gs i n #JBUYCAR17. rejoice

Marvin Tinglin receives from YD Chair, Natalie Holness, a plaque for long-service at JBUYD Camps

of various circumstances, and to do so in acknowledgment of a divinely ordained imperative in the strength and for the will of God. He asserted that we ought to give up selfishness and take up a Christcentred consciousness. In so doing, we are able to participate in a divinely ordained incentive, the privilege to be a part of the kingdom purposes of God. For me, it was a time well spent and an opportunity to better understand the structure and function of the Jamaica Baptist Union, as well as the role we play as individual churches and members in its growth, effective running and relevance to the wider community and world. rejoice

On Fasting... CONTRIBUTED: Joneil Powell

In this season of Lent many Christians do what is called a fast. A fast for Christians is denying something physical to glorify God and go deeper with Him in the Spirit. Most times this is food, however it can be other things. Below you will see four of the ways that a fast from food can help the body. 

It rapidly rids the body of waste and toxins.

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It can eliminate edema and lower blood pressure.

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It facilitates weight loss- water weight and then fat.

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It improves insulin sensitivity by lowering blood sugar.

We encourage you to fast not only for the health benefits but for the spiritual benefits too. renew

 Make a Note May 2017 6

Rev. Chef Cooking Competition

Camps Personnel Retreat #2

YAF Bible Talk

 Rewind: Baptist Distinctives, pt. 1 CREDIT: www.baptistdistinctives.org/

Camps Personnel Retreat #3

BWA Youth Day of Prayer

There are many churches and groups which identify themselves as Baptist. However, these churches may not always reflect the specific doctrines which set Baptists apart from other denominations. These doctrines, sometimes called Baptist distinctives, are aptly summarised in the acronym B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S., as described below.

Uniformed Groups Open Day

Biblical Authority

Rally Training Webinar #1

National All-Night Prayer Vigil

The Bible is the final authority for everything that we believe and practice. This applies to both our personal lives and to the operations of the local Baptist church. It is the revelation of God to man, facilitating a right relationship with God and with each other.

June 2017

July 2017 1

Rally Training Webinar #2

10-15 Intermediate Camp 17-22 Junior Camp 19-24 CBF Youth Festival (Trinidad) 25-30 Youth Camp

Autonomy of the Local Church Each local Baptist church has the right to conduct its own business, receive and spend its own money, own its own property, and elect its own leadership, without any interference from any person or organization outside of its membership. This, of course, must be in accordance with Scripture.

namely Believer’s Baptism and Communion. Believer’s baptism is the baptism by immersion of one who has already confessed publicly of their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. This, we believe, is the manner consistent with Scripture, representing the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. It excludes infants or others who cannot express their faith in Christ as their Saviour. (It was this belief which gave Baptists their name.) Baptists also believe in Communion, which is the sharing of emblems representing the body and blood of Christ. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary and the price of His sacrifice. Look out for the remainder of this informative article in the next issue of Impact. renew

Priesthood of the Believer Every person who has received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour has the privilege of praying to God and worshipping God. They need not approach a priest to do these things for them. Two Ordinances Baptists believe in two ordinances,

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department 2B Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20, Jamaica

Music by DJ Nerd and DJ ShellD