JBUYD IMPACT: April 2018

Volume 16, Issue 2 April 2018

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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wFrom the Editor’s Desk

M What’s Inside?

Words from the popular song, Ten Thousand Angels: They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed They led Him through the street in shame They spat upon the Saviour so pure and free from sin They said, “Crucify Him; He's to blame!”

He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free He could have called ten thousand angels but He died alone for you and me...

We just ended the Lenten season but we will always remember what Jesus did for each of us. He died for our sins.

We come with grateful hearts and reflect on his death and resurrection with the great assurance that He will come again so I urge us all to be ready!

Yours faithfully, Natalie Bender Holness

LMeet our Writers

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Get Moving!

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Education: Revolution for Lent

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Faith Through Fear: Sectional Meeting 2018

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Vox Pop: Surrogate Mothers

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Baptists in Education

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And As Always... b

Without Easter

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Stay Healthy

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Thy Kingdom Fun

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Right Aligned

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Take the Challenge

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Bible Reading Plan

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Prayer Focus

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Make a Note

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I Worth 1000 Words...

Marcel Clarke Christiana Baptist

Derry-Ann Gibson Grace (Oracabessa) Baptist

Joneil Powell Sharon Baptist

Lori-Ann Haye Moses Baker Baptist

Delano Mighty Giblatore Baptist

Renee Mair Waterford Baptist

The Jamaican proverb “Evri weh mi ton maka juk mi” was literally Jesus’ experience on the cross. His head, His hands, His feet, His side, His entire body was overwhelmed with pain! He was mocked! They placed a fake crown around His head, one that caused not only physical pain but also emotional torture. He wore His crown of thorns so that we would have a chance to wear a crown of righteousness. Amazing love!

How can it be? rejoice

Volume 16, Issue 2

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Get Moving! fitness is greatly linked to work.

“The use of the word fitness increased tenfold in the 1950s,” he revealed. “This coincided with the time of the Industrial Revolution.”

Denzil Wilks presents Danielle Redwood representing the JBUYD with sport balls from the Sport Development Foundation

“Physical activity is almost like magic sometimes, but you have to know how to do it.”

This from Denzil Wilks, General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation, as he addressed youths from across the island at the Sports Commission Workshop on February 11. In his engaging address, Wilkes highlighted that

Wilks later debunked several myths about exercise, explaining that anyone can do it and reap the benefits. “When talking about physical fitness, it doesn’t mean that you need lots of space to run up and down. There’s really a lot you can do.” He shared that there is one activity that is suitable for everyone: walking, because of its low impact nature. However, he admonished that the time spent on exercise is just as significant.

“Adults need some 2½ hours of moderate activity or 1¼ hours of vigorous activity per week.”

Children, he shared, need about 1 hour of solid exercise per week.

Generally, 30 minutes per day is a good target.

Exercise is good by itself, but it means nothing without a balanced diet. “Your diet must be varied and must suit your activity level,” Wilks remarked. He gave the example of those who live in

the high mountains, who are vegetarians, but noted that their energy needs were not as high as Caribbean residents. Adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats are central to one’s health.

“Fitness in the expansive sense – mind, body and spirit – will help you to fend off physical problems,” Wilks concluded. “It doesn’t mean that you won’t get sick, but it does mean that your quality of life will be improved.”

So, do you want to improve your quality of life? Well, get moving! renew

Attendees at the Sports Commission Workshop

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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b Without Easter

So Easter time, the time to know, a lie could not survive; And here's the proof in Gospel truth, JESUS IS ALIVE! God sent His Son to take the punishment for all the thoughtless, sinful things we do.

Jesus gave His life because He loves us, His love is boundless, sweet, forever true.

Without Easter, there would be no hope of heaven. Without the hope of heaven, there would be no repentance, no personal transformation, no attempt to follow Biblical principles.

Without Easter, the world would be in chaos and darkness.

Jesus’ death and resurrection means we can be reborn, to live better, to do better, to shine light into the shadows.

Derry-Ann Gibson Grace (Oracabessa) Circuit of Baptist Churches —rejoice

h Stay Healthy I was listening to a song recently, Simple Blessings by Tarrus Riley, and while I know it is not a Gospel song, its message still speaks truth. The song inspired me to consider the various blessings we have, even the small ones, that contribute to our health. That is what this health article will be about: the simple things we can do to maintain good health and we can all agree that good health is definitely a blessing.

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It’s important that we get enough sleep. A person can die faster from a lack of sleep than from starvation.

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Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20%.

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Being an optimist may help you live longer.

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Walking outside can help to reduce stress.

If you are interested in knowing more interesting facts about maintain your health check out the articles:

https:// www.thegoodbody.com/healthfacts/ https://www.health24.com/ Lifestyle/Woman/Your-life/30weird-medical-facts-20120721 —renew

A Thy Kingdom Fun Unscramble the name of each book of the Bible and write it correctly in the table on the right.

BONUS: Unscramble the highlighted letters to find another Bible book.

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Answers on pg. 7. rejoice

Volume 16, Issue 2

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Education: Revolution for Lent!

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I am in total agreement with him. Being a teacher for close to 20 years, I have spent a considerable amount of time in the classroom; thousands of students have passed through my care. Some have been able to change the world, becoming lawyers, doctors and even teachers too.

We certainly have the most powerful weapon, capable of changing the world.

One of the greatest educators to walk on earth was Jesus Christ, himself. He knew that education could revolutionise the world. He spent most of his earthly ministry teaching His principles to His disciples, helping them to become world changers. One such lesson that he taught is found in St. Matthew 6: 1-8 and 16- 17. Like CVM TV’s slogan, this passage leads me to consider “Looking in, Looking out, looking even better.”

Reflection: Looking in According to Dictionary.com, Reflection may be defined as “a mental process.

It is contemplation or a long consideration.”

Let us contemplate—as we reflect on the teachings of Jesus—in His famous Sermon on the Mount from St. Matthew 6: 1-8 and 1617. We explore the measures, methods, motives and models, an excellent guide to practicing 3 spiritual disciplines within this Lenten season. Do our alms

giving, prayers and fasting reflect sincerity? Or are we doing it because we want others to see us, just like the Pharisees?

Redirection: Looking out Redirection is defined as “the action of assigning or directing something to a new or different place or purpose.” In this Lenten season we should use Jesus’ teachings to change the way we give alms, pray and fast.

Sometimes we do the right things for the wrong reasons. However, we should ensure that God will be glorified. It’s time to change our focus and turn our eyes to God. Revolution: Looking even better Revolution means “a sudden, complete or marked change in something.”

Only proper education may help us, in this period of Lent to improve our commitment to God—in our alms giving, our prayers and our fasting—which was a lesson taught by the greatest educator ever: the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we should look in— take an introspective look at our lives. We should look out—in order to effectively carry out our commitment to give, pray and fast with sincerity. Now we will look even better—because we will follow Jesus’ teaching and change the entire world. For education is what we need to change the world for this season of Lent. rejoice

3 Right Aligned CONTRIBUTED | Andria Bryce

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 After applying to several schools for a teaching position between June and August 2017, I did a number of interviews, which I thought went pretty well. For months I waited with high hopes, but heard nothing. By September 4, I was confused as to what would happen to me. I cried and cried as I had no job, many bills to pay, and a son to take care of. The following Tuesday I got up and fasted for seven hours. The following day I felt stress-free, and by Friday of that week I got a call from a high school in my hometown. They wanted me to start there the following Monday.

I even got two other offers that same afternoon!

At my lowest point, when I was alone and afraid, God drew me to Himself. Not only did He provide a job, but it was a clear vacancy at a location closer to my family and my church. He showed me that I was in demand and that He was preparing something better for me. He knows what we need and He always supplies! rejoice

lTake the Challenge!

Having challenges? Challenges are what make life interesting.

Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful. Life is full of challenges, but these challenges are only given to you because God

knows your faith is strong enough to get you through them. Trust God today and know that He is able to take you through all challenges. renew

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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Faith Through Fear: Sectional Meeting 2018 This year’s Sectional Meeting was dubbed “Chat Bout Praise Jam” and was held on February 22. The crowd may have been sparse, but the blessing at the event was not.

Panellists (from left) Rev. Denzil Jack, Sheldon O’Connor and Rosalena Robinson

The Chat Bout session saw an engrossing discussion with an informed panel of Rosalena Robinson (UTC student), Rev. Denzil Jack (Pastor, Bethel (Bog Walk) Circuit) and Sheldon O’Connor (SCFSU General Secretary) sharing on evangelising despite various circumstances. The session was led by Marcel Clarke, SEMBAYA President, and just about everyone in attendance had something to say.

Authentic Faith Rosalena led the panel off with an exploration of authentic faith.

She reminded us that true conversion, discipleship and connection (and not legalistic perfection) attract persons to Christ.

The panellists also emphasised that evangelism isn’t about communicating facts, but faith instead. One must ask the question, “Why do I believe what I believe?” and share the answer with others. This, they teased, is the Christian’s duty, and not just the “Evangelism Committee”.

Too Many Agendas, Not Enough Approaches While all panellists agreed on the integral role that the Sunday School plays in the church, Sheldon also shared his concern that the church is too programbased. More persons should simply do evangelism.

“Evangelism is like a muscle,” he quipped. “The more you use it, the stronger it gets.” Sheldon further charged youth to change their methods to reach a generation totally captivated by

technology and mass media. We need to think outside the box.

Panel discussion moderator Marcel Clarke

Fear a Sin? Rev. Jack addressed the misconception that fear is a sinful response. Fear will always be present for various reasons, but one must instead manage the emotions he or she feels.

He further went to engage the issue of church members who are un-Christlike, which some persons feel hinders the Church’s progress. We must have humility and integrity to reach others, he remarked. “We may never have a perfect church but let us work together… and help each other to be better.” reach

Volume 16, Issue 2

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Vox Pop: Surrogate Mothers Do you think Christian women who are unable to carry their own child should use surrogate mothers? IMPACT took to the streets and got a few interesting responses.

Monique, 25, Clarendon: I have not really placed much thought on this, but the first thing that jumps out at me is: What if the mother decides not to part with the child after 9 months? When it comes to Christian women having a surrogate mother, I'd have to say that I don't think there is a big issue with it. From earlier days in the Bible, it was stated that when Sarah, wife of Abraham, was not able to conceive, she had her servant give birth to her baby. I've not seen a text within the Bible which states that this act is wrong so why deny a mother of her happiness by not allowing her to have a baby of her own? I see it as almost the same as adopting.

The only difference is the mother chooses someone specifically to bear her child.

Alister, 30, St. Ann: The factors behind choosing a surrogate is critical. If the mother is not fertile then she could adopt. If the mother just wants to keep her shape, then it is not gonna happen. Then again, if the surrogate mother gets attached to the child, what then? This is not black or white for me, it’s a shade of gray (no pun intended). I am undecided on this one, save for the reason behind the choice.

Paul, 24, Manchester: For some Christian couples, infertility and childlessness will be a strenuous reality, one that cannot be changed without partition from God’s moral code for life and for human relations. The institution of marriage is that of companionship and procreation. In Scripture children are seen as a blessing and a gift from God, they are not a right. As Christians we have a hope that all things work together for good of them that love God, even childlessness.

What do you think? Give us your take at jbuyouth@gmail.com. reach

B Psalms Read through the Psalms in 15 weeks with this reading plan. renew 

Week 1: Psalm 1-10

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Week 2: Psalm 11-20

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Week 3: Psalm 21-30

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Week 4: Psalm 31-41

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Week 5: Psalm 42-51

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Week 6: Psalm 52-61

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Week 7: Psalm 62-72

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Week 8: Psalm 73-82

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Week 9: Psalm 83-92

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Week 10: Psalm 93-102

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Week 11: Psalm 103-112

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Week 12: Psalm 113-119

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Week 13: Psalm 120-130

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Week 14: Psalm 131-140

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Week 15: Psalm 141-150

@ Prayer Focus •

Pray for the security forces working in the areas of the States of Emergency, that they will carry out their duties with wisdom and focus.

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Pray for the upcoming events of the JBUYD, that they will be impactful in their approach and delivery.

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Pray for our newly appointed JBU President and Executive.

—rejoice

If you have a prayer request, we want to pray with you. Send it to jbuyouth@gmail.com with the caption Prayer Focus. reach

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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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c Make a Note April 2018 2

Easter Monday

7

Camps Personnel Retreat Pt. 1

14

Bible Talk

May 2018 5

Rev Chef

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Camps Personnel Retreat Pt. 2

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Labour Day

26

JBUYD National Exec. Meeting

June 2018 2

Camps Personnel Retreat Pt. 3

July 2018 9-14

Intermediate Camps

16-21

Junior Camps

23-28

Youth Camps

Tune in to

Wednesdays @ 4:30 pm on

p Rewind: The Baptists in Education Labour for learning before you grow old; For learning is better than silver or gold.

Silver and gold will vanish away, but a good education will never decay.”

Can you remember reciting the memory gem? Its thoughts epitomise the reason education will revolutionize our nation and positively influence our lives.

It is therefore no surprise that the Baptists in Jamaica have been pioneers in education for the masses since the days of slavery and its impact is still felt today.

The Jamaica Baptist Union has had a very outstanding heritage in Education and continues to play an integral role in establishing school across the island. Currently, the Jamaica Baptist Union has 156 affiliated schools, 86 of which are Early Childhood, Basic or Infant Schools. 67 schools fall under the category of All Age, Primary, or Primary and Junior High. The Union is also affiliated with 2 High Schools and 1 Trust School.

Knibb, the school touts the motto: “Ignorance Enslaves, Knowledge Liberates”.

According to Inez Knibb Sibley, author of The Baptists of Jamaica, “The Knibb Memorial High School was the latest attempt by the Baptist denomination to foster secondary education in Jamaica. The school was opened in the Baptist Mission House on January 16th, 1961, with an enrolment of forty-one pupils, The number soon afterwards grew to 138. This school will serve many generations of Jamaican children, and to be a worthy memorial to a man whose wide sympathies saw the need in the early days for the education of the Jamaican people.” Therefore, we are more than able to attest to the fact that “a good education will never decay.” Indeed, education is the key to our revolution! rejoice

One of our Baptist schools is the William Knibb Memorial High School. Named after Sir William

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department

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