Volume 15, Issue 2
n From the Editor’s Desk
RevChef17 Roundup
The summer is back! Even though the month of May brought us rain and June marks the start of the hurricane season, we are not daunted. Why? We know Who holds the future and we know He has a plan for us (Jer. 29:11). Stop… Let us take a selfie… an introspection to see if we are mirroring Jesus. Will He be pleased and will we hear “Well done” when He returns? I encourage you, God’s chosen people, to be peacemakers as we work towards making this country the place to live, work and do business. Best regards, Marcel Clarke
What’s Inside? Selfie for Christ: Camps 2017
2
A Moment with the Associate General Secretary
3
...And As Always
The Right Angle
2
To Your Spiritual Health
2
In Your World
3
Thy Kingdom Fun
3
Make a Note
4
Baptist Distinctives, part 1
4
CONTRIBUTED: Lori-Ann Haye
A ‘culinary courtyard’ was the scene at the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Despite the forecast of rain the chefs and their teams beamed with enthusiasm, the music kindled our ears, the performers warmed our hearts, the MC’s personality illuminated the premises and the patrons were as bright as midday sunlight. At Youth Conference 2016 a Fundraising Committee was tasked with organising events to help offset the expenses of the Department. Mindful of the Jamaica Baptist Union’s Mission to Haiti, it was decided to commit part of these proceeds to that initiative. In an effort to facilitate fun, food and fellowship, the Rev. Chef Cooking Competition was conceptualized; five pastors (two assistants each), mystery baskets and a pantry full of food ranging from potatoes to lollipops told the tale of the tapestry woven by threads of love which such an event represented. Rev. Kraig Deidrick (#RevChefBunitup) from the Torrington/Mount Carmel Charge of United Churches; Rev. Davewin Thomas (#RevChefPotato) from the
One of the lionfish meals prepared at RevChef17 Burchell Circuit of Baptist Churches; Rev. Devon Dick (#RevChef), JBU President/Pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church; Rev. Astor Carlyle (#RevChefCookbook) from the Webster Memorial United Church; and Rev. O n e i l B r o w n (#RevChefFeedingtheFlock) from the Ebony Vale Baptist Church competed for the ultimate title of RevChef 2017. With the lionfish as the signature ingredient, they prepared gourmet-style dishes such as “Sorrel Infused Breadfruit and Potato-Breaded Lionfish with Coconut Sauce”, “Stuffed Lionfish with Crispy Fried Breadfuit and Sorrel Gravy”, and “Milo French Toast with Caribbean Fruits” among others. Round One ended with #RevChefBunitup being eliminated while #RevChefPotato was eliminated at the end of Round Two. #RevChef, #RevChefCookbook and (see RevChef17, page 2)
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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
The Right Angle
Selfie for Christ: JBUYD Camps 2017
CONTRIBUTED: Glen Nixon, UTC Student
Lemme take a selfie! No, it’s not the Chainsmokers, it’s the theme for Camps 2017: Selfie for Christ! If you thought last year was OMG!! What will you say about this year?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13 The surprising statement of blessing in this verse underlines the difference between human values and God’s values. It calls us to view life in God’s light—rather than from the world’s point of view. In a culture where crime and violence is rapidly growing, we are called to live peaceably with all and to promote peace between our brothers and sisters. If we do this, we shall be owned by God as God’s children; as God is the God of peace and love who continues to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ. renew
To Your Spiritual Health CONTRIBUTED: Paul Blake, Jr.
Fruit is a natural result of abiding in the vine (John 15:1-5). As it abides in the vine and allows the life of the vine to flow through it, the fruit is automatically produced on the branch—it never struggles to produce fruit. In the life of the believer, the Spirit always produces fruit—without exception (Matthew 7:20)! In fact, these are characteristics which are to be present in the life of every believer. Just like evil works characterise the lives of the lost, so the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol; Galatians 5:21-22) is proof of one’s salvation and spiritual health. Are you bearing fruit to the glory of the Lord, or are you producing the works of the flesh? Are you healthy or unhealthy? renew
This year campers can expect camp to be LIT!!!!
and health cards. So you heard it here first: Camps 2017 definitely ago shell!!!! If there’s anything else you need to know, check the poster or your local church. You can also reach the JBUYD at the contact information given. renew
Selfie for Christ is not just about being trendy. It is an invitation for the campers to give themselves to Christ as a response to the theme of the JBU: Living the Sacrificial Life. Carry everything to camp!!! A joke, LOL! You really should take your Bibles, notebooks, snacks, MODEST clothes, toiletries, bed linen, medication RevChef17 (Continued from page 1)
#RevChefFeedingtheFlock sliced their way into the final round. On a decision by the judges—Chefs Theo Smith and Maizie Miller along with our own Rev. Hyde Riley—the ‘Dutchie’ was handed to the pastor who won each round and whose cooking was short of nothing: Rev. Oneil Brown.
RevChef Oneil Brown receives the winning ‘Dutchie’ at RevChef17
As the meals were so exquisitely prepared and presented, we were reminded of how we too are being prepared to be presented faultless before our Father. We look forward to #RevChef18 – bigger and better! rejoice
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A Moment with the Associate General Secretary CONTRIBUTED: Sardia McIndoe
Have you ever wondered what the role of the JBUYD is? The Impact team is here to tell you. We caught up with the Associate General Secretary in charge of Youth, Rev. Merlyn Hyde-Riley. What’s the role of the JBUYD? MHR: The JBUYD is responsible for mobilizing youth across the island in an effort to provide partnership, leadership and inspiration in the execution of a ministry to youth that will enrich, encourage, evangelise, engage and empower them. How do you help to fulfil this mandate? MHR: As Assoc. Gen. Sec., I have an opportunity to grasp a picture of both the happenings of the Union, across departments, committees and churches and also the wider objectives of the Union. I can view things in context and meaningfully provide guidance. The
In Your World They come knocking at your door, you see them at your chill spots, and some desperately try to avoid them or pretend they’re not home. You know them: Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many Jamaicans try their best to avoid them, but Russia has taken it a step further to ban all activities of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Interestingly, shortly after the ban on Witness activity, the Satanic Church of Russia celebrated its anniversary as a recognized religion in Russia. “Let’s get rid of the Christians and give the devil a
position also ensures that the youth have a voice within the context of the Administration. We acknowledge in this way the importance of youth to the church.
though, so in many ways we have to be invited to assist with difficulties as opposed to thinking that we know what persons want and setting out to meet needs which we are not even sure exist!
What has your experience been like so far? MHR: Overall, it has been positive, especially seeing our youth develop and grow. I’ve been blessed by their creativity, energy and refreshing insights. Still, there is a seeming lack of interest sometimes seen in reality on the ground, in contrast to our ideas at the administrative level. It’s a bit saddening; but there is a sense that I do not have much control over that.
What can the local fellowships do to help meet the goals of the JBUYD? MHR: Do not isolate yourselves. Provide support to the weaker fellowships and to the wider Youth Department. Recognize that every fellowship is part of the JBUYD and we are as strong as our weakest link. There is no them and us. Don’t compare yourselves to other churches in terms of resources. We should try to become the best we can become with what we have. Another’s experience is not more authentic than our own simply because they seem to have more and do more. Ultimately, God calls us to be faithful with what we have and He will do the prospering and blessing!
You mentioned the challenges in our churches. How does the JBUYD help to address these issues? MHR: We sometimes conduct parish interventions, where we visit a circuit and spend a weekend with youth listening, encouraging and training. We support events when we’re made aware of them. We also provide documentation and services to guide different aspects of youth ministry as needed. Each context does vary
throne” seems to be the theme nowadays. With the way the world is turning, anti-extremism laws may soon be coming to a country near you! So, let us not take our religious freedom for granted. reach
Amen! Finally, Rev: What advice would you give to persons who may wish to serve as Assoc. Gen. Sec. in the future? MHR: Lol! Don’t wish for it to happen! But, if it is God’s will, surrender; and He will enable and equip! reach
Thy Kingdom Fun When Satan is knocking at your door but you say, “Jesus, can You get that?”
— rejoice
Make a Note July 2017 10-15 Intermediate Camp 17-22 Junior Camp 19-24 CBF Youth Festival (Trinidad) 25-30 Youth Camp
August 2017 1
Emancipation Day
4
YAF Trip to Paradise
7
Independence Day (observed)
16-19 Spiritual Empowerment Conf.
September 2017 10
Student Service*
16
YAF Beach Clean-Up
17
Student Service*
24
Student Service* *Locations to be announced
Rewind: Baptist Distinctives, pt. 2 CREDIT: www.baptistdistinctives.org/
We continue to look at core Baptist beliefs, known as Baptist distinctives. Our previous issue covered Biblical authority, the Autonomy of the local church, the Priesthood of the believer, and Two ordinances: believer’s baptism and Communion. We will continue in this issue of the Impact by looking at another four Baptist distinctives. Individual Soul Liberty Every person has the right to study Scripture for himself. This, however, comes with the duty to correctly understand it by interpreting it in its own context in a literal, grammatical and historical perspective. Note that no one has the right to twist Scripture out of context to make it fit any private interpretation.
Saved, Baptised Membership A local Baptist church is comprised of persons who have already received Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and have been obedient to His command to be baptised by immersion.
CAMPS 2017 10-15 Intermediate Camp 17-22 Junior Camp 25-30 Youth Camp
Keep in touch with our social media pages for more details! #JBUCamps17
Two Offices The Baptist church holds two offices: the pastor and the deacon. The pastor is the “under-shepherd” of the local church, serving under Christ. Sometimes considered as a bishop or elder (as defined in Scripture), he serves as the spiritual leader of the
congregation. The deacon assists the pastor and serves the needs of the congregation.
Did You Know? The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means servant. Separation The doctrine of separation serves to keep a Baptist church pure from relationships and influences which are foreign and/or harmful to its obedience to Scripture and honouring of Christ. It is understood in two main ways:
1. Separation of Church and State, which emphasises that ideally, the relationship between Church and State is mutually beneficial, and that neither should have any influence or control over the other. Rather, we believe that the Godly influences of Scripture, as well as churches and people obedient to the Word of God, should impact the Government to have beneficial civil authority.
2. Personal separation of the believer, calling for complete loyalty to the cause of Christ from the unbelieving world and from other religious beliefs, though not in isolation from it. This should govern all relationships and keep us from compromising our Christian principles. renew
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department 2B Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20, Jamaica
969-2223 / 969-6268
@ 924-6296
@
jbuyouth@gmail.com
< http://youth.jbu.org.jm