Volume 18, Issue 2
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Volume 18, Issue 2 May 2020 Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
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wFrom the Editor’s Desk
M What’s Inside?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
Parents: God’s Gift to Children
In this period, many of us face unprecedented challenges, whether from heightened anxiety issues stemming from Covid
-19 restrictions; fear of evangelizing to persons who are of a different sexual orientation; or even being safe in your own home. All these challenges pose a test of your faith, though it may not seem as such. Let me be one of many to tell you to hold on. You can make it. God is working on you. Yours faithfully, Marcel Clarke
I Worth 1000 Words…
3
A Walk on the Other Side The Evangelistic Approach
4-5
Where are they now? Dave Collymore
6-7
Conversations with the President
10 - 11
From Brokenness to Victory Brian Warren’s Testimony
12 - 13
Step Inna DI Future
15
Am I Prepared?
16
And As Always...
Photo taken by Akeil Harris
The words of a popular Gospel song “If I Can Help Somebody” says, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain”. What has been our response to Jesus’ mandate of reaching the lost? Our Christian responsibility has a care component: to respectfully, responsibly, and lovingly reach the unchurched or ungodly regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, or creed. As depicted in the cover photo, this whole matter of evangelism is hands-on; it requires a more personal touch. Reaching people where they are and the way they are is the least we can do for a Saviour who has done and keeps on doing so much for us. rejoice
LMeet our Writers Tamar Henry Barbican Baptist
Aneika White Orange Park Baptist
Sardia McIndoe Yallahs Baptist
Delano Mighty Giblatore Baptist
Andria Bryce Paradise Baptist
Joneil Powell Sharon Baptist
h
Stay Healthy
5
I
170th JBU Assembly Recap
8
3
Reaching the Lost
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B
COVID-19: Bible Reading Plan of Assurance
9
I
We Got Talent - Jason McNee
14
l
Take the Challenge
15
Q
Bet You Didn’t Know
15
c
Make a Note
16
A
Thy Kingdom Fun
16
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Volume 18, Issue 2
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Parents: God’s Gift to Children Contributed by Tamar Henry
Children, obey your parents in the
“blessing” parents we want: the
in the order of Christ to raise up
Lord, for this is right. “Honour your
ones who always get it right, the
Godly homes and become Godly
father and mother” (this is the first
ones who always put family first,
people. They remind us that in the
commandment with a promise),
the ones who show us what love
same way God correct us in love,
“that it may go well with you and
should look like, the ones who
they will do the same because
that you may live long in the land.”
would raise us in the way we
they only want us to be the best of
Fathers do not provoke your
should go so that we should not
ourselves. They teach us how
children to anger but bring them
depart from it. However, even
obedience can be difficult, but
up in the discipline and instruction
when we do not get the “blessing”
necessary even in the middle a
of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV
parents, we still have the ‘gift’ in
“perfect” situation. They show us
There is a saying that children
parents.
that
are God’s gift to parents, but can
The gift is in the lessons that they
proclamations over our lives don’t
we say the same of parents to
teach
have to determine God’s purpose
children?
It is known that we
intended to or not. We all want to
imprinted on us.
have no choice in the people
believe in the fairy tale story that
We never truly appreciate this gift
who we share blood with and
our family is always our happily
until we become adults or have
while for some that can be a
ever after, but what does that
children of our own. rejoice
curse, that was never how God
really look like? In the Bible, there
intended it to be.
was hardly any family which did
Parents are stewards for children.
not have their own share of
They are the first examples of
problems but no matter how the
how to live and interact. Parents
story ended, the plans of God
be a guide to steer children when
always prevailed.
sin plays out in a wrong action or
The gift of our parents may not
deed. Parents can be our hardest
come in the packages we want.
lesson, our greatest blessing or
That
even both. They can teach us
mounted with a bright bow, but all
more about ourselves even as
of them come with a lesson and a
they
reminder. They remind us that we
continue
to
discover
us,
whether
bright
they
wrapping
had
paper
themselves.
are called to love and be loved by
Sometimes we do not get the
Him. They show us how to follow Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
others’
actions
or
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
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A Walk on the Other Side The Evangelistic Approach Contributed by Joniel Powell
And Jesus came and said to them,
gays, bisexuals, persons of trans-
that there are many theories in
“All authority in heaven and on
experience and queer. Each of
existence that say it is possible to
earth has been given to me. Go
these
be
therefore and make disciples of all
meaning but at the end of the
Christian. This cannot be true. The
nations, baptizing them in the
day they all are various forms of
two
name of the Father and of the Son
sin, in need of God’s forgiveness.
because God cannot abide in a
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
words
has
their
own
One of the most important things
to remember when witnessing to anyone is that everyone needs a Saviour
(regardless
of
their
sexual orientation). It is no secret
a
homosexual lifestyles
and
cannot
be
a
co-exist
place where sin lives. What God wants to do for the homosexual unbeliever is what he wants to do for any unbeliever, to change their hearts and minds.
This is what Christians call the
that trying to live life on your own
Jackie Hill Perry wrote a book
Great Commission. It is one of
is a miserable feat. Witnessing to
titled, “Gay Girl, Good God”. It is a
those Scriptures in the Bible that
someone
story of how she met God as a
tells us what God requires from
community requires those of us
lesbian
us when we become believers.
who know God to speak the truth
worked to change her life. This
He wants us to share the Gospel
in love to these persons; to tell
book is worth a read for persons
with everyone because all have
them that God hates the sin of
who are seeking to minister to
sinned and need God’s love and
homosexuality just as much as
homosexuals.
forgiveness.
how he hates stealing and lying
This
applies
heterosexual persons
in
not
just
persons the
to but
LGBTQ
community as well. You may be wondering what the acronym LGBTQ means. It means lesbians,
in
the
LGBTQ
or any other sin. He died on the cross so that everyone who sins could have an opportunity to be forgiven of their sins and have a personal relationship with God. Another thing to bear in mind is Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
woman
and
how
He
I listened to interviews that Mrs. Perry has done and one of the things that she said that jumped out at me is that homosexuality was not her only problem. She was struggling with other issues such as, low self-esteem, feelings
Volume 18, Issue 2
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of being unloved, among other
allowing Him to do the work that
homosexual is like witnessing to
things. She was making the point
He needs to do. That could be
anyone else who is trapped in a
that homosexuality is not the end
allowing them to be in a healthy
lifestyle of sin and in need of
all and be all of issues that
heterosexual
it
God’s love and forgiveness. Lead
persons
LGBTQ
could mean celibacy for the rest
them to Christ and allow Him to
community struggle with, just
of their life but that is God’s work,
shine His light into their lives. Let
like heterosexuals. It is important
not
Him show them the parts of
for us to give a listening ear when
witnessing to them. Your job is to
themselves
you are witnessing.
allow God to meet them at their
surrender to Him so that He can
point of need and do the saving
heal, restore and renew them.
work
reach
in
the
Another thing she said in her interviews is that witnessing to homosexuals is not about trying to
convert
them
to
heterosexuality. It is only about leading
them
to
Christ
the
relationship
work
He
of
so
the
or
person
graciously
and
they
need
to
lovingly wants to do. Finally,
what
I
want
you
to
understand is that witnessing to a
and
h Stay Healthy - Covid-19 & Hygiene Contributed by Delano Mighty The COVID-19 pandemic has brought good health practices once again into the spotlight, including managing mental health, lifestyle diseases and general hygiene. However, though you are reminded to wash your hands, few may know that there is a technique to follow. The strategy I use is to spell O-X-Y-G-E-N. Do this while singing “Way Maker” for 30 seconds or more, and your hands will be clean! Wet your hands with running water and add soap to lather.
Rub palms together in a circular manner (O)
Curve one hand like a G, grab your thumb with the other hand and rub.
Criss-cross fingers, palm to palm (X) and rub
Hook hands together like a lowercase e and rub. Images adapted from the World Health Organization
What hygiene tips do you use? Share them with us @jbuyouth!
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Criss-cross fingers, palms to back of hands (Y) and rub
Make a ‘sign-language’ N with one hand and rub the palm of the other hand
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
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Where are they Now? Dave Collymore Contributed by Sardia McIndoe
IMPACT has been featuring some of our past presidents. We caught up with another one of our amazing presidents and long serving JBUYD Executive members, Dave Collymore. Here’s a snippet of the roles he was involved in as part of the JBUYD and what he’s been up to since active service at the National level: What capacities did you serve in for the JBUYD and at which point (s)? Between 2003-2005 I was the Vice Chairman of Student Affairs for the JBUYD while Rev. Stacy Lalor-Knowles was Chairman (this was of course before she became a Pastor). My role was to inform and host activities for tertiary students at the time. I focused mostly on students at UWI, UTech, MICO and St. Joseph’s Teachers College. I hosted several events over the 2 years. One was a panel discussion entitled, “The Empowerment of Women, the way forward - Oh really now!!!” My Student Affairs committee members were: Sheldon O’Connor, Theresa Brown, Lance Fisher (past Chairman) and Donna Lee Minott (past Chairman).
Between 2005-2007, I was the Chairman of the YD and Lance Fisher took over my role as the Vice Chairman of Student Affairs. While I was Chairman, I remember we developed a handbook for JBUYD bylaws, a JBUYD ministries handbook and a JBUYD website. Whilst serving as Chairman, I also had several preaching engagements and other opportunities to speak about the JBUYD. I remember preaching at Angels (St. Catherine), Longville Park (Clarendon) and Waltham (St. Ann) Baptist churches. I also remember emceeing an event under a tent for the Calvary Baptist church in Montego Bay when Rev. Everton Jackson just relocated there. What would you say were the most memorable/ impactful moments you had as part of the YD?
My most memorable moments while being a part of the YD were the following: When I suddenly got elected to be Vice Chairman of Student Affairs at the 2003 Youth Conference, I knew little to nothing about the position or the inner workings of the YD. It was quite daunting because at the time I was also Vice President in Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
charge of Mission Visits for the St. Catherine Baptist Association Youth Arms (SACABAYA), I was on the Spiritual Empowerment committee, then chaired by Rev. Karen Kirlew. I was still President of my local youth fellowship at the Waterford Baptist Church (Edgewater/Waterford Circuit), but I decided to give it a try. Pretty much every weekend for the following 4 years I was either in a meeting or at some sort of event. When I represented the JBUYD and Jamaica at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly for 3 weeks in Porto Alegre, Brazil back in 2006, my eyes were opened to many different denominations and styles of worship based on different cultures all over the world. I was particularly interested in the churches in Palestine, the churches in the Pacific islands like Fiji and the Oriental Orthodox churches. At a JBU Executive Meeting with many pastors, I had a very slight disagreement with Rev. Dr. Burchell Taylor on a topic, and when I voiced my disagreement, everyone went silent. The air was quite uncomfortable. Rev. Taylor defended his point and when I was about to give a rebuttal, I was kind of told to hush and listen, not
Volume 18, Issue 2
to argue back. It was an interesting meeting. I doubt anyone remembers, but I do not think I can forget. Since leaving active service in the YD, what are some of the other areas of Christian witness which you have been involved in (if any that is)? In March 2008 (while I was still Immediate Past Chairman of the JBUYD) I relocated to Japan with the intention to stay only one year. That was 12 years ago and I’m still living in Japan now. While here, I completed a Master of Christian Education online with a school in America. I have also preached a few times in Japan and even once in Virginia while on a visit there from Japan. Just to be clear, I am still a member of the Waterford Baptist church, but in Japan I have been attending a bilingual church known as “Life House” which is a part of the Hillsong Australia network of churches. My church has 3 services (9AM, 11AM and 1:30PM) I usually attend the 11AM service and I am the leader of the
7
11AM finance team. I am also the leader of an outreach program called “Language Exchange” where people come to learn English and we use this avenue to invite them to church.
is formed against thee shall prosper,” The LORD is in control and if we focus on Him in all that we do, the fears will slowly fade away. It is hard but keep your focus on Christ!
Do you have any encouragement to give to the current and incoming members of the YD?
2 Chronicles 20:15b - “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
The message I would like to give to the current and incoming YD members is a message I received while I was Vice Chairman. It was also something I saw on someone’s T-shirt while I was on a bus heading to UTech from Half Way Tree. It said, “Continue working for the LORD, the pay might not be much, but the retirement plan is out of this world!”
If you could give one message of hope in this season to all those being affected by COVID-19, what would it be? During this tough time, 2 scriptures spoke very strongly to me: Isaiah 54:17a - “No weapon that
This passage actually woke me out of my bed about 3-4 years ago when I was experiencing bad anxiety attacks and didn’t know what was happening to me or where to turn. I have been hearing people over the world having similar anxiety issues now and this Scripture helped me to remember that even though things seem dark and dismal, Jesus is our light, He is still in control. We should still exercise common sense and wisdom during this time, but the things out of our control? Leave them to God. My time with the YD were some of the best years of my life. I would do it all over again. It has helped me with public speaking, being more thorough and helped me to develop as a person, professionally and spiritually. To hear more from Dave Collymore and his journey in Japan you can read his blogs at www.davecollyjap.blogspot.com reach
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
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170th JBU Assembly Recap February 19 - 23, 2020 More photos at https://tinyurl.com/170JBUGeneralAssembly
The Youth Booth is filled with merchandise for sale. Youth photographer Akeil Harris is caught on the other end of the camera
Rev. Davewin Thomas praying for a young person Jermaine Edwards ministering to the public
There is always time for a picture with the president of the JBU
Opening Service is in full swing
Rev. Clement Clarke and Rev. Kirk Pinnock enjoying a session
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Volume 18, Issue 2
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Reaching the Lost Contributed by Andria Bryce
COVID-19: Bible Reading Plan of Assurance
B
Believers can be very discouraged when tasked with evangelism?
Adapted from Bible Gateway
Evangelising to lost souls can be a mountain climb for some youth. It gets even harder when youth are tasked with evangelizing with ones peers, the
there with you as you speak, encourage, and teach others about Christ. Be
During these unusual and unprecedented days, we need to regularly remind ourselves of God’s providence, power, and love. To that end, Bible Gateway has created the following 14-day Bible Reading Plan to help you focus your attention on God’s grandeur and greatness by reading Bible stories of his miraculous accomplishments and showing his desire to be involved in our lives.
encouraged that as you witness to the lost, YOU CAN DO IT!!! reach
Month 1
ones who know your faults and weaknesses. Nevertheless, Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the Gospel to everyone across the world; including the ones who were closest to them. He did not leave
them high and dry. He promised them guidance and power from the Holy Spirit. Just in case you did not know, we are disciples of Jesus. So, do not be daunted by the mountain you have to climb. The Holy Spirit is right
•
Genesis 8 – God saves Noah and his family in the flood
•
Genesis 41:1-36 – God saves Joseph from being in prison
•
Exodus 12:31-50 – God saves the Israelites from Egyptian bondage
•
Exodus 14:5-31 – God saves the Israelites from Egyptian slaughter
Month 2
•
1 Samuel 17 – God saves David in his battle with Goliath
•
Daniel 3 – God saves Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
•
Daniel 6 – God saves Daniel in the lions’ den
•
Isaiah 40:12-31 – Praise God for his sovereignty
Month 3
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
•
Isaiah 61 – Praise God for his comfort
•
Psalm 19 – Praise God for his majesty
•
Psalm 27 – Praise God for his salvation
•
Psalm 91 – Praise God for his refuge renew
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
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Conversations With the President Part 1 Contributed by Aneika White Rev. Norva Rodney is the pastor for
‘off-line’
the Kitson Town Circuit of Baptist
communities.
Churches. He has been elected and
we have tried our best to remain in
temptation of losing focus on
installed as the president of the
touch
some fundamentals.
Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) for the
several avenues: pastoral letters,
2020 - 2021 term. The IMPACT team
Christ for Today, the JBU website
caught up with him for a discussion.
and other social media platforms.
For part 1 of this discussion, we
In all of this, we have sought to
spoke
Covid-19
facilitate the deepening of our
pandemic and its effects. Read it
faith and encourage a spirit of
below.
solidarity as we face this crisis.
to
him
about
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, does the Union have any plans to assist
rural
churches
in
facilitating online church services to reach the members who are unable to attend the physical church
service
due
to
the
groupings
with
in
Since
our
our
mid-March,
members
via
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and we dare not opt for
the path of least resistance. Ours is the missional mandate to stand with and for the ‘least of these’ as we serve God and affirm the common good.
in ‘online’ church services, we need
It
to
could
guard
make
research
to
against
for
find
the
interesting out
what
percentage of our membership is benefiting from the ‘online’ facility. Quite a significant proportion of our constituents are residing in areas
where
economic
technological,
and
logistical
challenges render virtual church impossible. Maybe the question ought
to
be
missional commitments
regarding and to
our
ministry those
who
constitute the larger proportions of
limitations on gatherings? What
Having said that though, we can
our constituency. This is what is
are those plans?
celebrate the creative ways in
occupying the energies of your
which electronic technology is
servant-leaders even as we speak.
Let us begin by expressing our genuine concern for the impact of
this pandemic on human lives and relationships. saying
that
It
goes
we
are
without living
in
unprecedented times and, with each passing week and additional containment God’s
measure,
people
are
we
as
being
challenged to reflect on how to maintain a ministry of ‘presence’ and witness especially to the poor, and marginalized and indeed the
being
used
by
some
of our
churches to help in maintaining
communication worship
and
offerings
to
sustain
during
this
public health crisis. Indeed, the social
constraints
which
have
occasioned the onset of the virus, (physical/social distancing, shelter in place and wearing of masks) have
all
impacted
corporate
worship all over the world. But while we make much of the surge Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Volume 18, Issue 2
11
to
might not be on WhatsApp or
‘online’
Instagram, but a call will go a long
expression of our commitment to
employment initiatives which can
way in communicating our regard
this needful ministry response.
assist persons earning potential
and real hope for their survival.
I can assure you that within a few
private
more days, you will see another
developing
One
of
the
effects
of
this
pandemic is the growing rate of
both
sectors,
pursuant
creative
during
and
after
this
pandemic.
Finally, we ask our young people to use this time of isolation wisely;
unemployment. Does the Union
What is your message to youth
not just to catch up on your
have any plans in place to assist
during the pandemic, considering
favourite Netflix series but also to
persons in need?
that we are at a time when the
form and nurture good and healthy
level of distraction is rampant
habits which will transcend Covid-
among our young people?
19. Give yourselves to reading,
The record speaks for itself of our Union’s
healthy
missional this
Beloved youth and young adults,
translates into assisting persons in
we value you for who you are now
need. The JBU Mission Agency is
and for your potential witness in
up and functioning and has been
the future of the JBU. We urge and
guiding our ministry response in
implore you to follow the updates
this
consciousness
regard.
through
and
how
doing
so
through the formal Government
commitment
to
media platforms and to do all
Besides
our
services in education and health,
that
we continue to encourage our
yourselves and your loved
congregations to develop mission
ones from the devastating
projects which offer care for all
impact of the coronavirus.
persons. We also seek to assess
We also ask that you all
the needs of the most vulnerable
become proactive in helping
persons
church
to curb the spread of false
communities while assisting them
information and panic online.
in maximizing benefits from the
Please live responsibly and
government
be
initiatives.
within
the
social
safety
net
Many of our churches
continue with creative initiatives through their mission and outreach departments to facilitate training and
empowerment
ministries,
offering stimulus packages and presenting numerous families with care
packages.
We
are
also
seeking to dialogue with mission partners within the public and
you
can
bearers
to
of
protect
authentic
information. We
support
our
youth’s
usage of the available online platforms to stay connected and to encourage each other. But we also ask you to make an extra effort at connecting with
our
senior
citizens
especially those within the church
community.
They
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
meditating and exercising. And above all, keep hope alive. God is faithful my friends and God will see us through this pandemic. This too shall pass. renew
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
12
Brian Warren’s Testimony Have you ever hit rock bottom? In
in constant fear. I was picked on,
schemes my friend and I were
this edition of IMPACT, we look at
threatened,
with
engaged in. She commented
the story of Brian Warren, a 28-
plastic before my day in court
further that I obviously had no
year-old man who not only hit
came. When I went before the
care in the world and needed
rock bottom but has a story to tell
judge my attitude was far from
some time to reflect. I cried when
about
remorseful and she noticed. She
I heard those words. I was sent
said that she did not know me
back to lock up for forty eight
but that I seemed to be an
(48)
intelligent
sentenced.
how
he
rose
from
brokenness to victory. Many persons would say I was heading
down
a
dark
and
destructive path. I had turned my
and
person
burnt
and
quite
possibly the mastermind of the
days
before
being
When we got back to the lock up
back on family, close friends,
facility, I did not speak to anyone
church and even God. People
or eat for days. I got visits from
feared being around me because
my mother on designated days with food items that I shared
I had broken their trust. From
with my friend as no one
telling lies, doing drugs, stealing family,
from and
came to visit him. She
friends,
seemed to be getting
complete being
more and more ill each
gang
time she came and that
which led to my friend
started to break me
and I getting arrested
inside.
strangers involved
for
to in
a
breaking
entering
and
and
The threats and sexual
simple
advances
larceny, I was heading
from
other
persons inside the lock
in the wrong direction
up got worse. Sleeping
and fast.
on
the
cold
concrete,
having insects crawl over
I was taken to a lock up
me in my sleep and being
and put in dark a cell with
awoken by hot plastic burning
about seven (7) persons. My friend was placed in another cell.
away at my skin was like never-
I was there for five (5) days living
ending torment. Weeks passed
and finally one night I broke Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Volume 18, Issue 2
down
in
tears
13
called. We were transferred to
was given an eighteen (18) month
contemplated suicide. I was at
another
the
suspended sentence with hard
my breaking point. I was hit in the
investigation into my ill-treatment
labour for two (2) years. I knew I
face and upper body at first and
while in lock up revealed that
had to stay out of trouble. I
told to stop crying. When the
illegal items were present in my
thanked
crying didn’t stop, I was kicked
previous cell and my former
courtroom. I praised God.
repeatedly, burnt with plastic,
cellmates were not happy. They
stabbed in the hand and my head
wanted blood.
repeatedly
and
seriously
slammed
into
the
facility
because
That
her
and
evening
left
after
the
being
released I found myself at a
I went to court three (3) days after
crusade. I was frowned upon by
being moved to the new location,
some but welcomed by others. I
I was moved to another cell after
The Judge saw my injuries and
spoke with a leader in the church
I was observed limping to the
ordered an investigation. I was
and was given advice about time
showers by an officer who also
remanded for three (3) additional
and healing. I left the area for a
noticed my other injuries. Before
days. I went back to holding at
few months and grew closer to
putting me in the new cell he told
the Court House feeling numb
God during that time.
me that I am lucky to be alive and
and spaced out.
wall.
jokingly said that I should keep on praying to whichever god I was
serving
and
walked
away.
I
started crying and praying for forgiveness, “ Fada God, mi know yuh nuh waan hear from mi right now enuh, cause mi tun mi back pan yuh an yuh people dem weh yuh put inna mi life fi guide mi, Mi
I started going back to church but
I used the remaining days to fast,
was uncomfortable because I
pray, sing and even dance and as
was
the words of the elderly man
where I was coming from and it
resounded in my head, “The last
always felt like someone was
three (3) days will make the
watching
difference.” On the morning of my
consequently changed churches.
court date a voice said, “You’re
God, through his servants, helped
going home today.”
me along the path to restoration
constantly
me.
reminded
I
felt
hurt.
of
I
and to find my place doing his
do a whole heap a wrongs and
On my way to court I kept
yuh gimme chance after chance
thinking of the three (3) Hebrew
after chance, but do mi a beg yuh,
boys in the fire and I felt His
That journey continues. I help
tek mi outta dah place yah.”. I
warmth
an
others around me to know more
cried for the rest of the night. An
unseen presence. I went into the
about God while I continue to
elderly person who was in the
court room smiling.
grow spiritually, day by day, step
cell tried to console me. He told
told me that by law I should be
me that things would be much
locked away for two (2) to five (5)
better in three days.
years at hard labour but that after
A
few
minutes
conversation,
my
after
our
name
was
called. My friend’s name was also
and
recognized
The judge
fifty-one (51) days, the young man she saw then was different from the one she had seen before. I
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
work.
by step. renew
14
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
We Got Talent - Jason McNee Business: Boncrek Films Title:
Editor/Cinematographer
Website: Boncrekfilms.com Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Volume 18, Issue 2
15
Step inna di Future
l
Contributed by Delano Mighty I stepped out of my pew and toward
bonded
the
accident.
altar.
There,
a
Christian
over
thirst.
Jesus
This
was
is
Diana
Ross’
song,
“Reach
Out”
missionary was waiting. I prayed a
“contextual
where
challenges us to reach out and
prayer of faith, and immediately, I
persons respond better to groups or
touch somebody’s hand to make
was counted among the elect –
individuals with similar or shared life
this world a better place. Of course,
those to whom the word of God
experiences. Common experiences
this was not literal, but rather to
came and who accepted the call.
could include similar jobs, school
really be our brothers’ keeper so to
That was 1999. Evangelism is not the
experiences or even home life.
speak. So how can we reach out
same today. Churches have tents set
Christian Love
up for weeks, but the flood of
The advent of modern technology
converts has slowed to a trickle.
and connectivity means that people
Congregations do missional drives,
desire
but the pews remain empty, more so
more than ever. Jesus establishes a
every Sunday. Yet, the world is at the
relationship
peak of personal spiritual journeys.
woman
Where did the church go wrong?
Christian love. He speaks with her,
In John 4, Jesus evangelises to a
rather than preaching at her, despite
Samaritan woman, and she in turn
their cultural differences. He broke
various
evangelises to her entire community.
several barriers and paved the way
religious
His methodology establishes the
for her salvation.
creating
principles of evangelism. Rather than leaving these in the church’s past, we need to bring these into our evangelistic future.
evangelism”,
Contributed by Joneil Powell
no
practicing
Take the Challenge
and touch someone’s hand during this COVID-19 pandemic?
interpersonal with
using
our words, and indeed in our lives.
Christianity is not the single starting
Jesus was the same Jesus when the
point
anymore.
woman brought the town to Him. If
Various religions and beliefs exist.
we are to be effective in evangelism,
However, Jesus met the Samaritan
we need to have integrity – the
woman at her starting point: the well.
oneness exhibited by the mind and
Likewise, we need to meet non-
behaviour of Christ. reach
believers where they are and not
What are your evangelism tips? Share
wait for them to step foot into a
them with us @jbuyouth!
evangelism
2.
before,
occupy
it
by
Donate cash or kind to the religious entities care
or
non-
that
packages
are for
persons at this time, if you are able to. 3.
Send
encouraging
words
to
persons
saved, but also transformed. We
In the age of spiritual journeys,
overseas,
nurturing these relationships.
Evangelism is long-term: understand
therefore need to be consistent in
for
ever
Consistent Approach
Current Location
and
free time on our hands now than
of
that humankind is not only being
locally
believe it or not we have more
Samaritan
principles
Check up on your friends and family
relationships
the
the
1.
4.
PRAY
Now is the time to let our Christian
light shine like never before. reach
Q Bet You Didn’t Know The King James Bible contains 3,116,480 characters (letters and
church building.
punctuation marks), 783,137 words,
Common Experience
31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66
Jesus and the Samaritan woman
books. renew Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |
16
Am I Prepared?
c Make a Note
Contributed by Marcel Clarke
May 2020 10
Mothering Sunday
25
JBUYD Cultural Commission: Music Workshop I
30
Bible Talk: Uncensored II
June 2020 14
BWA Youth Day of Prayer
14
World Blood Donor Day
21
Fathering Sunday
July 2020 8 - 11
Intermediate Camp
Climate change is real. If you did not believe it before then seeing a tropical storm in the middle of May should change your thoughts. The major question you will have to ask yourself is Am I Prepared? Do not let this hurricane season catch you unprepared. Here are a few and by no means the full list of tips for the season.
19
•
Know the hurricane terminology (Watch, warning, categories, etc.)
•
Do an inventory of hurricane supplies
• •
Identify the nearest shelter
•
Find out the history of your area (where usually floods and which roads are the best to travel on)
Listen to all warnings and bulletins via radio and social media
•
Fill vehicle with fuel and park on high ground if possible
•
Secure all furniture and equipment above water level
•
Tape all glass to secure them. If your home has extensive glass, clear that section of the home.
• •
AThy Kingdom Fun
During the Hurricane
• •
Assume a calm posture
•
Do not go outside absolutely necessary
•
Do not open windows and doors which are exposed to the full forces of the wind
Identify and fix all weak points on your home
At the start of the Hurricane Season 21 - 25 Junior Camp
•
Before the Hurricane Season
13 - 18 Youth Camp
JBUYD Cultural Commission: Music Workshop II
Before the Hurricane
Trim trees close to your home Ensure you have adequate drinking water supplies and storage facilities for water (barrels, drums)
•
Stock 4-5 supply days of food that does not need cooking
•
Ensure there supplies
•
Identify vital records are backed up and safeguarded
are
first
aid
Continue to listen to the radio for reports and where possible social media platforms unless
After the Hurricane
•
Do not touch loose or dangling wires
•
Boil all drinking water for at least 10 minutes
•
Do not empty any water stored until safe drinking water is restored
•
Report any damage of water or sewer mains or electricity poles to local authorities, report any damage to office or facilities to relevant personnel in your organization reach
Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department
P
2B Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20, JM
q
969-2223 / 969-6268
p
(876) 924-6296
E
jbuyouth@gmail.com
8
www.jbu.org.jm
Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost