IMPACT - Volume 18 Issue 2

Volume 18, Issue 2

1

Volume 18, Issue 2 May 2020 Reach - Touching the Lives of the Lost

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

2

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

9

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

3

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 |

4

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

5

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 |

6

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 |

8

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

3

9

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 |

10

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