JBUYD IMPACT: February 2019

Volume 17, Issue 1

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Volume 17, Issue 1 February 2019

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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wFrom the Editor’s Desk

M What’s Inside?

A new life, a new walk, a new road, a new creation… all are phrases we associate with the emergence of a new year. Coming with those words are “resolutions”. Major plans for the rest of the year that more often than not we fail to accomplish at the end of the year.

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Waging Spiritual War

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A Virtuous Woman

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What is Environmental

Here is a thought: For this year, let us dive deeper into God, delve into the Word of God, and converse with the Creator. It is a plan that will never be a disappointment. Have an awesome new year.

Yours faithfully, Marcel Clarke

Madam President!

Stewardship?

p

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The Sword of the Enemy

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Paul Bogle - A Man of Action

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JBU Youth Conference and Rally 2018: Recap

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I Worth 1000 Words...

And As Always...

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing”

b

Champion of Christ

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Q

Bet You Didn’t Know

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I

JBUYCAR18 Pictures

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h

Stay Healthy

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l

Take the Challenge

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@

Evangelism Tip

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B

Season’s Readings

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c

Make a Note

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A

Thy Kingdom Fun

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Psalm 100:1-2 As we see the youth of St. Mary rendering a song of praise to the Most High God, let our praise never falter. May we continue to sing of His grace and mercy for it endures forever and ever and evermore. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, people of God. rejoice

LMeet our Writers Tamar Henry Barbican Baptist

Joneil Powell Sharon Baptist

Sardia McIndoe Yallahs Baptist

Lori-Ann Haye Moses Baker Baptist

Tami Palmer Linstead Baptist

Ricardo Palmer Calvary Baptist

Clemar Clarke Christiana Baptist

Volume 17, Issue 1

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Madam President!

The IMPACT Magazine caught up with the Rev. Karen Kirlew, President of the Jamaica Baptist Union, recently and had a chat about some of the issues which affect our Baptist youth. Keep reading to hear what our President had to say.

How can our churches actively practice living in partnership in ways which will benefit our youth?

What vision do you have for the development of the youth of the JBU Rev? The development of youth in the JBU should: aid in the formation of their faith; empower them to become effective in the ways they will impact the Church, the community and the world; promote greater selfawareness so that they will effectively articulate and engage their passions and interests; all for the sake of the mission of God. What are some of the challenges that you think our youth are currently faced with?

Our youth are currently faced with many challenges. These include; the shifts in perceptions and worldviews which find our youth contemplating and trying to make sense of their belief systems; the search for identity; and at a time when the options are many, trying to discern where and how they fit in and which option will give clarity and meaning to their lives.

Our churches must; give our youth the space to think freely and speak openly without condemnation; use areas of interest to communicate to them the message of the Christian faith; serve as models of faithfulness, care and compassion; encourage the giftedness and resourcefulness of our youth, build relationships with our youth while helping them to respond to the opportunities to grow and to experience God's grace and goodness.

What charge would you give to our youth concerning our current theme: Living in Partnership?

I would like to charge our youth in the JBU to remember that living in partnership is about a life of ongoing self-commitment and shared relationships.

It is, therefore, important to be consistent in the efforts towards a deepening of spirituality which should result in our youth looking out for the interests of others and not only for their own interests. I also ask that our youth allow their lives to be centered upon the pillars of partnership which include; Humility, Dignity, Civility, and Community.

Wise words, Rev. Kirlew, in closing would you like to add anything for our YD audience?

[Sure, I would like our youth to know that] in this age of varying interests and concerns, the JBUYD is rightly poised to do its part to encourage youth involvement in church and community through training in discipleship and by building relationships. I pray for an openness of heart, mind, and will to the purposes of Almighty God who is always ready to partner with us.

rejoice

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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b Champion of Christ

I am a Champion!

I am a Winner!

I am like David who defeated Goliath.

Together we are all champions of Christ.

Look at the world! They are fighting a losing battle. For Christ defeated the Old Dragon, and cried, “It is finished!”

I overcome stress, worries of this life and those hurtful words that they say about me because, I am a champion of Christ.

A who dem a talk to, bout yuh nah come to nutten! Yuh nuh si seh mi a di champion of Christ inna real life?!

I have the attitude of altitude, because Christ is my King, inna real, real life, I am di champion of Christ.

I am kind, loving and caring. And I know the best policies for my life for Christ is my guide.

And so yes we can! We can do all things through Christ…

(Because) I am, I am, I am, We are the Champion of Christ!

Nelisa Gentles Browns Town Circuit of Baptist Churches rejoice

Waging Spiritual War ⚔️ The song Waging War by Cece Winans, is one that requires us to pay attention to the fact that as Christians we are in spiritual warfare at all times. In one stanza of the song, she says that we are fighting unseen enemies and Scripture confirms this to be true in Ephesians 6:12. Though our warfare is spiritual, the tactics of the enemy are akin to those that a physical enemy would use. One such tactic is to put you under siege. This is a means by which the enemy can avoid the fighting associated with warfare altogether and get the person/country they are attacking to surrender voluntarily.

In physical warfare, when a city is under siege, the enemy first surrounds the city. They look for spaces that they can occupy which may have been overlooked or not fortified, and set up camp there.

When you are surrounded this prevents you from going in or out of the city. They then restrict the flow of resources into the city. For example, if there is a river that supplies the city with water they cut it off. The supply of goods and services is also cut off, therefore, no buying or selling of goods can take place. Once the food supply is cut off, you become fully dependent on the resources in the city which will eventually run out. It is at this point, that the city, becomes extremely vulnerable and unable to fight .

This does not differ from being under spiritual siege. In this case, the first thing that our enemy does is to cut off our supply of food; the Word. It is then we experience a

downward spiral. We stop or we experience difficulty in reading our Bibles, we stop praying, fasting, having devotion, going to church, until we have stopped talking to God. He continues to speak to us but we cannot hear Him because all communication, i.e. supplies that should be assisting us have been cut off. The enemy finds areas in our lives that we overlook or maintain and uses those as a gateway into our lives. We are at this point vulnerable and demoralized and without realizing it, in some cases, we surrender willingly to Satan.

So what can we do when we realize we are under spiritual siege?

ATTACK! The Bible tells us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, so we ask Him for help to develop the hunger and thirst for Him again. We begin to fight not in our strength but His. Another thing you can do is prepare for the siege. The Russians did this in World War II, by burning down all the fields with crops so that there was no comfortable place for their enemy to lodge. This created an opportunity for the Russians to attack their enemy and win the war.

Therefore, we as Christians must ensure that we make our lives very uncomfortable for Satan, completely unhospitable, so that he will flee from you.

REACH

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A Virtuous Woman “This world demands the qualities of youth not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease”. This quote by Robert Kennedy was an appeal for the empowerment of youth to take charge of their country’s future.

His appeal led to remarkable changes in South Africa as youth took up the charge extended to them and now June 10 is celebrated as National Youth Day in that country. We however, do not need to look outside of Jamaica to see youth actively engaged in the development and advancement of their country, because right here in the Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department we have one such young person, Mrs. Samantha Clarke-Daley.

Samantha is described as, “an innovator who uses her creative skills for the service of the church and community”. She is

married to Mr. Robert Daley who is very supportive of her drive and desire to offer guidance to young people equipping them as role models for their communities and society at large.

A graduate of the International University of the Caribbean where she obtained an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Guidance and Counselling.

In 2015, She also received the Governor General’s Achievement Award for Excellence. She was also appointed an I Believe Initiative (IBI) Ambassador for the parish of Hanover.

She is currently serving as Youth & Choir Director, Dance Coordinator and an active member of the Women’s Federation at the Fletcher’s Grove Baptist Church. Her love for God and her passion for service is evident in the fact that she is actively involved in missions in her community.

Samantha is a gifted dancer who has received awards from JCDC: for most outstanding Junior Dance Teacher in 2012 and 2014.

As a member of the Sandy Bay Dance Committee, she participates in civic and cultural ceremonies at the parish and national levels. She is also an active member of the Sandy Bay Environmental Club and gives full participation in all activities including International Coastal Clean Ups and other local activities in her parish.

Samantha has faithfully served not only her community and parish well but has also sat on the National Youth Executive of the Jamaica Baptist Union as Parish President for Hanover. Through her various positions and areas of voluntary service, it can truly be said of Samantha that she has used her gifts to serve others as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

REJOICE

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Bet You Didn’t Know Did you know that violet is the official colour of Lent? It represents mourning for Jesus’ dying on the cross while celebrating His resurrection with the colours of royalty. REJOICE

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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

Volume 17, Issue 1

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Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

What is Environmental Stewardship?

‘I'm chained to the tree and I'll stay here forever till they don't cut it down, cut it down.’

This statement of protest and others come to mind when we think about those protecting our environment - treehuggers. It is a stereotype about all environmentalists and persons affiliated to the cause of the protection of the environment.

While this is one example of an extreme case, what is Environmental Stewardship?

As Christians, we acknowledge and believe that God created the Earth and everything therein.

With this understanding and spatial reasoning, we can define the environment as everything living and non-living around us.

Now let us consider stewardship as a job that consists of supervision, where one is to maintain, conserve and look after. something Therefore, environmental stewardship is our God-given job to care for our world. Genesis 2:15 NIV Why is this important?

Everything is connected.

Scientifically, we refer to relationships as symbiotic where the actions of one creature affects another. Another concept states that constantly recurring

activities transport elements that are important for living, for example, the water cycle. In the Bible, these concepts align with the construct that there is nothing new under the sun and that no man can exist without another. Even the consideration for representing all creatures on Noah’s ark and the prerequisite for plants and land mass to exit the ark after the flood, indicates the importance of all living and non-living things to co-exist.

How do we do this? Go Green?

To “go green” may mean to use products that are less harmful to the environment than existing products. This is usually indicated with a green sticker or colour.

One misconception is that slapping a green colour on products and activities makes it ‘green’ so we can use it however we want. The fact is, everything we do as humans impacts on our environment, and this includes each other. However, we must be more aware of our lifestyle choices.

You may actually be able to do without some of the items and

devices altogether - it doesn't get much greener than that!

Must we all now strive to be extremist tree-huggers? Short answer, no. What we must consider is moderation sustainable development. The Bible speaks to moderation, selfcontrol and a time for everything.

In the same way let us strive to be conservative and wise in the use of our resources. Here are some tips.

REJOICE

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The Sword of the Enemy In Ephesians 6, Paul admonishes the church on the matter of personal spiritual warfare. He compares the character traits of a successful Christian, to the attire and equipment of a soldier in battle. Among all the items in his stock-taking exercise, is the only tool of offense: the Sword of the Spirit, “the Word of God”.

It stands to reason, however, that if the Christian soldier is outfitted with a sword, then surely the opponent must also wield his own

sword.

Have

we

yet

considered what constitutes the enemy’s sword? Where does the

enemy find power? The answer may not be as mysterious as we thought. In the account of the fall of man (Genesis 3), we see that

appealed to the facet of their being he knew to manipulate…

yes, that’s it… the flesh! The enemy’s main weapon is the believer’s own flesh. He too finds strength

our

weakness!

Jesus said in John 14:30, that the enemy is coming,

but

“hath

nothing in me” (KJV). This was the

primary key to Jesus’ success over sin. It was not His heavenly glory, nor even His knowledge of Scripture, but rather his resolve against self (Luke 12:50). We must recognize that the size and power of the sword of the

We all know that the New Year brings #NewYearGoals where we trying vigorously to begin a new habit for our health, whether it is a taking up a gym membership or saying that we will try the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Our heart may be the right place, but let us not fail prey to the allure of starting a new colossal goal, just because. Instead, let us set small measurable and achievable goals.

Remember this season we also have the Lenten period where you can commit to giving up something unhealthy in your life with purpose and intention.

In focusing on your health, celebrate the small things:

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Give up or cut down on sugary food and drink.

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Spend 45 minutes in exercise daily

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Spend an hour with the Lord in silence and prayer.

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Drink more water

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Eat more balanced meals

enemy, is under our control.

While we sharpen our Spiritual sword, let us also commit to the subduing of the flesh – which is the sword of the enemy.

the serpent could not make mankind sin, but he

in

h Stay Healthy

REJOICE

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance..

Proverbs 21:5

instead

RENEW

l Take the Challenge How do we as young people respond to critical social issues - the ones that make us uncomfortable, or that aren’t often discussed in church? You know the ones I’m talking about; Abortion, Gender Based Violence, LGBTQIA, HIV/AIDS and many more. Do we take an adversarial approach, they are the enemy and must be eradicated at all costs? Or do we follow Paul’s example, who spoke the truth in love, because they too need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ? I challenge you to learn how to evangelize to groups that are often left out. Remember, Colossians 4:6 – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

REACH

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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Paul Bogle - A Man of Action Imagine the look of terror on the

Someone once remarked that the

not only advocate but act on

faces of the volunteer ‘soldiers’

only reason he votes on Election

behalf of the most vulnerable?

when they saw Paul Bogle and

Day was because of Bogle’s

The ‘less fortunate’ are begging

his men marching towards them

sacrificial walk. According to him,

us to take action! Our elderly are

at the courthouse, sticks, stones

“Bogle didn’t chop bush from St

crying for us to take action! Our

and machetes in hand, ready to

Thomas to Spanish Town for

children are dying for us to take

defend themselves. Bogle was

nuttn”.

action! There are barriers to break

protesting the injustices being faced by black farmers who experienced hardship not only due to weather conditions and

resource

constrains

but

also

classism.

They were excluded

from the voting process due to them being unable to afford the poll tax.

How amazing it is to consider the gravity of the sacrifice Bogle made.

It is thought that Bogle

himself was not directly affected

by these issues as he was able to afford

the

sacrificed

poll his

tax,

yet

freedom

he and

ultimately his life for the cause of his

fellowmen.

This

of

What may stand out to many

complete

about

his

changes to both the political and

45

economic landscape in Jamaica

Paul

Bogle

determination;

he

miles from Stony

was walked

Gut

in St

and

self-denial

act

eventually

led

effected

to

the

Thomas to Spanish Town and

establishment of fair practices

after the disappointment of not

within the courts.

being

allowed

Governor,

no

to

see

doubt

had

the to

muster the energy to walk the 45 miles back to St Thomas.

What can we learn from the actions of Bogle? Can we look beyond our personal desires and

and bridges to build. Let us start today.

RENEW

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BSeasons Readings Job was a man who went through many trials and tribulations. He faced many hard times and very sad times.

Despite

everything,

he

endured to the end. You may be in need of encouragement through your hardship.

As Job endured the tests, so too our Saviour, Jesus Christ went through numerous

tests

and

performed

several miracles and ultimately died for our sins. The Gospel of John tells the story of our beloved Saviour.

As we go through the rest of this quarter, join us in this reading plan that we have designed just for you. .

RENEW

@ Evangelism Tip Never get discouraged when sharing the gospel with someone and it seems as if things are not going the way you would want it to go. Your job is to sow the seed and the Lord will do the rest. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9.)

Missed an episode?

Catch up on YouTube

y jbuyouth



Week 1: Job 1-5.



Week 2: Job 6-10.

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Week 3: Job 11-15.

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Week 4: Job 16-20.

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Week 5: Job 21-25.

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Week 6: Job 26-30.



Week 7: Job 31-36.



Week 8: Job 37-42.



Week 9: St. John 1-5.



Week 10: St John 6-10.



Week 11: St. John 11-15.



Week 12: St. John 16-21.

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department |

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c Make a Note February 2019 20 - 24 JBU General Assembly

March 2019 6

Ash Wednesday

April 2019 19 21

Good Friday Resurrection Sunday

May 2019 4

JBUYD Rev. Chef

AThy Kingdom Fun

p JBU Youth Conference and Rally 2018: Recap On November 22, 2018, the annual JBUYD Conference & Rally commenced. The opening night service set the tone for the weekend. Smiles broke out on the campsite as youth from all over were reunited with friends separated by distance from the year before. As with young people, the night saw, failure to comply with calls from their beds as there were various small groups conversing about various topics to conclude day one of their adventure.

From as early as 6 am, knocks on our doors to remind us of morning devotion had everyone stirring.

Morning devotion was truly a blessing. Afterwards, everyone was greeted by the aromatic scent of a well-prepared breakfast, in the blink of an eye and to no one’s surprise, all the food prepared disappeared into everyone's stomachs leaving everyone satisfied.

The business side of things then commenced with an orientation session and business meeting which included the election of a new Chairman as well as secretary.

A host of sessions followed after lunch, such as “WhatsApp Church” and Youth and Mental Health.

Fiesta time commenced after both sessions ended. Everyone got the chance to socialize with other delegates and observers. Forging new friendships.

Dinner time began with two handfuls of people who were

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Get in touch with us to learn more!

singing which turned into an impromptu all-out worship session in the hall evoking a response from almost everyone, cutting their dinner short to worship and lift praises high. The Holy Ghost spirit again filled the room so much that Kingdom Vybz had to be adjusted.

As the singing lowered, Shauna Malcolm- Parish President for KASABAYA took over into another worship session where she shared her testimony and had a little demonstration. Then again the spirit abided with his people with tears flowing and worship just as soul filling as it was during dinner.

It was a truly memorable moment.

Afterwards, most persons prepared for bed while the regular night owls stayed up conversing about various topic surrounding our youths and church again.

At last the final day arrived. Ocho Rios Baptist saw various youths from conference volunteering as booth workers, backstage operators to gate workers to help make Rally a success. Circuits from Zone 1 to 5 came out in their numbers. Many excellent performances came from each zone in the different areas of competitions. When the day drew to a close and the dust of friendly competition settled, Zone 2 retained their title as champions.

This year was an experience that words alone can’t explain how amazing it was, you had to be there to really know. It was belly filling and spirit filling. Come and join us next time and enjoy yourself.

Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department

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2B Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20, JM

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969-2223 / 969-6268

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924-6296

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jbuyouth@gmail.com

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www.jbu.org.jm

jbuyouth