* YOUTH MONTH MESSAGE *

It is a pleasure for me to greet you as we celebrate Youth Month 2007. God has been so gracious to each of us in the past year. A number of persons have faced difficulties and trials however through it all Christ has been in the midst. Of note is the recent passage of Hurricane Dean in August of this year. Many of our brothers and sisters suffered extensive damage to their homes and crops which form their livelihood. I trust that those of us who have not been affected significantly will make an effort to help those affected in whatever way we can.

Jamaica continues to be plagued with crime and violence. If we look at the statistics, a large number of the persons dieing as a result of violence and those committing the crimes in our country are young people. As Christian young people we need to become more visible in our communities and spread the love of Christ so that others may come to know Him.

The Youth Work Commission has realized even more that youth work is at an all time low in a number of circuits. Most circuits across the District have a small percentage of functional youth groups. A number of young persons have stated that there is unwillingness among adults to take on the leadership of young people in the congregations. In light of this, I would like to challenge the Young Adults in the congregations to take on the leadership roles and to be role models for the young people.

I would also like to encourage circuits to institute Youth Work Commissions in an effort to centralize youth work within circuits and create an environment where congregations with strong Youth Groups can aid the weaker groups or help to create the infrastructure to establish groups where none exists.

Young people, I implore you to allot time to studying the Word of God and develop a personal relationship with Him. Let us remember that it does not matter if we have been confirmed, or how many years we have been attending church. What matters is our heart condition. As Jesus pointed out in St. John 3 v.3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Let us all work towards staying connected to Jesus Christ and carrying out His mandate. Remember “we all have this ministry for such a time as this”.

Jossett Francis
Secretary, District Youth Work Commission