Youth Konex issue 1 draft

A Publication of the

East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

CONTENTS 2- President’s Message 3- Director’s Message

4- Sex & Love: The

Christian Dating Road map

5- The M Word 5- Did you Know Feature

6-7- The Copy/Paste Culture Is Plagiarism a Sin?

8 - 9- Photo Highlights

10 - Transformed for Service

12- Managing Finances 14- Ask The Pastor 15- Health & Wellness 16- Bible Quiz

Message The

PRESIDENT

A

s one who has been called to give leadership to God’s Church at this time, I invite you to embrace the five stratetic pillars that will guide you through these challenging and critical times: These five pillars constitute Spirituality, Ownership, Family Wellness, Fellowship and Faithfulness.

We value the tremendous contribution that is being made toward the misson of our church. I take this opportunity to register our continuous commitment to support the different projects and programmes that are organized by the youth department.

The leadership of this Conference is well aware of the fact that 70% of the membership is made up of young people, who are cooperative and courageous, always willing to support projects of the church.

I wish to congratulate the Youth Director, Pastor Dane Fletcher and his team for putting out its first issue of “Youth Konex”. I believe this will serve as a platform for youth expressions on Christian morals and principles. We hope that it will also help to enhance Spiritual growth, to equip and fortify our young people and to help those who are experiencing challenges.

On behalf of East Jamaica Conference, we wish “Youth Konex” every success and pray that it will help to fulfil the work and mission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Pastor Eric L. Nathan President – East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists - EJC

Introducing the Master Guide Association

from The

Youth Director

I

AM excited that we have realize the first publication of this the East Jamaica Conference (EJC) Youth Konex, and I look forward to your contribution each quarter. We must commend the editorial team for ensuring that this publication becomes a reality. It is also with sentiments of joy that I embrace the privilege to connect with you through this medium. I pray that this magazine will help us on the journey as we seek to be transformed for service.

On a daily basis we are bombarded with all forms of attractive distractions, and if we are not careful, we will sacrifice the balanced diet of wholesome Christian Living for the empty calorie cotton-candy sweetness of sinful, momentary pleasure. Despite the proliferations of distractions, I celebrate the fact that there are many young people who are fully committed to Christ, and the fulfillment of the mission of the church. We cannot forget that this Movement has grown strong, especially as a result of our young pioneers who dedicated their lives to the mission of the church. There has always been a place for the youth to lead, even amidst the distractions that we face in today’s world – because with God’s help the youth will make a difference.

Through this medium, whether we are junior or senior youth – or longstanding youth leader – we can unite as we share ways and means of maintaining our connection to Christ, even as we strengthen the bonds we share with one another. Let us work together as we seek to grow while we express ourselves on this platform. It is my prayer that as we share, we will create a context of inspiration, whereby our testimonies serve to motivate others to be powerful witnesses – for we are, indeed, a powerful generation.

Let us seek at all times to be fully transformed as we serve, because with Jesus as Our Leader, our joys will be made full as we share the joy that our salvation brings.

Prayerfully yours,

Pastor Dane A. Fletcher Youth Ministries Director - EJC

The Master Guide Association is guided by the premise of the EJC Youth Ministries Department that Jesus is coming soon, and that the youth of our church need to be trained, equipped, motivated and deployed to spread the everlasting gospel.

The objectives of the Association are: ► To upgrade the skills quality of Master Guides. ► To support and encourage Master Guides in training. ► To ensure the active participation of invested Master Guides in the Pathfinder Clubs. ► To provide activities for the social and spiritual growth of the invested Master Guides. ► To ensure that all Master Guides are properly uniformed. ► To work in conjunction with the Adventist Youth Federation of each zone to ensure that there is no duplication of program and proper coordination of activities. ► To perform any other duty as may be advised by the Youth Department of the East Jamaica Conference.

The officers of the Association are: Sponsor President Vice-President Secretary Asst. Secretary Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Chaplain Public Relations Officer (PRO) Parliamentarian Social Coordinator Training/Honours Coordinator

- Pastor Dane Fletcher - Kimecia Griffiths-Buchanan - Wayne Young - Valcia Riley - Andrew Myers - Paul Carter - Natoya Maitland - Judith Bragg-Harvey - Rockeem Anderson - Gavin English - Charles Deans - Paul Lawrence

A number of programmes will be planned to meet the objective of the Association such as prayer and fasting service, training sessions, spiritual services, providing assistance where necessary and social activities to include camps and retreats.

We believe in inclusiveness and therefore we ask that every last Saturday night of each quarter, all Master Guides attend the General Association Meetings.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11” This Association has received a gift of service. By God’s Grace, we will work together as we continue to mould our youths into better Christians, making them stalwarts for Jesus!

Sex & Love: The Christian Dating Road Map A

re you single and having difficulty finding a suitable partner? Do you ever feel like time is running out on you? Your biological clock is ticking and it is completely out of your control to stop it. What to do?

At some point in our lives we will realize that we need companionship and love and so we will seek to develop relationships with the opposite sex. This stage is known as dating. While there are non-Christians who date for the purpose of having intimate relationships, this should never be the reason for Christians.

1. At this stage, Christians must find out if a potential partner is a believer in Christ.

4. Find someone you trust (Youth director, Ay leader, parents etc) and talk with them about this. Go 5. If the person you are dating is very weak spiritually, see if that is something you can handle. Caution 6. Stay away from partners who are not of the same faith as you are.

Red light / Caution 7. Remember, you are NOT dating to be intimate; you are searching for a life partner. Red light/Go

Sometimes, these things are easier said than 2. Do not believe that the first person you done but remember that with God ALL things date will eventually become your marriage are possible! Dating usually takes months for partner. individuals to know each other and even then Yes! dating will happen many times and may end there are still a lot of details that you will not be familiar with about a partner. Dating should in hurt and heartbreaks. However, you should not lead directly to marriage without courtship. not be discouraged. It will take time to find a This can lead to marriages with “unripe love, partner who shares similar values, morals and immature judgment, without noble, elevated beliefs. Do not compromise! It is important to feelings” (Ellen. G white, Messages to Young pray and talk to God about this. Let Him know People pg 452). I encourage you to wait upon the you would like to start a relationship and tell Lord and with Him you will find favour.

Him to find a partner for you. Pray and believe and it will happen!

1. Do not meet a partner in a secluded area Red light 2. Do not deep kiss on your dates. This can lead to sex. Red light 3. Establish boundaries with whomever you are dating. Go

Shalieka Burris is a trained Guidance Counsellor and Educator. She completed her studies at the Shortwood Teachers’ College and the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

M

The “M” Word

By Sanjay Campbell

asturbation! This is one topic that is tabooed and many people do not like to talk about it. The Bible says NOTHING about masturbation or jerking off, as it is commonly called. The passage in Genesis 38:8-10 is not about masturbation. Onan did not want the woman to have a child for him and that displeased God because he was supposed to give the woman a child on behalf of his dead brother.

Masturbation is usually accompanied by sexual fantasies and the use of pornography. The Bible indicates that a person’s sexual imagination has to be controlled. 2 Corinthians 10:5 supports this “… bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Although the Bible does not speak directly to the issue, this does not mean that masturbation is to be desired. But, what it does mean is that the physical act is not, of itself, a sin. Is it therefore possible to masturbate with a clean conscience and God’s favour? Whether this is possible is quite another matter.

There are a variety of opinions about masturbation and this adds in the topic being a sensitive one. What is worth pointing out, however, is that masturbation is usually accompanied by lust and fantasy and creates an increase in sexual tension.

Masturbation sometimes causes oppressive guilt and from which a person cannot escape. This guilt has the potential to do considerable psychological and spiritual damage. Is it this burden of guilt that is destroying some of us in the church?

The Christian life is not simply a matter of rules but is a constant lifelong walk. We must constantly, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, monitor our thoughts and actions and be prepared to adjust our attitudes and behavior on a daily basis. Only then can we avoid the pitfalls of extremism and hypocrisy.

Accept God’s guidance on the matter, because He alone knows you intimately and it (should be) Him that you are trying to please.

The first Pathfinder club in Jamaica was started at the Andrews Memorial Church in 1950- The Nautilus Pathfinder Club.

• The first youth society was started by Luther Warren (17) and Harry Fenner (14) in Michigan in 1879.

•

The Primary focus of youth ministry is salvation and

service.

•

The first official SDA youth organization was founded in

1907 under the name’ Young People’s Society of Missionary Volunteers.”

The Copy/Paste Culture: Is Plagiarism a Sin?

by Tashieka Burris

T

anique found herself in a bit of a squabble.

Her Social Studies SBA was due the following morning and she hadn’t started it. She went online and began searching anxiously to see what she could copy and paste in an effort to produce a completed assignment.

It was then she came upon “Essaybox”, a popular site that offers essay writing services for a reasonable cost.

Tanique’s case is not an isolated one. In this 21st century the “copy/paste” culture is becoming a global trend that is negatively affecting the standards of the education system and more importantly our Christian morals and values.

This article explores how plagiarism, even if unintentional can have serious ramifications and consequences.

According to Oxford University, plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. To plagiarize is to:  Steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one’s own.  To use another’s production without crediting the source.  To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

The boundary between plagiarisms is often unclear. Learning to recognize the various forms of plagiarism, especially the more ambiguous ones, is an important step towards effective prevention.

Types of Plagiarism

These are most common types of plagiarism: CLONE- This involves submitting another’s work, word –for- word, as one’s own.

• C T R L -C - Contains significant portions of text from a single source without alterations • F I N D – R E P L A C E - Changing key words and phrases but retaining the essential content of the source • R E M I X - Paraphrases from multiple sources, made to fit together •

• R E C Y C L E -Borrows generously from the writer’s previous work without citation • H Y B R I D -Combines perfectly cited sources with copied passages without citation • M A S H U P -Mixes copied material from multiple sources • 404 E R R O R -Includes citations to nonexistent or inaccurate information about sources • A G G R E G AT O R - Includes proper citation to sources but the paper contains almost no original work • R E -T W E E T - Includes proper citation, but relies too closely on the text’s original wording and/or structure Not only is stealing another student’s paper and turning it in as your own an act of plagiarism, it is STEALING! So is buying a paper online or paying or asking someone to write an assignment for you and then submitting as if you did it.

Is it really worth plagiarizing?

The consequences of plagiarism can be very

detrimental. Once accused of plagiarism, a person will most likely always be regarded with suspicion.

•

Plagiarism can get you expelled from your course

•

Plagiarism can result in your work being destroyed

Good Christian Humor

There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.

“Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk.

“Only the Ten Commandments,” answered the lady.

•

Plagiarism can result in expulsion from your academic institution

•

Plagiarism can result in legal action.

•

Plagiarism is a SIN!

Ignorance is not an excuse- learn how to avoid plagiarism today!

Photo Highl

The Cougars’ Pathfinder and Adventurer Club in Aug March on Sunday January 25th

lights

gust Town did a Road

Transformed for Service

W

By -Pastor Joel Jumpp

hat were you doing on April 6, 1994?

Were you in school or at home? Were you even born yet? Hmmm… while you search your mind for the answer let me tell you a little about an event, that changed the world forever, that day.

also lost their lives. But justice prevailed. Many murders were caught tried and imprisoned. The days that followed revealed lessons in love and transformation that no one expected.

The mass killings in Rwanda quickly spread from Kigali to the rest of the country, with some 800,000 people slaughtered over the next three months.

During this period, local officials and governmentsponsored radio stations called on ordinary Rwandan civilians to murder their neighbors.

Meanwhile, the RPF resumed fighting, and civil war raged alongside the genocide. By early July, RPF forces had gained control over most of country, including Kigali. In response, more than 2 million people, nearly all Hutus, fled Rwanda, crowding into refugee camps in the Congo (then called Zaire) and other neighboring countries. (article- The Rwandan Genocide- History.com)

have thought. According to Acts chapter 9:1 “he breathed threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” As he traversed the 240km road to Damascus something spectacular happened. A light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

According to Mark A. Keller of Kigali, Rwanda in an April 12, 2004 article entitled Rwanda: Ten Years After Genocide, Church Aids in Reconciliation, found on Adventist.org, “some 7,000 people have been baptised while in jail, and this, church leaders On April 6, 1994, a plane said, has led to some startling acts of repentance carrying Habyarimana and and acceptance.

Burundi’s president Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down During one series of church meetings held in a over Kigali, leaving no survivors. (It has never prison, a woman encountered the man who was been conclusively determined who the culprits accused of killing her husband and son. Pastor were. Some have blamed Hutu extremists, while Rugelinyange’s sermon that day caused that man others blamed leaders of the RPF.) Within an hour to respond, repent and be baptized. The accused of the plane crash, the Presidential Guard together killer begged her to forgive him. When that man with members of the Rwandan armed forces was released from prison, she adopted him as a (FAR) and Hutu militia groups known as the son.” This is totally unbelievable! Parents, could Interahamwe (“Those Who Attack Together”) and you adopt the man who killed your children? The Impuzamugambi (“Those Who Have the Same young man even began to tell others about the Goal”) set up roadblocks and barricades and began transforming Love of Jesus. The Bible tells us of slaughtering Tutsis and moderate Hutus with another person who experienced transformation. impunity. Among the first victims of the genocide He got all his orders from the high priest and rulers, were the moderate Hutu Prime Minister Agathe so he was sure that he was doing the right thing.

Uwilingiyimana and her 10 Belgian bodyguards, “People who believe that this ‘Jesus’ character was killed on April 7. the Messiah must die or go to prison,” he must

Boys, girls and adults perished as these events And the men who journeyed with him stood separated families, destroyed dreams and ravaged speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. millions of hopes. Thousands of Adventists Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his

eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And but rather expose them.” he was three days without sight, and neither ate True service demands that we “put off the old nor drank (verses 4-9). man” and follow Jesus’ method. He is the true Imagine that. Once he received his instructions Light of the world. In a world draped in darkness from the earthly high priest but now he received a and filled with sickness death and sin He paused divine mandate from Jesus Himself! First he sought to ‘BE THE SERMON.’ Even as excruciating pain to ‘bring them bound to Jerusalem’ (verse 2) but rocked His bleeding body and Darkness covered now he pointed them to the New Jerusalem whose the land from 12 pm to 3pm on crucifixion day the Builder and Maker is God! He was traveling to lonely flame of His candle burned bright when He Damascus to kill and imprison but Jesus sent him said “Father forgive them for they know not what there to speak life into sin sick souls, strengthen they do”. No wonder the centurion exclaimed the weak and break the chains of spiritual bondage “truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). that enslaved the people of God! Now, if that’s not transformation I don’t know what is!

You and I might not be guilty of genocide but we are most definitely guilty of murder. Our Did you know that spiritual transformation is a sins nailed Jesus to the cross! Jesus’ service was personal thing? You and I could be sitting beside unconditional. He demonstrated love when hate each other in church every Sunday and Wednesday was hurled at Him. He was a decent man in an night then from 9:15am to sunset every Sabbath indecent time. You and I must serve like Jesus yet you experience a spiritual transformation did. and I don’t? Acts 22:9 is a prime example. Here Paul recalls the experience and reveals that those So in the words of Paul captured in Romans 12:1who accompanied him saw the light but didn’t 2,9-14 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the hear the voice of “Him who spoke.” We all can mercies of God, that you present your bodies a be astonished by the truths that shine froth from living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is the Word of God but if we don’t listen to the still your reasonable service. And do not be conformed small voice of Jesus our lives will be void of true to this world, but be transformed by the renewing transformation and service. of your mind, that you may prove what is that

Many men accompanied Saul to Damascus that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Let day but only he knew the voice of God. Do you love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil.

Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to know Jesus’ voice? one another with brotherly love, in honor giving Just like the Rwandan criminal Paul decided to preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, ‘turn a new leaf’ in the book called his life. Like fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in David he must have begged ‘Create in me a clean hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me’ in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, (Ps. 51:10). Then he began a life of service. True given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute service flows from a heart that has not only been you; bless and do not curse.” touched but TRANSFORMED by the Love of Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good God. You can turn a new leaf today. things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as When we gaze upon the unselfish love of Jesus all much as depends on you, live peaceably with all pretences and weaknesses will crumble. men. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing In Ephesians 5:8-11 Paul shows us how we can you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be serve those around us. He said “… you were once overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (Vs. 17-18, 20-21). We have not been transformed as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in to sit and warm church benches but to SERVE! all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no

Managing Your Finance$

H

by Julia Wong-Brooks

ave you ever wondered what it would be like to be able to have complete control over your finances? We all, or at least most of us, wish we could buy all we want, whenever we want, in the quantities we want and still have funds to put away. Some of us yearn for the day when we can go to the supermarket and not have to look at the prices. Whatever your desire, personal financial management is paramount. This concept is hardly ever taught in school, if at all; yet it is a dilemma we are faced with each and every day.

This article will provide practical tips on how to properly manage your finances and be on the right path to financial wellbeing. Does it take discipline? Most definitely, but it can be done.

Now let’s explore the world of personal financial management together. Ask yourself, “What are my financial goals? What would make me comfortable?

What do I need to do to get there?” Here are some useful tips: Firstly, write down your financial goals, whether it be short-term, medium-term or long-term, put them in black and white. Having them in your thoughts is not good enough. Write it on anything you’d like, paper, a white board, etc. and put it where you can see it often. Being constantly reminded of your goal is one way of

assisting you to stay focused on achieving them.

Pay yourself first, after you return your tithe that is. Paying yourself first means having the discipline to set aside funds towards saving or investing even before you pay your bills. Tweak your finances so that you save at least 10% of your total earnings, 20% if you can. Before you know it the years would have flown by and you will have enough money to start a nice nest egg, or put a significant down payment on a beautiful house.

Start saving young, even if you’re still in school.

If you start early, a small initial contribution can snowball into a significant sum. Let’s pretend you are a 20 year old and you just landed your first job. If you wait 10 years before you start saving you would have given up $792,000, assuming you were saving $5,000 per month and received compound interest of 5% per annum.

Now listen to your heart and buy a little less clothes, shoes and gadgets, and save a little more.

You will be happy you did. If you are currently in school or you are working and need additional income, you may consider getting a part-time job.

Technology has now afforded us the privilege

of working online or from home in order to earn extra income, which can go towards savings.

There are a plethora of resources available on the internet on how to find the right internet-based part-time job, so get cracking.

Give. It sounds counterproductive doesn’t it?

Far from it. In Luke 6:38 the Bible speaks about giving: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

That’s the truth! The benefits of giving back are immeasurable...so give with a willing heart.

Treat your credit card like cash. Some people treat their credit cards like unlimited spending devices, running up balances they know they can’t pay off and are only making the minimum monthly payment. If you’re going to do this, be prepared to spend significant amounts of your money on interest payments and fees.

Spend what you have, not what you hope to make. You may think of yourself as a high earner, but if your money doesn’t back up that statement then you’re on the wrong road. The greatest rule of spending money is this: unless it’s an emergency, only spend what you have, not money that you expect to make.

Invest wisely. Take for example the purchase of a house. Instead of purchasing a house solely for personal use, if possible, purchase one with income earning potential. This way you turn your house into an asset (gives income) rather

than a liability (gives expenses).

Have good insurance coverage. They say that smart people expect the unexpected. You never know when you’ll need a large sum of money during an emergency. The following are various kinds of insurance that you can purchase to help you in the event of an emergency: Life insurance (if you, a spouse or parent unexpectedly dies) Health insurance (if you have to pay for unexpected hospital and/or doctor bills).

Finally, but by no means least, tracking your income and expenses along with your personal balance sheet (what you own minus what you owe) will help to eliminate much of the stress about your finances. Sounds like the dreaded ‘budget’ preparation? Well it is, but with a little bit more. This exercise will not only allow you to know where your money is going, it will also show you your net worth, a critical piece of information to determine your financial state.

Among the top reasons for the sky high divorce rates in the United States is the stress that goes along with family finances. Let us make this year the year to brush off the dust, pick up our socks and get our finances in order. Can we do it? Yes we can!

Julia Wong-Brooks studied Finance at the University of Technology and currently works with one of Jamaica’s largest financial institutions.

with Pastor Dane Fletcher If I decide to worship at home on Sabbaths instead of going to church, would that be an issue?

We are to worship everyday, but the Sabbath is reserved specifically for holy use. We are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12: 27), and each member contributes to the optimal functioning of the Body.

We are encouraged by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews to “Draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised ;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Chapter 11: 22 – 25 – Italics Mine).

Let us also remember that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27: 17). Yes, it would be an issue. As much as possible, we should be in the sanctuary.

Pastor, I am currently dating a Christian and he says that he must have sex before marriage to see what he is getting into. How do I deal with that?

The Bible is clear on the subject of sex outside marriage: “the body is not for fornication” (1 Corinthians 6: 13). There are many other references that speak to the immorality of pre-marital sex. If he loves you, he will wait. What if for some reason the relationship ends? What if you date four more like him? You would have done many trials, sharing your body – attaching yourself to men – who would have bonded with you beyond boundary. Preserve yourself!

Pastor, my husband thinks that if we talk dirty during sex it is a sin.

Is it?

I would be happier to know what exactly you mean by dirty. Communication is essential in all areas of life.

Telling your partner what you like, and how you like it should improve whatever you do.

Does the Bible have a view on oral sex?

If not, how do Christians deal with that?

The Bible does not give a clear view on oral sex. With this in mind, couples are expected to arrive at a mutual agreement as to how they will address the subject, should the matter arise.

Preser

ving

J

ohn wrote some powerful words which I would love for you to take note of as it exemplifies most of what I would like to share: “I have written to you, young people, because you are strong and because God’s word remains in you and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14 (ISV). According to United Nations for Education, Science and Cultural Organization, “Youth” is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a community.

Youth is a more fluid category than a fixed age-group.

However, age is the easiest way to define this group, particularly in relation to education and employment.

Therefore “youth” is often indicated as a person between the age where he/she may leave compulsory education, and the age at which he/she finds his/her first employment. This is a very exciting period for most persons, most are strong, vibrant and more forward thinking. I’m daunted by the fact that the decisions that we make at this period of life sets the stage for the rest of our lives. This is the age most persons decide what educational path they will enter, carriers are chosen, life partners are chosen and habits are formed that will impact our future health is made.

Now let’s zoom in on the meat of the matter, preserving good health as a youth. But before I go further. Let see why good health is so important for a Child of God. Preserving good physical and mental health is important productivity in this fast pace world.

Furthermore...”The requirements of God must be brought home to the conscience. Men and women must be awakened to the duty of self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom from every depriving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body are the gift of God, and are to be preserved in the best possible

By: Dr. Janique Baldwin

condition for His service. Ministry of Healing p. 130 So how do I foster vitality of mind and body so I can be a more effective servant you might as? Let’s look at some points: 1) Diet and exercise: Aim to have a balance diet rich in whole foods- eg. Fruits and vegetables, and avoid a diet that is low in sodium and empty calories like alcohol, sodas, and most pastries. Empty calories provide no vitamins or minerals. This might be tricky when you eat out all the time, so consider planning healthy meals at home. In addition, 30 minutes of physical exercise is the doctor’s order.

2) Rest and temperance - eight hours of rest is usually sufficient for rejuvenation, and storing short term memory into long term for that big test in the morning.

Mrs. White was remarkable for her broad definition of temperance: “True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which healthful.” Good food for thought.

3) Be mindful of the changes in your body, and have a low tolerance to seek advice from your Family Doctor when things are not going as usual. It’s also very important to do yearly check-ups and screen for breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension and diabetes.

4) Stress Management which is crucial for good mental health. Good starters include meditation on the Word of God, prayer, and trust in God and keep a good sense of humour. Remember, “A merry heart does good, like medicine; but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) Dr. Janique Baldwin BSc. MBBS is a Resident doctor in the department of Psychiatry Kingston Public Hospital

How is your knowledge on the book of 1 Samuel?

Answer these questions and find out!

1. What was the name of Samuel’s father?

2. Why did Hannah name her son ‘Samuel’?

3. What did Hannah bring to Samuel every year?

4. Of what material was the ephod made that the child Samuel wore when he ministered before the Lord?

5. What did Samuel do when he was woken during the night by someone calling him?

6. What did Eli tell Samuel to say to God, when God called him?

7. When God spoke to Samuel for the first time, what did He tell him?

8. How many times did the Lord call Samuel that night?

9. As well as a priest and judge, what else did Samuel eventually become?

10. Where was Samuel’s home?

Didn’t do as well as you hoped? Get on board and start studying the books of Samuel for the EJC Bible Boom Challenge 2015!