JBUYD Theme 2011-2013: Blessed & Branded: Ambassadors of Peace
Youth conference and rally
Volume 7 Issue 2 April-June 2012
I
Special points of interest:
t’s time to start preparing for National Youth Conference and Rally 2012.
Saturday, November 24, 2012 National Youth Rally - This year’s Rally will con-
National Youth Conference and Rally
The weekend begins at the Nutshell Conference
tinue to highlight youth in ministry, but with a touch of
CBF Youth Festival
Centre (Thursday, November 22) and concludes at
Jamaican flavour! We will have a special emphasis on
the Ocho Rios Baptist Church on Saturday, Novem-
Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary celebration of Independ-
ber 24. The Youth Department’s theme for the pe-
ence. In recognition of this milestone, the Youth De-
riod 2011 – 2013 (Blessed and Branded: Ambassa-
partment Executive has incorporated aspects of the
dors of Peace) will be the overarching guide to the
Jamaican culture within some of the competition areas
Inside this issue: A Word from the Chairman...
3
activities for this year’s Con-
selected. At the Rally we have: the closing
ference and Rally.
celebrations and worship, competitions in Cho-
St. James Youth Re2 treat Catalyst for Peace
Thursday November 22,
rale Singing; Rhythm Piece; Chorale Speaking;
2012
Bible Quiz; Dance; Culinary Arts; and Cultural
Clarendon Youth Retreat 3
Opening Service – This will
Entrepreneurship Outstanding Queen
2 4
Wear.
be held at the held at the Wil-
The Conference fee is $5,000.00. It includes
liam Knibb Memorial Baptist
the costs of accommodation, meals, Conference
Church. The Service will start
registration package, and transportation to the
attendees will then make their
We urge those attending the conference to
Dance rehearsals at youth at 7:00 p.m. All delegates and rally Rally and Rally entry fee. way to the Nutshell Conference Centre where the
access early registration (inclusive of payment) on or
Conference will be held.
before October 26, 2012. Payments can be made at
Friday, November 23, 2012 Conference – This is the intermediate year of the
LaTonya Linton Kerry-Ann Reid
registration forms should be faxed to 924-6296 or
2011-2013 term, therefore elections will take place
emailed to jbuyouth@gmail.com. The entry fee for the
for only the post of Chairman Elect. This means a
National Youth Rally in Ocho Rios is $100 which each
shorter business meeting and so we have more time
person must pay upon entering the venue.
for training and interaction. We will participate in
This Issue’s Editorial Staff
NCB Account # 304533943. Bank receipts along with
Mark the Conference and Rally dates on
Business Meeting, Workshop, Training Sessions,
your calendar! Start making plans to attend and en-
Worship & Fellowship.
courage as many young persons as you can to be there.
The workshop shop sessions promise to be
Start saving for Conference today or help someone
exciting! We will look at peace in the context of the
else to pay the fee. Come and make your contribution
‘G’ Culture (gangs, guns, gyals, ganja etc.); volun-
whilst benefitting from the corporate sessions and
teerism, mentoring and ones devotional life. In the
sharing with other Baptist young people from across
evening we will celebrate Jamaica 50 in fine style!
the Island.
1
Catalysts of Peace: Putting the Pieces Together
by Yolanda Smart & Jamiko Yapp
Friday Evening t was approximately 9pm when our 56 member crew (St. James Baptist Youth Association) arrived on the grounds of the Nutshell Conference Centre. It was the beginning of a weekend the executive committee had been planning for months.
I
Persons enjoying a game of netball We disembarked with much anticipation and faith for the night of praise and worship dubbed (Facedown) that awaited us, led by Rev. Lloyd Richards. We had a symbolic ceremony, where we were asked write on paper the things/sins that were separating us from God. After a prayer of confession and
intercession, these pieces of paper were burnt in a small fire. This symbolized our submission to God and acceptance of His forgiveness. It was an inspiring night filled with an attitude of worship that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. Lights out was at midnight but little did I know (being a first time camper), that sheets and a pillow are a necessity which I forgot at home, but I borrowed a sheet, later I was asleep. Saturday Most of the 56 member crew was up at 6:00am for exercise on Saturday morning. Some of us did a few jumping jacks, some stretches and a short run, while others played football, while others still slept. The two first seminars: “Conflict Resolution”; and “Overcoming Depression” were interactive, educational and informative, leaving us wanting more. We learnt that core values, core needs and core support are paramount to overcoming depression. For the last session we were divided into two groups - a career talk for those nineteen and younger; and a sexual purity session for those twenty and older. I must confess, I wouldn’t have missed the Sexual Purity rap session for the world. The speaker was exceptional and he at no
point in his presentation left out the word of God. The teens, though jealous, were also engaged in an informative session on career choices. Being energetic teens and young adults, we could not wait for the sports to begin. The netball, football, and track and field competitions, from which we had to be pried away, were embraced with open arms. Saturday evening’s program, dubbed “Talent Explosion” was the bomb, it included presentations in dialect, cultural dance, rhythm band and fashion show. With only two hours to prepare, we enjoyed an organized evening that could not have turned out any better. Sunday Sunday morning’s Worship service started with a Spirit filled praise encounter which left no one untouched. The message was delivered by one of our own youth, Marlon Gordon, who conveyed a God filled sermon, leaving youth tearfully praising God for the message he sent through His servant. Lives were greatly affected. The weekend was one that saw its purpose fulfilled, God was in the midst always and fun and fellowship were present. One youth said he would do it all over again because it brought him closer to God.
You Don’t Have To Be Unemployed!
U
nemployment is one of the main issues affecting Jamaican young people today. But are the critics correct when they say too many of us go to school with the expectation of being employed by someone else other than ourselves when we graduate? There are many benefits to be derived from starting your own business:
You get to be your own boss and your efforts are contributing to your own dreams and future.
You will be able to provide a stable
job for yourself and others; and
You will be contributing to your country’s development. Studies have shown that small and medium size businesses are critical to the economic development of a country.
God had blest us with special gifts and talents. Paul writing to the Ephesians reminded them “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). This true for us as young people today.
Could it be that the good works God is calling you to, is to start a business that can help persons who have a problem or need? Is God calling you to provide jobs and contribute to the economic growth and development of your country? Pray about it and if the answer is yes here are some steps you will find helpful along the way. Steps to starting up your own business
Identify a need. Entrepreneurs solve problems. They identify an issue or problem and thinking of a good or service they can provide to solve the existing problem. Continued on page 4
Need to know more about the JBUYD? Visit our website. The site is home to IMPACT and provides a hub for the exchange of information among youth of the JBUYD. The JBUYD Website: http://youth.jbu.org.jm/. Email: jbuyouth@gmail.com Become a fan of our facebook page: search JBUYD
2
A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN... 1 Corinthians 1:10 Summer is here! For those of you who go to school it signal the start of summer holidays. In theory summer holidays means time for sun, fun and relaxation. However in reality it is usually sun, boredom and hours spent online. At times you may even get to the point where you wish school was open. Of the many things you can spend your time doing this summer it would be beneficial for you to allot some time to R&R regarding your relationships. Yes, Reflect and Reconnect. For those of us who don’t necessarily get summer holidays it is still important for us, at this mid point in the year, to R&R. Reflect¾Take some time to reflect on where you are in your relationship with Christ. Are
you living a life of dependence on and obedience to God? What steps have you been taking to improve your relationship with God? What about your relationship with your family and friends? Do you relate lovingly and positively to the members of your family? Are you a good friend? Does your relationship with family members or friends encourage them to be the best person they can be? What are the strengths and weakness in these relationships? After reflecting on your relationships you may see some deficiencies. You may see areas that need to be addressed in order to maintain or reestablish relationships. Do not stop at this point. Move to the point where you take steps to reconnect. Reconnect-¾Do the things that will improve your relationship with God, your family members and your friends. Do you need to spend more time in prayer and Bible study? Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? Will you call that friend you have not spoken to in a while? Will you schedule
time to spend with that neglected family member or friend? Our relationship with God has bearings on our relationship with each other. Unity in our relationship with God will result in unity with others. Reflecting and reconnecting may not be easy tasks as they may reveal some painful realities and lead us to making hard decisions. However we must be willing to discard things that are hindrances in fostering healthy relationships and embrace that which will strengthen our relationship with God and others. Ensure that you R&R this summer and be on a good footing for the rest of the year.
Derri-Ann Palmer
Clarendon Youth retreat
O
n Friday April 27, 2012, a total of 100 Baptist young people from the thirteen circuits of the Clarendon Baptist Association converged on the Bethel Christian Retreat Centre in Newport Manchester for its annual weekend retreat. The retreat was held under the theme “Know God! Know Peace! With the sub-themes being “ Peace Wid the Father”, “Peace Wid Miself”, “Peace Wid mi Neighbour” and “Peace –to di Worl .” In a time when so many things seek to rob youngsters of peace, and others have what could be termed as false peace, attendees were challenged to forge a right relationship with God, as one can only know peace when they know God. Presenters at the retreat: Dea. Dameon Daley; Rev. Milton Bailey; Mrs Donnette Thompson-Wynter; Dea Sylvia Henry; and Mr. Calvin Harris sought to bring the attendees to the understanding of what is true peace. They highlighted that one needs to have peace with themself, in order to have peace with God, their neighbour and the wider world. To know God is not to know about Him but to have a personal relationship with Him. It is only when one has peace with the Father; they have peace with self and others. The activities for the weekend included: orientation, which sought to get the attendees know each other; worship in which youth were actively involved in a time of prayer, praise and reflec-
tion; Bible studies; workshop which was aimed at equipping the attendees with the necessary information to take back to share with other young people within their circuits; mini-Olympics; Jamaica 50 concert; and business meeting. Attendees were placed in four houses named after pastors who previously served the parish, namely Clark, Chambers, Harris and Jennings. Areas of house participation included: kitchen duties; sports; and debate. Attendees were so excited about the sports day and they could be seen preparing cheerleaders for the cheerleading competition as they gathered various props such as leaves and branches for pompoms. The Field events saw Chambers house taking the lead and the overall championship. The audience was quite enthused at how well the debate went. The competition was heated, yet friendly and interesting as each house supported their moot with biblical facts along with other information. At the business meeting attendees pledged their support for the plans and programmes of the youth Movement, the Parish Association and National Youth Department. Coming together in this fashion was a grand opportunity for bonding and fellowshipping. Attendees wasted no time in doing so. Friendships were formed and acquaintances renewed. The retreat came to an end at about 2 p.m on Sunday April 29 with a fellowship meal. Attendees having spent two days focusing on “knowing God! Knowing Peace”, were now ready to share the peace they experienced at the retreat “to di worl.”
Wondering how you can stay up-to-date with JBUYD matters? It’s simple. Join our facebook page!
Just enter “JBUYD” in the search box and become a fan .
3
Continued from page 3
product or service? How will I market and promote? Who will be my customers?
Secure Funding. Determine if you have enough money or resources or if you need a loan. You may need to borrow money from a family member or a financial institution.
Formalize it. Choose a name for your business and get registered. This is very important and ensures that no can take your business name.
When you identify that need think of the sustainability of the idea as a business. Acquire the skills. If you do not have all the skills you need, acquire them or partner with someone does.
“Flesh Out” your ideas. Write a business plan. In your business plan, answer questions like: what product or service will I provide? Who will be my suppliers? Where will I have my business? What is the best price for my
Useful websites: Companies Office of Jamaica: http://www.orcjamaica.com/ Jamaica Business Development Corporation: http://www.jbdc.net/ Jamaica Intellectual Property Office: http://www.jipo.gov.jm/
OUTSTANDING QUEEN
O
n December 29, 2011, Aba Sykes, the 18 year old student of Immaculate Conception High School was placed 1st runner up in the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Queen 2011/2012 Pageant, held in Basseterre, St Kitts. Aba who described the experience as one of the most Aba Sykes in St. Kitts for the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Queen memorable in her life tells IMPACT Newsletter that the different accents, food, environment and the response of the Kittitians was “very amazing.” “We are all one Caribbean, so similar but, as I realized, so different. It was fulfilling being in the same region but experiencing so many different cultures all at once,” Aba says. As a result of the competition, she has forged close friendships with Miss. Anguilla, Keivanee Lake, Miss St. Kitts, Siobhan Phipps (the winner) and Miss British Virgin Islands, Ashellica Fahie. Aba is currently the Miss Jamaica Caribbean Talented Teen 2011/12 which she won in August 2011. She states that so far the year has been quite eventful, while adding that soon after winning the Jamaica leg of the competition, there were many interviews and intense preparation for the regional competition.
“It’s going to get even busier with this year’s competition to assist with as well. Man, being Miss Jamaica Caribbean Talented Teen has been an honour honestly. There’s no one thing that I can pinpoint because it’s all a mixture of feelings and happenings. You feel humbled, proud, pressured to be carrying the brand “Jamaica”, excited, nervous, and overwhelmed. There is so much attention and admiration. It’s all one big bundle. I will miss every bit of it,” Aba says. Currently a member of the Phillippo Baptist Church, Aba is also involved in voluntary service at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Meanwhile, pageantry has always been a very sticky subject in the minds of Christians, so seeking the “go ahead” from God was very important to Aba. “I mean, if He didn’t want me to do it, there was no way I was going to, not that I would have been able to anyway. I always asked for His will to be done, not mine. I would have loved to have won the regional competition, but I came second and having asked God to have His way, second place felt like first really. I remember when we were at the table once, the girls asked me to say a few Jamaican bad words, all giggling in amusement. I thought to myself, ‘Does saying it make it right because it was ‘culture’? “It wasn’t and I simply said no ladies I cannot do that. So I had to ensure that He was first in everything. God is a very important person in my life. Sometimes I fail to remember that He comes first, especially when I want to do my own thing, but He gently reminds me that my plans are in His hands,” Aba adds. Aba currently has nine Grade Ones in her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams and three distinctions and a credit at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency level. In the future she hopes to pursue a career in journalism at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) or at Cable News Network (CNN).
We want to hear from you. Send us your views and queries. Write to Impact c/o Jamaica Baptist Union, 2B Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20. E-mail: jbuyouth@gmail.com. Telephone: 969-2223, 969-9835, 931-9225.
4