A R E F R E S H I N G D E W F R O M H E AV E N
vs
Gospel
Timothy
Teen JUNE
JUNE
ISSUE
Let no one despise your youth
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MORE DRUG ABUSE IS SEEN IN TEENS
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AVA I L A B L E O N POD ( P R I N T O N D E M A N D)
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MINUTES PRAYER EXERCISE FOR TEENS SPIRITUAL GROWTH AFRICA
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EDITOR’S NOTE Gospel Saints www.gospelsaints.com
D
eep Breathe! I still hear her wonderful songbird voice in my ear even when i am not watching her video on instagram. Her vocals are so strong that I forgot I was listening to a young girl singing. This is what the Lord has said and the scripture must be fulfilled, in the book of Joel 2 vs 28; And it shall come to pass afterward. That i will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and Your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. The Bible verse above is evident in Semilore Tabitha Eniola’s life, We would not sit back and watch such a sonorous voice from God lie fallow without proper public awareness the talent deserve. I pray this will inturn inspire youths that have been unable to find their feet with their God-given talents and potentials, and also speak the truth to those teenagers influenced by peer pressure or influenced by what they see on Tv and also emulate on social media. We pray to God that as this edition address rate of drug abuse in teenagers, it will also help us clean Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world from these drug substances and other social vices damaging the hope of youths globally and also strengthen Christian Teenagers to help them be youths of great visions. Also, achieve their purposeful callings and gifts. I hope you will find this edition of Gospel Saints Teen inspiring. We wish you the very best in the month of July, Have fun while reading.
u l o i d i g O i b o t a Oluw
TEAM STUDIO 86 MEDIA PUBLICATION www.gospelsaints.com Publisher Oluwatobi Ogidiolu Managing Editor Oluwaseyi Akindunbi Associate Editor Tope Adeogun Tomi Laoye Art Director Poet Tobias Cinematography clevmac Studios Visuals Picspeaks Studios Correspondents Tope Adeogun Abigail Ocheibi Columnists Deborah Ogundolapo Lekan Adeola Ebuka Peters Joel Louis Tomi Laoye
Circulation Manager Timilehin Ogidiolu Esther Ayankojo Associate Planner Daniel Oluseyi Chief Administration Peter Olatidoye Local Sales Agent Emmanuel Smith International Sales Rep Adewale Kelani Uche Okafor Associate Sales Agent Chinedu Okafor Logistics/Handling Wisdom Isaac Chairman/International Agent David Adande
FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING SUBSCRIPTIONS: CALL: or you may subscribe or change your adress online at www.gospelsaints.com/subscribe GOSPEL SAINTS is published trimonthly by Studio 86 Media Publication. 1 Rosenje Street, Soluyi, Gbagada, Lagos DISCLAIMER: While information in this magazine is derived from source believed reliable and is subject to reasonable care in preparation and editing This, done regarding the backspace in the diverse sectors, this is not any manual for a business or entertainment programes or events. It is a publication which focuses on resilient and successful people. Subscribe to this fifty two pages magazine monthly from the website www.gospelsaints.com/subscribe
Gospel Saints Magazine is published by Studio86media Inc, a media company with speciality in Graphic Design, Printing of all sorts, Digital content marketing, Animation, Scriptwriting and Media consultation.Having worked closely with 25 SME's and few well-known brands in Nigeria and United Kingdom. Each issues features a mix of essays, interviews, opinions, columns, news and reviews. Editorial Advisory Board: Peter Olatidoye, Deborah Ogundolapo, Wisdom Isaac, Boluwaduro Oshodi, Uche & Chinedu Okafor, Oluwaseyi Akindunbi, Emmanuel, Israel, Matthew & Agnes Ogidiolu.
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Shemilore
COVER STORY Tope Adeogun
S
hemilore Tabitha Eniola was born on the 15th of August 2006 and raised in Abuja to Christian parents - Mr. & Mrs. Eniola from Oyo State. The first of 3 siblings, Shemilore has been blessed with the gift of music from birth. Her talent as a singer was first noticed by her mother when she was 7years old. At the age of 11 a video post of her singing Nathaniel Bassey’s ’Onise Iyanu‘ was put up on Instagram by her parents and reposted by Nathaniel Bassey and this gave Shemilore her well deserved following. Even though her account was hacked, it took 3 days for Shemilore’s new account to boast of over 11 thousand followers. With a strong knowledge of the fact that her voice is a gift and the desire to bless the life of many, the young determined singer sought direction in the wings of Abuja’s radio queen – Matilda Duncan, an OAP, MC and PR Consultant. Shemilore has since been featured on the cover of the children’s day edition of The Guardian Life and NTA and has numerous invitations to sing in churches across Abuja. Shemilore is a student of Command Day School Abuja transitioning from JSS3 to SSS1 but in the course of that she is determined to train and work hard to develop her GodGiven Gift. She has a voice coach who works with her to achieve this. Shemilore desires to become a lawyer by professional but will also continue to sing. With the guardian of her management team and direction from God, the young artists growth is limitless.
The buzz around may when instagram followers flock your time-line seems unforgettable, how do you feel about that awesome recognition and time-line buzz?
Sings
days. It could only be God. You are no doubt a vocalist, bright life we see ahead, how did you discover you can sing? Randomly singing in the house when I was 7yrs old and my mum and noticed me at that time and said. “You can sing.” And Grace has been my Guide. What s your favourite colour? PURPLE What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? #Gospel... I would love to Meet Nathaniel Blow Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
No, not yet. I only have a manager.
#onyishe Iyanu (Nathaniel Bassey)
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
What is your favourite food?
Not very many for now, but I am coming up. (Wink)
I feel blessed and it’s such an honour.. I had, had my account hacked before so it was good to rebuild in just 3 Which songs do you www.gospelsaints.com
As normal as I can be... I am still me. Not much has changed. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
My rehearsals can be hectic but fun. So i am Spaghetti, meat balls and pushed and compelled dodo with a kind heart, my So far, how have you been manager is like a mother to me, and when she gets into relating with your friend since you now have a busy work mode everyone sits schedule because of your up. music career. PG
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Shemilore
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Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? *Cyber bullies* handling them is easy. I just ignore. Do you have a manager, a voice trainer? what is your relationship with them? I do, Matilda Duncan Is my Manager, I equally have a voice trainer as well. He is just too awesome ...
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Kenneth (Mr) Who is your favourite Gospel artiste? Nathanel Bassey Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support? Acknowledging God for His Grace over my life. Secondly, my loving
father and mother, my sibling and the people God is using to bless me.
I wish that Nigeria, My home, be at Peace and the people be blessed.
What has been your biggest challenge? me
Any Last words? Not ready for last words just yet. I will love to appreciate God for His Grace over my life.
Much love.... My Manager has become a mother to me and to the millions of people that believe in me. — Thank you Make a wish right now
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Shemilore
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#Gospel... I would love to Meet Nathaniel Blow “ ““
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Randomly singing in the house when I was 7yrs old and my mum noticed me at that time and said. “You can sing.” And Grace has been my Guide.
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My rehearsals can be hectic but fun. So I am pushed and compelled with a kind heart, my manager is like a mother to me and when she gets into work mode, everyone sits up.
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Kenneth Ozioma SHEMILORE’S VOICE COACH
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Matilda Duncan SHEMILORE’S MANAGER/PR
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“ ““ I wish that Nigeria, My home, be at Peace and the people be blessed.
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“ ““ I would love to Meet Nathaniel Blow
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PEOPLE ARE STARING AT ME THEY SHOULD BE STARING AT YOUR
ADVERT CALL
TODAY
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“ ““ Much love.... my Manager has become a mother to me... and to the millions of people that believe in me
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TeenDrug Abuse
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? Photo Credit: The Globe and Mail
T
eens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they are adults.
and having talks about drug use are strong tools for teenage substance abuse prevention. Teen Drug Experimentation
It’s important to know the difference between drug abuse and addiction. Many teens experiment with drugs, but aren’t addicted.
Half of all new drug users are under the age of 18. Experimentation plays the biggest role in teenage drug use. However, experimentation is a fact of life and just because a teen has tried drugs or alcohol doesn’t mean they will become an addict. It’s more important to understand why some teens are tempted to experiment.
Teen drug abuse can have long-term cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing. Recognition and prevention of drug use can end an emerging problem before it starts. Setting a good example
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Common reasons teens abuse drugs include:
Curiosity Peer pressure Stress Emotional struggles A desire to escape The majority of adults with an addiction first experimented with drugs before they turned 21. The good news is that the rates of teenage drug abuse have been declining. If you think your teen is using drugs, there are teen addiction treatment options available. Signs of Teen Drug Abuse There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the pangs of
adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teen to find out what’s going on. Some common signs of teen drug abuse include: Bad grades Bloodshot eyes Laughing for no reason Loss of interest in activities Poor hygiene Diminished personal appearance Avoiding eye contact Frequent hunger or “munchies” Smell of smoke on breath or clothes Secretive behavior
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www.gospelsaints.com Unusual tiredness Missing curfew It’s up to parents to initiate a conversation with their children if they suspect drug use. One in five parents who suspect their teen is using drugs do not intervene to prevent further drug use. The best way to get a teen to communicate about their drug use is by asking compassionate and understanding questions. Parents can ask straightforward questions when said in the right tone. Simply asking, “Have you been using drugs or alcohol?” or “Has anyone offered you drugs recently?” can be enough to get the conversation started. Responding to a teen’s admittance or denial of drug use in the right away is just as important as asking the right questions.
Call now to get help finding a specialist who can diagnose a teen addiction now. Common Drugs that Teens Abuse The most common drugs abused by teens aren’t much different from those of adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different as teens often abuse a substance based on its accessibility. Teens are also more likely to take excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol because of how they perceive the risks and dangers. Alcohol Alcohol is the substance most commonly abused by teens. The social acceptance of drinking among people of legal drinking age can lead many teens to view alcohol as relatively harmless. Research suggests teens are
marijuana at least once in the past month. Prescriptions and Over-thecounter Medications Many prescription drugs have intoxicating effects, and this is no secret to most teens. Narcotic painkillers like OxyContin and benzodiazepines like Xanax produce pleasurable effects that teens may seek out. These substances have high addictive potential and a risk of overdose. Nearly 40 percent of teens who abused prescription medication obtained the drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinet. Teens may also abuse overthe-counter medications. The substance dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressing substance, is found in many
that shows parental involvement is the strongest factor in prevention. Addiction Treatment for Teens Many teens have a tough time dealing with sadness or other stresses common during adolescence. It is understandable that they may think having a drink or a little marijuana can offer relief. The best way to deal with stress, however, is to seek emotional support or find someone to talk to. If a teen has already tried quitting or reducing use and failed, then it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible. There are treatment centers designated for teens that target the emotional and social issues that led to their drug use. Most teen treatment centers also offer educational support so teens in recovery don’t get behind in school. The earlier an addiction is recognized, the easier it is to treat. Sources & Author — Last Edited: March 21, 2018
If a teen admits to taking drugs: Parents shouldn’t overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs. Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their experience. Getting teens to talk is important to determine if their drug use was a one-time thing or if it’s becoming a problem. Parents should explain how they care about their child and the child’s future. Teens who feel supported and loved are also more likely to stop experimenting with drugs or seek help if they have an addiction. If a teen denies drug use:
PHOTO CREDIT: BBC
more likely to binge drink because their impulse control hasn’t fully developed. Approximately 20 percent of 12th graders reported binge drinking in 2014. Nearly 40 percent had used alcohol in the last month.
Naturally, there is a possibility that teens may lie about their drug use. Parents should reassure their child that they are concerned and want to help.
Binge drinking increases the risk of addiction in people of any age, and the teenage brain is more susceptible to addiction. Talking to teens about theses risks can curb underage drinking. Marijuana
If a teen continues denying using drugs but the parent still suspects untruthfulness, a home drug test or professional help can uncover a teen drug problem. Therapists, pediatricians and addiction specialists can help diagnose a teen drug problem.
Regular marijuana users most often started during their adolescence. The perceptions of marijuana use among teens is changing; most high school seniors do not think smoking marijuana occasionally carries any risk. More than 20 percent of teens report having used
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common cold and flu medicines. DXM can cause intoxicating effects in high doses, and an overdose is a real possibility. Teen Drug Abuse Statistics 1 in 5 teens 1 in 5 teens have abused prescription medications, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 21 percent Approximately 21 percent of high school seniors have reported using marijuana in the past month, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. 1 in 3 parents 1 in 3 parents believe there is little they can do to prevent teen drug use despite evidence
SOURCE & AUTHOR: National Institute for Mental Health. (2011). The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction. Retrieved March 11, 2014 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health /publications/the-teen-brainstill-underconstruction/index.shtml National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). DrugFacts: Nationwide Trends. Retrieved March 11, 2014 http://www.drugabuse.gov/pu blications/drugfacts/nationwid e-trends SAMA Foundation. (2008). The Effect of Drugs on the Adolescent Brain. Retrieved on March 1, 2014 http://www.samafoundation.org /the-effects-of-drugs-andalcohol-on-the-adolescentbrain.html
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WAYS TO PRAY FOR YOUR
TEEN
H
e had been raised in a Christian home and had come to faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. He was baptized at a church camp, and had even survived being a preacher’s kid. But early in his high school years, my wife and I could sense him slipping away – from us and from God.
We did our best, of course, to steer him away from dangerous friendships. We watched him struggle with depression. We tried to love and encourage him as much as we could. But every effort failed – and sometimes seemed to make matters worse. So after a couple years of proving our inadequacy as parents, we stopped trying. Instead, we focused our best efforts on praying. I scheduled a weekend prayer retreat at a retreat center about an hour from home. I took with me only my Bible and one other resource: a 31-day prayer calendar I had devised years ago and had used since my children were small.
peer pressure, that they may always stand strong against enticements to do wrong (Prov. 1:10).
4. Constructive friendships. Father, lead my children into constructive friendships; lead them away from "bad company" (1 Cor. 15:33). 5. Honesty and integrity. God, help my children walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak truth in their hearts (Psa. 15:2-5). 6. Protection from irreversible mistakes. Lord, I know my children will make mistakes, but please save them from decisions that cannot be reversed and mistakes that cannot be corrected. Let them be among the righteous who may fall seven times but always rise again (Prov. 24:16). 7. Ability to study hard and learn well. God, teach my children to study hard and learn well in both their schoolwork and their study of Your Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
By Bob Hostetler
14. Protection from sexual temptation. Lord, may my children "flee youthful lusts" and remain sexually pure in thought, word, and deed (2 Tim. 2:22).
15. Godly influences. Let men and women of godly character cross paths with my children and become their trusted counselors and mentors (Prov. 1:20-33). 16. Protection from loneliness. God, protect my children from the pain of loneliness, and teach them to find comfort in Your companionship (Psa. 23:4). 17. Protection from popularity. Lord, please protect my children from the pursuit of popularity and from the dangers of "too many friends." Let them stay close, instead, to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24). 18. Single Master. Let my children make Jesus Christ their Lord and Master early in life and serve only Him, all their days (Luke 16:13).
8. Healthy independence. As my children become more independent, in preparation for adulthood, let it always be a healthy independence, and never rebellion (Prov. 17:11).
19. Godly mate. Father, lead my children to the mate of Your choosing (Gen. 2:24).
9. Protection from unbiblical standards. Father, protect my children from unbiblical standards of beauty, conduct, and speech (2 Tim. 2:22).
20. Life mission. Lord, instill in my children a strong and clear purpose to fulfill Your plan for their lives (Deut. 13:4).
I have since realized that many parents of teenagers – even those not in the desperate straits I felt myself in – might profit from a 31-day prayer plan for their teenagers. I hope the following 31 ways to pray will help you in that holy task:
10. Strong sense of identity. Help my children develop a strong sense of identity that is rooted in the knowledge of who they are in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:10).
21. Protection from depression. Deliver my children from discouragement and depression during their turbulent teenage years (Psa. 25:16-17).
11. Strong sense of belonging. God, give my children a strong sense of belonging to their family, church, and to the kingdom of God (1 Pet. 2:9).
22. Commitment to the church. God, give my children a strong and lasting commitment to the body of the Christ, the church (Psa. 122:1).
1. Salvation. First and foremost, Lord, let my children know and experience that salvation that comes by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8).
12. Strong sense of ability. Lord, please instill in my children a strong sense of their own gifts, talents, and abilities, based on the strength You give them in Christ (Phil. 4:13).
23. Compassion for the less fortunate. Please give my children soft hearts and compassionate spirits for those who are in need (Matt. 25:31-46; Jas. 1:27).
2. Self-control. God, help my children to "think clearly and exercise self-control" in all they do (1 Pet. 1:13).
13. Strong sense of responsibility. Father, make my children wise and responsible servants, who fulfill their promises and take care of their responsibilities (Luke 12:42).
24. Protection from others. Please protect my children from bullies, daredevils, false friends, and even from the mistakes of foolish friends (Psa. 59:1-2).
For three days I focused my prayers on my son. I prayed as I knelt in the spartan room provided for me. I prayed as I lay prostrate in the prayer chapel on the retreat center grounds. I prayed as I walked wooded paths, ate simple vegetarian meals, and rocked in a chair on the porch. By the end of the weekend, I had prayed my way through many Bible verses and had compiled a brand-new list, tailored to the needs of my teenage son.
3. Protection from peer pressure. Lord, strengthen my children against
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25. Godly work ethic. Lord, please nurture in my children a strong, godly work ethic that will serve them well as they enter the workforce (1 Thes. 4:11). 26. Belt of truth. Arm my children, Lord, with the belt of truth; teach them to know truth from error in all they do (Eph. 6:14). 27. Breastplate of righteousness. Lord God, arm my children with the breastplate of righteousness; grant that they may make the right decisions, wherever they go (Eph. 6:14). 28. Readiness to share the gospel of peace. Father, let my children’s feet be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace; teach them to share the good news with those around them (Eph. 6:15). 29. Shield of faith. Arm my children, Lord, with the shield of faith, with which they can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Eph. 6:16). 30. Helmet of salvation. Fit my children, Lord, with the helmet of salvation; let the assurance of their salvation accompany them in all they do (Eph. 6:14). 31. Sword of the Spirit. Lord, arm my children with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Let them love Your Word and hide it deep in their hearts (Eph. 6:16; Psa. 119:11). Neither of my children are teens anymore. Both are committed followers of Jesus. And my son is now the worship leader in the church that my wife and I helped start when he was still in high school. God has abundantly answered my prayers for him. I pray that He will do the same for you, as you commit to doing the one thing I believe I did right as a parent of my teenage children: pray. Copyright Bob Hostetler. Website: www.bobhostetler.com. Used with the permission of the author.
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