An Expression of Gratitude Who is your modern day hero or heroine? By Janice S Ramkissoon In school we read about Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle, Marcus Garvey and many other heroes who fought and died for the freedom we now experience. There was also Nanny the Maroon, the only mention of a heroine. Today, majority of our youth look to the media for a role model, so we’ll often hear about ‘Byonce’, ‘Usher’ and others like LL Cool J, even at our youth fellowship gatherings. Thankfully we have more and more role models with an anointing to reach some of our youth today, like Kirk Franklyn, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Mary Mary, ‘Stichie’, Chevelle Franklyn and many others. As a youth growing up, my role models could be found in my home town, 80% of which could be found in the Sligoville Baptist Church. From Birth to my teen years I was physically cared for in this church and today, at 34years old, there are members of this church who still care for me through prayers and other forms of encouragement via letters or phone calls. Though my biggest influence came from my grandparents, as a teenager one normally relate to one’s peers and sometimes those placed in a leading role to them. Hence, my biggest role models were my youth leaders (some of whom were also Sunday school teachers). I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and the diaconate who took the time to work with us during our most rebellious stage, instead of giving up on us and leaving us to failure. Being in a similar position, [working with and alongside youth (both in the community and in churches) for over ten years] I can now see how de-motivating it could have been at times. Though it is a very rewarding role to be in, working with teenagers can see you go through a roller-coaster of emotions. But they persisted; they endured and continued to invest, when it may have seemed like we didn’t deserve it. That makes me more appreciative of those who worked with me and my peers in our day. Because of that love, I can now give to others in a similar way; love without condition. I have a passion for serving and a love for youth ministry. I believe, though I’ve only recently realised, that the seeds have been planted during those tender years when people like my grandparents, the deacons, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders in the Sligoville Baptist church created a loving environment in which I could learn about and grow in Christ. Truly, it does take a community to bring up a child. Reflection: Looking back and realising how difficult it must have been (physically draining and often suffering from burn-out and they still kept going without fail), this knowledge often encourages me when those days come when I feel really low and de-motivated. What they did then may not have produced any fruits at the time (in their eyes) but the time they spent with us and the knowledge they passed onto us is today the foundation from which my life is built. I am blessed in such a way that sometimes I am just amazed at the wonder of our Saviour. Every principle I now live by was first taught by my grandparents, at Sunday school, youth fellowship or generally in the church services, some of which was embedded in the deepest parts of my heart, placed in reserve for what now is the future it was intended for. Spiritual Re-armament ‘94 A special thank you to Sister Gloria Brown (also of the diaconate) who invested in the youth fellowship in a way that words cannot explain (this is one you’ll have to see in action). One of the best things she did for us, at the time, was to introduce us to youth retreat at Duncan’s Trelawny – my most memorable time was ‘Spiritual Re-armament Conference’ in 1994. I was no longer an active member of the Sligoville Baptist Church as I had migrated to the UK by then. However, because of the investment that the church made in me as a youth, on visiting in ’94, Duncan’s Pen, Trelawny (the home of youth camp) was the only place I wanted to be. I was longing for some revival in my soul – and that’s exactly what I got on attending. I felt a renewed spirit. The message that weekend was ‘DARE TO BE DIFFERENT’ most of the message I understood, but as I grew in the faith over the years I started to get a clearer understanding of the ones I didn’t quite understand at the time. Today I feel that each day I’m getting closer and closer to the Creator in a way I couldn’t before imagine – How can I not be grateful to those who led the way. I dare not think of what the outcome would have been, if they didn’t take the time to invest in me. As an adult now reflecting on the days of my youth, I would like to leave these words of encouragement to you: To the elders in our churches: Golden age represents wisdom of the years, don’t keep it to yourself, pass it on to the young ones which ever way you can. It could be on a one-to-one confrontation; by the giving of a testimony or just by applying practical everyday examples in Sunday Schools or youth forums. Too many of our youth are being drawn to the things of this world – its time to claim our youth back. To those in leadership positions: Don’t just tell the story – “live the life you preach”. That will be a lesson well taught which no amount of text books can replace. To the youth: Though today you may not comprehend – be attentive, listen and learn. Show respect at all times, even when you believe that you are dealt an injustice. Only later, once you’ve been through the storms of life will you understand the love your elders now show. |