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Commentary
Altar Call - Stand out
and be counted
Published on: 2/8/2010.
by Cheryl Harewood
STAND UP, STAND OUT, and be different!
The advice of 14-year-old Reboura Osbourne to the youth - and adults - of the Mission House Assembly Church, gathered last Friday night at St Mary's Primary School, The City, for their weekly youth service.
"Don't be afraid to let others know you are a Christian, and do not be ashamed of God," she advised further.
In a spirit-led, thought-provoking message, The Lodge School student provided sound, spiritural insight as she shared from Psalm 1:1 and various supporting Scriptures, including Proverbs 4:14; Psalm 26:4 and Jeremiah 15:17.
Reboura's words of advice were part of a night of praise, worship and "Holy Ghost fun" at the hour-and-a-half-long service that included Bible boxing and special ministry in song.
It was heartening to witness the very young - many under age 12 - as they worshipped, dance, sang, waved banners and prayed in the school hall.
Young Reboura warned her listeners not to follow the ways of the world, and cautioned them about heeding wrong advice and standing in the way of sinners.
"Do not stop others from going to Heaven or from becoming a Christian because of your hypocrisy or failure to be a good example. Do not stand in the way of sinners . . . .
"You will make it difficult for them to come to Christ," she declared.
She added: "Do not sit in the seat of mockers. Do not go where they go. Do not party like they do.
"As Christians you must stand out. When people see you they must see Christ. Never be ashamed of God, because if you do, He will be ashamed of you."
Amid the sounds of various music forms, which echoed from nearby residences, Reboura also advised her fellow youth to be obedient to their parents, abstain from all that is of the world, and always maintain a positive attitude no matter how bad things might be.
"Encourage yourself daily by reading the Word, and watch how you respond to situations. Pray always, and wait on God for the answer," she said.
Reboura further told her listeners to always be modest in their attire.
"Don't expose your body. Always carry yourself in a proper fashion, and never criticise others who dress differently . . . ."
Youth pastor Kreig Franklyn presided over the service which was held under the leadership of Pastor/Prophetess Hannah Alleyne. Mandisa Alleyne shared special ministry in song, while Natasha Burnett led the worship team.
Everyone present participated in the night's proceedings, including nine-year-old prayer warrior Kellia Baptiste, who closed with powerful intercession, as, on behalf of the congregation, she asked God for divine protection and healing. It was a prayer that belied her age.
If you're searching for somewhere to go on Friday nights, where smiling faces abound and there is joy in the Holy Ghost, check out this 7:30 p.m service (Sunday worship is at 10 a.m.). You'll be blessed!
5 comment found!
: 2/10/2010
Our youth are doing some great things. Glory be to God.
Great Message: Keep the Good Works Up Nation : 2/9/2010
This was am awesome message. I love the fact that this came from a 14-year-old. To God be the glory. I hope as many people as possible - including Christians - got to see this.
Thanks you Nation newspaper for this column which allows us to read the Word through these preached sermons.
Altar Call : 2/8/2010
It is a blessing to read about the message this child deliver to the congregation.Fourteen years ago at age 36,i seriously took that call and never look back.I was the worst child in the home,the worst child in the neighborhood.Some people in my neighborhood were christians and would ridicule me.One day if it is God's will,i will return to Barbados and preach the gospel,forewarning people about the wrath to come.If they dont believe now and repent, they will bow and confess, Jesus Christ is surely the son of the Almighty God.
: 2/8/2010
This seemed to have been a wonderful time, judging from Ms. Harewood's remarks. It is so heartening to know that our youth are living for Christ. The advice of this 14-year-old is astounding. Powerful! Wonderful!
My heart is overflowing with joy that some of our young people are so passionate for God. This was a wonderful message for all ages. As Christians, we should not stand in the way of sinners by hindering them from coming to know Christ. Praise the Lord! We should be examples, even as Timothy stressed in the Bible. May God continue to bless these young people and the ministers of this church.
Peace be unto you also.
Good advice : 2/8/2010
Good advice to the youth. I hope and pray that they would heed it. I am so glad that some emphasis was placed on the manner in which the youth should dress and carry themselves. Definitely christians should stand out from the secular world and should be a Godly example to others that do not know the Lord Jesus. One can never be able to reach the unbeliever if we look like them and act like them. Too many of our young people have taken on the ways of the world and are headed down the road to destruction. I hope that this church continues to reach out to them with the love of Christ and no matter what they have done let them know that Christ died for them and all they need to do is accept Him as they Lord and Savior. He will forgive and save them, come into their lives and show them another side of life that they will never experienced anywhere else on this planet. Keep the good work up.
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