Providenciales, TCI, January 27, 2017 – The Youth Ministries Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists celebrated last weekend beginning January 21, with an investiture service of 80 youth of all ages from throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. This investiture is the largest the Mission here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The theme for the joint service was “Lord, transform me for your service”.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Hon. Connolly, attended the event and brought remarks on behalf of her Ministry. She said; “It is my pleasure to bring greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services at this very important ceremony. I want to acknowledge all of the elders and leaders of the Seven Day Adventist Church who are here with us today to support all of these amazing young people. Today you are making a very important public commitment. You are making a commitment to service, service to your God, your church, your community and your people. I congratulate you! I am proud of you!”
She further told the youth present that; “I understand that the Pathfinders Club is a very well established and important one for the Seventh Day Adventist Church. When I heard of the work that you do with young people, assisting with homework, conducting evangelism, visiting the children’s home and giving of your time and talents to our country, I was more than proud of you and even more elated to be here.
“Willingly engaging in service is a commendable act. This will prepare you well for the future, not only on your CVs but for leadership on a whole. The Bible itself admonishes that if you want to be Great in the Kingdom, you must be a servant of all! Indeed, we are admonished in 1 Peter 4 verses 10 and 11 to ‘use our gifts to serve one another, so that God may be Glorified’. You heeded that call!”
She encouraged the gathering of youth by reminding them that they have a role to play in today’s society. She told them that; “You are powerful and you have potential! Remember David was only a boy when he killed a giant, Jehoash was 7 years old when he became King of Judah and Josiah was 8 years old when he became King in Jerusalem. Look around you, Look at how many people have invested in you being here; your parents, your minister, your teachers and your friends. You have to take the opportunity today to encourage one another.”
“I look at you and I am reminded that today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Each of you have something that you are destined to do, whether that is raising a beautiful family, succeeding in a profession, being CEO of a large cooperation or leading your community into a better future. You all have a role to play. We, The Turks and Caicos Islands, need you. As you move forward in your journey towards being an adult, a responsible citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I want you to remember that you are never alone.”
Hon. Connolly stated that she enjoyed the event and the participation of the youth in the service. She left words of encouragement for the youth at the service and hoped that she was an inspiration to them. She said; “I want to leave these few words of encouragement with you because I know as young people, involved in community work you will have some challenging times. When you feel discouraged or heartbroken, ask God to transform you so that you can be of service to Him.
“Concentrate on what God is calling you to do rather than the naysayer’s personal agendas. You will struggle with this all your life, so the sooner you discipline yourself the better. Just like Elijah, you probably have more supporters than you think you have. Hang around positive-minded people, people you trust and who trust you, to help you continually mature as a person and leader.
“I’m so proud of all of you here today. I’m proud of this gathering. I know you all can move forward with God as the center of your life. Live to serve Him. I believe in you, and I can’t wait to see everything you all will achieve for your generation and generations to come.”
Press Release: TCIG Press Office
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