AS YAF BECKONS: LIFE AFTER 18 BUT BEFORE 30

King Solomon, the wise man once said…okay forget about what he said😄, I’ll tell you later.

Spare some time to read this piece to give you footing during your stay at YPG and your life in general.

In 2011, I joined the Young People’s Guild with so much excitement. I was eager to be part of ‘a group of grown-ups’. I served and even won the guilder of the year. It’s been 11 long but short years already.

As I look back with nostalgia, the Bible quizzes, the sweat during treasure hunt, the debates, the excursion, I write this to you to share my little insights about being a YPG member. What I have I give😄.

At 18 years (and beyond) the Church sees you as someone who can reason very well (not to spite the JY members) and therefore deems it fit for you to join the YPG.

You will be 30 years soonest should Christ tarry, trust me😊. By age 30, you will look back and recount your years at YPG. I wouldn’t want you to look back with regrets and sadness so I have put this together for you to look ahead with a glimpse of hope and inspiration. This is the reason for this piece.

Now hear me out on these five reminders🙏🏼

#1: Remember Ecclesiastes 12:1
Look, your most active years are the years before you marry. You don’t have any excuse to waste it. You are free from the worries of a married man or a married woman. The man who wrote Ecclesiastes is believed to be the wisest man to have ever lived (2 Chronicles 1:12). If you want to be wise, listen to his advice. The church will need you to carry out duties that require your strength. The growth of the Church depends on you. Look sharp. Think twice and make the years ahead of you count. Remember the purpose of the YPG, SERVICE ALL THE WAY. You are being called to render service at this age. Don’t neglect it. Evangelise. Preach. Contest for Bible Quiz. Lead through service.

#2 To remember #1, you have to remember Joshua 1:8. It admonishes us to remember the Book of the Law. Don’t forget the song that says ‘read your Bible, pray everyday🎼. Satan would want you to waste these active years. Remember he goes about seeking whom he may devour. Disappoint Satan. Use Jesus’ tactics. Use the Word of God. It is the only shield or defense mechanism you have.

#3 Remember Psalm 119:9 (in fact this should have been #1 )
Life as a youth and in this world is a great struggle ( you’ve remembered the song erh, songn’t you🤣). Many started well but haven’t or couldn’t end well. The reason? I don’t know. What I know is if you live your life according to His Word, you will look back, look up and thank God for fruitful years.

#4 Remember Hebrews 4:16. Remember to run to God. Yes, run to God. Life is made up of highs and lows. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you fail or you are at your lowest part. It solves nothing (Matthew 6:27). No one has it all figured out. You are no exception. You’re not a failure when you fall. When you fall, don’t get stuck on the ground. Get up quickly. Like a loving father, God, in Hebrews 4:16 says come boldly to His throne of Grace. Mercy and Grace will fuel your life’s journey. Don’t run out. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what you ask and He is always near you than you can ever imagine.

#5 Remember the wheel of life.
Every aspect of your life counts. The wheel of ‘your life’ comprises seven key areas:

1. Your career: As you grow, think of the career you will enjoy and pursue it. Make sure it is financially rewarding.

2. Your financial life: Make money (Ecclesiastes 10:19) and when you do, don’t spend all your money, save for the future, save for marriage, save for your children, save for your education, save for your health, save for unforeseen circumstances. Investment, they say, is even better. Invest.

3. Your Health: Health is wealth. Prioritise everything that will give you sound health mentally and physically. Exercise regularly. Join a keep fit club if you can. Laugh often and drink more water. Go for walks. Go for check-ups regularly. You only have one body to house you till you depart this earth.

4. Your social life: Remember to make good friends (1 Corinthians 15:33). Establish connections with people. Don’t be too shy. You will regret it. Expand your networks. Save people’s contact into your Gmail account so you wouldn’t have to lose any contact. One day you will need someone to help you (Ecclesiastes 12:9-12). You also have to extend help to someone if you can. Don’t be too selfish.

5. Your spiritual life: I’ve spoken a lot about this already. You would have to remember what you read if you have forgotten, please go back and read.

6. Your family: Family has gone beyond blood relation but blood relation is still important. Respect is reciprocal. Respect attracts blessing from God (Ephesians 6:1). Don’t forget your parents or those that you call your family. Love laugh, Live. And don’t forget to cry with those who cry and rejoice with those who rejoice.

7. Your intellect: Get educated. Education is not just school. Read if you can, for there is no difference between the one who can read but does not read and the person that does not know how to read. Attend seminars often. This is the information age. You have to be informed to excel. Be abreast with technological innovations. Be intentional about your self growth and development.

Lest I forget, get a mentor for every area of your life if you can (Proverbs 11:14)

I hope this piece helps. PEACE ✌️
Remember YOLO

Written by Maurice Nee-Okpey✍🏼
Teshie District

Connect to the True Vine- Ye Branches!

We raised our tabernacles above control,
The moment we thought we can do all things on our own.
For we live in a world we never know.
We are drunk in super powers of youthful enthusiasm so we never grow.
Deceptions darkened our mental faculties, our visions blurred so we cant realise where we go.

Helter-skelter we cycle.
The fame, the money, the ego, wrapped in sin, coins the devil’s missiles.
We have lost our heavenly kingdom on earth below.
We lost all things the moment we thought all that glitters is gold.

For in Genesis, sin power was abused.
God cursed the day he created man not because of old age but being in his youth.
The lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life ripped us off our eternal bride.
For we were called out of darkness into his marvelous light.
So all we need is a reconciliation with our only true saviour, Jesus Christ.

For how long can we hide from His presence?
For how long can we neglect the church to satisfy the flesh?
For how long can we keep giving excuses for our absence?
For how long shall we blame the devil for our crises?

I am the way, the truth and the life.
I am the perfect ransom sacrifice.
I am the alpha and omega,
I am your saviour, mediator, councillor,
Your only true father
Do not conform to the patterns of this world
For I am God
So come, come to me all that are heavily laboured and i will give you rest

Written by Baby Poet, Teshie District

CREATING THE WORLD WE WANT; THE ROLE OF THE CHRISTIAN YOUTH

22 years ago, the United Nation commenced the International Youth Day celebration that sought to cerate the platform for discussions around the development of young people, the challenges, the opportunities that exist and many more. Throughout the years of celebration, the IYD has seen many themes like creating safe spaces for young people, transforming education, eradicating poverty through to this year’s Intergenerational Solidarity; creating a world for all ages. More profound in this year’s celebration is the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo declaring August as Youth Development month at the Launch of the new National Youth Policy on August 12, at Anagkazo, Mampong.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana Young People’s Guild in the Ga Presbytery were not left out of this significant commemoration that tackles issues of young people.

In a virtual meeting by the Media and Publicity Committee of the Ga Presbytery YPG on the International Youth Day, diverse opinions were shared about the role of the young people in the church and how all can take actions towards the attainment of the Agenda 2030 which is the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Intergenerational Solidarity; creating a world for all ages” was the theme for the 2022 International Youth Day celebration across the globe. Meanwhile, the Ga Presbytery YPG special virtual session focused on “Creating the world we want; the role of the Christian Youth.” The role of the Christian youth because, there is the need to identify the specific steps that the youth in the church can take in order to contribute their quota effectively in the society and the globe, and not despising their youth but setting the believers example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4: 12).

In attendance

This special youth day session saw members and leaders of the YPG from the Presbytery as well as the National level taking their turns to share insights on what to be done in ensuring that the Christian youth is not left out of the development process in creating the world we want, and making sure that Christ is projected at the center of it all. Such included the former National President of the Young People’s Guild, Bro Richard Offei, the National General Secretary, Brother Francis Frimpong and his assistant, Brother Lennox Mintah, among others.

On the panel for the discussion was the immediate past Superintendent of the Ga Presbytery, Brother Stanley Toddison, the Superinetndent of the Presbyrey, Brother Sylvanus Meeyeoya Afotey and Brother Richard Okyere, the Secretary of the Ga Presbytery.

Key issues

Talking about the status of the Christian youth in contributing to creating the world we want; it was shared that;

Most of the Christian youth currently are able to contribute their quota because they find themselves in different career spaces that grants the platform to be the light (efficient).
Some young people are unable to use the platforms given them and end up widening the youth engagement gap.
Commemoration of special days have not been identified by some as significant because much awareness has not been created on how all young people in their diversities fit into the spaces for meaningful engagements.
When Christian youth are able to identify their purposes as partners in creation and stewards of their environments, they will appreciate the essence of contributing effectively to creating the world we want.

Key recommendations.

The need for a common ground for the older and young generations to foster development and create the world we want as Christian youth, not forgetting that Christ is our head and everything must be in conformity with the word.
The need to create a world for all ages because young people will not remain young forever so, must take the right steps to developing the world for a conducive environment for all.
Strengthening partnership to share ideas to promote learning that enhances development.
Young people must work hard to serve the community with their resources as a way of helping to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Young people must create the platforms for partnership and conversation that promotes their development and allows for constructive decisions and initiatives with intensive mentorship and guidance.

CONCLUSION

At the end of the discussions that took place on Zoom and Facebook, participants and the panelists pledged to be committed to different activities and objectives that seek to assist in attaining the Agenda 2030 even though they had expressed uncertain views about the possibility of reaching all the 17 goals of the SDGs by 2030. Some of the commitments included providing education and sensitization for good health and well- being, assisting the needy to eradicate poverty, speaking up against injustices and building partnerships for the goals.

It was also stated that, if young people in the church will set examples in their places or work, schools and communities, Christ is preached and characters will be shaped so to create a healthier community which serves all people and discriminates against none. It was all rounded up with Ecclesiastes 11:9- 10 that entreats young people to follow their hearts but not being ignorant of the fact that whatever actions of theirs will be judged and so, the need to go the right ways and be positive influencers and changemakers.

~ Powered by the Media and Publicity Committee.

THE #YOUTHAGENDA ✊🏾

↕️ The Young People’s Guild (YPG)- One huge platform that promotes THE YOUTH Agenda.

Did you know…that aside from promoting the spiritual well-being of the youth in the PCG, there are other objectives the guild focuses on?

The YPG;
ℹ️ seeks to promote the moral and social well-being of its members.
ℹ️ serves as a platform for its members to realize their #potentials, #opportunities and #responsibilities within the church and the community.
ℹ️ encourages the young people to take full #responsibility in the guild, the church (people), the #community and the nation as a whole.
ℹ️ mobilizes and empowers members to undertake useful and viable #economic ventures.
ℹ️ Promotes the exchange of #ideas and techniques in youth work among the youth of the PCG and youth organizations abroad.

The above among others are the sole motives of the Young People’s Guild (Youth Platform) in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Efforts to reap the demographic dividends rest on all and leave none.
👌In this pool of service is the grooming of leaders for different spaces and circles.

📛#RepTheYPGCloth reflecting on the contributions you need to make for the growth of the young people around you and the excellent service you need to offer to God and your Country. It is a training space if we allow it to be and make the right investments👌

🚫LET’S DO IT WELL. IT’S A GARMENT FOR SERVICE AND TRAINING!

ServiceAllTheWay. #YouthParticipation #DemDiv. #YPG #YouthPower #IYD2022 #Force

Written by Mavis Aryee, Teshie District

A LETTER TO YPG

We have met genuine people through you
We have learned a lot through you
Some people always discourage us since our paths crossed but we keep going
We have seen a clear view of how some youthful challenges can be resolved amicably
You are a good friend
We see you and sometimes feel so much Joy 😊
We sometimes make time for you and you don’t turn your back at us
You take our time and some important schedules in our daily life😂❤‍🔥
In correcting us we sometimes feel pressured and mostly in pains
We mouvveeee mouvveeee
God be our helper🥺❤️

By Aduanaba Richard Okyere,
Accra Newtown District

Tell us in the comments what YPG means to you.

BUILDING THE CHRISTIAN YOUTH TO BUILD THE GHANA WE WANT.

Ghana Youth Congress in focus…

The more we increase the active participation and partnership with young people, the better we serve them… And the more comprehensively we work with them as service partners, the more we increase our public value to the entire community- Carmen Martinez.

As it has been revealed in many instances that participation is and has been one of the best methods of educating and enables individuals to be equipped with requisite knowledge and skills, and in turn build their capacities for the benefit of themselves and the communities they find themselves in.

In times of technological advancement to promote human development in the spheres of the globe, it has called for the involvement of all persons regardless of status, geographical location amongst others. All of these inventions are tied with humans’ potentials being harnessed and the focus to develop human capacities to make the world a better dwelling place.

With the world recording the highest ever youth bulge with over 1.2 billion that is 16 per cent of the global population, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 or around one in every six persons worldwide falls in this category and the numbers are projected to grow by 7% to 1.3 billion by 2030 which happens to be the target year for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. There have been loads of interventions to address the numerous challenges of these young people and ensure that their potentials are harnessed in all circles, as it serves as the greatest resource for building states.

In this vein, various stakeholders and institutions including young people themselves are putting measures in place to utilise the capabilities of the youth who are termed the future of their communities and partners of today’s development. With the necessary investment being made there is the sure hope of harnessing the demographic dividends.

It is with this necessity that religious entities who play critical roles in the building of individuals in the communities are taking the tasks of intentional capacity building to not only shape their congregations in terms of moral lives but be mindful of their social and economic lives as well. This is how come entities like the All African Conference of Churches in a bid to contribute to building resilient youth in their respective countries, and at large the continent embarks on the continental campaign on youth and African patriotism themed “Africa: My Home, My Future” to inspire young people to be patriotic and harness their talents in the transformation of their countries.

Meanwhile, the Christian Council of Ghana takes a cue from this African initiative to build and shape the minds of Ghanaian youth in the Christian arena as it organized the Ghana Youth Congress as pre-congress towards the All African Youth Congress to take place in October 2022. It was a gathering that saw about five hundred young people from different churches converging at the Pentecost Convention Centre in February 2022 for intensive sessions to inspire and impart for exploits in all circles of deeds. Out of these numbers were eleven (11) young people of the Ga Presbytery YPG who participated in the congress and could not keep the very good messages of transformation to themsleves but to share for the benefit of other young people.

Yes, it was a phase to re-groom the Ghanaian youth to get them thinking differently about Ghana, about development and about influence in all systems. I know the frustrations shared by young people are countless, from education to employment to access to basic amenities, but it was a time to rethink how the little opportunities and very limited resources could be leveraged for greater works because giving up has and can never be the option. Like in the words of the Chairman of the Christian Council, “No one will build Ghana for us but ourselves”.

In that same challenging vein, the second gentleman of the land, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia who graced the occasion during the opening ceremony of the congress states that “now is the time to eschew impossibilities and rather build a mindset of possibilities to help build the nation” and obviously to make it our home and our future. This was stressed several times as it was shown in some presentations that focused on the number of young people risking their lives on the Mediterranean sea just to make it overseas because living conditions in their homeland do not seem hopeful (as some think). That is to say, thousands of young people are resorting to irregular migration, all in the name of making it outside of Ghana (their home country) due to the financial challenges that certainly takes a toll on their standard of living. Aside from moving within Africa, it was shown that a lot of these young people are of the perceptions that better lives are outside Africa and that is where they can seek greener pastures which have led a lot into hastily moving out of their country and unfortunately into troubles.

Meanwhile, a keynote address by the Chairperson of the Christian Council who doubles as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev Prof J.O.Y. Mante disclosed that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been created to be spiritual, moral, social and environmental witnesses and young people must be conscious to work towards this purpose through many different ways. In the light of witnessing, Christian youth were entreated to begin to look out for the pieces of evidence of the riches in Christ Jesus so that those can proclaim the Lord Jesus to the world. This is where Rev Opoku Baffour stresses that it is becoming difficult for Christian youth to witness to the world as mandated because the evidence of the good things which takes hard work and faith to attain in Christ is not seen and that is why unbelievers find it difficult to believe what is preached to them.

This is the time to combine the faith with hard work and consistency with the hope to attain greater feats so that Christian youth can be influential in their respective circles. Thus, in their homes, academic and working institutions among others. The mediocre mindset and faith without works is not the key to the doors we seek to open, so young people must rise to attach deeds to the faith so to make gains that will show forth the glory of God and in turn witness to the world even automatically.

Participants in this gathering were taken through other sessions like the AU Agenda 2063 that possesses plans of creating the Africa we want, Gender Inclusivity and its essence on our development, entrepreneurship and youth employment, issues of migration, religious and ethnic tolerance then finally, the young people themselves discussing crucial topics and making recommendations to create the Ghana they want and to make the country their home and their future.

Awesome it was; in this gathering of knowledge sharing, networking and building a strong ecosystem of patriotic citizens for mother Ghana and mind-sets of faith plus deeds, that is hard work, not forgetting the Christian values that must be shared with the world through the deeds.

With about 70% Christians in the country and yet encountering lots of crises that can be attributed to attitudes, all the interactions reiterated the need for Christian youth to build their capacities, get involved in the affairs of the nation’s governance so that the journey of working for a home and future is assured. Young Christians must not sit unconcerned when things are not done right with the perception that others are mandated to rule, because God is equally interested in leadership (Exodus 18:20-22, Acts 6:3) and His children cannot be disinterested. We believe that the honest men and capable men that the scripture specifies are within the church and they must be equally interested in ruling, so those dishonest men would not end up making unscrupulous decisions to affect everyone else. Above all, young people have got to make plans to operate in the appropriate times and seasons like in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Christian youth can prosper to be influential when they operate within the times and seasons set for them…appropriate learning period, the decision-making period and the achievement period; this must not be missed!

Such imparting session with diverse dignitaries present to share stories of inspiration cannot sit with only the participants but the need to lead the change in their Christian fraternities and have a more patriotic youth population that is hungry for change in their country all in the quest for a better Ghana to be home and future. On this note, there were some calls to action.

CALL TO ACTION
• Get involved in the affairs of the country as a Christian youth.
• Maintain a commitment to God and make a difference.
• Build confidence and despise not thy youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
• Be politically informed and diplomatically wise
• Be advocates and build networks to develop skills and create opportunities.
• Use knowledge and guidelines shared for the growth of self and society.
• Build capacity to be influential.

Aside from young people being charged for the next steps, the other stakeholders which are the religious institutions (churches), government and relevant institutions were not left out as many suggestions were made on how to contribute to creating the Ghana we want and largely, the Africa we desire. It is a collective effort that will make way for the society that serves everyone generously, and it lies with the children of God who are partners in creation to do this.

We can build the society we want because Christ has endowed us with proficiencies!

Written by Mavis Naa Korley Aryee, Teshie District.

THE YOUTH IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST: A SYNOPSIS FOR YOUTH AND STUDENTS’ WEEK CELEBRATION 2022

Dear Rainbow Guilder, March is here! And with joys, shouts and excitement, we are happy to say that the most loved month on the Guild’s calendar is here. It is Youth and Students’ Week.

Before we get carried away with excitement, let us consider the most important aspect of this celebration by defining some keywords in this article.

In the PCG, youth is a person between the ages of 18-30 and typically should be in the Young People’s Guild (YPG). Usually, in almost every local, this is the most vibrant generational group and everybody can’t wait to be part of YPG nor do we also want to leave when it is time to go to YAF.

Light can be defined as a natural or artificial medium that promotes sight and makes things visible. In physics, light is a whole topic on its own (where are my science sharks). We all know that without light, our world would be full of darkness and chaos. Light, depending on the source can be summarized to be the spark of life.

Christ, also known as Messiah is the divine Son of God, Anointed King and Saviour of the world. Jesus Christ being the light of the world, came to show us the way through the darkness of sin into the heavenly Kingdom of His Father. His life is the lamp that guides us in every aspect of our lives with the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to follow the light always and not slip back into darkness.

Therefore, a youth in the light of Christ can be summarised as a person between the ages of 18-30 in the PCG, who has allowed the light of Christ to guide him/her out of darkness, and in turn, reflect the light of Christ to guide others out of the same darkness they came from.

Youth in Christ doesn’t seek to glorify him/herself but the will of God in their lives. Just as our slogan says: “to know His will and to do it”. Doing God’s will means shining in every aspect of our lives and not only on Sundays or when we attend YPG meetings. There is a clear difference between light and darkness and our lives should be that evident to drive away any form of darkness when we encounter it, for darkness has not and will not be able to overcome it (John 1:5, paraphrased).

a youth in the light of Christ can be summarised as a person between the ages of 18-30 in the PCG, who has allowed the light of Christ to guide him/her out of darkness, and in turn, reflect the light of Christ to guide others out of the same darkness they came from.

With this in mind, let us take a look at our Youth and Students’ Week. Over the years, well, since I became a Guilder, there has been this pressure to impress during this Week. ‘Who has the fanciest, entertaining programme?’ ‘Who has the nicest and wowed programme?’ ‘Who has’, ‘who did’…. And the list continues. But Youth and Students’ Week is more than programmes. (And I am in no way saying we should just focus on prayer and Bible study leaving the other aspects, after all, we are youth). But instead of striving to achieve a nice programme outline, striving to meet the pressure demands from other locals, have you ever sat down to wonder, “what impact are we making through our programmes on the church, the youth and the society as a whole?” This is the time we can serve our Creator well (Ecclesiastes 12:1) with everything we have got and this is the time to influence our society as youth in the light of Christ. Impact making, however, shouldn’t be something big that has to be visible and needs a ruler to be measured. It is usually the little things we do as a church that matter.

If truly, we are youth in the light of Christ, let our light shine before Youth and Students’ Week, let our light shine in our programmes during Youth and Students’ Week and let our light shine after Youth and students’ Week. “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:15, NLT). Every Guilder is called to this mandate, and not only Guild executives. How readily do we attend Guild-related functions outside Youth and Students’ Week? How do we make an impact in our daily lives as Guilders? Is our light shining enough? Let us use this week to reflect and make adjustments in the areas of our lives that are lacking.

With Youth and Students’ Week duly launched and as we begin the Week’s celebrations, let us remember who we are in Christ and live our lives accordingly, making an impact everywhere we go and shining our lights so bright that the world would give glory to our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Have a blissful Youth and Students’ Week Celebration.

Go shine forth, Youth in Christ.