Friday, February 4, 2022 | St. John’s, Antigua | Carl Hastings
Coming out of a year of great uncertainty, the Youth Ministries department of the South Leeward Conference (SLC) thought it wise to begin 2022 with its first ever spiritual commitment service, held virtually, under the theme “Commitment Matters”. The service held on Friday, January 07, 2022, at 8 p.m., on the SLC YouTube platform, impacted approximately 500 youth and youth leaders from across the five islands of the Conference.
Under the leadership of the Youth Ministries director, Pastor Carl Hastings, the service began with words of welcome and brief remarks as to the need of such a program during a pandemic. Youth Ministries leader, Carlon’j William, from Nevis offered a prayer and the scripture was read by Youth Ministries leader, Trishawn Molineaux, from Montserrat.
The islands of the South Leeward Conference were well represented at the commitment service which featured great singing from Tyra Monzac (St. Kitts), Annessa Monroe (Nevis) and Shemiah Humphreys (Antigua). The program also showcased an original poem entitled, ‘Commitment Matters’ by Nyesha George-Minott (Antigua).
Mr. Dillon Bazil, a third year Theology student at the University of the Southern Caribbean, Maracas, Trinidad, was the speaker. He presented on the topic, “Committed to Jesus for 2022”, utilizing the text found in Matthew 16:24 which states, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “if anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me””. He brought the message to a climax with an appeal to the youth and youth leaders to commit to Jesus. There was an overwhelming response by youth, youth leaders and others in the audience as they followed the instructions of the preacher to type “Committed” in the “chat”.
A highpoint of the commitment service was the prayer of consecration by the president of SLC, Dr. Carson Greene. In his prayer, he asked God to help the youth to live lives that would reflect His glory and to love God more than self.
The closing exercises were done by Pastor Davin Scarborough, pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Barbuda. The Youth Ministries department of the South Leeward Conference remains resolute in leading young people into a committed relationship with Christ.