Youth behaviour needs divine intervention – Priest
The Reverend Philip Obeng Adjei, Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of Methodist Schools, on Friday said the rate at which sexual immorality had gained prominence among the youth in the country needed an urgent divine intervention.
He entreated the clergy to pray and deliver the youth from this crooked and perverse lifestyle.
Rev. Obeng, in-charge of the Methodist Church at Abesim, was speaking at the opening of the Seventh Biennial Conference of the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) of Sunyani Circuit.
The conference is on the theme; “Oneness in Christ and Personal Integrity” and attended by more than 300 youth drawn from 10 societies of the circuit.
Rev. Obeng noted with regret that the current generation had allowed themselves to be swayed by “the devil and his cohorts to use them to establish their kingdom to cause pain and anxiety in society”.
He said Christianity was a religion of prosperity and happiness on earth and in eternity to those who adhered to the teachings of the Bible and remained faithful to God.
Rev. Obeng observed that even though majority of Ghanaians professed to be Christians, the act of immorality continued to be on the increase and advised the youth to refrain from alcoholism, drug abuse and sexual promiscuity or be prepared to face the wrath of God.
The reverend minister stressed that some Christians continued to live in poverty because of their ungodly lifestyles and advised them to revere and obey God to obtain earthly comfort.
Rev. Obeng expressed concern about the habit of some of the youth who resorted to the get-rich-quick methods, including the popular “sakawa” and implored the youth devote their time to God to obtain His mercy.
Mr Richard Boahen, Circuit Chairman, emphasized the need for leadership of the Methodist Church to take keen interest in issues affecting the youth and devise proactive ways of mentoring them to take their rightful positions in the church in future.
He said since the leadership of the church was regarded as role models, they should shun corrupt practices and backbiting since their deeds had the tendency to influence the youth.
Mr Boahen advised the fellowship to demonstrate the love of God in their social lives, stressing “we can be one in Christ and demonstrate personal integrity only when we love and fear God with all our hearts, minds and souls”.
He disclosed that the fellowship intended to procure a motor bike to step up its evangelism drive and win more souls for Christ and appealed to members to lend their support.
Mr Joel Afrifa Kyei, Circuit Youth Organiser, stated that the church needed young men and women of integrity in order to help change society.
He appealed to the leadership of the church to help mould the youth and support them so they would grow to become responsible adults and contribute to national development.
Rev. Henry De-Graft Appiah, Diocesan Youth Organiser, expressed concern about the low commitment demonstrated by members of the fellowship for some years now and advised them to be regular and prompt at meetings.
He said since the fellowship was the backbone of the church their contributions to its growth and development could not be over-emphasized.
Rev. Appiah said Christianity was a religion of peace and advised members of the fellowship to promote a united front and support each other in times of tribulation.
Source: GNA