WS Chronicle

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D.

Using the theme: “Revolution in the City – Christ in Today’s Youth,” Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church is building an army for God, and it includes youth who are armed and ready to fight in spiritual warfare. On Saturday, Aug. 5, more than 80 youth, their parents, youth leaders, ministers, singers, poets, and youth enthusiasts crowded the fellowship hall to receive their special instructions for M. battle. First Lady Constance Hash served as the emcee of the rally and Pastor L. Dwight Hash supported her efforts.

Pastor Hash opened the rally with the scripture II Timothy 3:1, 14-15: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come … But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Brittany Patrick and Lady Constance Hash opened the rally by passing out surveys, door prize tickets, and flyers about the worship service featuring activist Frankie Gist and the upcoming school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Enterprise Center at 10 a.m. 

Lady Hash explained the purpose of the youth rally. “I want young people to leave here today feeling loved. You are loved by God, but you are also loved by us. We want you to feel connected to the community,” said Lady Hash. “We are glad to see so many of you in the house today. There are so many events going on, but you took the time to come into the House of God. Leaders in the house should dap them up for being here. They wanted to connect with the village. This is a safe place where you can learn the truth.”

DeeJay Kelvin Carter, soloist LaRhonda Carlton, Baba Joseph Anderson, Pastor Felecia Piggott-Anderson and step master James Leach provided special music throughout the celebration. The Anderson family led the welcome song “Funga.” The youth joined the march by shaking African instruments and singing the welcome song. Carlton led the group in singing “I Wanna Say Thank You.” Leach taught the youth a song for a step demonstration: “All of my love, peace and happiness – I’m gonna give it to Jesus!”

Several youth leaders participated in the youth rally. Deacon Daryl Jackson offered the opening prayer and Kayla Fletcher and Par Brabham escorted the children under the age of seven to a classroom for activities on their level. Clayton Keck and DJ Kelvin Carter gave their personal testimonies for the youth. Carter gave praise to God for deliverance from drug abuse.

“I had a $500-a-day cocaine habit. I also had a marijuana habit. My boss was a pastor, and he led me to Christ. Because my bossman listened to God, I was delivered from my cocaine habit,” said Carter. “God let me know, ‘I am who they say I am.’ The street, that’s my pulpit. The Lord told me to ‘Feed my sheep. You abide in me.’ I did my initial sermon, and I now am a member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center.”

Leach distributed bracelets to the youth with the insignia WWJD which stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” The bracelet also reminds them to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, and all other things will be added to them (Matthew 6:33). Leach’s seven-year-old son Grayson taught the youth the Ten Commandments and led a Bible trivia game for the youth. Children and parents won door prizes. The Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church hospitality committee served hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, chips, lemonade and other drinks.

Min. Christopher Hinton conducted an altar call and prayer for the youth and young adults. Lady Hash lifted the youth up in prayer as well. She spoke words of life over the youth.

“God has been good to the youth of this church. I believe God that his blessing will continue to flow. Our children will be successful in their classes this year. They will grow in spirit and in knowledge. So we believe. So we receive. Amen,” said First Lady Hash.