As part of Ladywood SDA Church Youth Emphasis Day on Sabbath 15th November 2014, the Holloway SDA Church Youth Department were invited to Birmingham to take their AYS programme. The programme, led by Holloway Youth Leader Annell Smith, took the form of a chat show entitled “Talk That Talk”. The team spent the Sabbath day with the Ladywood family and were made to feel welcome by brethren throughout. As the sermon was preached by Bro Troy Flood of Derby Bethal SDA Church, it became obvious that his sermon was divinely inspired, as it fit seamlessly with the AYS topics planned by the Holloway team. The sermon was about not conforming to the world and standing up for God’s truth no matter how unpopular it appears.
During the chat show, various cases (scenarios) were discussed to highlight the temptations and difficulties faced by Christian youths on a daily bases. To open the AY programme, 1Corinthians 10:13 was read to set the scene. The chat show presented three relevant day-to-day scenarios for discussion;
- Working on the Sabbath
- Dressing provocatively in search of attention & acceptance
- Reactions to news of a family member questioning their sexuality.
Each scenario was followed by a “Reflective Break”, led by Holloway’s Youth Pastor, Alec Gage. Each reflective break opened the floor for some lively, frank and engaging discussions with the audience, along with reference to Bible verses as a means of encouragement for those who could relate to the scenarios. As the programme neared completion, the congregation were treated to a counsellor-type review of each scenario, taken by Bro Kirk Sobers, with poignant Biblical references given to emphasis that God will bring us through any situation or dilemma as long as we seek Him first.
The program ended with an alter call led by Pastor Gage and a reminder that “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
The day was thoroughly enjoyed and was a blessing to all who attended as the Holloway youth team were thanked for presenting topics of great importance to both youth and adults alike.