INTRODUCTION
In the vibrant tapestry of human existence, youth stand as a thread woven with strength and potential. Within the Church of Pentecost, this thread takes the form of dedicated young people, encompassing both men and women, who are the beating heart of the youth ministry. Running with a vision, however, is not a mere stroll through a sunlit meadow; it’s a demanding yet exhilarating trek across uncharted terrain.
Embracing a vision transcends passive acknowledgement. It demands active participation and a relentless pursuit of its realisation. Dedication fuels this pursuit, courage guides its path, and a willingness to contribute meaningfully illuminates the way. When young people engage with a collective vision, they become catalysts, injecting vitality and fresh perspectives into the process. Their eager hands and boundless spirit shape the future, brick by brick.
VISION 2028
In the previous vision 2023, the church (young men) has been equipped with the word of God, kingdom value and principle of God and prayers (Eph. 6:10-20) verse 11 Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. In the past five years under Vision 2023, we were equipped with five strong themes which prepared us for Vision 2028; I agree with Prophet Joel in Joel 2:28-32.
(28 And it shall come to pass afterwards That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.)
In Joel 2:28b (I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;), God said that He will give us One part of Him to us to work for Him. He did not discriminate, but He said all, meaning everyone; there was no requirement to work for Him; all flesh shall receive His One part of Him (Spirit of God), and I strongly believe that we have received the Spirit of God in phase 1 vision (vision 2023)
UNDER VISION 2028
The whole church has been unleashed to transform their world. The slogan says, ‘ Possessing the Nations’; I am an agent of transformation, ‘Possessing the Nations’, Transforming my world.
WHERE CAN WE TRANSFORM? (MATT. 5:13-16)
(Matthew 5:13-16 [13] “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.)
Transforming the world is like changing or replacing something. Individual has a world where they belong to;
Social media is a special world without parental control, pastor, mentor, on its own were getting access to every information is freely. One can be in their comfortable room and enjoy a program in the USA or another continent. We have a lot of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube, and WhatsApp. These are a few that can be mentioned among the rest, and this media has its program it offers to its members (positively and negatively). As a young man who has been empowered and endured with sound doctrine, the word of God and the kingdom’s principles and values should use the media wisely. (Matt. 5:14a “You are the light of the world.) The purpose of the Light is to give people access to see from darkness.
The young men must use the media (their world) to harvest souls for our Christ Jesus. (Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.) Daniel’s parent was not there with him at the king’s palace, but he proposed in his heart that we, young men, should follow Daniel’s principle, not follow a particular trend to destroy our future in the media effectively.
School is another world without parental control; the youth must leave a way that will please God. (Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.), we see Daniel in a king palace where he purposed not to defile himself with the king delicacies, how many of you could have been able to stand against this decision? There is a certain trend around campus where bad habits are being purchased with just free care (1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”). As young men of Christ, we should not join them but show them the Light (Jesus Christ). However, our beautiful women in various tertiary institutions should be strong so that a lecturer will not prank them that if they do not let them have a way with them, they will fail them; we should study hard and pray that God will not disappoint them. We should boldly stand and not fear, for it is written in (2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.)
We must belong to PENSA and participate in PENSA programs, especially Prayer sessions, study the word of God, do our quiet time, devotion and other religious activities, and excel academically. We should not leave the campus (our world) for them, but we must possess and transform the campus (our world) for Jesus Christ.
The workplace is another world where young men are unleashed from various tertiary institutions to show their talent to the world. Some people travel from home or even from outside their territories. Our parents are not staying with us. Apostle Paul advised (Philippians 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.), we have been equipped with the word of God from Sunday school through Youth ministry and PENSA at large. Whatever we have learned, we must put it into practice. We should sell Jesus Christ at our workplace to transform our workplace (our world); we must be early and write the correct time in the staff attendance book continuously.
We must not entertain any corruption in the workplace (our world), (Matt 5:13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.) We are the salt to the world and must be season in the work and protect the work. We must not play while work is there.
We must fear God as written in (Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.), the midwives feared God, any work entrusted into your hands fear God, and we must project God in our workplace (our world) and attend church and invite other.
Running with a vision requires an active commitment to its principles and goals. For young men, embracing this path involves courage, determination, and a willingness to lead by example. In the Bible, we find several examples of young men who ran with the vision and shaped history through their unwavering faith, leadership, and commitment to a higher purpose.
JOSEPH: A VISION OF RESILIENCE AND INTEGRITY
(“The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master” – Genesis 39:2 (ESV))
Flourishing under adversity, Joseph exemplified resilience, integrity, and unwavering faith. Despite facing betrayal and injustice, his commitment to his vision, as seen in his dreams, never wavered. His story inspires young men to persevere in their pursuits, maintaining their integrity even in adversity.
DAVID: A VISION OF STRENGTH AND COMPASSION
(“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV))
Young David’s unwavering courage, faith, and compassion led him to confront insurmountable challenges. His vision of slaying Goliath showcased his physical strength and exemplified his profound faith in a higher purpose. His story inspires young men to trust in their resilience, facing challenges with an unwavering belief in the vision they carry.
DANIEL: A VISION OF WISDOM AND PURPOSE
(“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” – Daniel 1:8 (ESV))
Daniel’s unwavering faith, wisdom, and refusal to compromise on his vision inspired an entire generation. His commitment to his beliefs brought him favour and influence in the courts of foreign kings, showcasing the impact of staying true to a vision. His story inspires young men to champion their beliefs, regardless of the circumstances.
Timothy: A Vision of Diligence and Leadership
(“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV))
As a young disciple, Timothy’s diligence, humility, and leadership qualities shaped his role in Paul’s ministry. His commitment to the vision he shared with Paul exemplifies the transformative impact young men can have when they actively pursue their calling with determination and humility.
CONCLUSION
These examples show the transformative impact of young men who ran with their visions, inspiring lasting change and embodying unwavering faith, resilience, wisdom, and leadership. As they navigated their journeys, they became beacons of hope and agents of positive transformation, inspiring future generations to run with an unwavering commitment to their visions.
(Luke 10:17- 20, (NKJV) 17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” 18. He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven 19 Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subjects to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.)
When we run with the vision, our name will be written in heaven, and our Lord will crown us; blessings will be abundant. Rise us and shine in your world. ‘Possessing the Nations’, I am an agent of transformation, ‘Possessing the Nations, Transforming my world.
Written by Elder Emmanuel Asiedu (English Assembly, Kwabeng District, Suhum Area)