Weslyan Churches embrace newly-launched Children’s Christian Life Club…Parry and Daniel urge churches to be proactive

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Rev. Sylvester Herbert District Superintendent, St. Kitts District, Wesleyan Churches; Rev. Sonia Herbert, Director of Christian Education; and Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry at the launch of the CLC

The Club was launched after a colourful march by its members from the Nevis Cultural Centre to the Memorial Square, after which a rally was held there.

Several speakers addressed the children including the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry, who embraced the Club and said, “A number of groups have been established to reach the youth. Even though we have problems, there is a reaction to counter this. The programmes like the one launched today are geared towards younger people who are not yet trapped into gangs.”

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Hensley Daniel, said, “Church can do with more volunteers. There is need to pull the youth back from crime. A second murder in Nevis this year is bad news for an island with 55 churches.”

He called on parents and guardians not to abandon their children when they become teenagers.   ~~Adz:Right~~

Minister Daniel said the government was spending $125 per day to maintain a single prisoner and it was less costly to manage children’s programmes that enable youth to lead wholesome, crime free lives. “Efforts to guide young people must be sustained. Keep an eye on children,” he said.

Rev. Sylvester Herbert, the Superintendent of Wesleyan Holiness Church, St. Kitts District, officially launched the Club and said his church was committed to equipping children to grow in a rounded manner physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally.

“We believe boys and girls need to live a balanced life. We will ensure they grow in a holistic manner. The Wesleyan Church is community friendly. We believe people have potential,” he said.  He also said the St. Kitts Chapter would be launched next Saturday at 2.00 p.m. and members of the newly-launched Nevis Christian Life Club would join their counterparts in St. Kitts for the event.

The Director of Christian Education, Rev. Sonia Herbert, gave an overview of the Club and said that the concept has finally become a reality. She noted that the launching of the Club was timely, especially at a time when there is moral decadence. “We have decided to jump into the arena of action,” she said.

“The 20th century generation closed up with murders, accidents, abortions, drug addictions,” she said and called on churches to instruct the children diligently to avoid moral degradation.

“We will train the children to make baby steps of good morals,” she said and explained that there were different categories of membership in the Club. “We want the children to walk as Jesus walked. Children need to be taught in their formative years. CLC is reward oriented. Children earn badges which are placed on sashes,” Rev.Herbert said.

She called on parents to cooperate with the Club leaders  and said church and home should work closely to “create a brighter tommorow.” Rev. Herbert said the programme is graded and is managed through a curriculum.