Guiding youths to a good life
The program teaches youths how to apply biblical
passages in their lives.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Keith A. Neal sometimes wears a T-shirt with the verse designation, John 3:16, on it.
He said the Scripture, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life,” is the most important in the Bible.
Through an Inner City Outreach Youth Ministry, the Rev. Mr. Neal also wants to show youths that adults involved in the program care about their souls and well-being.
The minister, an associate pastor at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, organized the ministry, which meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Sessions began Feb. 6 and continue to April 9.
This week, with snow and frigid temperatures, found six young people at the session that also included speaker James Huffman, an AIDS educator with Youngstown City Health District. Mr. Neal said the number fluctuates, and the group is working to build up attendance. Other speakers are planned.
The Bible-based ministry uses Scripture to improve behavior, attitude and feelings.
Mr. Neal, along with other adult volunteers, Debbie Smith, Dave Dunleavy and Celina Hilton-Gardenhire, discuss the passages with the youth and how the ideas can be applied to their everyday lives. Mr. Neal, a correctional counselor with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, said he uses life and work experiences to apply scriptural passages to gritty reality.
“Kids are hungry for something to feed their souls. They have enough entertainment, dance and music,” Mr. Neal said.
That doesn’t mean music isn’t discussed: “We discuss the ‘counsel’ that kids get in music, TV, video and PlayStation,” he said.
The first youth session focused on Psalm 1:1-6, which goes in part, “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked ...”
Mr. Neal zeroed in on choices in life, such as friends and behavior. “We illustrated it with the hip-hop culture that glorifies gangs, sex, violence and so on.”
Mr. Neal said participants, 12 to 16 years old, commented on their experiences and peer pressure to engage in behavior contrary to the Bible.
“Some kids have no one to lead them,” said Hilton-Gardenhire. “But they want to get off the streets and learn about morals.”
Hilton-Gardenhire added that many kids have low self-esteem and because of that they go along with the crowd and make poor choices. “Here they get a different view” on matters such as learning to speak, dress and behave — referring to the Scriptures for guidelines.
Dunleavey added, “This isn’t a religion but a way of life.” That’s probably one of the most important concepts the youths will learn.
Mr. Neal said he uses a passage in Luke 14:28 to talk about responsibility: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it.” He said this led to discussion on how sex could lead to pregnancy and the financial and emotional obligations involved.
Smith said “feedback and phone calls” she receives indicate the youths take the lessons to heart. This weekend, she and a few of the young people are going bowling or to a movie. The social time, she said, “provides someone to talk to.”
The adult volunteers acknowledged that some of the youths face more than moral decisions; there are practical concerns about food, shelter and necessities. “We have a chance to go one-on-one with them,” Smith said, and noted the adults can learn if the kids need help and find a way to provide it.
The ministry leaders are frank with the young people about the challenge of being and behaving as a Christian. “What’s the cost of being a Christian?” Mr. Neal asked, citing Luke 14:27: “Whosoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
He asked the youths: When friends are swearing, drinking and smoking, do you want to take the path of least resistance and join in? “It’s hard to be a Christian and fit in and witness Christ,” he said.