Scripture provides messages about choices to youth

July 31, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

youngstown

Fellowship Week at Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center showcases the faith-based program originated by Judge Theresa Dellick.

The Rev. James Barkett, director of faith-based counseling at the center, said activities from Monday through Thursday will include Scripture, prayer, poster contest, music, food and more. The theme for the fifth annual event is “Acts of the Apostles.”

“There are messages in Acts about lifestyle choices,” Father Barkett said. He noted jealousy is a common feeling that is at the root of problems for some young people. “They’re envious of certain jeans or tennis shoes that someone else has,” he said. That envy prompts them to make a bad choice, he added.

Father Barkett emphasized that a nondenominational approach is taken through the ministry. A study Bible, “How to Find God,” is used by youth at the center. “I think it helps young people key into the message,” he said.

Father Barkett said another passage from Acts 2:42-47 deals with belonging to a group. In that passage, it revolves around those who accepted the message of the apostles, became their followers and were saved. “Gangs are places to belong ... where kids find acceptance they might not have elsewhere,” Father Barkett said. “We want to talk to kids about the ‘higher power’ and how they can belong.”

Father Barkett said an important aspect of the Fellowship Week is that is voluntary participation. But, he noted, most of the youth at the center participate. The center works with 12- to 17-year-olds of both sexes. He noted that the census is about 35 and probably 30 will participate in the event.

Father Barkett said tapping into the young people’s faith in God is key. He noted that most have a faith background ... having attended church with parents or grandparents. The faith-based ministry uses that as a basis and works to build on that. “They know the basics ... but have gotten away from it,” he said. The ministry aims to bring faith back into their lives as a viable example of how to live.

Churches contribute to the success of the program. Participating in Fellowship Week are Anthony and Evelyn Ciccone of Pleasant Valley Church in Niles, the Rev. Terry Hazel of St. Michael Church in Canfield, Frederic Smith of Rising Star Baptist Church, Cassantra Clinkscale and a Christian band from Manifested Promises, Pearl Kennedy and Rachell Joy of Lost Then Found Ministry, Vince and Cheryl Bellanca of Victory Church and Susan Ferreri of Church of the Rock in Poland.

Father Barkett said each day will begin with a message and prayer then youth will break out in groups. There will be a poster contest judged by the center staff. “Everyone will be a winner,” he said. Judge Dellick will give out awards Thursday. “They’re participation awards. Kids in lock-up don’t get a lot of that kind of feedback in their daily lives.”

Though the program involves fun, there’s also learning. Father Barkett said another aspect will be writing a r sum and how to dress for a job interview.

For more information on the faith-based program, contact Father Barkett at 330-740-2244, ext. 6481.