Rev. John Taylor, III, guest speaker, Rev. Leonard Jackson, and Rev. Rickey Johnson listening
to the youth sing praise to the Lord.
By Delanda S. Johnson/HCBHC
The Henderson County Black History Committee started 2015 off with a BANG!
The Annual “We Love Our Youth” program was held Sunday, Feb. 1, at Mt. Providence Baptist Church in Athens with Rev. Ernest K. Browning as host pastor.
With over 100 adults and youth in attendance, the excitement built as they waited to hear from Mrs. Vernesta Edwards and the new kid on the block, Rev. John Taylor, III; pastor of Rockhill Baptist Church, Larue.
The program was handled by the youth from different churches in the Henderson County area. Mistress of Ceremony Sis. Kanicia Sallie called the service to order and everyone sang the Negro National Anthem “Lift Every Voice & Sing.”
The prayer and scripture were given by Bro. Markese Barker and Sis. Calista Robinson, along with a warm welcome from Sis. Kyendi Browning.
The youth from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Mt. Providence each did emotional praise dances, leaving the congregation wanting more.
Bro. Marcus Hornbuckle from the Church of the Living God read a paper on Madam CJ Walker during the Black History moments.
Mrs. Vernesta Edwards spoke to the congregation, especially the youth on her participation in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965.
“I was only 18 years old at the time, but I do recall that everyone was excited that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was coming to Selma,” she said. “I was not in the planning of the march, but I do remember that the starting point and meetings were held at Brown Chapel A. M. E. Church. My sister and I would go the Brown Chapel AME to give our support and to hear the speakers. As you know Dr. King was a person who could capture your attention with is words. He made you feel that you could do anything and that you were somebody. Through him, this is why we, meaning YOU–young people; must not let his dream die. You must not turn the clock backward, but go forward and live your dreams to become whatever you want to be. People marched and died so you might have opportunities to reach your goals.”
Rev. John Taylor, III message to the youth kept in time with the Black History month theme: “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.” Rev. Taylor tied his theme: “Stand Your Ground” coming from Exodus 14:13-14; to the world problems of today.
He pointed out that Moses spoke to the children of Israel as their backs was against the wall of the RED SEA and the Egyptians were on their trail, but you must “Stand Your Ground” and see the salvation of the LORD; for He will make a way out of no way and give you peace.
“With today’s events, you have Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman; Michael Brown and Office Wilson, and there are many, many more; you must “Stand Your Ground” and turn it over to the LORD. You must reflect that our forefathers never gave up; Civil Rights leaders never gave up; and Jesus stood HIS ground to die for you and I at the cross for our sins. HE never gave up on us; so we can’t give up on HIM. So, church, you must “Stand Your Ground.” When you feel everything is against you, just clap your hands and use praise as your weapon; clap and tell GOD “thank you” not matter what. “Stand Your Ground” and know that somebody must die; and that is the devil,” said Rev. Taylor.
Rev. Leonard Jackson listening to every word.