Tameka Hall seeks to get young people on Christ's train
Published:Thursday | March 10, 2016 | 11:00 AMGareth Davis
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
Twenty-four-year-old Tameka Hall said her Christian lifestyle has allowed her to blossom spiritually and educationally, despite being born in one of the most depressed communities, Manchioneal in Portland.
Hall, a graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist self-styled Northern Caribbean University (NCU) told Family and Religion that her decision to accept Jesus Christ as her personal saviour - has had a positive impact on her life, allowing her to be outspoken, truthful, honest, and caring.
"I made the right decision by accepting Jesus," said Hall.
"It has not been easy, however, each step of the way I have allowed God Almighty to lead me through all truth. It is not a bed of roses, but it is the best thing that anyone could have done. At first, I was shy, but since participating in church-related activities, I managed to overcome my shyness. Today, I have matured into a more positive person, and as a result of my Christian lifestyle, I have assumed the role of public relations officer for the Portland chapter of the youth federation," she added.
Hall, who majored in social work at NCU, was also instrumental in staging a successful youth federation rally at Boundbrook Seventh-day Adventist church last Sabbath, which attracted churches throughout the parish extending from Manchioneal in the east to Buff Bay in the west.
According to Hall, the Sabbath event was geared at motivating Adventist youth spiritually - where they were engaged in singing and Bible study.
Since graduating from NCU, Hall is now participating in the national youth service graduates works experience programme. She noted that young people in her community lack motivation and that there are little or no economic opportunities for them in the Manchioneal community, which is largely a fishing village.
She also noted that teenage pregnancy is rampant, which further increases the number among unemployed youth in the community.
Continuing Hall said, "I would encourage young people to make a decision for Jesus Christ as it is simply the best way. Choosing Christ leads to a life of prosperity, success, peace, self-respect, and salvation. The choices we make during our youthful years can and, in most cases, will determine our future. Therefore, it is best to choose wisely and think long term."