As we embark on the Bishops' Council next week and also the Connectional Christian Education Congress in North Carolina, I ask for all of the people of AME Today to be in prayer as I aspire to led the Richard Allen Young adult Council. I orginally planned to run at the 1998 Congress in Toronto, however the Lord changed the plan. I am confident that the Lord has placed me in this place and time to motivate the young adults to Learn, Live and Strengthen our Church and to most importantly Save souls and bring people to Christ.

So I ask again for each of you to whisper a special prayer to ask the Lord to decrease me and increase the spirit of God within me.

I look forward to your prayers, words of encourgement and thoughts.

GOD Bless!!!

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002

Answers

Jerry, my prayers are with you. What you have set out to do is a great mission; therefore, I assume you have a plan. What is the plan to accomplish the goals? God bless.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002

Actually, this is a follow up question rather than an answer.

What do you (Jerry, or anyone else) see as realistic opportunites to implement change for RAYAC at a connectional level?

Formerly, this was the Richard Allen Youth Council, then changed to RAYAC with an older age focus. When the Congress was held in Nashville, there were note enough candidated to complete the slate and after a lot of encouaging, the slate was filled from the floor. I hear very little, if anything at all, about RAYAC between Congresses.

What does the connectional RAYAC really DO that is of substance?

Peace.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2002

Within the previous two responses -- persons have asked to see a plan of action. If you would like to see this please email your requestes to me at: jrturnerjerry@hotmail.com. Hopefully I will be able to email this attachment to Rev. Fisher so it may be possible for all to see the plan. As you read it over it is just a highlight of what it shall be with the spirit of the Lord and with dedicated youth, young adults and the general churchmembership.

Be Blessed.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2002

Jerry, thank you so much for taking on the challenge. God is with you. I know previous responses have asked what you are going to do. I would like say "what can we do to support and recruit members for rayac together?" There is no way in the world that Jerry could do this job by himself. I am on the local disaster team for the Red Cross and I would like to use that experience as an analogy. When we are called out on a disaster, information is given to two people who then delegate assignments, open shelter, get food etc. bring in nurses, etc. Then very quickly a "damage assessment" is done. Two people go to the site and see what damage has been done. Did the house burn completely to the ground? Is there only smoke damage? Are there rooms that are livable. No judgement is made how the fire started 1.e someone smoking, etc. We access the damage and then put an action plan into effect. House is totally destroyed, move family to hotel, family has relatives, we can move them in two days etc. The goal is always on the people and providing for them. I see Rayac in much the same way. Jerry may become the President but he will need his action team, that is us. Clergy, laity, P.E's and Bishops. God has given all of us unique gifts that can be used to rebuild and or strengthen Rayac. I have shared with Jerry that all main line denominations are losing their young adults, with the exception of the evangelical churches. The evangelical churches are using contemporary music, drama, meeting during the week and the main key to their success is young people in leadership roles. I have looked at several A.M.E web sites and there are strong vibrant youth and young adult groups in our denomination. I am hoping that Jerry and the rest of us can hear from them so we can replicate their successes. How about if we suggest to Jerry some ideas and or programs to reach our young adults.Remember we are helping our denomination when we do so. God bless and may the joy of Christ fall upon you;-)

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2002

Question: What is the RAYAC?

I will be attending the Congress in NC and hope to learn more about the RAYAC.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2002

Jerry:

You have been my friend throughout these years with the YPD. You have my support my friend and brother in your endeavors. I have been passing on the word that you are ready to do some work. I do look forward to talking to you and with you and presenting some names and challenges for you to help us take back the "lost" generation of age group in this Zion.

YOur friend to the end,

Sinclair

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2002

Thank you so much for the responses you have posted on the discussion page and those sent to my email address. The encouraging words have been truly uplifting.

Thank you again.

Jerry Turner, Jr.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2002