Success Sarima Weli is only 15 years old and is a final year secondary school girl who hails from one of the prominent families in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt. He is a strong pillar of his party and his group.
Every year in May, the Redemption Hall Model Parish (RHMP, Area Parish) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) would hand the pulpit to children and teenagers to do their thing.
On such days, Mommy Joshua (Chinyeaka Tosin Aogo), would be very busy to get things done well. She spends days and evenings getting children to come for rehearsals and to behave well. Children like to do things their ways, we know.
With Oluwasola (Shola) Akinfemisoye anchoring most of the activities from Praise & Worship session to drama to mock news, other children exhibited exciting talents in dance, drama, songs, debate, etc, climaxing in a talk-show that revealed what teenagers know about social media crisis, child abuse, addiction, etc. They seemed to do some research and debated the topics so perfectly well. The interjections by Miracle Tambari, a youth who just grew out of the teenage stage peeping into adult age, helped to illuminate the topics.
When Sarima climbed the stage to preach the sermon for the day, it hardly was the illumination from a teenager. It was clear that most adults would need to go back to Bible class to understand their purpose in life.
The Art student used Mathew 5:6 to show purpose, which she said was to inspire children to know God, to be the light and to shine.
“Let your light do shine before men”, she reminded the church. She said to shine is a choice, and that light is the consequence. “We have to get up from position of failure to move to success.”
On how to shine God’s light, Sarima said its to spread the word of God, to show kindness, to be a good neighbour, help the needy, to forgive others, to be a peace maker, to reflect God’s love, share encouragement, and show integrity.”
Shining the light includes being a witness and to show others what God has done in your life; witnessing or testifying.
She showed the consequences of holding back the light God gave you, saying you will miss the chance to show God to others. “When you fail to reflect God, you block others. You may miss your reward in heaven, and darkness may prevail around you.”
But, where does a believer shine the light? “In your homes, at work, etc. First, give your life to Christ, the source of light.”
If parents, teachers, public office holders, etc, can imbibe half what this teenager has shared, Nigeria would be a leading country. We can’t wait to see her grow into a mother and leader; a shining example of shining the light.
