The Bible Society of Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), on Sunday February 10, 2019 joined members of the Hope Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Sakumono-Estates to observe this year’s Bible Day.
Bible Day falls on every second Saturday/ Sunday and the theme for this year’s celebration was “Nurturing the younger generation; the Bible Way”
Speaking at the event, Rev. Prof. Benhardt Y. Quarshie, Rector of Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI) who read a message from the General Secretary of the Society, Rev. Erasmus Nii Bonne Odonkor called on parents to assume the responsibility for the holistic nurture of their children.
He said; “we must intentionally work at building their mental and spiritual character as we strive to give them excellent education and their physical needs even as we ask God to help us do this, he will bless our efforts as we work to raise the next generation the bible way.
He said that while many stakeholders may help. Parents especially have the primary charge from the bible to nurture their children in the fear of God.
He, however, noted that there are many parents today who are afraid of what their children and youth would believe in and become in a few years. “They are rightly afraid because our world today seems to be nurturing our children as youths for us and if we do not take hold of the nurture of our young ones today, them any hope of having a God-fearing, productive people who love their nation and each other, will be futile.” He said
He indicated that if parents fail to bring their up their children the bible way, “what we sow today in our younger generation is what we shall reap in abundance in the future. We should not deceive ourselves.”
The Bible Society of Ghana said the bible is still active and sharp enough to mould and transform and quoting from the late great evangelist Billy Graham, who wrote on the subject of “Raising Children in a Godless World” they suggest six relevant and effective approaches to nurturing the younger generation.
These are; Parents
1. Should make time to be with their children in spite of their busy schedules.
2. Give their children ideals for living
3. Set your children a good example
4. Plan activities for their children with them as a family
5. Dare to discipline their children
6. Teach their children to know God and bring them up in the church
The BSG admonished parents to be interested in the level of godliness in their children and work at instilling discipline, the fear of God and respect for the values of the society.
