Accra, July 6, GNA - The youth on Sunday had been urged to live in holiness and not allow themselves to be led by the pleasures of this world to indulge in sinful behaviours that could endanger their lives and future.

The Reverend Ralph Mark Attih, of the Global Evangelical Church, said this at the youth week celebration of the South La branch of the Church. Speaking on the theme for the celebration; "THE SECRETS OF HOLINESS", Rev. Attih said the secrets to holiness was in the word of God and that, no one should be envious of the riches of the unrighteous for such riches did not last. He said, "not everything that glitters is gold and so we should not be led by the pleasures of this world". "Although as human beings it will be difficult to do, it is the secret of holiness that will make us outshine everyone in the mist of others". He said media and police reports on crime in recent times had shown that many youth engaged in criminal activities instead of putting their energy to use for their development and that of the country, saying that, the situation was worrying.

Rev. Attih, the first Youth Director of the Global Evangelical Church, and immediate past Director, Global Evangelical Students and Associates Ministry (GESAM), said working with the youth for the past 38 years had made him realized that the youth were vulnerable and could easily fall as victims to the pleasures of the flesh. He entreated the youth to hold firm the word of God which he said would be their anchor should the storm of life come their way. "Walk in holiness at school, home, work and wherever you find yourself, not only at church, even in difficult situations let your integrity and faithfulness reign in order that, your life would be pleasing to God," he added.

Mrs. Yayra Kudolo, a Lawyer, educated the youth on their human rights, roles and obligations as citizens of the nation. She said in case of an arrest by the police, every citizen had a right to know why they were being arrested and the right to demand a search and arrest warrant. She explained that according to the constitution, every one had a right to live, to possess lawful property, the right to fair trial and the right to protection by the State. She said many people did not know the difference between their rights and privileges, saying that some unscrupulous persons could take advantage of their ignorance. Mrs. Kudolo, also a member of the Church advised all present at the ceremony to have a copy of the national constitution so as not to allow themselves to be bullied by anyone. She quoted the constitution and some articles within it to back her points. As part of the youth week celebration, a youth newsletter; "The Rescuer" was launched by Reverend Joys, Mr. Tei-Mati, the Resident Pastor and Rev. Attih.

The newsletter is a quarterly which would capture every major activity that would take place in the Church. A movie titled: "The Maid," which was showed highlighted the secrets of Holiness where a Christian family was attacked by demons due to complacency and negligence which gave room to the demons to work through the maid to destroy the family.

However, the intervention of their pastor, who realised a change in that family helped to restore them by the power of the Holy Ghost. A buffet was organized to mark the end of the programmme, during which Mr. Mawuli Cyril Lavoe, President of the Youth Ministry, gave his end of second quarter report on challenges and also achievements of the executives within the second quarter which included the purchase of a pop corn machine to generate income for the youth ministry. He used the occasion to present certificates to all past executives, patrons, patroness, founder and youth mothers and coordinators of the ministry since its inception.

Other activities that characterised the youth week celebration were, a Gospel rock show, a tour to TV Africa sounds splash, fasting and prayer sessions, and an excursion to the Estuary at Ada Foah in the Greater Accra Region,

Artists that grace the gospel rock show included, Jude Lomotey, Twum Barima (Stars of the future, season two fame), Rev. Asante (popularly called the man on the sax), Visionaries (the Host ), Bethel Revival (Kotobabi Global Evangelical Church), and the Victory Bible Church, Osu branch.