General News of Friday, 17 August 2007

Source: GNA

Faith can overcome indiscipline - Veep

Accra, Aug. 17, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday said the power of prayer through faith was the best way to overcome indiscipline in today's generation dominated by cultures of self-interest and immediate pleasures.

"With faith, we can overcome the canker of indiscipline. With faith, we can generate the determination to persevere. With faith, we can renew our strength and (fly) up as eagles in the sky," he said. Speaking at the "Youth Xplosion II" programme organized by the Word Miracle Church in Accra, the Vice President urged society to regard discipline as a reflection of the best of an individual, strive to do the right thing and serve the community without expecting immediate rewards.

"With the focus on development and self-empowerment, we can grow this society with a sense of oneness, accepting and belonging to the grand idea called Ghana. Then, and only then, can the country increase its capacity to create wealth and extend welfare to the poor". Alhaji Mahama noted.

He advised the youth to adopt disciplined lifestyles and positively influence their peers to shun indiscipline. "The Ministry of Jesus Christ was based on service to others. Loving one another through self-sacrifice is the highest compliment that the youth ought to aspire for," the Vice President added. Bishop Charles Agyin Asare, Presiding Bishop of Word Miracle Church, said the programme, which was on the theme: "Breaking the Power of Indiscipline" was organized to help reverse indiscipline among the youth.

Speaking on the day's theme: "Slothfulness Versus Diligence", he expressed disappointment at laziness and disregard for societal order among the youth, comparing such attitudes to sloth. He said the time had come for the youth to pursue excellence by reading the biographies of successful people to propel them to attain greater heights. Bishop Agyin Asare noted that the scriptures did not encourage idleness and Christians must therefore commit themselves to principles of diligence, service to God and to take advantage of opportunities presented to them. Motivational speakers such as Pastor Mensah Otabil, Head Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church and the Reverend Emmanuel Ackun, Associate Pastor of Victory Bible Church, are attending the three-day event.

Other topics for discussion are on Career Guidance, Choosing a Life Partner, Timidity Versus Boldness, Overcoming Anger and Distorted Comfort.