Accra, June 29, GNA - The youth must see themselves as part of the country's leadership and not only as its future leaders since they form a big percentage of the population, a reverend minister said on Sunday.

Delivering the sermon at the 60th anniversary celebrations thanksgiving service of the Youth Department of Reverend Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church in Accra on Sunday, the Very Reverend Alfred Okai Ayeetey, Synod Secretary of the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, advised the youth to be cautious in all that they did and also emulate Christ in all their actions.

"I will urge you to do something with your lives today," he said. The Christian life, the Very Rev. Ayeetey said, was not one of a smooth journey and if the youth would consult God in all their actions, their victory was assured as Jesus had promised.

He called for attitudinal change in all aspects of our lives since it was the only means by which the needed change for the betterment of the nation could be achieved.

Very Rev. Ayeetey advised parents to always sacrifice the little that they might have for the betterment of their children since they would be the final beneficiaries.

Basing his sermon on Hebrews 12: 1-2, he appealed to the youth to deny themselves of worldly pleasures and also eschew sinful behaviours to attract the blessings of God. Presenting the report of the Youth Department, Ms. Iverta Addo, Secretary of the Department, said it was established in 1949 to provide a platform for the youth to help contribute meaningfully to the spiritual growth of the church.

She said the Youth Department had embarked on a five-year development project which would ensure that capable and responsible leaders were raised for the church, increase membership by 50 per cent and also set up a mini-market to earn money. On challenges, she cited lack of funds for the Department's projects and lack of commitment on the part of members towards its activities.