Sunyani (B/A), March 18, GNA - The Reverend Philip Obeng Adjei, Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of Methodist Schools, on Friday said the rate at which sexual immorality had gained prominence among the youth in the country needed an urgent divine intervention.

He entreated the clergy to pray and deliver the youth from this crooked and perverse lifestyle.

Rev. Obeng, in-charge of the Methodist Church at Abesim, was speaking at the opening of the Seventh Biennial Conference of the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) of Sunyani Circuit.

The conference is on the theme; 93Oneness in Christ and Personal Integrity" and attended by more than 300 youth drawn from 10 societies of the circuit.

Rev. Obeng noted with regret that the current generation had allowed themselves to be swayed by 93the devil and his cohorts to use them to establish their kingdom to cause pain

and anxiety in society". He said Christianity was a religion of prosperity and

happiness on earth and in eternity to those who adhered to the

teachings of the Bible and remained faithful to God. Rev. Obeng observed that even though majority of

Ghanaians professed to be Christians, the act of immorality

continued to be on the increase and advised the youth to

refrain from alcoholism, drug abuse and sexual promiscuity or

be prepared to face the wrath of God. The reverend minister stressed that some Christians

continued to live in poverty because of their ungodly lifestyles

and advised them to revere and obey God to obtain earthly

comfort. Rev. Obeng expressed concern about the habit of some of

the youth who resorted to the get-rich-quick methods,

including the popular 93sakawa" and implored the youth devote

their time to God to obtain His mercy. Mr Richard Boahen, Circuit Chairman, emphasized the

need for leadership of the Methodist Church to take keen

interest in issues affecting the youth and devise proactive ways

of mentoring them to take their rightful positions in the church

in future. He said since the leadership of the church was regarded as

role models, they should shun corrupt practices and backbiting

since their deeds had the tendency to influence the youth. Mr Boahen advised the fellowship to demonstrate the love

of God in their social lives, stressing 93we can be one in Christ

and demonstrate personal integrity only when we love and fear

God with all our hearts, minds and souls". He disclosed that the fellowship intended to procure a

motor bike to step up its evangelism drive and win more souls

for Christ and appealed to members to lend their support. Mr Joel Afrifa Kyei, Circuit Youth Organiser, stated that the

church needed young men and women of integrity in order to

help change society. He appealed to the leadership of the church to help mould

the youth and support them so they would grow to become

responsible adults and contribute to national development. Rev. Henry De-Graft Appiah, Diocesan Youth Organiser,

expressed concern about the low commitment demonstrated

by members of the fellowship for some years now and advised

them to be regular and prompt at meetings. He said since the fellowship was the backbone of the

church their contributions to its growth and development could

not be over-emphasized. Rev. Appiah said Christianity was a religion of peace and

advised members of the fellowship to promote a united front

and support each other in times of tribulation.