MBS Helps Young Christian Leaders
In June, the Maryland Bible Society Executive Director, Dave Moyer, witnessed the fruits of MBS giving when he attended the Institute of Cultural Communicators national convention in Virginia Beach. In attendance to speak and award convention tuition scholarships, Dave judged the final debate of a 2-day debate competition and was part of the audience critiquing speeches, literary presentations and radio monologues. Clearly the training gained by these students – training that can start as early as 6 yr. old – puts these students far and away ahead of their peers in their ability to enter and influence society. Not only are they trained to communicate, but they are trained in Christian apologetics as well.
As a recipient of one of the MBS-ICC Scholarships, Ryan Sinni (17 yrs) of Germantown, MD remarked, “I am so grateful that the Maryland Bible Society has supported my growth in leadership and communication. Beyond simply knowing what the Bible says, I’ve learned to communicate its message to the culture. Because of the training I’ve received, I have the confidence to communicate the gospel and to teach others to do the same. The scholarships have benefited me as part of a family living on one teacher’s salary in one of Maryland’s most expensive counties. I am delighted that the Maryland Bible Society has helped equip me to lead the next generation for Christ.”
Anne Marie McPherson, winner of the full scholarship, came to see an early call on her life: “Before I joined ICC, I hadn’t given that much thought on sharing the gospel. I knew it was important, but as a young person I assumed it was a distant part of my future, reserved for my adult life. However, when I joined ICC, I learned that I didn’t have to wait until I was an adult. In fact, I shouldn’t. I had a very important message to share—God’s message—and my age really didn’t have anything to do with it. ICC has helped me realize that I don’t have to wait until I’m ‘all grown up’ to be a witness for Christ.”
On the last day of his visit, Dave spoke to the Student Leaders, a group of 25+ students ready to graduate, on the topic of workplace theology. God made us to work as part of His Plan, before the Fall, to serve one another and the Lord in relationship. As part of the Body of Christ, we are called to do the work God has gifted us for and to do it in the Spirit. After speaking with the students, we realized this meant a great deal to them as Christians and also as people gifted in the sciences, math, literature, writing, engineering, medicine, et al they can live their lives devoted to Christ within the gifts He had given them. They can go forth, influencing the world for Christ, in the venues where God will place them.
Why is ICC important to the Maryland Bible Society? Why do we give our time, treasure and money in the form of presence and scholarships to their regional and national training meetings and competitions? Because they are part of our Project 2:10….because they are being trained uniquely in apologetics and in the communication skills that will make a difference in our world. These children know why they believe Jesus is The Lord, Our Savior and they, as part of the next generation, will help to save it.
Category: News
