Staff Writer – Carol Cato
Valentine’s Day for me was awesome. It was pure love; it was like what it says in Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”For me, it was the kind of day you had to give God thanks for.
You know what it’s like to be surprised when you were expecting to have just another ordinary day – I am sure many of you had that day on Thursday. Well I’m happy to share my story. It started the day before when I attended mid-week service at church.
At the end of the service we were informed about events taking place in the coming week, but they were also looking for volunteers for a project on Valentine’s Day.
I was already intending to attend the event because my team was involved in it, but to tell the truth I was not sure what the project was about, but when I have spare time I always try to attend events the team organises. As I heard that they needed help, I knew that God was calling me to do something and not just show up.
When we arrived at the venue on the day, I was given my post at the front desk, working with a young lady. As we sorted the name badges for the attendees, I noticed that the local councillor and the Mayor were attending. I was curious to know what the event was, that was attracting such high profile guests.
I was told that Jesus House Church was opening a centre for young adults between the ages of 16-24. The project is called BaYBI (Barnet Youth Business Incubator). BaYBI is set up as a social enterprise within the borough of Barnet to positively impact on the lives of Young people.
BaYBIwill provide training and help to young people (especially those out of education and without work) to start their own businesses. The BaYBI Hub is designed to accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services.
WOW my heart just missed a beat as I am so passionate about the young adults I know. Having a grandson in University who constantly inspires me with his attitude on business, I just want every young adult to be like him.
At the end of the evening I couldn’t wait to share this information with everyone I know. I’m sure there are many of us with children, or know of young people who seem to be lost from the system, but now BaYBI can offer them a lifeline. Even if the youngster isn’t sure where they want to go, or do, just having the opportunity to enquire about the project is a start.
It is a FREE service; I have heard many complaints about there being nothing for young people to do or place to go to get inspiration. If BaYBI is successful, and I know our God has already gone ahead with this, the project will be rolled out to other parts of London.
They are also looking for business mentors, so if you can spare some time to work with young adults please contact the number on the website below.
In my four years as a believer, many times I’ve heard people say that church just takes money and the Pastors drive around in big cars. Usually the people who say these things don’t attend church.
Don’t get me wrong, there maybe some churches like that, but you either work with your church to change it or you leave and find a church where you can see where your money is going. Jesus House is not an exception to the rule – this is the way of most churches.
The true meaning of Valentine day was confirmed to me when I found out about the love my church continually pours out into the community. I felt the love described in Corinthians 13….did you?
