Bishop Sylvester William

By Mildred Watson

Mark 5: 1-20

            Bishop Sylvester Williams brought an outstanding opening message on Monday, July 2, 2012 to our youths and young adults on opening night. In Bishop Williams opening he emphatically assures us that if we are going to make the Church Essential all of us have our parts to play in making the Church what God has called the Church to be.

            The Church is not just a social gathering to gather for a few hours on Sunday. When we look at ourselves and think about our own flaws, do you ever wonder whether you are worthy: and truly know that God has a plan for you?

            Many of us could relate to the message as we hear Bishop Williams say, “It looked like everybody had given up on this demoniac, in Mark 5. Why?  Because as we look at ourselves sometimes it looks like, feels like everybody has given up on us. But when we understand that God is the only one who can change a maniac to a Missionary, we know that God can and will do the same thing for us. Irrespective of whom we are, where we come from, God has not only a plan, but a place for you.

            My God, in this text it appears that the folk were more concerned about their “pork chops and their sausage,” than they are about this man, as the hogs are being drowned. “We share the Word with our mouth but we also share the Word with our lives.” When we look at ant think about the awesomeness of God, “Sometimes our flaws can be our attributes used for Gods’ service.

Bishop challenged the youth and young adults to “know who you are.” Stop letting folk define you. Begin by saying “I am somebody because God didn’t make no junk.” Jesus wants somebody who knows who you are.

            If the Church is going to be Essential we have to put our priorities in order. Bishop William concluded with three things necessary to becoming the Essential Church. 1. Positive self-perception; 2. Proper priority; and 3. Good praise!

            If the Church is going to be Essential, the Church can’t be dead; you have to get your praise on now. If the Church is going to be Essential, we can’t wait until we get to the Church, or get home we have got to use these gadgets we have. “Text somebody, Tweet somebody, Facebook somebody and tell them that the Lord has been good to you! If God could use a man possessed with many demons, certainly God can use anybody. God can use you. God can use me.