ST. THOMAS, Jamaica — Moving beyond the church walls to inspire the next generation, the East and Central Jamaica Conference (EJC) Zone 4 Youth Federation took its message of faith, service and resilience to two high schools on Monday, October 5, 2026, as part of its annual Youth Federation Week celebrations.
Under the theme “Kingdom Influencers Unshaken: Standing Firm in a Changing World,” teams from the East and Central and West Sub-Federations visited Paul Bogle High School and Yallahs High School, respectively, delivering devotional messages, distributing gifts and providing practical assistance to students. The outreach underscored the importance of remaining grounded in Christ while navigating the pressures and competing influences of modern society.
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Beyond Social Media: Christ, the Ultimate Influencer
At Paul Bogle High School, the East and Central Sub-Federation led a special morning devotion beginning at 8:00 a.m. The programme was led by Noel-Lee Henry, who served as Acting Central Sub-Federation President for Federation Week.
The morning was filled with uplifting singing, fellowship and an inspiring message from Pastor Mickel Allen, who spoke on the topic “Influencers.”
Drawing on the popularity of social media personalities and the large followings they command across various platforms, Pastor Allen challenged students to look beyond online fame and consider the influence that truly matters. He reminded them that Jesus Christ is the ultimate influencer, having attracted followers long before social media became a defining feature of modern life.
The message encouraged students to become followers of Christ and allow His teachings to shape their decisions, character and interactions with others. It also reinforced the week's central message, reminding young people that they can stand firm in their faith despite changing trends, societal expectations and the pressures of the digital age.
The devotion concluded with a prayer of consecration for the students and staff, committing them to God's guidance and care. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, allowing students to participate, engage with the message and receive gifts.
In a further demonstration of care for the school community, the federation presented a donation of toiletries to the school's principal and vice-principal. Nicola Sibble, Central Sub-Federation President, presented the donation on behalf of the team, highlighting the federation's commitment to service beyond spiritual instruction.
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Standing Firm: Faith in Action at Yallahs High
Meanwhile, the West Sub-Federation team journeyed to Yallahs High School to lead a separate devotional exercise, bringing students a message of hope, resilience and spiritual steadfastness.
The team comprised Sashana Cousins-Bedward, Elder Wayne Bedward and Vinessa Richards, trainees from the EJC Training School. Together, they engaged the students in an outreach initiative that combined spiritual encouragement with practical assistance.
A key feature of the visit was an inspiring message from Pastor Damaine Phillips, who challenged students to stand firm in their convictions amid the changes and challenges of the modern world. His presentation aligned closely with the Federation Week theme, “Kingdom Influencers Unshaken: Standing Firm in a Changing World,” encouraging the young people to develop a strong spiritual foundation and remain guided by principles that can withstand the pressures of a changing society.
Recognising that some students face financial difficulties in obtaining essential educational supplies, the team also distributed bags and additional school items to assist those in need. The gesture served as a practical expression of compassion, demonstrating that meaningful youth ministry involves addressing both the spiritual and everyday needs of the communities it serves.
The participation of the EJC Training School trainees further highlighted the importance of preparing young people for leadership and service, giving them an opportunity to take part in an initiative that combined faith, outreach and community support.
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More Than a Theme: Influencing Lives Through Service
The visits to Paul Bogle High School and Yallahs High School reflected the EJC Zone 4 Youth Federation's commitment to making a lasting impact on young people. Through worship, inspirational messages, prayer, gifts and donations, the teams demonstrated that the call to be a kingdom influencer extends far beyond words.
At Paul Bogle High School, students were challenged to look beyond social media popularity and recognise Jesus Christ as the greatest example to follow. At Yallahs High School, they were encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and convictions while navigating the uncertainties of a changing world.
Together, the two initiatives brought the Federation Week theme to life, showing that standing unshaken requires more than simply holding on to personal beliefs. It also means demonstrating compassion, supporting others and using one's influence to make a positive difference.
As the EJC Zone 4 Youth Federation continued its 2026 celebrations, the school outreach activities served as a reminder that true influence is not measured by the number of followers one attracts, but by the lives one touches and the values one represents.
In a world where trends change rapidly and voices compete for attention, the message to the students was clear: Kingdom influencers are called not only to stand firm in Christ, but also to help others stand through faith, service and love.