Affirm Our Youth
At the August 4th Appreciation Banquet of the Office of African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presented awards to various individuals and groups of people.
Among these groups were some youths who participate as Ambassadors of the Word. This outreach was founded by Father Chester and Father Charles Smith, who are twin brothers and members of the Society of the Divine Word. Ambassadors of the Word seeks to nurture young people and help them realize the value of participating in their church and community. It also seeks to provide an alternative forum for young people to develop as leaders who make a difference in their community. It does this through its programs, activities, workshops and retreats.
It also develops and implements innovative programs that build self-esteem, self confidence, and self responsibility. The Ambassadors of the Word has a focus on education, careers, individual development. It uses Music Ministry, Dance Ministry and Word Ministry.
The young people who received the awards were those who were responsible in the ministry for prayer, ice breakers and group leadership. There are Trevor Calhoun and Gabrielle Mortis, both of St. Benedict Parish, Winston-Salem. Ebony Hagans of St. Mary Parish, Goldsboro; Shamiso Chikandura of Holy Cross, Durham; Nichelle Edwards, St. Joseph, Raleigh; and Christine Chapman, St. Ann, Fayetteville were also recipients.
In addition Shamiso Chikandura received the Rora Smith Award for outstanding leadership. Shamiso will attend UNC Chapel Hill and major in Biology. She received a full academic scholarship from the university.
Maalim Chege received the Helen D. Cox Scholarship. Maalim is an outstanding young man who attends East Carolina University.
All of this should fill our hearts with joy. This demonstrates to us that there are fine, good young people in our midst whom we should affirm in any way that we can. I am sure that in the future they will give leadership in the Church and in the community.
- Msgr. Thomas P. Hadden