By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

An impassioned plea for young people to give Jesus Christ their lives, resonated throughout Calvary Temple Church Saturday morning, during the 2nd Annual Reach Out Ministry (ROM) Boys to Men Mentoring Conference.

The one-day event held under the theme "Judgment Day ... Are you ready?" attracted hundreds of religious and civic leaders, parents and young people.

This year's conference was a tribute to the late Anthony Shaquille Hinds, 16, who was a member of Reach Out Ministry. Hinds passed away on Thursday, January 14, after collapsing during a basketball practice session at the YMCA.

He was a student at Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy (TBCA) and a member of the basketball team.

Featured speaker for the conference, Bishop Ricardo Grant pointed out to the youngsters, particularly the young men, that 'things are happening very quickly" today.

"Neither of us knows when our time will be up so it is on us, everyone of us, to be ready."

Grant recounted being in basketball practice when Hinds collapsed, was rushed to the Rand Memorial Hospital and later pronounced dead.

He also recalled a young pregnant wife, who fell ill (on another recent occasion) was rushed to the hospital and was unable to go through labour. She too passed away. "Her family is burying her today."

Noting that his recollection of these stories are not scare tactics, Grant said "this is to let you know that time is not in our hands.

"Our lives are in the hands of the Almighty God and only he knows when we would leave this life. What is in our hands is the decision we make to give God a chance in our lives."

Grant admitted that the Christian walk is not an easy one. However, he noted, "it is easy if we stay in church, read the word of God and pray."

That, he added, is also "how a believer develops and grows.That is how we mature and build a stronger relationship with our God."

He also admonished parents to be good, Godly examples to their children. "Do not just send them to church. Take them to church ... let them see you worshipping, serving and trusting the Lord.

"Teach them, in love, how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ," said Grant. Following the sermon Grant invited youngsters wanting to make that commitment to come forward, while pastors and ministers prayed with them.

Norris Bain, principal and head coach of TBCA Falcons also issued an ardent testimony, noting how Hinds' death has changed his life forever.

"My life will never be the same. Every chance I get now I share the salvation message with everyone I come into contact with."

Bain reminded the young men that it is not all about basketball, not all about things they want, "but it is about eternity and if you are ready."

Noting that he gave his life to the Lord at age 17, Bain said that was the best decision of his life.

"You need to make good and right decisions," Bain admonished the young people.

"And saying yes to Jesus is the right decision."

President of ROM, Dudley Seide, said that attendance this year, "seems bigger than last year and we even have more parents attending with their children.

"This is just awesome," he added.

"I thank God, the sponsors, the volunteers and everyone that assisted in making this event a success."