A love for God and an ability to perform has led one local church’s youth into a new ministry to share God’s love. The youth of Sharon Pentecostal Holiness Church has picked up the gauntlet and ran with it after competing in Talent Quest. They are now sharing their love and ministry around the community, most recently to the residents of Mary Gran Nursing Center.
Talent Quest is an International Pentecostal Holiness competition with the purpose of getting young people, ages 8-19, involved in using their talents to worship the Lord. Sharon PH Church participated for the first time this year. The local churches first compete against other local Pentecostal Holiness churches. If they win the district, they continue on to the North Carolina conference competition. If this second round is won, they are able to participate in the national competition. This year, the national Talent Quest will be held in Orlando, Fla. Teenagers from all over the United States will come to worship God through singing, dancing, drama, instrumentals, poetry, art, etc.
The youth of Sharon PH have named themselves the REAL Youth group. They competed in the choir portion by singing, “How Great is Our God” and won locally. They then were qualified to compete at the conference sector, winning an honorable mention award. The REAL youth group also competed in the drama competition performing a stick ministry to “Arise My Love” and they received an almost perfect score at the local competition, bringing them to the conference as well.
“At conference the group had many other large youth groups to compete against, but still won an honorable mention in this category. We are extremely proud of our youth and their efforts,” expressed their leader, Jennifer Oliver.
Ethan Oliver competed in the individual drama category, winning locally and going on to take third place at conference. Anna Kamp won first place locally and at conference for a solo in the wind instruments. She played the flute to “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and awed the crowds. She will continue to a national competition in Florida in July.
The REAL Youth are: Joshua Mesimer, Kimberly Vann, Emily Vann, Sarah Vann, Austin Parker, Alexa Parker, Cody Kamp, Anna Kamp, Thomas Fields, Samuel Fields, Ethan Oliver, Jared Oliver, Jonah Oliver, Brendan Vann, Rachel Oliver, Jacob Alphin, and Savannah Brinkley
The pastor of Sharon Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Rev. Michael Oliver, has started youth services as something new at Sharon and loves visiting the people of Mary Gran.
“He knows how to reach out to every age. I may be partial, because I am his wife,” shared Oliver, “but I have been working with the youth to get them involved in Talent Quest and to understand the impact they can have even at their age.”
When asked if the group was interested in participating, one REAL youth teen said, “I really think we need to do this.” The youth have not only competed, but used their talents to minister to the church during revival and to minister to the residents of Mary Gran. These young people bring life, vitality, hope, and excitement to the residents of Mary Gran.
They hope to continue to use their gifts for the Lord and minister to others, while also building their skills for future competitions.
During their ministry recently at Mary Gran, the Sharon REAL youth performed several choral selections, many of which were favorites of the residents. Anna Kamp performed “His Eye is on the Sparrow” on the flute and was well received by all in attendance. Jared Oliver also sang a solo for the group and again the group enjoyed his song. The stick ministry performed, using the sticks as extensions of their bodies to tell a story based on the song selection.
The residents expressed their appreciation for the youth’s program with a huge round of applause.
Not only are the youth of Sharon PH very involved in the ministry to others, it is evident by the number of parents and even grandparents that came along to support them, that it is not just a youth ministry but actually a total church ministry where all are striving to serve their God and spread the gospel.
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