NGO urges young people to embrace lifestyle of joy, gratitude

A faith-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Outpour of Fragrance Initiative, through its annual Children Praise and Pray programme, has urged children and young people to adopt a lifestyle of joy, appreciation, and gratitude regardless of their circumstances.

The NGO stated this when it organised the second edition of the UK Children Praise and Pray programme in Coventry, United Kingdom. The programme had the theme ‘Rejoice Always.’

The founder of the organisation, Dr Lola Ayo-Fashida, stated that the Children Praise and Pray programme is now in its ninth edition in Nigeria.

Dr Ayo-Fashida emphasised that the theme of this year’s programme is germane because there is power in praise and prayer, which can turn sad situations into good ones for those who believe in God.

“It is good for children and young people to be and enjoy the presence of God, as God has promised to bless us,” she said.

Demilade Akinyemi, the teenager who delivered the sermon, stated that the theme of the programme is a call to embrace a lifestyle of appreciation and gratitude in times of sorrow and pain, and also a time to sing praises in times of disappointment and failure.

Akinyemi said that joy is not dependent on “our situations, worldly materials, or wealth, but is rooted in our relationship with God.”

He emphasised that joy and happiness are a choice that should be made focusing on the goodness of God rather than hardship or sad experiences, adding that children and young people should be deliberate in making that choice.

Akinyemi said that it is possible to rejoice always, and this can be achieved by cultivating gratitude, focusing on God’s promises, surrounding yourself with Joy, and serving others, adding, “Rejoicing always is not about denying our pain or struggles.

The founder also demonstrated to the children how to save and manage money through her books ‘Bisola and the Colourful Jars’ and ‘From Shares to Wealth: A Complete Guide to Investing in Shares’.

She taught the children how to budget, spend, and save money, adding that if they adhere to the basic principles of the lessons in the books, they will be better investors and entrepreneurs as children and young people.

The master of the ceremony, Dr Emmanuel Odeyale, enjoined children to recognise and praise God at all times and in all situations. Mrs Folake anchored the prayer for the children while Mrs Ebehi Osakwe anchored the games and dance sessions.

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