Calon Minors hopes he can help “equip and empower” young people at a Vacation Bible School that launches next week.

A new offering for the Church of God, the programme will run under the auspices of its Bermuda National Youth and Disciple Ministry.

Mr Minors is the recently appointed National Youth and Disciple Ministry leader.

“About a year ago, the newly appointed Bishop [David] Lambe asked me if I would take the vacant role,” he said. “We were coming right out of Covid-19, a time of transition and new leadership, so he asked me if I would be willing to take that position, and I accepted.”

Vacation Bible School isn’t new to Bermuda but it is new to the Church of God community, said Bishop Lambe.

“Our church is very active in doing a lot of projects, even in the community, but we do not go out into the public and put it out there to be seen or heard; we get on with the business at hand.

“Calon is our new youth leader, appointed about a year ago, and this is one of his projects that he [is launching] with the young people. This has been a good journey for him and us; we are all about our community and young people.”

The theme for the week-long event is Tarry in Jerusalem: a Journey through the Book of Acts. Having a fun time with those who attend is a priority, but the primary mission for Mr Minors is to educate.

“I hope to have biblically literate young people,” Mr Minors said. “That is an important thing for me. So, the central part of Vacation Bible School is to focus on the scriptures. We are going to have a lot of fun, and we are going to enjoy each other's company [but] the main goal is for the young people to be educated, empowered, strengthened and encouraged through the Word of God.

“We are going to be opening every night with a game or fun activity – we can all enjoy an icebreaker – then we will break off into groups. These groups will be teaching sessions for age groups. Each age group will learn the same thing, but at a level they can understand. Then we will finish the night with food and wrap up.”

Participation is open to young people of any background between the ages of 5 and 25.

“It is open to people outside of the Church of God as a denomination, and those outside the faith are welcome to join. We will stick to our standard and our belief system, but they are more than welcome to join,” said Mr Minors.

He and his team are excited about, what is for them, a new way of engaging with Bermuda’s youth.

“My heart as a whole is towards the young people in the community inside and outside of the church,” Mr Minors said.

“I want them to know Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ – what worked for me, what saved me, what saved Bishop Lambe and countless before me.

“Our mission is to educate these young people, empower them, bring them the message of Jesus Christ; to see that transform and change their lives – for them to experience the truth of who He is.”

• The Church of God’s Vacation Bible School begins Monday and runs through Friday from 6pm to 8pm at Heritage Worship Centre, 59 Dundonald Street. To register phone 777-2233 or 704-7429 or visit https://rb.gy/rmkwo