The leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor Evelyn Joshua, has admonished youths to open their hearts to a transformative, impactful, and purposeful lifestyle.
She spoke at the church’s inaugural youth convention, held at the SCOAN’s headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, under the auspices of the T.B. Joshua Foundation.
With the theme: ‘Legacy of purpose – investing in a life that outlives us’, the convention drew about 3,000 thousand youths across different frontiers and various experts from other professions to educate and inspire the youths for laudable lifestyles and greater heights.
In her opening remarks, Pastor Evelyn Joshua stated that youths are future leaders, and it’s too dangerous not to properly guide them in the right paths of life that will engender impactful and purposeful lives in society.
She stressed that in an age when youths are facing critical challenges, including the miasma of distorted souls, where ethical, social, and cultural foundations are gradually being destroyed, they should open their hearts to the transformative and impactful benefits of the convention in reshaping their lives.
According to her, Legacy of Purpose was an offshoot of the legacies of SCOAN’s founder, Prophet T.B. Joshua, to “ensure that the leaders of tomorrow are properly grounded in morals, careers and skills, to guide, encourage and empower them to be better focused in life.”
She also implored them to be closer to God and let His word be the standard of their lives.
For her part, Sarah Joshua, the Director of the T.B. Joshua Foundation, said the initiative was established not only to preserve the life and time of the great man of God on earth but also to invigorate and rejuvenate his legacies for a better humanity.
She also stated that 30 youth participants at the convention would be given scholarships for small and medium businesses.
Another speaker, Evangelist Ope Adeyeye, spoke glowingly on the theme and how it perfectly captured T.B. Joshua’s exemplary life, noting: “Life on earth is meaningless without a purpose because it’s only a purposeful life that can invent in others and outlive them.
The convention, which featured music, dance, drama and other activities, also featured an ex-cultist who shared the evils of wrong friendships, companionship, and associates, bringing the illusions and delusions of overambition, fame, power and living above one’s means to the fore.
One of the high points of the convention was the panel discussion. It provided opportunities for questions and answers, and the challenges of youth today were dissected and demystified.
The forum provided a roadmap for the participants to stay on track in their life journeys.
Moderated by Woye Olagbaju, a mining engineer, it featured successful professional personalities such as Vimbai, an international media guru; Dr. Oluwaseun, a human resources giant; Moji Oguntoyinbo, a reputed banker; Prof. Ade Ayodeji, an educationist; and Deji Olabiwonnu, the secretary of the Ikeja Nigeria Bar Association branch.
A participant, Nike Adeyemi, said: “It’s wonderful to be here. I enjoyed every bit of it. This kind of programme should continue. I hope they will soon organise another.”
“Every youth in Nigeria needs to attend this convention. It’s educative and very inspiring,” said Kolawole Shojonwo.
For Ben Olamide, “This is an experience that cannot be forgotten. It was very nourishing and enriching. Thank God for T. B. Joshua and SCOAN. We need more of it in Nigeria.”
