Massachusetts YAM Visual Arts Poetry Moment

The Massachusets Division's Youth Arts Ministry Visual Arts Team members have created these original poems as part of their ministry journey. They were first shared in public at Youth Councils, May 2006. God bless them as the Holy Spirit minister's to their hearts and the share their witness through the creative and poetic word.


"Too Late"
By Kelly Flaherty
Athol Corps

Holding on to the existence that you know you’re:
Blind to the truth
Naive to the core
People are reaching out to you
SCREAMING to be helped
To be saved
But you turn your back
You put yourself first
Ignoring the call placed on you
Hiding behind others
Hoping they’ll do YOUR job
You live in the background
Doing just enough
Un-aware that you’ve been caught
That they see right through you
Belief is not enough!
You must lose your life to gain it!
You must throw away your fears
Your insecurities
Your selfishness
Step out of that box and put others before yourself
Look at the world around you and see that
It needs TRUTH
It needs LOVE
IT NEEDS YOU TO DO SOMETHING
…Anything…
Before it’s too late


(No Title)
By LaToya Durham
Lawrence Corps

Jesus, King of kings
Lord of lords
How we all look forward to seeing you
Feeling your presence
Concern of who we may be if we
have not yet turned to you
Needing you deeply
Still not giving in
A crisis has occurred
Then we see you, Jesus
We turn to you because we need things
Save a loved one or a friend
We don’t seek for ourselves and well being
We as a people are made selfishly
But you Lord gave your life for me


"Desperate Cry"
By Jessica Smialek
Athol Corps

Lost, crying, yelling for you.
O Lord where have you gone?
Have I lost you
Are you in the shadows of my past
Is it too late for me?
…But Lord, the things I’ve done!
The things I’ve given up on!
…I don’t understand, how
Can you help me?
I’m drowning in my sorrow,
Feeling sorry for myself…
…But Lord! My pain, my sin my doubt…
You will vanish it all?
…Of course I no longer want this burden
…But God! I’m sick of waiting for my life to change
…yes, I trust you! But I’m scared—scared of letting go
And not deserving this peace you offer
…Yes I love you!
…Yes I want help!
But how do I let it all go?

To you god I lift my desperate voice,
Unlock these chains I carry
Forgive what I have become
And the things I’ve done
Make me a true disciple
Save this sinner before you Lord
So I may have the peace you offer
Amen


"Forever Changing"
By Marcus Rivera
Waltham Corps

The world as we know it. His hands over us, constantly perfecting man’s perversion. Violent gales indicate emergency reform; whereas gentle breezes remind us how much God cares for detail.

Are we to forget former failures into the winds of God’s wisdom? Rather, should be build atop the new foundation graced upon us through Jesus? The tears of loss will form clay from the dust. I will be made new – the Lord’s Masterpiece – and from this inadequance shall rise the glory of the Father. Out of the rubble emerge the resources needed to complete His work.
-This is who I am

IT'S A NEW SEASON - FALL 2006

YOUTH ARTS MINISITRY
Excitement is in the air as the Massachusetts Division’s Youth Arts Ministry has begun it’s 2006-2007 season. Fifty young people auditioned. All components of YAM have grown tremendously due to the increased membership. The spirit of the near 85 young people indicates we are in for a thrilling year of witnessing through the ‘arts.” Let’s keep our young people in prayer as they develop their gifts and grow spiritually. YAM is looking forward to ministry at the Lowell Corps in April 2007 and at Youth Councils in May 2007.

MASS BRASS – Massachusetts Divisional Band
Our Divisional Band has seen significant growth this program year with the interest of new players. Having two rehearsals, so far this season, the group’s ability is lifted and their contribution to corps and divisional ministry will bless the hearts of all. Mass Brass is looking forward to ministry for the Waltham Corps in April 2007 and sharing with the Quincy Corps’ Music Forces Annual Spring Festival in May. Special guests for this event will be Lt. Colonel Norman Bearcroft (renowned composer, conductor) and Major Kathleen Bearcroft (historian).

ROXBURY CORPS HARVEST CELEBRATION
The Roxbury Corps’ annual Harvest Celebration surpassed previous years with an atmosphere of jubilation in the house of God. The world renowned New Sounds for Christ (a gospel ministry of the Salvation Army’s Harlem Temple Corps), resounded in praise with a Saturday evening festival and contributions to Sunday’s morning worship and afternoon Harvest Celebration. The harvest of talents that were shared, witnessed of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit.

YOUTH PRAISE
Our monthly “contemporary” youth service continues to thrive in meeting a worship need for the youth of the division. We strive to be relevant in ministry elements, including song selection, participants, speakers, etc… All youth are encouraged to bring all their friends with them to experience this unique worship environment, trusting that they will seek a personal encounter with God. We meet one Sunday evening each month at 5:30pm. Check with your corps officer for the exact dates.

December 3rd’s gathering saw history in the making as we gathered for a Prayer Journey. Multiple prayer stations were constructed though out the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of Divisional Headquarters. All of your human senses were engaged through interactive prayer experiences. To get a glimpse of the Prayer Journey, click on the following link and view the pictures.

Youth Praise Prayer Journey Dec 2006