WCM and Global Ministries Executive shares message of hope with youth in Japan

In a many of areas of life, age matters. But when it comes to serving God, every age is the right age. No one is ever too young, or too old, to do GodΓÇÖs work of love and hope and justice. As Jr. High School students, you are exactly the right age to do GodΓÇÖs work.

        

          In a recent messge to youth, The Rev. Dr. James A. Moos shared the following message with a group of youth titled Age Matters.  Below, read the introduction and ending, or click here to read the entire sermon:

           I am very privileged to travel to many places in the word and to meet young people of various cultures.  And I am very privileged to be with you today here at Kwansei Gakuin.  Thank you for receiving me.  As Junior High School students, you know that age matters in our world. 

            The older you are, the more you get to do and the greater amount of responsibility you can take on.  Small children can’t cross the street all alone.  Eleven year olds can’t get driver’s licenses.  And Junior High students don’t get hired as police officers. 

            Many things are age appropriate.  In Japan as in the United States, you have to be of a certain age to watch certain movies or play certain video games.  Although some of them aren’t appropriate for any age. 

            In a many of areas of life, age matters.  Maybe someday one of you will become a pilot, and you will fly a plane that carries me between the United States and Japan.  That will take many years. 

But when it comes to serving God, every age is the right age.  No one is ever too young, or too old, to do God’s work of love and hope and justice.  As Jr. High School students, you are exactly the right age to do God’s work. 

In another sermon, the Rev. Dr. James A. Moos focused on Human Rights. An except from that message reads: 

            Human Rights Day commemorates the International Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted on December 10, 1948.  The Declaration was one of the first major achievements of the United Nations.  It states that all people shall have freedom of thought, conscious and religion.  Everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to an education.  The Declaration enumerates rights that are civic, cultural, economic, political and social. 

            Human rights are also affirmed in the official documents of many nations.  My country’s Declaration of Independence states that every person is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  And among the rights listed in the Japanese constitution are freedom of the press, religion, speech and assembly.  All of these statements of human rights are good and important.