A 15-year-old preacher, Miss Tochukwu Williams, has emphasized the critical role of parents and guardians in shaping children for the future, stating that the development of any nation is rooted in the foundational values instilled in children.
Williams made this call while delivering a sermon at All Saints Methodist Church Mararaba on Sunday to mark the 2025 Children’s Week celebration, urging parents to take up their God-given responsibility in training children to become agents of positive impact.
“The future of any nation, community, family, and even the church rests on the kind of children we raise today,” she said. “If we do not raise them the way Jesus did, there will be nothing left of our future.”
She described “impact” as the influence, effect, or consequence of actions, stressing that a positive impact begins with the right upbringing at home.
Miss Williams identified parents, teachers, and guardians as the key “predecessors” responsible for laying the moral and spiritual foundation of children, warning that neglect in this duty could lead to societal collapse.
Citing biblical references, she called on parents to expose their children to the word of God consistently. “Deuteronomy 6:7 says we must teach children diligently—when we sit, when we walk, when we lie down. Every moment should be a teaching moment,” she noted.
According to her, without the knowledge of God, children cannot grow into individuals capable of making a positive difference in society.
She also admonished children to embrace obedience, humility, and faithfulness as core values of a life of impact. “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” she said. “Children must obey their parents, for this is the first commandment with a promise.”
Quoting Proverbs 22:4, she said, “The reward of humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honour and life.”
Williams expressed concern that many children today are growing up with pride and arrogance—traits she said are often modeled by parents. “If parents do not model godly humility, children will copy their negative traits,” she warned.
In her sermon, she highlighted Samuel as a biblical example of an impact-driven child who remained faithful to God despite growing up in a morally corrupt environment. “Even though he was surrounded by wayward children, Samuel chose the path of righteousness,” she added.
Miss Williams challenged parents to reflect on whether they are setting an example worthy of emulation. “If your children are to walk in your footsteps, are those footsteps leading in the right direction?” she asked.
She further stressed the importance of spiritual development, likening it to the foundation of a building. “If the foundation is not strong in God, it will collapse when pressure comes,” she warned.
The young preacher also urged parents to become more prayerful and spiritually intentional. “Wake up at night and pray for your children. Lead family devotions. Show them the importance of a life rooted in Christ. A life without Christ is full of crisis,” she declared.
She concluded by calling on all parents and guardians to rise to the task of raising children who are godly, responsible, and positively impactful.
“Let us raise children who will be proud of their heritage and ready to represent Christ in every area of life,” she said.
The Children’s Week service also featured Bible recitations, talent displays, and worship in various indigenous languages.