As parents prepare their children’s books, uniform, and other supplies for the reopening of school, a senior policeman has issued a reminder that they also need to provide prayers for God’s guidance and protection for the school year.
Sergeant Michael Berry recalled that while growing up, he had to pray daily.
“My late mother couldn’t read, but we had to go to church. And when I go to church and come back home, I have to say something called “The Golden Text”. So, parents need to take their children to church,” he admonished a group of parents in attendance at a back-to-school treat that was hosted at the Miracle Tabernacle Freetown Church of God of Prophecy last week Friday.
“Too often we are going to church, and we are asking the kids if they are coming to church. It is not a matter of asking; it is a matter of doing, because at the church they learn spiritual principles and also the basic principles of life,” he said.
The sergeant, who is stationed at the May Pen Police Station, shares the Godly principles he learnt as a child while carrying out his daily duties. He understands the importance of being raised in a Godly home. During the treat, he shared what he called the “PLATE” principle with the parents to provide guidance on how to raise their children.
Pray – Children should be taught to pray at home. Parents should not only pray for but also pray with their children.
Listen – although sometimes a child might talk a lot, it is important that parents listen.
“Listen to your children because they have much to say. And when you listen, don’t listen and then push it aside. Many of our happenings to our children in society today, if we had listened to them, then certain things wouldn’t happen,” said Sergeant Berry. The policeman advised that parents should start probing when a usually talkative child becomes withdrawn. At times, it might be a case where the child is being abused.
Affirm – Affirming a child helps to build their self-esteem and contributes to making them feel loved. “You need to speak well of your children, even if that child is not doing so good. Still speak well of that child.”