Teens use abilities to minister through missions

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–Four high school teens who have demonstrated a commitment to minister with “helpful hands and a willing heart,” have been selected to represent Florida as "Acteens state advisory panelists," for 2007-2008.

Twelfth grader Andrea Romanoff, a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church of Key West; eleventh grader Linda Vinson, a member of First Baptist Church of Interlachen; Ashleigh Cline, a member of Lake Shore Baptist Church of Jacksonville; and tenth grader Brooklyn Howard, a member of First Baptist Church of Crestview, were recognized for their mission involvement and commitment.

"These outstanding teenagers are multi-talented and have a zeal to share their Christian witness with others," said Sonja Roberson, state Acteens Coordinator. "Each has their own special abilities to minister to people and do so with helpful hands and willing hearts."

To be considered for the panel, teens must provide written essays and recommendations from their pastors and Acteens leaders. They must be active in their church, diligent in learning the Acteens curriculum and demonstrate hands-on missions involvement.

During their term of service these panelists will attend conferences and lead other Acteens in activities. They are available to travel and speak on missions at churches or community events.

Romanoff, 17, enjoys drama, music, public speaking and working with children. She has been involved in her church worship praise team, a member of the Key West Symphony, and was a counselor two summers at Camp WorldLight.

Having known Romanoff for several years, “I can testify to the influence of Christ in her life,” said Dan Adams, chairman of the deacons at Fifth Street Baptist in Key West. “She models well the qualities of Christian service that we seek in young leaders. She has a servant’s heart; is always ready to help if called upon; and takes initiative to lead in appropriate settings.”

Vinson, 16, enjoys drama, sign language, writing for stick drama and working with children. She has led Bible studies in Vacation Bible School (VBS), worked at a migrant children’s camp, and traveled to Alaska on a mission trip.

She is willing to give “her time, multiple talents and gifts to serve Christ,” said her church’s Women’s Missions and Ministries Director, Teresa Swartz.

Singing, drama, creative movement and working with children are just a few of the activities Cline, 15, enjoys. Missions, where she employs these skills, have taken her to other states where she helped other churches with VBS.

“Acteens has given Ashleigh opportunities to meet other girls, grow closer to God and be involved in mission projects such as spending time serving the elderly in a nursing home,” said Roberson. “She is a student leader in her youth group whose faithfulness, sincere heart and sensitivity to the things of God has been commended by her leaders.”

Howard, 15, enjoys singing, public speaking, teaching and working with children. She is actively involved in her church’s youth choir and has been in school leadership roles at Crestview High School in tennis, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chorus Council, Student Council and cheerleading.

“Acteens is a very important part of Brooklyn’s life which has allowed her opportunities to see and to give to those less fortunate, to prayer walk in her community as well as other mission projects,” said Roberson. “She is commended for her character, Christian values and because she represents her Lord well.”

Acteens is a ministry organization of the Southern Baptist Convention Woman’s Missionary Union for teenage girls in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in missions. In Acteens, members grow in their understanding of God and of themselves and are engaged in hands-on mission opportunities in their communities and beyond. Acteens are also actively involved in learning about missions, praying and giving to missions.