Youth; Gather to work!

So it is that time of your life when almost anything is possible to you. Life is before you like an open book with no prints. What story is told is totally dependent on you. Like a vast fertile land in the forests, so also is the story of your life now. What fruits shall be, is dependent on what is planted today. It is also dependent on how the crops are tendered and cared for. 

So gather then what you have, roll up your sleeves and put your foot to the mud.

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." - Gal 6:7

Such is the delicate nature of even a time as this when you have all the youthfulness, energy and passion to make a meaning out of your life. It is the time you'll also face some of the most faith-challenging situations and the greatest of temptations - all of this while you are still in the prime of your youth!

But do not fear. It is a time to prepare you for the greater things ahead the best of times yet to come! It is to prepare you for the time when you shall reap bountifully if you sowed well whiles you labored. 

Gather therefore, the spade or hand trowel, digging fork, cutlass or machete, hoe and rake. It's time to work! What work you do is dependent on what plans the garden owner has and what purpose He called you into this garden for. The garden owner supplies these tools as He knows you'd have need of them. 

Take time; reflect on what gifts you have been blessed with. Thank the Lord for such gifts. If you are finding difficulty knowing what is required of you, ask Him in prayer through faith. Be fervent, persistent and consistent in this matter and He shall direct you.  It's easier said than done I know cos' I experience it too. But consider this; the good book says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -  James 1: 5

It's a great thing to have life and even greater to be young and free. True freedom comes from Jesus who is the only way, the truth and the life. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36

Every day is a gift to be a better version of you. Make good use of this gift. Don't live without purpose. If you made a mistake yesterday, now is the time to right those wrongs. You have a gift; Plan, Pray and Play too! 

You shall do great if you learn to live and love what you do. You'll do great if you have faith and hope in God and if you have love for one greater than you who has given you work to do. Don't be afraid to take on the world, the one who created the world is with you!

Note: As a Christian, this short piece is largely influenced by my faith.  I believe what I share holds true for any young man or woman reading this short piece though.

THE 16th ANNUAL FGMSA CONGRESS

The Federation of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (FGMSA) has held its 16th Annual National Congress which was celebrated under the theme; Family Planning and Poverty reduction; a two way mirror.
The event took place from 25th to 27th March, 2011 and was hosted by The University of Ghana Medical Students’ Association in Accra, Ghana.
The FGMSA is a body encompassing all medical and dental students in Ghana. The Federation currently has three full member Medical Students’ Associations (MSA’s) namely; KNUST-Medical Students’ Association (KNUST-MSA), University of Development Studies-Medical Students’ Association (UDS-MSA) and University of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (UGMSA). University of Cape Coast Medical Students’ Association current has observer status in the Federation.
FGMSA Annual Congress serves as a platform for our General Assemblies during which elections are held to elect new executives of the Federation and also audit the federation’s accounts. It also serves as a platform for socialization and interaction amongst medical students in Ghana.
This year, we were privileged to have some alumni around. Particular mention must be made of Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, a past National Executive Council Member of FGMSA and currently the President of IFMSA.
Delegates arrived on 25th March and the Business meeting of the federation commenced right away in the evening right into the next day. This year’s election proved very competitive as we had two (2) females and one (1) male vying for the presidency. After a close contest, Ms. Hannah-Lisa Akunyumu-Tetteh was elected as president of the Federation for the next administrative year. Mr. Jones Gyedu Ampofo, immediate-past president handed over to her and her new executive council before the general assembly thereafter.
The next day was packed with so much fun activities. In the morning, there were series of debates on hot topics such as abortion and family planning. I was particularly stunned at medical students putting forth intelligent arguments and making strong cases either for or against motions of the debate. It was a battle of wits and it only confirms my assertion that, medical students are multi-talented! Later in the day, there were sporting activities like volleyball, basketball and football. There was so much fun around and for once, I even forgot school was still in session! Again, it was hard to believe the stuff that medical students are made of. The night of 26th was Party night and thus was spent at Citizen Kofi, a popular hang-out spot in Accra.
Delegates attended a thanksgiving service on 27th March, 2011 at Accra Chapel and departed to their various schools the same day.
All in all, the 16th Annual FGMSA Congress was a tremendous success. The Organizing Committee did a marvelous job in organizing a fantastic National Congress.
Kudos to Mr. Jones Gyedu Ampofo and his team of out-gone executives. Congratulations to Ms. Hannah-Lisa Akunyumu-Tetteh and her team of National Executive Council.
Viva IFMSA! Viva Africa! Viva FGMSA!!!

By John G. G. Banin
NPO, FGMSA (2010)
IFMSA Publications Team (2010/2011)