L AMBS is a Saturday program that starts in October and ends in June. It produces many activities such as sports, education, singing, dancing, acting, writing, bowling, roller skating, and spiritual growth. This program has been in effect for more than twelve years and was designed to teach young black kids as early as the age of three the principalities of life. At the age of twelve boys transfer into Chinesau Bakari and girls graduate into Spirit of a Woman (SOWS).
“LAMBS is the first of many steps taken by our young people,” says Nelson Keir who started with the program in 1995. “It is where the child receives guidance and understanding of God, fellowshipping, Bible, drama, history, mannerisms and knowledge of self to name a few. We serve a mighty God and continue empowering our children”. Learning Activities Music and Bible Shepherding, or “LAMBS,” is a program designed to bring young black society together, also to teach kids the importance of thinking for themselves.
The number one thing taught by LAMBS is to be patient and tolerant of others.
“We teach young boys and girls to pass on to one another what they have been taught, to look out for one another -each one, teach one, “to be better you have to be different and we constantly remind them that no one should be abandoned; they ought to look out for for one another by not allowing one to make a mistake, but catch them before they are able to fall.” says Mr. McCRay, one of the LAMBS teachers from St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church.
“Kids look up to us because we help structure and nurture their minds. We give them the freedom to express themselves by doing what they want, but we nurture their thoughts and choices, so that it has a positive effect in their lives. Kids don’t look up to us for what we are, but who we are. I’ve realized at some point a child a child does not need a friend, they just need the truth”, says Mr. McCray.
The youth of LAMBS have learned to be respectful and responsible to the adults around them at all times in any given situation. Each individual child learns the values of life, what it means to them and how to incorporate it in their everyday life. Children were taught the knowledge of good and bad at an early age so that they have the ability to differentiate who is trying to persuade them contrary to what they have been taught.
We desire our black youths to be well-rounded kids to lead our future generation, but society has intensely changed our character, Jay states. “Children are as computers, they copy what they see, do as they are taught and repeat what they hear. So as caring adults we teach them what is essential for their success.”
“We as black people have performed injustice to ourselves”, Mr. McCray explains. “We voluntarily put shackles on our feet by using drugs, alcohol, and choosing to commit hideous crimes. As well-experienced adults we teach kids not to go about destroying their lives and having to face the consequences of their mistakes.”
McCray feels that it is integral in the LAMBS program to make our black kids aware of inheriting what belongs to them.
LAMBS expresses that knowledge was the one thing that kept us (blacks) going because no one can rob you of it.
Young kids have extremely progressed in this program in areas such as: Obedience, Growth of Spirituality, Scholarship, Friendship, and Community Services.
Being in the program, each individual’s goal is to carry with them the learned attributes of LAMBS to help develop one another.
Sources aren’t quiet sure who started LAMBS and when it originated, but they are extremly delighted that some one had pioneered such a venture with the involvement of giving heart and mind.
Mr. Nelson states that he enjoys giving back time and talent. “We are letting the little folks know that there will be a struggle, but if you put on the right track every thing will be just alright. We are assisting in the life of many youths. That is priceless.”
“I went into this program thinking I would teach this and that, but now I am finding out that I am being taught this and that from little ones! I have found out that I am no longer grown, but growing,” says Mr. McCray.
