Highlights of 'The Verdict' 2014

How do you live in a world which is in a confused state- where the age dictates the standards by which man should live? How do you change the status quo in your sphere of influence? How do you remain on top in spite of all the turmoil in the world? Truth is the answer to these questions. Jesus said, ‘…your word is truth.’ (John 17:17) This means that for a man to escape all the falsehood in this world, he ought to abide in the Word of God; for that is the Truth. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and in it the truth concerning God, the world and the Church is revealed. Jesus also emphasized that, ‘…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”’ (John 8:32) In line with the need for truth concerning various issues; especially those pertinent to the youth, the Verdict Debate Competition was birthed. The aim of the Verdict is threefold- it is to;


• Help God’s children to think from His perspective on various issues; making them spiritually-minded.

• Enable young people to logically present arguments using the Bible as their basis.

• Enrich their skill in the use of the English Language both in writing and speaking.



The 26th of April, 2014 marked the first-ever ‘the Verdict Debate Competition’. It was indeed an exciting day of learning. Contestants who participated in this year’s edition of the Verdict were members of the youth ministry of Gospel Light International Church (G-Youth) in the Senior High School. The motion of the debate was, ‘Our salvation can only be seen from our conduct, speech and appearance.’ At approximately 2:00 pm, the programme began as delegates were led in a time of prayer and worship. Songs of praise were sung to the Lord as participants rejoiced in the goodness of the Lord.

The judges- Nana Ampem-Darko (right)
and Janet Agbeshie (left)

The Minister on Duty, Samuel Fianko, officially welcomed participants to the Debate Competition. He briefly described the purpose of the Verdict and urged participants to be attentive and be ready to learn something new. Soon afterwards, the judges took their seats. The judges present were Nana Ampem-Darko, the Music Director of Jewels of Jesus International and Janet Agbeshie, the General Secretary of Living Epistles of Christ.


There were fabulous prizes up for grabs in this year’s debate competition. The members of the first competing team would each receive free sponsorship to attend the 15th Anniversary G-Youth Camp Meeting 2014. In addition, the members of the second team would receive study bibles. The contestants who stood for the motion were Lucinda Djan, Adwoa Asantewaa Appiah and Rexford Aryee whereas those against the motion were Lydia Asomaning Danquah and Nhyira Anning.

Lucinda presenting her stance
on the motion.

The principal speaker of the team for the motion, Lucinda Djan, presented her team’s position on the motion. In her presentation, she stressed that it is necessary for the fruit of salvation to be seen in the lives of the people of God. Drawing form Scriptures including 1 Peter 2:12, James 1:20 and Romans 12:2, she placidly presented her points; advocating that indeed salvation can only be seen from our conduct, speech and appearance.


Having presented her stance, the judges evaluated her entire presentation in five major categories:
• Appearance
• Presentation and Gestures
• Expression
• Flow of argument
• Use of relevant Scriptures


Nana Ampem-Darko talked extensively about Lucinda’s mode of presentation. He initially commended L.E.C. for organizing such an insightful programme and congratulated Lucinda and her team for an excellent presentation. In addition, he corrected some of the inappropriate parts he observed in her presentation. He stressed the need for her to have maintained eye contact with each of the audience. He also remarked on her presentation; admonishing her to focus on interacting with the audience and not just to read out the essay.

Lydia presenting her stance
on the motion.

About an hour later, the contestants against the motion arrived to present their stance on the motion. Lydia, the principal speaker of her team, argued that salvation is the work of grace in the heart of a man. Thus, she stated that until a man’s heart is found, we cannot discover whether or not he is saved. Adding, she quoted Jesus in John 7:24, where he said we should not judge superficially by appearance.


After the presentation of the cons, the judges allowed five minutes for each team to assemble their thoughts and argue fully with their opposing team. After assembling their thoughts, the contestants took the stage and argued vigorously with potent points from the Scriptures. Each party’s argument seemed to be the truth; for they presented it with so much earnestness and authority.

Contestants arguing vigorously to
substantiate their arguments.

Finally, their argument came to an end and the verdict concerning the motion was given. Nana Ampem-Darko issued the verdict saying, ‘The test for salvation is in the heart of a man. If we want to know the proof of salvation, we can only find it in the heart (Romans 10:9,10). However, for the exhibition of salvation, we need to examine the conduct, speech and appearance of the fellow- that’s where we can see the fruit of salvation. People are attracted to what is in you by what is outside of you’


The General Secretary of L.E.C. announced the results of the Verdict 2014 to the audience. At the end of the competition, the pros won with 78 points whereas the cons came 2nd with 73 points.
The prizes were presented to participants who looked radiant with joyful smiles. Each contestant received a copy of The Life Book and an L.E.C. branded bookmark.


The Verdict 2014 was truly an edifying and fulfilling experience. We are grateful to God for his faithfulness before, during and after the programme. We look forward to an even more rewarding experience in the coming year’s competition. Glory to God!