Yanique Jarrett holds her baby son Alrick Higgins as she pose for the camera at his christening.

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

It was not only a happy moment at noon on Sunday, April 5, 2015 for young mother Yanique Jarrett and the godparents of her son Alrick Higgins, at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God in Clarendon; but is was one of relief and joy also.

It was the occasion when her son was blessed and dedicated to the Lord, as is customary when they are between three to six months old.

The young mother of two, as well as the godparents, were reminded by Reverend Donald Dawson that the family is a divine institution ordained and honoured by God since the beginning of time.

"Children are an heritage of God, committed by Him to their parents for care, protection and training for His glory. It is the duty of every parent to recognise this obligation and solemn responsibility to both God and the child in this matter," said Reverend Dawson.

He went on to tell Jarrett and Alrick's godparents that they must recognise the sacredness of their charge and, with all sincerity, accept their responsibility for the nuture and admonition of the lad in the way of righteousness and godliness.

Dedication

"As this child is presented for Christian dedication, it is your duty to provide a Christian home and a godly environment for him; and to see that he is taught, as soon as he is able to learn, the principles of our holy faith and the nature of the Christian life," instructed the church leader.

He preached that the parents and godparents should seek to lead the child into the love of God and the service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

They all pledged to bring up young Alrick in the fear and admonition of the Lord, lead him early to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour, and set before him Godly and consistent life.

With those pledges made by the members of the party, the church leader then blessed the baby boy. He called on God to cover him under the blood of Jesus, bless the home where he lives and dwells, assign angels to every window and door of the house, cover the bed upon which he shall sleep, break down every curse whether they be of the family or otherwise, cover all he shall eat and drink, bless the child's parents by providing jobs for them so that they will be able to adequately take care of him, and cover his family so that they can be a blessing to him.

DECLARATION

"We tell the enemy you cannot have him because this child is covered from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. We declare that he is covered under the blood of Jesus and the enemy can in no way bring anything upon this child or set any hindrance in his way. Deliver him oh God from the abuse of men and the hands of the wicked one. Transform his life and cover him under your wings; let there be no sickness or disease that come upon this child's body. Let him be a blessing. We cover him under the blood of Jesus," prayed Reverend Dawson.

Speaking to THE STAR'S Life & Times, the young mother said she was happy that her baby son was blessed and dedicated to the glory of God. She also pledged to grow him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord from an early age because it is the right thing to do.

Alrick Higgins, who is also the son of Alshane Higgins, was born at the Percy Junor Hospital in Manchester on January 25, 2015. He is the second baby to be christened at the Sanguineti New Testament Church since the start of this year. Seven babies were christened at that church in 2014.

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