The second Sunday of each month is a special occasion at Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, as it marks Youth Sunday—a day dedicated to empowering and inspiring the church’s younger members. This past Youth Sunday, the congregation welcomed a notable guest, author and educator Bev Rudolph, who brought a message of resilience and hope to the youth ministry, talking about the “ABC’s of Purpose”.
Randolph, a Quincy native and author of the popular children’s book Bemba’s Big Bully, gifted each young attendee with a copy of her book as a back-to-school present. As she shared Bemba’s story—a tale of friendship, courage, and overcoming adversity—the youth were fully captivated, hanging on every word.
Without giving too much away for those yet to read Bemba’s Big Bully, the youth quickly understood why the book has received such praise. Bemba, a fun-loving and fast-running girl, faces the challenges of being the new kid at school, including the harsh reality of bullying. The story raises important questions: Can Bemba navigate this difficult experience on her own, or should she seek help from trusted adults like Mrs. Smith and Principal Black?
Many of the young listeners could relate to Bemba’s struggles, having faced similar challenges themselves. Randolph, who drew from her own experiences as a victim of bullying during her school years, shared her journey of turning pain into power. As noted in her Amazon biography, Randolph is not only an esteemed educator with over 15 years of experience but also a U.S. Army veteran who has traveled the world, using her platform to uplift young learners. She has taught in Dubai and continues to mentor children in Asia, India, and Africa.
Through her work, Randolph empowers those who feel powerless, equipping them with tools to overcome traumatic experiences. Her curriculum focuses on the power of positivity, building self-esteem, and using positive affirmations to combat bullying. Beyond her work in education, Randolph is passionate about golf, traveling, and inspiring others daily. Spreading her message of “Girl Power” and teaching children the values of entrepreneurship are among her greatest joys.
The Youth Ministry at Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church invites both youth and adults to join them on the second Sunday of each month for a spiritually nourishing experience. Through events like Youth Sunday, the church aims to provide the kind of life-altering change that only faith and community can bring.
Dr. Deborah Thigpen – Gadsden County News Service
