(Editor's Note: This article was published first in the January/February print edition of The Stand.)
“We wanted our children to be able to think through hard topics and have a biblical defense,” said Jason Duckett, pastor of Moundville Baptist Church in Moundville, Alabama. “It’s about apologetics and learning how to defend the faith in the face of culture. We thought the Ten Commandments speech contest was a great opportunity.”
As a Christ-honoring, homeschooling family, Jason and his wife Genée are always looking for ways to strengthen their children’s walk with the Lord and encourage their education. Last year, while reading The Stand, the couple became intrigued by the Ten Commandments speech contest.
“We thought it was a great way to have educational reinforcement for learning how to research, prepare a speech, and get accustomed to being in front of people – which is a great tool and resource,” Jason continued.
Discipling
In 2016, Joseph Parker, AFA director of outreach and intercession, and his wife Birdie began the Ten Commandments Project. Their goal was to help disciple children and give them ammunition to fight against the darkness in culture. The Parkers created a six-week project that helps children memorize, understand, and apply the Ten Commandments. In 2021, they added the Ten Commandments speech competition to the project.
“This is a very fruitful and strategic discipleship project,” said Parker. “After observing both the actions and responses from participants and listening to the thoughts and observations from parents as they see their children participate in this project, a few important results seem to occur.
“As children and youth take time to read and research their topic for the speech, they will learn things that they previously did not know,” Parker continued. “It seems that this project can definitely, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, help produce great fruit in those who participate.”
Understanding
After prayerful consideration, Josiah and Allieray Duckett entered the 2022 speech competition. The topic focused on the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (KJV). The two children delivered excellent speeches on the horrors of abortion. However, they found that the contest not only strengthened their public speaking abilities but also provided a deeper relationship with the Lord. Their parents were thrilled.
“As parents, we want to encourage them not to go to outside sources when questions arise,” added Genée. “We want them to primarily seek the Lord and His Word.”
