By Sister Cynthia Sims
As we end the interviews regarding “Raising Children the Bible Way” we thought it befitting to conclude with the testimonies and responses from our General Superintendent, Elder Marvin Jones, Sr., and his family. All of the Jones are a member of the True Church of God in Christ, Inc. Please enjoy!

 

Elder Marvin Jones, Sr. – Pastor of Augusta/Burke County

The True Church of God in Christ is teaching the same gospel that Jesus Christ taught and gave to his apostles.  Not only did the word of God change my way of thinking and doing things, it saved my life and the life of my family.  Living sanctified and Holy is a wonderful way for a human being to live.  Anytime a decision is based on how the flesh feels, it may or may not stand, however, anything based on the word of God must stand.  The direction for a man, woman or child should be positive. 

As stated above, being guided by the teachings of the church saved our lives.  As a parent, raising my children on how I felt proved not to be enough.  The example I was before I came to God allowed too much room for error.  I know now that what you don’t know can hurt you.  My children have always had different ways.  I dealt with them on an individual level.  I have always talked to my children about life, especially my boys.  Not only about being abstinence, but also about finances and being responsible for their actions.  Nothing can prepare a person or child for life better than knowing that whatsoever you do and the direction you take, we are held accountable for by God.  “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good”.  (Proverbs 15:3)  “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  (I Peter 3:12)  And last “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  (II Corinthians 5:10).

 

Sister Barbara Jones- Wife of Elder Jones

In response to the various questions of raising children in today’s society, I have found the word of God to be my best guide.  Every facet of my life and the lives of my children are contained in the scriptures.

Before Christ, my moral, ethical and spiritual precepts were based on the course of this world.  But “Thanks Be To God” who blessed me to hear the word of God from the late Bishop B. J. Lawson.  The fruits taught transformed my new life in Christ Jesus. This is not to say that vexation of spirit does not occur, but wisdom excelleth folly.  There have been numerous times I have had to cry out to God and He heard my cry.  Without his grace and mercy, I would have fainted.

Being the mother of five children has brought an array of problems and solutions.  All of my children possess diverse mannerisms in nature, empathy and self esteem.  I besought the Lord to bless me to know my children and direct me naturally and spiritually on how to deal with them individually.  Through prayer, fasting and faithfully obeying the word, many crises have been averted.

I was fortunate to be raised in a loving home with both parents and eleven siblings.  My parents were my best role models and helped to shape acceptable parenting skills that proved to be essential.  Often I find myself saying and doing things that I abhorred as a child. As a parent, I have focused on being honest, steadfast and unmovable from the teachings of the bible.  It has been a sacrifice to go against the grain and do what was right rather than what was popular.  I never based my decisions regarding my children on anyone or anything other than the word of God.  When they were younger they thought we were so mean.  As adults, they have thanked us for not moving to the right or left but keeping a straight course.

I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to be a full time Mom not working outside the home.  Several of the neighborhood children congregated at our house because there was structure, discipline, love and occasionally snacks.  Any child who came to my house had to abide by the rules and guidelines given to my children. I constantly praise my children when they do good and rebuke when something is amiss.  It is my sincerest hope that they love the Lord enough to obey and do His will.  Regardless of anything gained in this life if they do not have Christ, it profits them nothing.

 

Click here to read the interviews from the Jones Children

 

 

Click below to read the different interviews

Mother Lilly M. Stafford and Daughter Tonya

Sister Ramona Murphy and daughter Andrea

Sister Vevelyn Turner and daughter Natalie

Elder Emmitt Robinson, Jr. with Son Emmitt III and Daughter Calandra

Sister Jaqueline Adams and Daughter Sherika