11-year-old preacher in Baptist church: 'I love praising God'

Khamaley Snaggs preaches at Mt Horeb Spiritual Baptist Judgment School in Morvant. - Photo by Vidya Thurab
Khamaley Snaggs preaches at Mt Horeb Spiritual Baptist Judgment School in Morvant. - Photo by Vidya Thurab

Eleven-year-old Khamaley Snaggs loves the word of God so much he wants to be a preacher.

“I’ve always like church and liked the idea of being a pastor because I have a certain kind of connection with God and I love praising God," he told Newsday Kids.

“I can’t really explain the connection but it’s a strong connection because ever since I was small, I’ve liked to preach," he said in an interview at Mt Horeb Spiritual Baptist Judgment School in Morvant, where he attends services.

Khamaley remembers when he was four he once asked to go to church, but his mother was cooking at the time. He started to cry. His mother, Andra Jones, knew at that moment he had a calling.

“Since he was small, it’s always been about church with him, and he’ll be telling his father and myself that we need to come to church and hear the word of God.

Children should read the Bible and learn how God wants them to be, said Khamely Snaggs. - Photo by Vidya Thurab

“He’s always talking about the word and what the word says," she said.

Khamaley has already delivered sermons at his church and a few others, but didn’t always feel confident.

He received help on what to do from his pastor, Bishop Kevin Thomas, who said when he baptised him he knew Khamaley would be a special person.

Of course, Khamaley is also inspired by the Bible.

“I usually just sit down and think about what I’m going to preach.

“Then, I’ll pick up the Bible and read it to understand what I’m going to say.”

His favourite Bible story is that of Jonah and the whale. He said the story is a reminder to people that they must follow the word of God when he calls.

A standard four student at Richmond Street Boys' Anglican School, Khamaley has even found a way to include his passion for preaching into learning.

“Since online started, I’m the child who always wants to lead prayer in the morning and read a psalm or chapter.

Khamaley Snaggs, a student of Richmond Street Boys' Anglican School, always leads his standard four class in prayer. - Photo by Vidya Thurab

“Ever said I started doing that, all my other classmates want to pray and do the same thing.”

Khamaley believes children should read the Bible and learn how God wants them to be.

It doesn't mean they can't have fun and do things they like, he said, as he enjoys playing basketball – his favourite sport – and watching YouTube videos.

His mother is proud of him.

She said when Khamaley attends other churches, the bishops, some who don’t know him, call on him to do special things like anoint children.

“To other parents, whatever your kids want to do, let them do. Even if you do not go to church, that’s their choice and it’s of God, so let them do it,” she said.

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"11-year-old preacher in Baptist church: ‘I love praising God’"

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