Rooting God's truth in young hearts

American Family Radio (AFR) seeks opportunities to point young and old alike to the unwavering truths found in Scripture. One of the clearest presentations of God’s truth is the Ten Commandments, and for the third consecutive year, AFR is hosting the Ten Commandments Speech Challenge for children and teens ages 7-17. Each year, participants prepare a three- to five-minute speech about one of the Ten Commandments and the unequivocal truth it applies to individuals and society.

God’s truth at work

The Ten Commandments Speech Challenge is overseen by Pastor Joseph Parker, host of The Hour of Intercession heard Tuesdays through Saturdays on AFR. He and his wife, Birdie, have worked for decades in communities nationwide instructing others in the knowledge and love of God’s Word, especially awareness and respect for the Ten Commandments.

“God’s truth cannot be moved and can be seen powerfully at work, as many states such as Louisiana and Texas are taking monumental steps to honor and emphasize the Ten Commandments with laws that require the display of Ten Commandments in all public schools,” Parker told The Stand. (See related story on p. 9.)

Louisiana House Bill 71 (2024) and Texas Senate Bill 10 (2025) were passed in their respective states in an effort to root concrete truths and biblical morals in the hearts of young people who encounter too many negative and evil influences in culture. (As of press time, both laws were still facing severe legal scrutiny on First Amendment grounds.)

“The devil is behind school shootings, abortions, drug overdoses, suicides, and incarcerations, as youth break God’s commandments and reap the consequences,” Parker said. “But there is power in the mighty Word of God – the power to save and heal us, the power to set us free from the bondage of sin.”

The challenge at hand

The Ten Commandments Speech Challenge is designed to focus on a specific commandment each year. For 2026, the theme is the second commandment, found in Exodus 20:4: “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.”

This year, Mason McGee, son of The Stand staff member Carly McGee, is undertaking the challenge as an opportunity to gain clarity from God’s Word for greater spiritual leadership.

“I love doing things that can better my understanding of God’s Word and commands,” McGee said. “I see the Ten Commandments Speech Challenge as an opportunity to grow closer in my walk with Christ.”

While summertime offers the potential for many fun-filled pursuits and leisure activities, the promises of God’s Word appeal to young people, such as McGee, who desire more.

McGee said he hopes that completing the Ten Commandments Speech Challenge will help him better understand God’s law and gain spiritual knowledge.

Each year, the Ten Commandments Speech Challenge lends lasting impact to the lives of young people as they grow and mature in their understanding of God’s Word.

“Everyone benefits from knowing and living out the Ten Commandments,” said AFA Vice President Wesley Wildmon.