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What Is the Solution to Crime and Violence?
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Dr.
John Carey, Director of Communication and Assistant to the
President |
Last year there was a record
number of murders and an unacceptable level of violent crimes in the
Bahamas. All segments of our society were alarmed to observe the negative
direction our once peaceful people seemed to be taking. As we looked forward
to the New Year, 2008, we had hoped that things would be different. But the
number of murders to date for this year has already exceeded that for the
same period last year. The big question that now confronts us is, “What is
the solution to the crime and violence in our beloved Bahamas?”
In reference to this
question, some people suggested that if a large sum of money was offered,
probably somebody will come up with a solution to our crime situation. In
support of this view, they said, “Didn’t the wisest man that ever lived say
that money is the answer to all things?” Of course, I think that is a
misinterpretation of what Solomon really says in Ecclesiastes 10:19.
However, in today’s world, it does appear that the right amount of money can
buy anything. But there are some things that money can’t buy, and the
solution to crime is one of these.
As I searched my mind and
pondered what might be the solution to the crime and violence in our land, I
thought about a statement made by Ellen White many years ago. She said that
“prayer is the answer to everything in life.” When Jesus faced the toughest
decision He ever had to make in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed to His
Father. And He was able to make the decision that changed the course of
history for the human family. That decision that Jesus made to die in our
place guaranteed our salvation.
We can look at other examples
of people who prayed in Bible times and were delivered from various
situations that threatened them. Daniel prayed and was delivered from the
jaws of the lions
. The three Hebrew boys prayed and were saved from a fiery
death. The members of Peter’s church prayed, and he was freed from prison.
The Bible also gives us the
formula for removing the crime problem. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says: “If
my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This
suggests that those who are Christians must rightly represent Christ. They
must be humble, seek power to do the will of God, and through Jesus, stop
doing those things that are contrary to God’s way. Because of the sincere
intercessory prayer of God’s people, He will take care of the problem that
is plaguing the land. James 5:16 says that “the prayer of a righteous man is
powerful and effective.” NIV
Now, in addition to praying,
parents must lead their children in doing what is right. That is, by their
godly example, they will teach their children to obey God’s law and the laws
of the land. No longer can parents afford to say, “Don’t do as I do, but do
what I say.” Today’s children will not accept this double standard. We have
to say what we mean and mean what we say by our actions.
Just as parents need to lead
by example, church and political leaders can do no less. Whether or not they
want to be role models, these leaders are being watched by young and old as
examples of what they should be.
The rebellious attitude of the youth and
the criminal activity that pervade our society will never change until those
in leadership at every level pray and allow the Spirit of God to direct
their lives. However, if we want to realize the solution to crime and
violence; if we want to see change for the better, each of us must say, “Let
it begin with me.” Have a happy Sabbath!
Meister Singers All
members of the Meister Singers are asked to meet for rehearsal at the
Centreville church tonight at 6 p.m. - Edith Roach
Adventist Educators
Association will hold its monthly meeting tonight, at 7 p.m. at the
Bahamas Academy Early Learning Center. All Adventist educators (active or
retired) are invited to attend.
The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 4 to 5 p.m.
Today, the Breath of Life Church is expected. Next Sabbath, the
Centreville Church is scheduled.
New Englerston Early
Morning Prayer Meeting will be held tomorrow, February 3, 2008 at 6
a.m. You are invited to join the church at prayer in preparation for
Pentecost & more! – Roger & Allison Rolle.
Convention 2008 DVDs
are now available at the Adventist Book Center
Support The New Bahamas
Academy Fresh vegetables are on sale in support of The New Bahamas
Academy at a bargain price. Please order through one of the following
persons:
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Mrs. Brooks, the receptionist, conference
office - 341-4021
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Ms. Allison Sawyer, vice principal, BA
Secondary School – 393-3381
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Mrs. Hermia Brown, Coordinator, Early Learning
Center – 394-8838
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Mrs. Elmore Jacques, Senior Mistress, BA
Elementary School – 393-8898
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Pastor O. Boateng – 324-9839 or 505-4128
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Bro. Rodger Rolle – 362-4128
About 25 percent of the price
of a box of vegetables will go to The New Bahamas.
You are requested to pay when
you place your order. Thanks! – K.O. Boateng
Law Enforcement / Civil
Servant Service Sabbath, February 9, 2008 at the Grant’s Town Church at
4 p.m.
Women’s Ministries
Women’s Ministry’s Leadership Training Course will begin tomorrow, February
3, at 8 a.m. at the conference office. Interested women are welcome to
attend. – Miriam Knowles
Stewardship Directors
All Stewardship directors are asked to meet at the conference office
tomorrow, February 3, 2008 at 8 a.m. for a very important meeting.
Cat Island Advancement
Society Meeting tomorrow February 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Hillview
Church
Adventist Men’s Chorale
All members of the Adventist Men’s Chorale are invited to a special
called Pre Super Bowl meeting tomorrow February 3, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the
Grant’s Town Church. - Anthony Roach and Pastor Paul Scavella
Pentecost and More Choirs
Pentecost and More senior choir members continue rehearsals this coming
Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. The youth choir will meet
at the New Englerston Church at 4 p.m. Both Choirs will be preparing
for the rally this coming Wednesday Night at Centreville. Plan to be on
time. A special appeal is sent out to all men to join the choirs.
Burial Society The
regular monthly meeting of the SDA Burial Society will be held on Monday,
February 4, 2008, in the Annex of the Grants Town SDA Church at 7:00 pm.
All members and those wishing to become members are asked to attend.
Pentecost and More
Transportation All bus drivers who are interested in providing
transportation for the upcoming crusade are asked to attend the 3rd big
rally of the Pentecost and More Crusade on Wednesday, February 6, at 7:00
p.m. at the Centreville Church.
Parking Attendants Needed
More volunteers to assist with security and parking for the upcoming
crusade are needed. A call is extended to all deacons and interested
persons to get involved. Kindly turn in your name to your pastor or head
deacon and attend the crusade rally, February 6, 2008 at the Centreville
Adventist church. – Pastor W. T. Adderley
All Adventist Lawyers
are requested to attend a meeting with Pastor Paul Scavella and Elder Kenny
Deveaux on February 17, at the Conference Office at 9 a.m. Listen up for
further details and a personal contact.
Eight Weeks to Wellness 2008
It is time to get in shape and become super healthy in 2008. Join the 8
Weeks to Wellness. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. They will
never be the same again and will thank you for it. You will not regret
attending this event. Come and change your life-style for the
best. The program begins on
Monday, February 19, 2008. Please note pre-screening dates.
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Tuesday, Feb. 12, at City Market Rosetta St. 3
- 7 p.m.
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Tuesday, Feb 12. at New Englerston SDA
Church 3 – 7 p.m.
School of Evangelism
Classes begins on Sunday, March 20, 2008. Further information will be
given as it becomes available.
Cat Island Advancement
Society All persons who plan to travel to Cat Island with the Cat
Island Adventist Advancement Society for the Easter weekend, March 21 to 24,
please contact Norman Seymour at 324-6744.
After Pentecost and More
All persons who are interested in going to the Turks and Caicos Islands
for a crusade (March 21 – April 5, 2008) with Evangelist Dave Williams can
contact him at 322-4914.
Sabbath School and
Personal Ministries Workshop On Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 9 a.m – 12
noon at the Hillview Church. All Sabbath School & Personal Ministries
directors, assistant directors and secretaries are kindly asked to attend
this very important Seminar and Workshop. – Pastor W. T. Adderly, Assoc.
Director
The Music and Youth
Ministries of New Englerston will host a special AY session on February
2, 2008 at 4p.m. Presenters: Pastor Paul Scavella and Nelson Bain Sr. Theme:
The Sacredness of the Music Ministry/Vocal Training. This Session will be
followed by a Special Social Event. Your are cordially invited to attend! –
Allison Rolle
Brooklyn Tabernacle
Soundtracks All choir and praise team leaders who are interested in
obtaining Brooklyn Tabernacle Soundtracks can contact Tony Russell at
3641715.
Children’s Ministries
Parent’s Seminar Sunday, February 10, 2008 9 a.m. – 12 noon at the
Breath of Life Adventist Church – Mrs. Diane Jones,
Youth Ministries Workshop-
2008 “Year of Sacrifice” Last Sunday, January 27, the youth ministries
department held its annual workshop. A big thank you is extended to all who
were involved in the planning and all the young people of our churches who
attended. The theme for 2008, is the “Year of Sacrifice”. Indeed Jesus
sacrificed His life for all, including the youth of our church and the youth
of our nation. As we embark upon the mission of Salvation and Service it
requires our total sacrifice. I know we are ready to meet the challenge.
The list of all the officers
of the Pathfinder Corporation and Coordinators for the different levels of
youth ministries will be published in next week’s Logos.
Pentecost and More Youth
Involvement- Youth Power Hour All the youth of our
conference are invited to get involved in the upcoming Sweet Redemptive
city- wide crusade. All youth are invited to the second Youth Power Hour on
Sunday at 6 p.m. at the New Englerston Church. It's going to be
spirit-filled, exciting, informative, and life-changing. You must be
there.
Masterguide Classes
Masterguide classes have already begun. All persons interested in being a
part of the 2008 Masterguide Class are asked to attend the session tomorrow
morning at 7 a.m. at the Good News Church. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry! The cut-off
time is here. The Pathfinder leadership Award (PLA), Masterguide classes
for the Francophne district, and the A.Y. leaders classes will begin
shortly.
Youth Ministries Morning
Watch Youth leaders are reminded to check their churches mail or the
personal ministries secretary for their quota of the morning watch. Lets
encourage all our young people to have daily devotion and Bible study
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Sun Sets Today: 5:54
p.m.
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Sun Sets next
Sabbath: 5:59 p.m.
