PDF FORMAT
WORD PERFECT FORMAT
A Look at Crime
and Possible Solutions
The
recent killings in New Providence have once again sparked what I refer to as
the "blaming game." Blame is directed at government for not ensuring that
the law regarding hanging is carried out. Then the church is being called
upon to do more to make a positive impact in the community. Some also feel
that the police need to be more visible on the streets and tighten up their
approach to crime; and the list goes on. But what is the solution to this
vexing situation? There certainly is no quick fix, nor can we use a band-aid
approach. In fact, it appears to be a complex problem that is mind boggling
in some ways. So where do we start to find a solution?
A good place to begin is possibly to look at
the age group of those perpetrating the crime (homicide for the most part)
and those being stabbed and gunned down. Most of these are young men between
16 and 30 years old. Also, it seems that there is a connection between a
lack of responsible parenting and crime. If I am not mistaken, a 13-year old
was among four young men apprehended for the alleged stabbing of last Sunday
night's victim at a local service station. The obvious question is what is a
13-year old doing out around 10 or 11 p.m.? Is it that parents cannot
control their children? The situation is complex, for there are examples of
godly training and exposure to Sabbath/Sunday school, yet, because of peer
pressure, a child may choose the path of sin.
The manner in which crime is glamorized on
television lends to one feeling that if you want "respect" or "recognition,"
do something stupid. Could it be that a statement is being made through the
senseless killings? The irony of this is that those young persons who do
what is right do not always get adequate coverage in our media, because, for
the most part, "good news' does not sell. Have you considered what people
generally love? Isn't it gossip about who is cheating and who broke up,
etc.? Not very long ago, the newspapers that carried the story about an
alleged relationship between a public figure and a celebrity sold like hot
cake! Is there a correlation between what we like and what is produced? The
adverse effect of the glamorizing of negative behavior does not hit home
until we see situations getting out of control and directly affecting us.
And we wonder who will be next?
Our values and mindset have changed with new
development and technology. Look at the invention of the internet which has
been made available to our homes in recent years. It is a wonderful tool,
but it can also be a dangerous tool for fraud, pornography and the like. Can
the police monitor and control what we view and do in the confines of our
homes? In many ways they can't; so that responsibility rests with parents
and guardians. The same could be said of the television. What a challenge
for us as parents during the long summer months with active children! Many
churches sponsor Vacation Bible school and related activities, and would you
believe there are many parents who do not enroll their children? A visit to
some of these events will reveal that more children can be accommodated. It
may be that the church is not doing a good job at marketing their programs.
Or could it be that the mindset is changing and people are not gravitating
toward that which is spiritual? It would seem that to attract and keep
people in church, we have to give them what they are accustomed to hearing
all week, otherwise church is dead!
Is it still true that there is power in the
gospel? Are we as clergymen and women to blame for the apparent
ineffectiveness of the gospel? If there is a lack luster approach that we
bring to our "calling" then we are. If we are guilty of duplicitous living,
then we are contributing to the ills. What about politicians? What image and
message are transmitted on the Parliamentary Channel? Does one get the
picture that our leaders lack control when it comes to debating? Can we
avoid the high level of partisan politics which is polarizing our people?
The crime situation will decline when each
person recognizes that it is his/her responsibility to do everything
possible to prevent crime. Everyone must get involved. Yes, the Bible
predicts that "the love of many will wax cold," but I need not subscribe to
lawlessness. I can choose to make a difference. Finally, think for a while,
if there were no godly parents, praying and caring churches, responsible
media and policing -there might be possible 200 murders by now. However,
that is not to say we should do nothing rather it is to point out that all
is not lost. So let us determine to assist in fighting crime where we are in
our community.
Youth Crusade
Last Sabbath, July 14th, youth evangelist
Joseph Mahadeo, the Revelation
Now-
crusade team, the youth department of the conference, and the Bahamas
conference concluded the Revelation now youth crusade.
For two weeks the gospel was preached and presented through the word, drama,
and music. The messages were soul stirring, convicting, and inspirational.
We praise God for the nine persons who were baptized during these series of
meetings. I wish to use this general medium to thank all crusade team
members, churches, choirs, youth groups, youth leaders, pastors, and the
young people of the Bahamas conference for your ministry, support, and
service during all phases of the crusade. Thanks for your commitment to
youth ministry.
SEE
MORE PHOTOS
Adventist Leaders Call
Catholic Claim Nothing More Than Tradition A Statement released
by the Roman Catholic Church saying Protestant denominations are not true
churches is drawing criticism from other faith groups, including Seventh-day
Adventists, many who say the sentiments expressed are nothing new.
The document, approved by Pope Benedict XVI
July 10, said Protestant communities "cannot, according to Catholic
doctrine, be called 'Churches' in the proper sense," lacking apostolic
succession, or the ability to trace leadership back to Christ's original
disciples.
Adventist Church leaders said the statement
merely clarified the Catholic Church's traditional position. "There's
nothing surprising here," said Kwabena Donkor, associate director of the
Biblical Research Institute, based at the General Conference.
"Following Vatican II, the modernization meetings of the Catholic Church in
the 1960s, some people had the impression that there were some significant
changes in the Catholic Church," Donkor said. "But there hasn't been.
"As Seventh-day Adventists, our understanding
of the church is completely different," Donkor said. "We don't identify the
church as being Christ with the pope as the head."
"Such statements from the Vatican do not disappoint or affect Adventists,"
said John Graz, director of the Adventist Church's Public Affairs and
Religious Liberty department. Graz said the Adventist Church has
always been reluctant to join in the ecumenical movement but believes in
"unity of spirit, unity of the scriptures and unity in love. "Adventists
favor good relations and religious freedom for all," he said. --ANN
The Dollar-A-Day Offering
The Conference administration and the Bahamas Academy Building Steering
Committee are grateful for the contribution the churches have made toward
the Dollar-A-Day Drive. Next week we will publish what each church has given
thus far. We invite more members to join those who are already on the
program. At the appropriate time each Sabbath, this special offering will be
taken in the local church.
Watch Adventists
Speak Adventists Speak continues on ZNS-TV Channel 11 this Sundays at 1:00
p.m. This week’s topic: “The Holy Spirit” Invite a friend to view the
program with you.
Ministry of Public Health
SCAN Unit to March The Department of Public Health Suspected
Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) unit is hosting a Partnership March Against
Child Sex Offenders, under the theme "Save the Children, Preserve a
Generation" on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, beginning at 9:45 a.m. The
SCAN Task Force expects that their endeavours would heighten the awareness
of all people - especially the Judiciary and Parliamentary sectors, making
provision for existing legislation to be revised and amended. The route for
the march:Begin at Taylor Street, on to East Street, to Shirley Street and
end in Parliament Square.-Mrs. Charlene Bain, Coordinator, SCAN
Annual Eagle Music Ministry
Workshop The 2nd annual Eagle Music Ministry Network Workshop got
of to a good start on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at the Living Faith Church.
Dr. Althea McMillan, gave the keynote address. Pastor Eric D. Clarke,
Executive Secretary of the Conference declared the workshop opened and gave
the dedicatory prayer.
Today at at 6:00 p.m. an Honour Service will be held to recognize the
services of the Youth Muisc leaders of our conference this year.
Tomorrow, Sunday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. the EMMN Workshop will conclude with
a gospel concert, Minister Roger Mike will be our featured guest. ✽✽A
special offering will be collected for Bruce Young Jr's. Medical Fund. All
are invited to be a part of these activities. -Allison M. Rolle (for) EMMN
Committee.
Congratulations
to L. McBean The Publishing Ministry congratulates Bro. Lebert
McBean, our Full-time Literature Evangelist, for being named Champion
Colporteur of the year for 2006. (Be at the rally tomorrow at the
Centreville Church at 7:00 p.m. to hear his experience).
Note of Thanks Sis Mary Allen and family
extend heartfelt thanks to the Adventist community for their show of love
and support during their breavement of son, Christopher 'Bill' Allen.
Special thanks to the Conference Administration and staff, Johnson Park
Church family, Pastor L. V. McMilland and family of Miami, Florida. Whatever
you did to comfort us is greatly appreciated. -The Family
Youth
Announcements
Pathfinder Camp: Impact Long Island (August 12th-19th).
Calling all Pathfinder directors/ parents to register their Pathfinders/
children for this year's camp. Registration is needed ASAP as travel
arrangements are being made. Registration can be made at the Youth
department of the Conference Office this week.
Advebtust Basketball League concludes tonight at BA gym with the junior and
senior championship games. There will also be pastor's game during the
break. The following are the teams in championships: Junior- Message of Hope
vs. Bahamas Academy
Senior- Living Faith vs. Centerville
Meeting for Adventurer Leaders and Counselors August 9th, 2007, 7pm at
Hillview
Adventurer talent night September 15th Adventurer Banquet Nov. 4th, 2007
IAD Youth leadership and Prayer Convention On Monday, July 23rd,
approximately 30 persons from the Bahamas Conference, representing youth
leaders, youth delegates, and administration, will be traveling to Colombia
to participate in the Inter-American Division youth leadership and prayer
convention. Please pray for this delegation along with the four to five
delegates from across the Inter-American Division. -Andrew E. Burrows, Youth
Director, Bahamas Conference
DVD's of Convention DVD's of Convention '2007
are now available for a small donation. Place your order at the ABNC.
Meeting of Health Professionals All Health Professionals are invited to a
very important meeting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28th at the New
Providence Church.
Refreshments will be served
Vegetarian Cooking Classes coming soon.
Watch the Logos for details
Blood Drive The Community Services Dept.
is sponsoring a Blood Drive in conjunction with Doctors' Hospital on Sunday,
July 22 at the Living Faith Church. All Adventists are asked to participate
. Time to be announced
Colporteur Rally You are invited to
attend a Colporteur Rally on Sunday, July 22, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Centreville Church. All colporteurs, prospective colporteurs, and supporters
of the Publishing Ministry are especially requested to attend.
Children's Ministries Reports are due in
the Conference office on or before July 26, Your coorporation is greatly
appreciated. -Diane Jones, Director, BC
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel
Music at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 6:00-7:00
p.m. Today, July 21, Bro Tony Russell's Group. Next week Sabbath, the
Bethany Church is scheduled. -J. Admiral Forbes
Admiral's Camp Crafts Presentation night
The second annual Admiral's Camp Crafts Miniture Boat Building Camp will
host a culture show and exhibition tonight July 21, at 8:00 p.m. at the
Breath of Life Church, Marshall Road.
A mini regatta will be held on Sunday, July 22nd at 5:00 p.m. at South Beach
(end of Blue Hill Road) to conclude the camp. Captain Forbes extend a
personal invitation to come and support the campers.-Admiral Forbes
Marriage Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 24, at 12 noon at
the Conference Headquarters
Sun
Sets Today at 8:00 p.m.
Sun Sets next Sabbath at 7:57 p.m.
