Cl mag 2 2013 by CLM Publishing

Letter from the Editor

nbelievable! We are at the third month going on to the fourth in the year 2013, and the ‘unknown journey’ at the start of the year could now be considered a chartered path. It’s a good time to pause and give thanks. We could say we have unknowingly proven, beyond our fears, that we can make it. Having faced so many days into this uncertainty, we hope you have developed a greater appreciation for your family and all that have been entrusted to you. Easter is here and while we want to encourage you to remember the love of the Father for us, and the death of his Son as the testament of that love, we want to also encourage you to look to the promise of his return. Jesus said he will return and it should be something to look forward to. Just as he has promised to send the comforter; the blessed Holy Spirit on his departure, and he came; so should we look forward to his return. Many people are making decisions one way or another; can we encourage you not to be like the character Alice, in Alice in Wonderland? In the story, Alice came to a fork in the road and asked, “Which road do I take?” It was asked of her, “Where do you want to go?” She replied, “I don’t know.” And the answer was, “Then, it doesn’t matter.” Where are we going? Lewis Carroll rightly says, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” As children of God, let us avoid that perception of taking any road and not knowing where one is going. Our journey should be a decisive one, daily. Some of the articles in this issue touch on the season of Easter, the blessings of being Single but Purpose Driven, and Prayer. As you read these articles, we want to entreat you to find your chartered path; if you are already on it, don’t lose focus. Our present state: single, married, young or old, shouldn’t dictate our trust in the savior, and the promise he made to us. His promise was not made to a state of our being, but, to our being. His promise is on the basis that “where he is, there we should be also.” We have many obstacles, but, we also have a conqueror, who is our champion. He took on the fight for our souls, and won. Rest assured on the promise that you have received the gift of atonement; it came to pass. You were promised the gift of the comforter and, he came to pass. Now, live as a victor; be victorious! “Jesus, the glorious, Emancipator, now and forever he shall be mine.” Let us celebrate his return! He will come again! Please, continue to support our sponsors, advertisers and contributing writers and have a blessed Easter.

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MANAGING EDITOR Karen E. Chin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrés Giovanni Ramos Deborah Musson-Blackwood Ewart Forde Hyacinth Rose (Pastor) Kassie Walls Krystyna Chin Ralph F. Wilson (Dr.) Rubel Shelly Teneisha Johnson Ventress Chandler-Latham Special contribution GIS LifeWay Magazine Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender & Housing Virginia Castillo GRAPHIC PRODUCTION ideas Graphic Studio SALES DEPARTMENT Email: clmsales@candw.ky Christian Lifestyle Magazine Unit 3, Building G, Countryside Shopping Village Savannah, Grand Cayman CAYMAN ISLANDS O: 1 (345) 946-1737 C: 1 (345) 926-2507 E: karen.chin@cstylemagazine.com www.cstylemagazine.com To contact the editor If you have questions, wish to comment, or participate, or be a contributor; please contact The Editor, c/o Christian Lifestyle Magazine, Box 1217 KY1-1108 Grand Cayman, CAYMAN ISLANDS BWI. Send

Karen E. Chin

email to editor@cstylemagazine.com. Website www.cstylemagazine.com www.christianlifestylemagazine.com

Contents issue

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6 Show Respect 8 Sandpaper People 10 The Basics on Carbs,

COVER STORY

the jericho connection | 22

Protein and Fat 11 Teen Vibez • True Love Waits • The Story of People Waving Palms to Jesus

14 16 18 20 26

32 35

40 41 42 43

Single but Purpose Driven Stereotypes and Discrimination How Can We Know God? Prayer Simply Put! The Power of “We”: A Perfect Testimony Deciphering Labels: Your Health is in Your Hands Social Scene BAJO LA LUZ DE LA LAMPARA How Far is Too Far

PUZZLE Overcomers Outreach Wordsearch Something To Think About 44 Puzzle Answer

A Prayer about Things We Cannot Change | 31

It’s just a thought | 34

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Show R B y pastor H yacinth R ose

arents, be patient with your children. They represent the future but at the same time they lack the wisdom and experience that we have acquired over many years. Still, they are precious and must be guided towards maturity and independence.

Children will make mistakes and if we are honest, we will admit that we do as well. Being careful that the mistakes the child is allowed to make will bring him no real harm is better than trying to make the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decisions totally for him or her with no chance of failure. Let us not be overbearing and always negative, getting hot under the collar when our kids make mistakes. They will mature into the kind of heritage of which we can be proud, if we recognize that they

Issue No. 2 - 2013

Respect are probably all not going to be exactly the same as us, but they could even show us better ways of achieving certain goals. We are reminded no doubt, from time to time, that children pour forth their best efforts even though they fall short of our expectations. We often hear an insistent voice reminding us “but I tried my best”, when we were not gracious enough to find some good feature of an assignment to praise. Of course we may bite our tongue and say nothing, but our faces or body language tell another story. The negative vibes still leave our little ones with the distinct impression that their best was not good enough. How damaging to their self-esteem. Here are a few tips on helping to preserve our heritage in a healthy way: • Be kind to your kids. Show them respect. Use the words “please” and “thank you” when giving directives. • Show genuine appreciation of their efforts. You do not have to be brutally frank about everything! • Mistakes and less than perfectly executed tasks have to be tactfully handled. Let them know how proud you were that they were able to handle the task that well and that as they grow, things will be better and better. Do not proceed to fix all the errors in front of them, thus negating your praise. I’m not referring to being dishonest but rather sparing their feelings. • Treat your children like little people. Introduce them to others in a dignified manner. Extend courtesies to other people’s children and friends of your children, too. Take time out to make them feel special while, at the same time, not allowing them to be rude or out of place. • Never compare your child with anyone else. Each child is different and special to God. • Always tell and show your child how much he or she is loved for himself or herself, not for what he or she can achieve. • Finally, find time to pray, listen to, and talk with your child daily. Take this opportunity to make your heritage something of which one day you can be proud. Issue No. 2 - 2013

Sandpaper People W

ith great reluctance, I wish to announce my resignation from my long-held position as “The Smartest Person on the Face of the Earth”. Coincidentally, the timing of my decision is based on the fact that I’m blessed to be well-acquainted with my most obvious successor. This person has many of the credentials that made me perfect for the job: haughtiness, a condescending attitude, a quick mouth, an easily offended heart, and a divisive nature. Which brings me to the second reason for the timing of my resignation: I don’t have all the answers anymore, especially when it comes to dealing with someone who is convinced she does. I asked the Lord to change this person. He ignored me. I asked the Lord to show this person the error of her ways. He ignored me. I asked the Lord to give me wisdom and love concerning this person. He guided me to Mary Southerland’s book, “Sandpaper People: Dealing with the Ones Who Rub You the Wrong Way”. Sandpaper rubs something slowly, methodically, and constantly until that something is raw. In the same way, the sandpaper person is the individual we can’t avoid (a relative, a co-worker, a neighbor) whose constant annoying presence rubs us raw, little by little, day after day, causing us to wonder if God was having a bad day when He created that person. The Making of Sandpaper Nobody wakes up one morning and decides to be the kind of person that others want to hit with a

Issue No. 2 - 2013

kitchen spatula. Quite the contrary! “Many times,” Mary observes, “the sandpaper merely covers a wound that has never healed, a wrong that has never been forgiven, or a hideous sin that has never been confronted and confessed. “Somewhere along the way, a sandpaper person has allowed someone or something to assign [them] an identity that’s false,” Mary adds. Parents, friends, family members, or enemies have shaped a distorted identity, producing a sandpaper person. Sandpaper people have either not heard or refuse to believe the good news that their identity was established before the world began — in the heart and mind of God.” I realized that my sandpaper person was broken inside. I decided to see her as a sad, lonely individual

who was living and believing a lie. I knew the truth and the truth would set me free, even if my sandpaper person chose to continue to be a prisoner of the lie. I made the choice to only use the truth of God’s Word to form my actions and my reactions to that person. “Sandpaper people simply cannot understand they are of value to anyone, much less to God,” Mary warns. “They desperately need someone who will look beyond their abrasive behavior and rough exterior to recognize their worth.” In other words, it looks like God has elected you and me to do the job. It’s the Sander Technically, it’s not the sandpaper that causes abrasion; it is the person holding the sandpaper. Sandpaper itself is just a tool in the hands of a

refiner. Therefore, my sandpaper person is a tool in the hands of The Refiner — God. He has allowed the situation, and He loves me beyond what I can comprehend. When I accepted this fact, it came down to decision number two: Am I going to allow the constant rub of my sandpaper person to cause me to scream, or let God use the situation to polish me into the shining image of Jesus? “Sandpaper people are like grindstones,” Mary writes, “Whether they grind us down or polish us up depends on what we are made of.”

tougher skin to endure her irritating rub, but what I really needed was a softer heart. Jesus Loves My Sandpaper Person The realization that Jesus loves the person I had been urging Him to strangle … uh … change … was the revelation that stopped me in my tracks. God was not irritated with her; I was! Furthermore, when God sees the very one who’s making my life unbearable, He sees someone worth dying for. Go figure! Astounded by this, I asked Him, “Lord, do you actually love irritating and annoying people?” He said, “Well, I love

It isn’t easy to see that frustrating friend you’re forced to work with, or that family monster, as a loving tool in the hands of an all-knowing and wise Heavenly Father. “Our offended heart cries out, though in sheer humanness, for justice to be applied in the life of that difficult person,” Mary empathizes. “It’s such a paradox in life that in order to be strong we must choose weakness; in order to be first, we must be content with last place; and in order to genuinely love sandpaper people, we must relocate our position in life to the lowest place possible.” Mary confesses, “Like you, without the right kind of strength and enough of that strength, I’m doomed to failure in getting along with people who rub me the wrong way.” When I sincerely (key word: sincerely) asked God to give me His wisdom, His strength, His love, and His guidance to endure the relationship with my sandpaper person, He did. I used to think I needed

you, don’t I?” Point taken. And it’s an important point because the only reason you and I have a relationship with God is because He chooses to overlook our imperfect behavior, and our personality flaws, and see us through the perfection of His Son, Jesus. And then God chooses to overlook our pride of not overlooking the weakness in others while continuing to expect that He will overlook our daily failures. Truthfully, it’s our pride that’s causing us to have the unspoken attitude with our sandpaper person that says, “How dare you treat me this way!” Yet, we forget that, if God had that attitude with us, we would certainly not be sitting in a nice church, singing nice songs about His mercy and grace. We’d be dead and gone. “I suspect that a good dose of humility would cure many of our ailing relationships with sandpaper people because humility always bows to the needs of others while crucifying our rights and demands,” Mary

says. “I know how hard it is to respond with grace when the actions of a sandpaper person push you over the edge, but that is exactly the place where grace should thrive and shine best.” I needed the humility to accept that my acceptance from God is not based on the fact that I’m well-behaved, but that I’m well-loved. My third decision was to remind myself on a daily basis that God’s compassion to me is a gift and not something I’ve earned or even deserve. Therefore, I have no right to withhold it from my sandpaper person. “Compassion isn’t just for the easy-to-love people, but for the not-so-easy as well,” Mary reminds us. “This is an impossible task outside of the supernatural power of God working in and through us … A heart filled with love refuses to entertain irritations, not even those caused by the abrasive behavior of sandpaper people.” Thank God for that Sandpaper Person “It’s hard to be thankful when an abrasive person is in our face and breaking our heart … Praise and thankfulness are powerful and can set us free from the burdens we often bear alone and in our own strength,” Mary reminds us. When I chose to embrace thankfulness for the situation, it was the straw that broke the sandpaper person’s hold on my heart. I thanked God for my sandpaper person because she was the catalyst for me to call out to Him. I thanked Him for allowing me to experience the miracle of real love toward someone who doesn’t love me at all. “It’s imperative that we understand [this],” Mary cautions. “We cannot base love for difficult people on feelings but on God’s love, which is released when we choose to love that sandpaper person as is. In reality … God has to do the changing if it’s to be a lasting change. Our responsibility is to love them with a love that never gives up — with God’s love.” Any person, thing, or circumstance that causes us to remember that, without God, we can do nothing, but with Him we can do all things, is something to be thankful for. “Sandpaper people, deep down, pray the silent prayer that someone will be strong enough to stop their vicious cycle of offensive behavior,” Mary believes. I don’t know what God’s plan is for this relationship, but I do know my role is to be obedient to Him and His ways. I’m happy to report my sandpaper person still takes great pleasure in giving me great grief, but I hardly notice. I guess you could say that the person God needed to change has been changed. Issue No. 2 - 2013

The basics on Carbs, Protein and Fat Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and vitamins to sustain a healthy body. But what are good carb, protein, and fat choices for developing your own healthy eating plan?

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates – food composed of some combination of starches, sugar and fiber - provide the body with fuel it needs for physical activity by breaking down into glucose, a type of sugar our cells use as a universal energy source. • Bad carbs are foods that have been “stripped” or processed in order to make cooking fast and easy, like white flour, refined sugar, and white rice. They digest so quickly that they cause dramatic elevations in blood sugar, which can lead to weight gain. • Good carbs can’t be digested as easily. This keeps your blood sugar and insulin levels from rising and falling too quickly, helping you get full quicker and feel fuller longer. Good sources of carbs include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, which also offer lots of additional health benefits, including heart disease and cancer prevention.

Fiber

Protein

Dietary fiber is found in plant foods (fruit, vegetables and whole grains) and is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps support a healthy diet by.

During digestion, protein in food is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the basic building blocks our bodies use to create its own protein. Our bodies need protein to maintain our cells, tissues and organs. A lack of protein in our diets can result in slow growth, reduced muscle mass, lower immunity, and weaken the heart and respiratory system. Protein gives us the energy to get up and go –and keep going.

Helping you feel fuller faster and longer; this can help prevent overeating. Keeping blood sugar levels even, by slowing digestion and absorption so that glucose (sugar) enters the bloodstream slowly and steadily. Maintaining a healthy colon - the simple organic acids produced when fiber is broken down in the digestive process helps to nourish the lining of the colon. The two types of fiber are soluble and insoluble: Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and can also help to lower blood fats and maintain blood sugar. Primary sources are beans, fruit and oat products. Insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water, so it passes directly through the digestive system. It’s found in whole grain products and vegetables. A healthy diet should contain approximately 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, but most of us only get about half of that amount.

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§ A complete protein source is one that provides all of the

essential amino acids. Examples are animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese. § An incomplete protein source is one that is low in one or more of the essential amino acids. § Complementary proteins are two or more incomplete protein sources that together provide adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids; for example, rice and dry beans. Similarly, each are incomplete proteins, but together, these two foods can provide adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids your body needs. § Do complementary proteins need to be eaten in the same meal? Research shows that your body can combine complementary proteins that are eaten within the same day. We will continue on this topic in upcoming editions of this magazine. Source: the Internet

ince the first True Love Waits national celebration took place in July 1994, when more than 210,000 covenant cards were displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., an estimated 2.5 to 3 million youth have signed commitment cards pledging sexual purity until their wedding day, and that number continues to grow worldwide. Does each person who signs a pledge keep it? No, but scores of students do keep the commitment to themselves-and to their future spouse. Each one that remains faithful is a cause for celebration. More than one hundred organizations have adopted the use of True Love Waits to promote sexual abstinence, in large part because they have seen how well the emphasis works and the potential it has to reverse negative trends in communities. In Uganda, for example, True Love Waits is credited by government leaders for a remarkable drop in the HIV/AIDS infection rate-from 30 percent of the population in the early 1990s to around 6 percent today. Despite the progress made over the past 12 years, much work remains to be done. The United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancy and births in the industrialized world, resulting in severe economic and social costs, not to mention the personal pain early sexual activity places upon teenagers and their families. Living according to biblical standards of moral and sexual purity is a tremendous challenge in today’s world. This is a challenge for each of us individually, but it carries an added responsibility and challenge for those adults who are parents of teenagers. We live in a society fascinated with sex. Have you noticed how many sexual messages come your way in a given day? One a day when you’re driving to work, be sensitive to the number of sexual messages aimed at you. Notice billboards you pass, the establishments along the way, the way people are dressed as they walk along the street, or the music or commercials on your radio, or… well, you add to the list. It will probably surprise you. That’s your world. Now think about the world your teenager lives in. Teens face a constant bombardment of sexual messages. Retailers and market strategists work overtime targeting our teenagers. No matter what these businesses are selling - clothes, video games,

beverages, music, and personal hygiene products - they believe they can sell it best if they do it in the context of sex. Along with sexual messages in the marketplace, our teenagers have few choices in entertainment that carry wholesome messages. Movies and television shows are saturated with people involved in unhealthy sexual relationships. Music and music videos often include sex as a key element in the message. Our teenagers are inundated with visual and audible sexual messages. No wonder parents of students are fearful for their teenagers. And many of them don’t know what to do. Consider implementing some of the following ideas:

3. 4.

1. GET PERSONAL. The best method for teaching and encouraging your teenager will be your life. As you live a pure lifestyle you will be an encouragement to him or her to do the same. You also can be a model for dealing with those instances where people fail, by applying biblically-based solutions to the situation. NAILDOWN WHAT YOU BELIEVE FIRST. Introduction to True Love Waits is a small booklet prepared to help teenagers (and adults) understand what sexual purity is, what True Love Waits is all about, and how they can get involved. After you read and feel comfortable with the material, give it to your teenager. EVALUATE. Determine the best way to communicate the importance of purity to your teen. Be specific and be your own best critic. PUT TLW TO WORK. If it’s not already a part of your church’s ministry, encourage youth leaders and/or your church staff to provide a True Love Waits emphasis. The emphasis allows you and other parents to rally teenagers around the issue of sexual purity. And it provides opportunities for you to have focused discussions with your teenager. CONSIDER ‘TALKING POINTS.’ Identify some basic discussion starters for in-the-car times and other chances to talk with your teenager. For example, ask your teen if he or she agrees or disagrees with the following statements:There is no problem with having sex with someone you plan to marry. (Cont’d on P.13) Issue No. 2 - 2013

The Story of People Waving Palms to Jesus (Children’s Version)

s Jesus came closer to Jerusalem, he asked two of his disciples to go ahead of Him. He said, “When you get to the town, you will see a donkey tied up. Untie it, and bring it to me. If anyone asks you about taking the donkey, just tell them, ‘The Lord needs it and He will bring it back as soon as He’s done with it’.” So the disciples did as Jesus asked. They soon found the donkey tied at a doorway. As they were untying it, some people were standing nearby visiting and they didn’t recognize the men and asked, “What are you doing? Why are you untying the donkey?” They replied just as Jesus had told them too, explaining that the Lord needed it; and the people let them go. When they brought the donkey to Jesus, some of the disciples took off their coats and laid them on the donkey’s back. They did this out of respect for Jesus. Then Jesus rode on the donkey towards Jerusalem. As He was traveling, some people saw Jesus coming and came running towards Him. They had heard He might be coming and they wanted to see him, because he had just helped a dead man come back to life. One by one they laid their coats on the ground for the donkey to step on. Even the people that weren’t wearing coats ran to the fields and trees nearby and cut palm branches and laid them down. These people knew that Jesus was special. It was like when a King or Queen comes to town, and people roll out a red

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carpet for them to step on. This is what they did for Jesus when they laid their coats and branches down. As they got even closer to the town more and more people noticed Jesus. A crowd surrounded Him and started to shout praises to Him for all the miracles He had done. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, Hosanna!” The word Hosanna means save us. They said this because Jesus was helping them and doing amazing things. They wanted to praise Him, and they wanted Him to keep helping them. There were some men around who were called Pharisees (they thought that they were important, and a lot of the

people listened to them). They heard the crowd praising God, and they said to Jesus, “Teacher, why don’t you tell these people to stop praising you as if you were God?” The Pharisees thought that Jesus was getting too much attention from the people. They wanted to be the most important, but everyone was listening to Jesus instead. Jesus replied, “If they were quiet now, even the rocks would cry out!” Even the rocks knew that He was God, after all, Jesus did make them. Now Jesus could see Jerusalem and it made Him very sad. He came to help the people, but no one realized that He was God, and they didn’t accept Him.

True Love waits (Cont’d on P.11)

• The movies, magazines, websites, and books you consume can directly affect your sexual purity. • Everyone is having sex. • Sexual purity is God’s plan for your life. • Sexual purity applies to both single and married people. 6. CONSIDER RESEARCH PROJECTS. You and your teen can research as a family. For example: • What does the Bible say about purity? • What are the consequences (parents andstudents) if we fail to live sexually pure lives? • What guidelines can we create that will support sexual abstinence until marriage? 7.

FIND OUT MORE. Hit the internet, library, or bookstore to become aware of the resources centered on the True Love Waits message. Look for appropriate books, Internet sites (like www.truelovewaits.com or www.lifeway.com), and other material.

One effective resource you can use with your teenager is the 30 Days: Turning the Hearts of parents and teenagers toward

each other by Richard Ross and Gus Reyes. In 30 days, you can begin to restore damaged relationships and deepen existing relationships between you and your teenager. This resource is an interactive guide for use by one parent as he or she spends 10 minutes a day with one student in the personal setting of the home. Each day’s material uses guided, thought-provoking questions and answers to strengthen bonds and develop healthy communication. 8. GET OTHERS INVOLVED. Consider hosting a group study with other parents. One effective resource is The Five Languages of Teenagers by Dr. Gary Chapman. Every student wants to be loved and most parents sincerely love their children. The problem is not their sincerity, but the way the express their love to their children. Chapman has identified five love languages that, when used appropriately, clearly communicate love to teenagers. The group study process will allow you to become aware of, and fluent in, your child’s primary love language. You have a significant influence on your teenager. Take advantage of your role and be proactive in addressing one of the greatest issues in our world today. God will bless your efforts. Source: LifeWay Magazine

Issue No. 2 - 2013

SINGLE DRIVE

BUT PUR

B y V ent r ess C h andle r - L at h am

hy do intelligent people continue to believe some of the myths that are being circulated about persons who

are single? Some of these myths include: singles are more sexually frustrated; they are always on the ‘hunt’ for partners who will make suitable husbands/ wives; they are more unfulfilled in life; they have more time as well as more money; and they are lonelier than married couples. On what premise does anyone make these assumptions? Are all single people sexually active? Recently, many, who are single, have come to recognize that celibacy could save their lives so, they are practising self-control and abstinence whether they are Christians or not. Although some persons, who are single, do experience extreme loneliness, it is not accurate to assume that all single people are lonely. In fact, some years ago, surveys done in the United States have shown that, young wives, college students (married/single), the elderly, and prisoners are among some of the loneliest people in the society. Each situation is different and must be judged based on its own circumstances or merit. Based on observation of some people’s lifestyle, it might seem reasonable to think that a single adult has more time and money than someone who is married. However, depending on one’s situation, it could be the reverse. For example, a recently divorced woman who has sole custody of two/three young children, with no support from her ex-husband, might be more strapped for both time and money. When we put myths aside, however, there are, indeed, many single adults who face different levels of frustration as a result of their ‘status’ of singleness. For some, underneath the smiles and cheerful dispositions, or the obvious confidence being displayed, there are real emotional challenges, periods of discontentment and feelings of insecurity being experienced. Society has put so much pressure on those who are single that many of them have become reclusive, introverted people who are 14 Issue No. 2 - 2013

never satisfied with who they are. Similarly, as a result of the direct/indirect pressure from parents and/or significant others in their lives, many singles make the pursuit of a possible spouse a major, continuous project to the detriment of their other life goals. Sometimes it causes them to become depressed, especially when the campaign is not going in their favour. The effect of the failure to find that suitable person to fill the empty place in one’s life becomes even more devastating, particularly at the celebration of holidays and special occasions. During the Christmas season, or on Valentine’s Day, for example, those who are single often experience emotional turmoil and may become very lonely. Billboards and every other type of advertising media always seem to be coupleoriented. There are couples (married or not), sharing love and affection, everywhere you look. What a strain on the emotions! Temptation for the single adult may become more intense at these times of the year. Some make a valiant effort to apply their coping skills, but often succumb to finding a release for their emotional tensions in the arms of any available man or woman. On the other hand, many are also successful in fighting off the overwhelming pressures, on these occasions, but, they breathe a sigh of relief when the holidays are over and some sense of normalcy returns. How can a single adult try to fit into a society that makes him feel as if he does not belong, simply because of his singleness? Christians, who are also single, sometimes find it more difficult to maintain their focus on living a purpose-driven life because, even within the Church, they are made to feel like life is not worth living unless they are married. Some churches do have special sessions for those who are single within their membership. However, greater effort is generally made to cater to the needs of those who are married. For example, retreats and seminars for married couples are often planned yearly, while any special activity, for those who are single, seems more of an ‘on the spur of the moment’ thing. Sometimes, without even realizing it, those in leadership positions, in the church,

make singleness seem like a crime for which one should be punished. Someone who is single has to sit under ‘sermons’ hearing preachers, repeatedly, shout sentences such as, ‘This is one Pastor that believes in marriage! You’re in church too long now for your not being able to find a wife! Young men, you need to get married! Young women, you need to get married!’ How is this person supposed to feel? These statements are due sometimes to the increase of homosexual activities in the society. Yes, these matters need to be discussed and preached. But, can that subject be addressed more specifically without seeming to put undue pressure on single members who might see this as an attack on their singleness? Occasionally, many single Christians rush into marriage because they do not want to feel like a ‘square peg in a round hole’ in the Church. Currently, there is such a stigma attached to singleness that when one chooses to remain chaste and unmarried for any length of time that is deemed ‘too long’ for onlookers, suspicion arises and rumours start. I got married after my 40th birthday, so I know what I am talking about. We must also bear in mind that individuals are single because of various reasons: partner abandonment, death of a spouse, legal separation/divorce, divine vocation, emotional or paralysing traumatic experiences, fear of letting go of parental relationships or, choice. Someone who has never been married, or who remains single for whatever reason, must be encouraged to focus on living a worthwhile life nonetheless. Persons who put undue pressure on those who are single need to become more sensitive to the challenges that single people face each day of their lives. It would be helpful if they become mentors who offer guidance and wise counsel rather than be numbered among those who show no compassion or understanding towards them. We should not want to be a part of the problem, especially to those who are Christians. Although they are unmarried, have been divorced or have lost a spouse, through death, they may be finding it more

RPOSE EN challenging to live holy, exemplary lives based on biblical standards. A Word to Those Who Are Single If you have a negative view of your singleness, change it to a more positive outlook. Accept your singleness; develop a sense of purpose for your life, then work towards achieving your goals. You might think that getting married and having a life partner will allow you to become more successful at what you want to accomplish in life; this could happen. However, more often than not, it slows you down. Should you get married early and a child arrives soon after the wedding, this can delay, (sometimes indefinitely), the original plans for other achievements. Life also has a way of surprising us with the unexpected in the form of loss of job, debilitating illnesses, or, other life challenges that may be experienced soon after persons ‘jump the broom’. Note also that your state of happiness is not guaranteed to improve with marriage; so, while you are single, you need to do everything to enjoy life to its fullest extent. If you are a Christian, use your time, gifts and talents in serving the Lord, wholeheartedly, while you prayerfully wait for a life partner. Do not constantly bombard your mind with seeking an answer for the question, “Why am I not yet married? Or, “When will ‘Mr/ Mrs Right’ come along?” You should purposefully live a fulfilled life in your present state of singleness and trust God with your future. You can encourage yourself with the following scripture passages: ‘The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me. Thy mercy, O Lord endureth for ever. Forsake not the works of thine own hands.’ [Psalm 138:8] ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass.’ [Psalm 37: 4&5] ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.’ [Matthew 6:33] ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain.’ [1Timothy 6:6] First Corinthians 7: 32-35 also gives solid advice concerning the freedom a single Christian has for serving the Lord without distraction: But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. As you find peace and comfort from the Word of God, use your time to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially and educationally. Build your selfconfidence and work at developing a strong self-esteem. Do career oriented courses in preparation to become a self-sufficient and useful citizen. Always remember that, not getting married is not the worst thing that can happen to you; being in a destructive relationship is worse. It is better to be single, serving the Lord, without distraction, than to be in an unhappy, abusive or dead marriage. (Cont’d on P.38)

Issue No. 2 - 2013

Stereotypes and Discrimination Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender & Housing

he 2010 Census of Population and Housing revealed many gender gaps in the Cayman Islands. These differences in the opportunities, status and achievement of men and women were found in education, income, time usage, the work force and health. Males were less likely than females to be attending school or to hold educational qualifications; females suffered from chronic non-communicable diseases at higher rates; and males earned more money at every education level and across many occupations and industries. Females were less likely to be unemployed but more likely to be outside of the labour force, and males and females who were not working relied on different means of financial support. Occupational and industrial segregation also

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showed that females and males are often taking different career paths, with males dominating in construction and agriculture while females made up the vast majority of persons employed by private households or in education, human health and social work activities. When discussing gender gaps and how to promote greater equality, it is important to bear in mind that sex and gender do not mean the same thing. Sex refers to physical realities while gender refers to economic, social and cultural attributes, roles and opportunities which determine what is expected, allowed and valued in a woman/ man and girl/boy. Characteristics, emotions and behaviours that people generally associate with being male or female - commonly referred to as “masculinity” and “femininity” -

are learned through socialisation. Understanding these terms allows us to separate differences that arise because of biology from those that result from social processes. Taking a gender perspective also allows us to understand what types of interventions will promote greater equality in specific areas and how we can change our attitudes and actions. Our society is unequal not because of the innate abilities of males and females, but because we expect men and women to also have different desires, to behave differently and to be capable of different achievements. Often, we also do not value the contributions of males and females in the same way. When we have expectations or feelings about people based on their sex or gender, we may discriminate and reinforce inequality without

even realising it. In the Cayman Islands, and around the world, whether you happen to be born a boy or a girl has a big impact on your opportunities in life and what you are able to achieve. Discrimination on the basis of sex or gender (or both characteristics at the same time) can be direct, indirect or structural. It is direct when men and women receive different pay for the same work, or when boys aren’t given the same opportunities as girls in the classroom. It is indirect when an act, practice or policy that is applied to everyone puts a particular group at an unfair disadvantage. Indirect discrimination on the basis of sex could occur, for example, if a company requires job applicants to be over six feet tall even though it is not relevant to the duties because the persons who fit the criteria will mostly be men. Another example would be prohibiting employees from taking lunch after 2:00pm without a valid business reason, as women are more likely to have caring responsibilities and use their break to pick children up from school. Structural discrimination is even more complicated and can result from a number of different factors related to sex and gender. For example, women tend to work fewer hours and take more career breaks because of the unequal burden of unpaid housework, childcare and elder care. And jobs traditionally associated with men tend to pay better than traditionally female jobs for the same level of skill required and irrespective of the level of qualification. All of these factors mean women consistently earn less income than men, adding up to 17% less on average in the Cayman Islands in 2010. Traditional gender socialisation and stereotypes are also significant factors in educational experience, expectations and outcomes. As more girls are excelling academically, fundamental biological differences have preserved physicality as a way for boys to assert masculine difference. Ideas about what it means to be a boy or a man have caused males to retreat from the classroom. They no longer see schools as places for them to achieve, turning to physical dominance to prove their identity and often becoming involved in violence and crime. Males are just as capable as females, so we have to continue to examine at a macro level what is causing males to under-participate in education systems and not live up to their potential. These underlying issues need to be addressed to ensure that boys and girls have equal opportunities to succeed. It is important to understand and address the specific root causes of discrimination to create a better and more equal future. When males and females have the same opportunities to achieve important goals and contribute their best efforts, there are positive effects for women, men, children, families, the economy, and society as a whole. These include decreased reliance on social services, more opportunities for children and lessening negative effects of poor living conditions and poverty, including inadequate nutrition, poor academic achievement, abuse and neglect, behavioural and emotional problems, violence, crime, chronic health conditions, risky behaviour, teen pregnancy and other social ills. There are also many other benefits to eliminating discrimination, including greater productivity and economic growth. But most importantly, gender equality ensures that development is human-centred and that we are all advancing together. As individuals we can all strive to recognise stereotypes or prejudices we may have about the qualities or capabilities of males and females and what roles, career paths and other personal choices are “suitable” for each sex. When we are more conscious of these assumptions, we can choose how we respond - within our families and home lives; in the workplace as employers and employees; as parents, teachers and mentors to children; and in other relationships and positions that we have and hold. Choose to promote gender equality. Don’t stereotype. More information on gender gaps in the Cayman Islands and other issues is available at www.genderequality.gov.ky.

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Issue No. 2 - 2013

How Can We Know God? Is There Really Someone Watching Over You?

Find out who is watching over you and how He can help you with your problems. Find God Online! Believe it or not you can actually find God online. Take a minute and surf this area.

. God Loves You...

od loves everyone and he desires us to have eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” And, John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)

. You Are A Sinner In Need Of Forgiveness...

ou have sinned by choosing to go your own way instead of God’s way. Through His Holy Spirit, God wants you to know that you are separated from God and will face His judgement. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And, Heb 9:27 says, “… man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” (NIV)

. God Wants To Forgive You...

od demonstrated His love for you by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus took your judgement and made it possible for you to be forgiven. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ

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died for us.” And, 1 Pet 3:18 says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,” (NIV)

. You Must Turn Away From Your Sins...

ou cannot save yourself or earn God’s forgiveness as a result of being good enough. Just as you change directions when you realize you’re walking the wrong way, you must repent, or turn away, from your sins. Luke 13:5 says, “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” And, Ephesians 2:8-9 say, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (NIV)

. You Must Place Your Faith In God’s Son, Jesus Christ...

hen you realize you are walking in the wrong direction, you turn to find the right way. Jesus is the right way. As you turn away from your sins, place your faith in Jesus to receive forgiveness and eternal life. Acts 20:21 says, “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” And, John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”” (NIV)

. You Receive Jesus Christ Through Prayer...

ecause Jesus is alive, He stands ready to come into your life. Revelations 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (NIV) Through prayer you can: Admit to God that you are a sinner and that you are turning away from you sins; Believe in Jesus by thanking Him for dying on the cross and rising from the dead for your sins; Commit your life to Jesus by asking Him to come into your life as your Savior and Lord. If you have repented of your sins, accepted Christ’s gift of salvation through his punishment for your sins, and have decided to become a follower of Jesus, then by God’s grace you have been saved from eternal punishment. The angels are rejoicing. You will one day live with your Creator in paradise! Now, begin following God’s commands and grow as a follower of Jesus Christ. Material taken from “Youth in Discovery”, Youth Life and Work Series - published by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Scripture passages taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

Issue No. 2 - 2013

PRAYER Simply Put! B y D ebo r a h M usson - B lackwood

believe that one of the most powerful things that we, as our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, can do is to share our life experiences, especially when it means bringing someone closer into a relationship with God, our Heavenly Father. As a Christian I believe that prayer is one of the most important disciplines that we, as children of God, should practice as a fibre of our very being. Putting him first. Trusting in Him. Conversing with Him. This is what I have been called to share with fellow readers - prayer and establishing that personal relationship with God and Jesus His Son, our Lord and Saviour. I come to you through this glorious medium as a simple child of God to share my experience. I am not writing from an authoritative theologian position (although I wish I could be so much more knowledgeable and versed in the Word). Oftentimes it is simple life lessons that serve as powerful, life changing testimony to each other. This is my first time contributing to Christian Lifestyle from the perspective of a growing Christian, whose journey, (I believe), is continuous. My faith was shaped from an early age through two wonderful loving, God-filled, Christian, Christ-centred parents and life’s experiences where I simply called out His name in praise and thanksgiving. No earth shattering, lightning bolt experiences as some may and have had and that is fine because I believe that God calls us all to Him in different ways. My relationship with God has been further shaped from experiencing trials in life and simply leaning on Him, whilst listening to that still, small voice. I like to share with brothers and sisters, how simple communication with God can be. As a younger woman I used to

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use the quietness of the bathroom to talk to God. Most times my words were jumbled. Looking back however, what was important to me was being able to retreat and to find that place of solace; carved out for time spent with God. In this place of quiet I would often ask God’s forgiveness for meeting Him in a place that I felt was honestly not good enough to meet and to converse with God, but in truth He just wants our presence anytime, any place and for us to be with Him. Andrew Murray speaks of the wonderful

privilege we have when we wake up each day with each hour, having the “...liberty of asking God to meet Him in the inner chamber and to hear what He has to say...” How ironic that is, as I share my “chamber” place above! One of my favourite devotionals is by author Cynthia Heald who encourages us to abide in Him. She herself shares how she is reminded of this by the image of a small seashell that was perfectly formed, strong and solid within which was encased a smaller, fragile shell. As simple as it seems, I’ve never let go of this image because it reminds me to, as Cynthia Heald observes, abide in Him, to stay close to God. He wants us to be connected but this connection is not automatic. It develops and builds over time as with ordinary relationships between human beings. In one of her morning messages, Joyce Meyer spoke of being “plugged in by faith”. His grace is already there and it is sufficient for me/for us. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us of exactly this fact: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. Jesus is there for our support that we don’t buckle and sink to exhaustion under our trials. With that promise we have nothing to fear. Tribulations will come but faith and our belief in God and Jesus Christ assures us of the promise that He will be with us constantly, always; and further, that this support is enough (sufficient). It is a sufficient answer to our prayers if we have the solemn promise of God that we shall be upheld and never sink under the burden of our heavy woes. Were it not for the trials and challenges that face us, we would not be in any position to understand how strong we can be at these times and how, when we look back, that God was in the midst of the storms with

us the entire time. One misnomer is that once we have a relationship with God, life will be easy. This certainly is not the case. What is happening when it seems as if God is not answering our prayers? He has a great plan for you and it is by faith that we believe this. “Faith like a grain of mustard seed”. Depth of strong faith is sometimes likened to faith like that of a child. To me that means the innocence of a child….. trusting in a parent(s) and knowing that you will be completely protected by them. When it seems as if God is not ‘working” He is doing His works in the background. Too often we approach God as if He were a genie in that magic bottle, to be rubbed when we want a “wish granted”. Taking that a step further, too often we tend to recognize God only when “answering our prayers” when the outcome is what we would prefer, what we want and what we expect. I ask your indulgence as I share my experiences that point to the fact that when it seems that God is not responding, He truly is working things out in HIS time, to His honour and glory and for our best interest. Again, faith enables us to believe this. Many, many years ago I was going through some very personal challenges and I talked to God, asking Him to take full hold of the situation, but as I asked, so too did I hold onto the issues. (No wonder the magnet that says: “I am God, and I won’t be needing your help today” is so apt.). So here I am praying and pleading with God to “fix it for me” and “here is how I want you to do it God”.... without even realizing God DID take over and He showed me the way in which I should go, directing my decisions and my steps. And they were good, but not “good” in the sense of what I was expecting, nor was it what I wanted. BUT in looking back, I was able to know that it was for the best. You see, the truth was that I wanted a certain outcome, and whilst praying, I was also telling God how I wanted that outcome to be. It wasn’t until I “let go, and let God” that He was able to do His work in my life. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do, I find, because as humans the natural tendency is to want to keep control. I was able to “let go and let God” at that time many years ago because I got busy with work and had no choice but to immerse myself in the day-to-day of life, thus enabling me to leave my petitions with God. Today I try to make it a habit to wilfully leave my problems with God. Lean on Him. Depend wholly on Him. In leaning on Him and abiding in Him, God wants us to trust in Him, have faith and relinquish all control. It takes practise and a conscious decision to take that step in leaving your cares with the One who promises to always be with us. I encourage you to establish that relationship with our Heavenly Father. Put Him first, before your marriage, friends, family and yourself. Have faith and know that He is listening. Find that “space” wherever you are and talk to God. Remember that a simple chorus or song on the lips is also prayer and another way to communicate with Him. Ask God into your life. He is not expecting any fancy words. Don’t ever feel that you are not worthy of His love, grace and care. Develop that lifeline to God. Call out His name. No one needs to even know that you are communicating with God. Communicate (pray) and practice listening for answers from that still small voice. He WILL speak to you. God is not expecting “fancy”. He wants to know and to hear from you just as you are, right where you are. Be prepared when God speaks. Obey and do His will and know that what He has in store for you is perfectly timed and is good. Issue No. 2 - 2013

cover story 22 Issue No. 2 - 2013

Jericho Connection The

by D R . R A L P H F. W I L S O N

f you were to ask each man and woman who joined in the death watch that “Good” Friday, each could tell you of some personal connection to Jesus. There’s John the beloved disciple, with Mary, Jesus’ mother. Here are Lazarus and Mary and Martha, Jesus’ friends from Bethany. The woman taken in adultery is here, too, in shock, and dozens of others. Each has a connection to the man crucified on the center cross. Some remember a healing, others his life-giving words by the shore of Galilee. Others recall a second chance the Master extended to them. Each has a connection.

They stand in clumps, here and there on that stark hill, drawn together by the sheer terror of what is happening. Two words describe what they feel: appalled and shattered.

But off by himself, as close as he could get to the base of the cross, is a tall, gangly sixteen-year-old with thick black hair and an angular jaw that makes him appear decisive, though at heart he is a dreamer and thinker. But now his eyes are hard and narrow, staring at the blood that is dripping from the rough-hewn crossbar above. It has made a glistening pool in the rocky surface below, and each time another drop falls and breaks the surface of the puddle, Jonathan winces.

Jericho Jonathan’s connection to Jesus goes back a full three years to Jericho and the Jordan when he was thirteen. Jonathan was a shepherd who had grown up out-of-doors, familiar with each hill and vale on the Jericho plain, for he had grazed his father’s sheep there since he had been a lad. Of all the shepherd boys, Jonathan had always been curious about God. He was always pestering the town rabbi with questions. That same hunger to learn explained Jonathan’s presence one sultry day when John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing at the nearby River Jordan. Whenever he

Issue No. 2 - 2013

could slip away and leave the sheep with his brothers, Jonathan would run down to the Jordan in long, loping strides, until he reached the crowds at the riverside.

John the Baptist With a voice that seemed to carry for miles, the Prophet was saying, “You blind and thoughtless people! You live as if there is no tomorrow. Don’t you know that the axe is already at the root of the trees? Don’t you know that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire? Don’t you know?” The Prophet had a kind of desperateness about him as he would call out to the multitudes that stood hushed along the banks. “Don’t you know that the Kingdom of God is at hand, that Messiah is nearly come? Don’t live in your sins any longer! Cleanse your hearts and your ways, and be baptized! Wash away your sins and receive forgiveness from your God!”

passed on, out of sight, and it was over. Soon the crowd was all a-buzz. “Who was that?” they asked one another. “Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth,” said one who knew him, and soon the word spread throughout the crowd. “It is Jesus; Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth.” The next day it was the same. Preaching, baptizing for hours throughout the morning and then the Prophet stopped again, and again his gaze fell upon the man. “Lamb of God,” Jonathan could hear the Prophet say with hushed reverence. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

Why a Lamb? That’s it? That is Jonathan’s connection to this man on the cross? Didn’t he even hear Jesus teach or see him perform a miracle? Actually, no. When Jesus came to Jericho a year or two later and converted that notorious tax collector Zacchaeus, Jonathan had been away in search of ungrazed fields for his flock. So what kind of tenuous connection is this? Not tenuous at all. Persistent, obsessive, perhaps — anything but tenuous — because the vivid image of Jesus’ face and those very strange words, “Lamb of God,” had burned indelibly into Jonathan’s heart. What does “Lamb of God” mean? He wondered. Next chance he got, he asked the rabbi. “What is the Lamb of God, Rabbi?” The old man gestured for him to sit down in the shade outside the Jericho synagogue that hot afternoon. Then the old rabbi eased his tired body onto a stool next to the doorway.

The Passover Lamb

Jonathan had been one of those who had waded into the water in response to the Prophet’s call. “Yes, Lord, cleanse my heart,” he had prayed. “Make me ready for your Kingdom.” And as Jonathan came up out of the water he had felt God’s forgiveness and newness. At thirteen he had become a son of the Law. Now he was a son of the Kingdom, too.

Behold, the Lamb of God As he had stood, water dripping from his long hair, something strange and wonderful had occurred. Suddenly the Prophet was silent, and just stood staring; staring at something on the riverbank. As the Prophet continued to stare, soon every eye of every person followed his gaze. John the Baptist was looking at a man walking at the river’s edge. “Behold!” John the Baptist had said in awe. “Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” And at that, the Prophet bowed his head slightly out of reverence, and as he did, so did the rest of the people. The man had nodded almost imperceptibly to the Prophet in response, and then continued to walk along the bank. The crowds parted as he came to them and they let him through. Then he had 24 Issue No. 2 - 2013

“You know, Jonathan,” the white-bearded rabbi began, “that lambs are regularly sacrificed for the sins of the people. “Then, too, your father takes his best lambs up to Jerusalem every spring for Passover. Centuries ago, boy,” he said, “when God brought us out of the land of Egypt, Pharaoh didn’t want to let our people go. You remember the ten plagues God brought on the Egyptians under Moses? The final plague was to be the death of the firstborn. “So that first Passover which took place the night before the Great Exodus, a lamb was sacrificed for each family. Each father dipped a branch of hyssop into the blood of his family’s sacrifice, and daubed it on the doorpost and lintel of his house.” As the rabbi continued to speak, Jonathan’s mind could visualize the slaughtered lamb. And he could see the fresh blood of the lamb that had been painted onto the doorpost. He could see it drip down the post and dribble onto the ground. “And at evening on that Day,” the rabbi continued, “each father made very sure that each child — each son, each daughter — had been brought inside the house and accounted for. Because outside that night, the Lord struck the land of Egypt, slaying the firstborn son of every family in the entire kingdom. Every firstborn died, except for those sons of Israel whose fathers had sacrificed a lamb and painted its blood on their doorposts as a mark of faith. “’When I see the blood,’ God had promised, ‘I will pass over you.’ And He did pass over us,” the rabbi concluded. “Not one firstborn Israelite met death that night when death was all around us. And by morning all Israel walked free, journeying out of the land of bondage into a new day of liberty.”

So the “Lamb of God” is a Passover lamb, thought Jonathan, as he thanked the rabbi and returned to his father’s flocks. A Passover lamb.

Lambs for the Temple Jonathan’s father had a contract to deliver eight dozen Passover lambs to the Temple in Jerusalem a few days before Passover. Jonathan, now sixteen, and his older brother Benjamin were given the responsibility of bringing these 96 lambs to Jerusalem. As Jonathan’s flock climbed the Jericho Road up to Jerusalem, he pondered these sheep and their wonderful and awful role in redemption. Two weeks from now, each would have been slaughtered, and its blood poured out. Had this been ancient Egypt, each lamb would have been sacrificed for a family so that the Lord might pass over them — the lamb’s life given in exchange for the lives of the family. Jonathan looked at the white, woolly backs of these yearling lambs as they bobbed up and down on the road to Jerusalem. What a burden for an innocent sheep, to die for a family. His father’s lambs would suffice for ninety-six families, but what about the rest? Jonathan’s dark eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but his mind was a thousand miles away. Only ninety-six families. Surely there are enough lambs for the others.

Jerusalem But there was no time for the lazy musings of the upward path now. They had reached the summit of the hill, and beyond them was the glorious panorama of the Holy City, the gold of the Temple gleaming in the noonday sun. What a thrill! Now down to the Kidron brook that runs along the east side of the Temple. Then the flock struggled up the steep grade to the Sheep Gate where they were inspected by a priest. And as each was found to be without blemish, each was certified as an approved sacrifice. And each of those unblemished sheep would bring Jonathan’s father a handsome price. For the next few days Jonathan and his brother guarded the certified yearling lambs until the day of Passover. Then their task would be over and they would return to Jericho. Jesus, too, was in Jerusalem, Jonathan had heard. Jonathan hoped to get to see him before going home. But the sheep kept him busy and soon his few days in the Holy City were nearly over. Then in rapid succession, Jonathan heard bits of the shocking news that flashed throughout the city. Jesus had been arrested! Now he was being tried. Now condemned to death. How could this be? How could it? Jonathan’s duties were over now and he was free to roam the

pilgrim-packed city. But there was little joy in the city this year. Tension, yes, and hatred. There was fear and anger, too, as the Romans carried out their grizzly task of crucifying the popular hero Jesus.

At the Cross Many others had heard the news by now, and Jonathan joined the crowd that surged along the road that led to the killing ground outside the city to see if it were really true. There Jonathan finally saw him on the center cross, dying. Jesus! He looked like Jonathan remembered him, yet drained; crushed as it were, by the weight of the world. A crown of thorns had been pressed into his scalp, and his hands and feet had been spiked to the huge cross that stood naked against the foreboding darkness. Jonathan pushed closer. Part of him wanted to run and hide. But part of him had to see, had to see for himself. Jonathan edged his way through the press of mourners until he came to the perimeter set up by the soldiers. Jonathan stood transfixed, tears running down his cheeks. And then he heard Jesus declare in a weak voice, yet clearly, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” “What are they doing?” Jonathan wanted to shout. “What are they doing to this holy and righteous man?” Jonathan’s eyes followed another droplet of blood as it lingered for a moment on the wooden crossbeam, and then fell onto the rocks below the cross. Perhaps of all the onlookers that day, Jonathan alone remembered and began to understand. “Behold,” Jonathan said out loud, but quietly so that no one could hear unless listening intently. “Behold,” said Jonathan, weeping silently, now dropping to his knees. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Issue No. 2 - 2013

The Power of “We”: A Perfect Testimony B y: T eneisha J ohnson

here has never been and will never be another testimony like that of Jesus Christ! During the third month (March) we shall celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, also known as Easter Sunday. Isn’t it interesting that it falls on the third month of our calendar year and he also died and rose again on the third day? This all appeared to need further investigation into the symbolic nature of three. Guess what I found out? Three is the number of the Godhead and the number of Divine completeness. There is also Palm Sunday, the final Sunday before Easter Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. At this time we are reminded of the palm branches placed in his path at Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem before His arrest and Crucifixion on Good Friday. Also, if we recall the way Jesus travelled. He didn’t ride on a horse, which was expensive and used by the Romans. He also wasn’t carried around on a settee made from the best upholstery by the apostles. Imagine him on an Italian Renaissance chair, cushioned with leather, velvet, or embroidery? I love it! And he certainly didn’t travel in a chariot or a cart. Today that could be our local buses. Instead, he walked everywhere he went. Palm Sunday is the only time in His life that we know of where He took a form of transport. So we could assume that Palm Sunday was a significant occasion and called for more grandeur! Throughout the world, persons of different cultures bow until their foreheads almost touch the ground; they kneel, or fully prostrate themselves for long periods before their god, while others cross a graveled courtyard crawling on their hands and knees to do obeisance

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to their god. Baskets of fruit have been presented to idols, and sacrifices have been burned on a flaming altar. Worshippers march in great ceremony, parading their idols through the streets of the city, singing, dancing and playing instruments in honor of their god. However, Easter is definitely a time to celebrate The Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s not forget what this day of celebration represents. It is the fulfillment of our faith as Christians. St. Paul wrote that, unless Christ rose from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Through his death, Christ saved mankind from bondage to sin, and He destroyed the hold that death has on all of us; but it is His Resurrection that gives us the promise of new life, both in this world and the next. Amen. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a wonderful place here in Grand Cayman where there is rich agricultural history. It is also home to ten of the twentysix orchid species recorded from the Cayman Islands, and three of these are found nowhere else on earth. One of these unique three, the most commonly seen by Park visitors, is Cayman’s National Flower, the Wild Banana Orchid. You will also definitely find our famous Silver Thatch Palm. Chosen as the National Tree of the Cayman Islands, the Silver Thatch Palm has played an important role in the lives of Caymanians since the first settlers arrived on the islands in the early 1700s. A valuable part of Cayman’s natural heritage, as well as part of the landscape, it is endemic to the Cayman Islands - it is found nowhere else. The Silver Thatch Palm is both beautiful and useful. Its slender trunk often grows more than 30 feet tall, and its crown produces a profusion of

small white flowers that develop into berries that ripen from green to red to black. The annual Orchid Show is a joint event hosted by both the Botanic Park and the Cayman Islands Orchid Society in March. During this month we shall also be celebrating our 2013 YCLA Finalists. Michael Blackburn, Marzeta Bodden, Victor Crumbley, Melanie Scott and Shomari Scott. They are five outstanding and inspiring individuals who will be honored on March 23rd 2013. Now in its 14th year, the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards Programme was created to identify and establish role models for the youth of Cayman. The Programme provides a platform designed to inspire, motivate and empower young people to achieve their best. Speaking of young and wonderful people - let’s also not forget that during this month the Cayman Islands will once again celebrate its Commonwealth Day. In observance of Commonwealth Day, the Cayman Islands Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will have its Youth Parliament in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly building. All these wonderful young people are definitely what I would call stars. As individuals I believe their emotional intelligence is key to their excellence. Here are a few facts I learnt during my studies: Of course intellect and expertise matter-as you would have noticed from all the above mentioned persons, but what sets the stars apart has much to do with their emotional competence. A few examples are: Empathy, or interpersonal understanding, cooperation and a unified effort, self-awareness-in the form of evaluating their strength and weakness, and also building bonds with other people. As individuals in society, we should all consider ourselves a part of the whole. A member of the Star Team! So what is your testimony today? What are your strengths? And what are you seeking the Lord’s face for? There is power in us. We the people can have victory! Victory in our personal lives, at work and in our community! I want to encourage you to examine the life of Jesus Christ. He was the only perfect person with a perfect testimony. There was no need to hate him-He was love. Yet he was still despised, envied and eventually put to death. Let’s not hurt each other, envy each other or worse yet-kill each other. Let’s celebrate each other’s achievements and give honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. As the song says, “I need you, you need me, and we are all a part of God’s body”. Let us stand together and agree together to help grow and shape the body of Christ. Making ourselves ready (as best as we can), spotless and without sin until that perfect day.

Issue No. 2 - 2013

Deciphering Labels

Your health is in your hands, to a large extent

Health Services Authority Community Dietician Ms Bethany Smith For the official Cayman Islands Government web portal, visit www.gov.ky. Photo by Bina Mani

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he Civil Service College began its second Health and Wellness Week, in February, to help civil servants succeed in their quest for good health. Health Services Authority Community Dietician Ms Bethany Smith, provided participants at the first lunch-hour presentation, with prime tips on navigating confusing nutrition facts and labels and becoming better food shoppers. A simple rule: the more unpronounceable and unfamiliar the ingredients on the list, the more processed is the food product, and better left off your plate. After giving a quick lesson in reading labels properly, Ms Smith guided the small number of attendees through a food label exercise. The goal was both to demystify labelling and to explain the relevant aspects, from portion size to daily values. By the end of the exercise, most participants were surprised at the amount of sodium and fat that lurked in the processed food whose packages they analysed. Both of these, and especially saturated and trans-fats, can be detrimental to cardio-vascular and heart health in the long-term. The week also featured blood pressure, dealing with matters of the heart and healthy family finances. (GIS)

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A Prayer

about Things We Cannot Change B y R ubel S helly

any things about your life boil down to the hand you have been dealt. You can’t change the fact that you were born in that place and with certain ‘givens’ for your appearance, IQ, or physical skills. Education and training can open some doors for you, but they cannot change your past, make you taller and more athletic, or alter the fact that some people are unfair in the way they treat you. In spite of the fact that most of our life circumstances are beyond our control, we are all still tempted to fret and complain about things that cannot be changed. Of course they cause distress. They certainly put us at a disadvantage in certain contexts. They mustn’t be allowed to define or defeat us. The people who do best with life move beyond the temptation to whine and feel sorry for themselves. They face their disappointments and move beyond them. They acknowledge life’s bad breaks and look for ways to turn them into growth moments. They work from a half-full rather than half-empty glass mindset. These people have a different attitude than the defeatist and whiner. They have found a way to make lemonade from their lemons. There is a section in John Baillie’s “A Diary of Private Prayer” that reads... Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin. Let me use disappointment as material for patience; Let me use success as material for thankfulness;

Let me use suspense as material for perseverance; Let me use danger as material for courage; Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering; Let me use praise as material for humility; Let me use pleasures as material for temperance; Let me use pains as material for endurance. When a given day begins, countless things are headed your way over which you have no control. It may be bad weather or someone’s bad temper, a deadline that won’t budge or a client equally resistant to change. The one factor you can control through it all is your attitude toward them. Your attitude today will make all the difference in everything that matters. Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT). Rubel Shelly has preached for the Woodmont Hills Church in Nashville for thirty years. He is the author of more than 20 books, including several which have been translated into languages such as Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Russian. He has accepted the position of President of Rochester College. He is married to the former Myra Shappley, and they are the parents of three children.

Issue No. 2 - 2013

Fun Day at CI Agriculture Show

Social Scene

“Pastor Torrance Bobb with his wife, Elsa, after he received the Officer’s Medal of Honour at the National Heroes Day ceremony held on January 28, 2013.” 32 Issue No. 2 - 2013

Cayman Aglow meeting

ocial cene

Issue No. 2 - 2013

It’s just a thought

At least we are talking! B y E wart “ J unior ” F orde

o we have a decision to make about what direction the Church will take in the 21st century, since most of us are married to one political philosophy or another, or deeply influenced by race. This makes the Word of God often secondary, history often rewritten and current events often divisive. Take for instance this excerpt of conversation with my daughter Judith who resides in Trinidad, after I forwarded an article. The article was about a minister being cancelled from the inauguration activities, because it was discovered he preached against homosexuality twenty years ago. Judith is a highly intelligent and sold out disciple, who shares my passion for Christ, love for people and will soon graduate from College. However, well see for yourself… Judith: I got thru three quarters of this and I think we might be confusing the issue here. The issue isn’t can Christians be Christians, it is can the leader of the free world, a secular entity, with a constitution that permits a homosexual lifestyle, make or be seen as making a stand against it? This is a brief response as I’m heading out so I’ll just share my opinion which is no - he can’t. The law provides for it, the culture allows it and

as such, persons pursuing this lifestyle are not deviants according to the standards set by the American society and therefore cannot be singled out or targeted in any way. This is not a religious nation, the Bible is not the constitution, and so the leader of this nation has a responsibility to ALL and especially to those who comply with the standards set by the society. That is the level at which this battle needs to be fought, in my simple opinion.

Me: Except your opinion seems to suggest that the free expression of religion is not included and the right of those who practice it is not one of the things the President needs to protect. Please elaborate. Judith: They did not forbid the pastor from preaching or reprimand him in any [way], but they said that they found that his message did not reflect their standard of inclusion for all Americans. They did not take issue with his message but simply said that his stand was not one that they were in a position to take and I think that they are accurate in saying that. The president and inaugural committee have the burden of being true to the constitution as well as their promises, both of which are in favor of equal rights for the gay community. Perhaps this is in contradiction of his profession to be a Bible believing/following Christian, and even then, perhaps not. If I am in a position to provide a government service to a wide spectrum of persons, I would steer away from language or gestures that unduly offend this community or any other. I think that so much ego and fleshly indignation (Cont’d on P.38)

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BAJO LA LUZ DE LA LAMPARA “Descubriendo verdades de la Biblia para iluminar nuestro caminar” POR LIC. ANDRES RAMOS TE INVITAMOS A NUESTRO SERVICIO EN ESPAÑOL LOS DOMINGOS A LAS 4:30 A 5:45 PM, EN LA IGLESIA BAUTISTA EL CALVARIO UBICADA EN 191 WALKERS ROAD PARA APRENDER MÁS VERDADES DE LA PALABRA DE DIOS. tel.9275417 ¿Qué significa confesar mis pecados? Si confesamos nuestros pecados, él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados, y limpiarnos de toda maldad. 1Jn.1:9 1. Es una necesidad: La confesión es un acto de manifestar, declarar o decir un manifiesto de manera publica y consiente. La Biblia nos referencia sobre de la confesión o declaración en dos direcciones: “lo que yo creo y confieso y lo que Dios ve en mi y confiesa”. Lo que yo creo y confieso se observa en mi confesión de fe en Dios: creer y manifestarlo esto es Confesión de la fe y adoración por Dios, lo observamos también en la confesión pública de nuestra fe por Jesucristo, y por ultimo en la confesión de nuestros pecados hacia Dios. (Ver y leer: Sal.18:49; 35:18 Confesión de adoración; Sal.32:5; 38:18;1Jn.2:9,10: Confesión de pecado; Ro.10:9: Confesión de fe por Cristo) Dios también manifiestaconfiesa su sentir y bendiciones hacia nosotros: Lc.12:8; Ro.15:9; Ap.3:5. A hora la confesión que quiero que podamos entender un poco más es la confesión de nuestros pecados hacia Dios, lo que yo creo debe verse manifestado en como yo vivo. La confesión de pecados es el acto donde públicamente (Dios y yo), manifiesto mi pecado, acciones malas, malos pensamientos, y todo lo que interrumpe mi relación con Dios como creyente, todo esto es pecado y el pecado dice la Biblia se debe confesar: Mt.3:6; Mr.1:5; Hc.19:18; 1Jn.1:9. Si me rehusó a obedecer la

palabra de Dios, y no confieso mi pecado tengo consecuencias graves en mi vida y crecimiento espiritual. Mt.10:32. Entonces si usted es un genuino creyente debe ver la confesión de pecados como una necesidad que debe ser colmada en obediencia y amor hacia Dios. 2. ¿Como Confesar mis pecados? La confesión debe ser bíblica y la Biblia la enseña de la siguiente manera en 1Jn. 1:9 1. debe ser de corazón: una confesión no nace de remordimiento, nace de arrepentimiento. La actitud correcta nos proporciona resultados duraderos. (Lc.18)

recibirla claramente para llegar a mi destino, así es la confesión audible hacia Dios llega a su destino, por que así avergüenzo mi carne (humillo) y proyecto humildad, obediencia ante Dios. 4.Debe ser un habito en nuestra Vida: A pesar que soy creyente, no significa que mi naturaleza pecaminosa ha sido erradicada o quitada de mi (ver:1Jn.1:8-10;Stg.3:2),estos pasajes nos pone al descubierto que pecamos y que si decimos que no pecamos somos mentirosos y le hacemos a Dios mentiroso, la Biblia enseña que poseemos esta naturaleza a pesar que ahora de manera posicional

somos nuevas criaturas y esa naturaleza de pecado se manifiesta impulsándonos a que la alimentemos) dando como resultado el pecado. (Gal. 5:16; Ef.4:22; 1P.1:14) Si hiciéramos un cálculo de cuantos pecados tenemos al día y lo multiplicáramos por nuestra edad obtendríamos un resultado catastrófico. Por este motivo necesito confesar mi pecado, no esperar llegar al domingo en la iglesia o una predicación especial de ese tema, la confesión debe ser diaria es como ducharme espiritualmente para estar limpio ante Dios y poder tener comunión santa y sana con El cada dia.

2. debe ser a Jesucristo: la Biblia no enseña jamás que algo o alguien tenga el poder para absolver nuestros pecados. Enseña que solo Jesús tiene la autoridad para limpiar nuestros pecados “El” señala el verso de Juan si se lee el contexto de este verso, se puede observar que esta hablando de Cristo “El abogado”, “EL”. (Ver y comprobar: Ef.1:7; 2:5; 2Cor.5:19; Col1:14;Col.2:13;H e.1:3;5:1;1Pe.2:24). Cristo fue el único que pudo pagar el precio del pecado de la humanidad, y es solo en El y por El que podemos alcanzar la misericordia del padre, recuerde la cruz y la sangre de Cristo unieron la justicia y el amor de Dios hacia nosotros. 3. se debe hacer si es posible con nuestra Boca: la confesión como ya vimos es manifestar, y para hacerlo de manera adecuada y clara debe ser hablado- audible. Por ejemplo si quiero llegar a una dirección que desconozco pido información y espero Issue No. 2 - 2013

How Far is Too Far

ver wonder what other Christians think about sex? Or how far they think is too far? Or how they would define sexual purity? Well, we wanted to know what Christian students are saying about abstinence and sexual purity. What we found were some misconceptions and unclear boundaries.

Take Tim*, 16, for example. Tim’s a Christian who believes wholeheartedly in abstinence. He says, “If you remain abstinent until marriage, you’re sexually pure.” But then he says, “I think petting’s all right. If you have genuine feelings for a person, if you love them, and if you are truly close to them, then what you’re doing is OK.” Like Tim, many high school students —including a lot of Christians—are committed to sexual abstinence. In fact, recent research shows that fewer high school students are having sex today than were having sex a

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decade ago. Even so, many of these same students miss the point about other types of sexual activity. “Actually, I think foreplay makes you stronger,” says Jenny, 17. “If you can last through foreplay, and not go all the way with it, you have a lot of self-control, and that’s a good thing. Foreplay is OK for a Christian.” A Tough Lesson There are many other Christian students, however, who believe sexual purity is about a whole lot more than just staying a virgin. And some of them have, unfortunately, discovered this truth through painful experiences. Sarah, 18, is seven months pregnant. A couple of years ago, before she met Kevin, she was committed to sexual abstinence. But when Kevin and Sarah started dating, her values began to crumble. Before long, Sarah and Kevin were going pretty far sexually. Sarah wanted to believe this was true love. If it was true love, she reasoned, they really weren’t doing anything wrong. Eventually Sarah and Kevin were having sexual intercourse. “I’d talk to this Christian friend of mine and she’d say, ‘Sarah, you’re rationalizing everything just to keep him. You’re making everything that’s wrong sound right.’

My friend was so right, but I’d pretty much pushed God and my values out of the picture.” A few months into the relationship, Sarah left home to live with her boyfriend. Then she became pregnant. It was around this time that Kevin became physically abusive. “Kevin’s abuse was a wake-up call for me,” says Sarah. “I moved out and went back home.” As she’s recovered from her relationship with Kevin, Sarah has renewed her commitment to God. She’s also changed her attitude about sex. “Sexual purity isn’t just about sexual abstinence,” says Sarah. “People who think that it’s just about virginity are headed for trouble. They are so wrong. I was so wrong. “Sexual purity includes the things you think, as well as the things you do. Your thoughts lead to actions. And if you’re thinking a lot about sex, and if you’re fooling around with petting, you’re playing with gasoline and matches. You are going to get burned. I know from experience.” Committed to Purity “A lot of teens believe that if they haven’t had sexual intercourse, they haven’t had sex,” says Cynthia, 17. “I don’t buy into that thinking for a minute.” Cynthia is a member of TYGR, “Today’s Youth Getting Real”, a group located in San Antonio, Texas. Through skits and talks at local high schools and churches, TYGR wants to encourage students to practice sexual purity. The group also seeks to educate students about the consequences of premarital sex. “We want students to understand that sexual activity can lead to some very serious consequences, like AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,” says Cynthia. “We want students to understand that sex, and this includes any kind of sexual activity, affects a person emotionally, physically and spiritually. Sex is a wonderful gift when practiced according to God’s plan. It is very harmful and destructive when God’s

plan is abused.” TYGR is just one group among many that challenges students to take a stand for purity. Probably the largest student-led, pro-abstinence organization is True Love Waits. Participants sign pledge cards stating they will remain sexually abstinent until they get married. “I signed the True Love Waits card when I was 13,” says Lisa, now 17. “I’ve headed up True Love Waits rallies at my school. I’m committed to sexual purity, and I want to help other students stay committed too. “True Love Waits isn’t just about not having sex. It’s about doing exactly what God wants for your life. And what God wants is for you to remain sexually pure, both in the way you act and in the way you think.” Yet Lisa is the first to admit that sexual purity isn’t easy. “It’s easy to sign a card and say, ‘I’m going to keep my True Love Waits commitment,’” says Lisa. “But it gets really tough when you’re faced with a date who wants to go further than you want, or when you’re pressured by friends to follow the crowd. It’s a daily struggle.” Getting Practical To deal with the struggle, say Lisa and others who value sexual purity, you’ve got to avoid situations that could compromise your values. “I was in a situation a few months ago I shouldn’t have been in,” says Matt, 18. “I was alone in the house with this girl I was dating. We were close to having sex when I looked at my ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ bracelet. I knew Jesus wouldn’t be doing this! “I told her I wouldn’t go any further. Then I got in my truck and drove away. After that experience, I decided to stop dating that girl. And I’ve let her know I’m sorry for what I did. “I’m glad to say I’m still a virgin, although I’m not proud to admit that I went as far as I did.” Matt says he no longer puts himself in situations where he’ll be tempted to compromise his values— or his sexual purity. “I’ve decided to pretty much just

go on group dates. I think it’s better to get to know girls while I’m out with groups of friends,” says Matt. “I just make sure I’m not alone with a girl I’m attracted to.” Other students who are committed to purity also say they’ve taken practical steps to make sure they remain true to their commitment. “A friend and I hold each other accountable for how we act on dates,” says Daniel, 17. “We give each other permission to ask questions like, ‘Where did you go? What did you do?’ Knowing I might be asked these questions helps keep me from doing something I’ll be ashamed of. “I think accountability is so important, and so is prayer,” says Cynthia. “My good friend Amy is my prayer partner. We pray about each other’s purity. We also talk to each other about guidelines for what we will and won’t do. Then after one of us has gone out, we’ll talk to each other about the date.” “My girlfriend and I have also set limits,” says Daniel. “We will only hold hands and hug briefly. Kissing, for us, is out. We just don’t want to be tempted to go too far.” Daniel doesn’t believe he’s being hyper-legalistic. He simply wants to protect himself and his girlfriend. “I gotta admit,” says Daniel. “I sometimes feel like staying sexually pure is not worth it. Then I realize I really do want to enter marriage as sexually pure as possible. I’m saving a very special gift for the one person I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to save myself for the one I know I’ll always love the most.” Christian students who value sexual purity realize that the happiness of their future marriage is more important than satisfying any current sexual desires. And they understand the potential consequences of sexual impurity. They also understand the most important reason of all for staying sexually pure. As Lisa says, “Sexual purity is not simply my plan. It’s God’s plan. It’s what God wants. That makes it the best plan possible.” * all names have been changed

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Single but purpose driven However, you can prepare yourself for the time when you might eventually get married. For example, get proficient in particular skills: culinary arts, plumbing, interior decorating, and entertaining, just to name a few. You may also read helpful books on the subject and align yourself with two/three married couples who have weathered the storms and are still happy together. See if you can get their honest opinion on some of the struggles they encountered and the pitfalls they avoided. Of course, what works for them, might not, necessarily, work the same way for you, should you, eventually, marry. In times when you may become lonely, look for opportunities to fellowship with others or volunteer to help at a retirement home, hospital, animal shelter, or any other charitable organization. Get involved! Become resourceful and productive. At church you can invest yourself in a ministry: teach Sabbath or Sunday school, sing on the choir; just try to make yourself useful. Rather than become bored and remain distracted, time can also be used to be in solitude with the Lord. Get closer to God in prayer and fasting. Study the Bible diligently and apply its principles to your life. Discover something that you are good at and build yourself up in that area. Contentment is found in enjoying self, others, God and what you have at

the moment. You can also your time to contemplate ways in which you can move forward. As you do so, ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.’ [Proverbs 3:5&6] From time to time, negative emotions will come, especially when a younger relative

At least we are talking! get sneaked in under the guise of holiness that we sometimes forget that we are giving the mandate to reconcile men to God. How many times did Jesus single out this sin in His walk here? Or any other for that matter? When we operate in the spirit of love, and compassion we are much closer to upholding the standard of Holiness, and fulfilling our God-given roles as His ambassadors. All that said, the president has an allencompassing duty to provide for and protect citizens, to uphold the law/constitution and to keep his word. I feel he is well within his right here... Me: I think the piece recognizes all that. This was not an attack by the Christian 38 Issue No. 2 - 2013

(Cont’d from P. 15)

or someone, with whom you have shared a long term friendship, gets married and moves away. These feelings will not last for long if you make a determined effort to relax in the love of Christ knowing that He is a never failing ‘…friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ [Proverbs18:24]. He also promises ‘not to leave you comfortless….’ [John 14:18]. You are complete in God! Whether you are married or not, you are whole! Keep your focus and always declare, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ [Philippians 4:13]. As a person who is single, make a full commitment to the Lord and mature in love. As you wait for God to help you come together with your marriage partner, avoid any behaviour that feeds lust; do not flirt with the opposite sex. Instead, ‘Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ [Philippians 4:8]. You may be single but, you are not separated from the love of God; so, Live a purpose driven life! Do not stunt your personal growth by concentrating only on searching for a wife or husband. Who knows, if, one day, you will not be convinced to take the Apostle Paul’s initial advice in 1 Corinthians 7:8, ‘I say, therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them to abide even as I.

(Cont’d from P. 34)

community this time. This is an Organization that is doing worldwide ministry in the area of sex trafficking which for 20 years created no offense to the people they serve, which must surely include the gay and lesbian community. My question to you is, “Does inclusion include believers or not? Or what do we need to give up in order to celebrate our citizenship?” Judith: Ok Pop I hear you! Now the reality is that Christianity does not favor inclusion. It is by nature exclusive to Christ and His way of living. So what this will mean eventually is that Christianity in its purest form will be viewed as intolerant, discriminating and perhaps counterproductive. All this is prophesied it will happen. So if this is the question then we must simply make good use of the time that we

have, and be wise in our attempts to reach the lost without compromising! However we must use wisdom, so that we can get the most of the limited time that we have left. Now you may not believe me when I tell you one of my other daughters taught at Church that very night and blew me away. They both reminded me that we have some serious battle within and without the Church but at least we are still talking! It’s just a thought! Ewart “Junior” Forde is President/CEO of Missionary Action Team, a ministry involved in mobilizing people of color in missions. He has served as Founder and Chairman of Refuge Ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since 1989.

Cross Reference B y K arlaine J asbert

n St. Luke 16:19-31 the story is told of two men: the riches of one, and the poverty of the other; two extremes of life. It also speaks of their death, where one was carried by angels into the bosom of Abraham and the other was buried, ‘in torment and hell’. It’s Easter. Lent/Easter holds significance for many and we know it will be celebrated, but, how it is celebrated will make the difference. For some, it will be the hoppy bunny; for others, the happy cross – the latter celebrated the world over by Christians. Jesus was hanged there on the cross, and there he died for our shame, though some still wonder, “Is this story true?” In cross-referencing the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the beggar, we realize that there are many points of interests in the story. At this Easter time, let us think of the following two points. (i) If you are blessed financially more than others, share. (ii) Rich or poor, we will all face death. But, the main point we want to share is the separation between life now and life after, though many still believe there is no life after death. 1 Cor. 15:19 appropriately puts it, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Now in the story, the rich man died and ended up in a place of torment, so he asked Lazarus, to come over to where he was, with water, on the tip of his finger, to cool his tongue. And, because of the torment he was in, he begged Abraham to send Lazarus, to go and warn his brethren not to come to that place and that they should ‘heed the word to seek Christ’. Abraham responded, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” Paraphrasing, they have Christian Lifestyle, churches, local

Christian programmes on television and the radio. When times are good, how much we forget the sacrifice Christ made for us through his death, and, the father’s love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son…” Our small gift of accepting this love, while we have life, is nothing compared to the sacrifice made by the father with his son. He gave up his all to give us a way back to the garden. There is no coming back from the grave, or sending a message back to your brethren, as the rich man tried to do. He reasoned that “…if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” If we were to follow that reasoning, then, the whole world should readily believe on Jesus, as he rose from the dead, with witnesses! The story mentioned a ‘great gulf ’ which separates the tormented place from the peaceful place. That great gulf that made it impossible for us to make it into heaven, in our sinful state, has been eradicated for us, now. The cross has bridged the gap. When we accept the Lord as our personal savior, our sinful state is seen through Jesus. One can only imagine what was going on in Isaac Watts’ mind when he penned the song “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”. He had to have had a cross experience; a true discovery of the real truth behind the sacrifice of our Father. We too can discover the truth behind the cross. For, though the cross offers great reprieve or deliverance, it also demands great sacrifice. It is our prayer, during this season and beyond that we too may join in saying “…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” May you have a cross-reference experience this Easter.

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1 being assembled with one ____, to send chosen men (Acts 15:25) 6 for the ____ that is in the land of Assyria (Isaiah 7:18) 9 ye lawyers! for ye ___ men with burdens (Luke 11:46) KJV 13 an idol cast in the ___ of a calf (Exod 32:8) 14 a time to kill and a time to ___ (Eccl 3:3) 15 for your little ____, and for your wives (Gen 45:19) 16 One of the minor prophets 17 figs, which are so bad they cannot be ___ (Jer 24:8) 19 make up the hedge, and stand in the ____ before me (Ezek 22:30) 20 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred ___ (John 12:5) KJV 22 in a remote manner 25 the Christ, who ____ been appointed for you (Acts 3:20) 27 he did not ___ to sorcery as at other times (Num 24:1) 28 cannot die again; death no longer has ___ over him (Rom 6:9) 32 A ___ command I give you: Love one another (John 13:34) 34 ___ ____ saw him and began to say This is one of them (1,4) (Mark 14:69) 35 through a land of deserts and ___ (Jer 2:6) 38 as a ___ doth gather her brood under her wings (Luke 13:34) KJV 40 what is a man profited, if he shall ____ the whole world? (Matt 6:26) 41 according to all the ____ of it (Num 9:3) 42 I will give him ___ from all his enemies (1 Chr 22:9) 43 he that endureth to the ____ shall be saved (Matt 10:22) KJV 44 But not during the ___ , they said, or the people may riot (Mark 14:2) 45 you are no longer to call her ___; her name will be Sarah.(Gen 17:15) 46 There is a ____ here, which hath (John 6:9) KJV 47 and ___ , and evil speaking, be put away from you (Eph 4:31) KJV 49 Anyone who ___ to appear within three days would forfeit (Ezra 10:8) 52 “They ___ me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! (Prov 23:35) 53 not only idle, but ___ also and busybodies (1 Tim 5:13) KJV 55 daughter of Jacob and Leah (Gen 46:15) 59 The God of ____ fathers raised up Jesus (Acts 5:30) 60 Mount Sinai was covered with ___, because the LORD (Ex 19:18) 62 brother of Moses (Ex 4:14) 64 give attention to your servant’s prayer and his ___ (IKing 8:28) 66 Do not those who plot ___ go astray? (Prov 14:22) 67 Pilate wrote a ____, and put it on the cross (John 19:19) 68 there shall come forth a rod out of the ___ of Jesse (Isa 11:1) KJV 69 he shall be cast into the ____ of lions (Daniel 6:7) 70 the angel took the ___, filled it with fire from the altar (Rev 8:5)

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1 among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ____ (Isaiah 44:14) KJV 2 who ___ your wood and carry your water (Deut 29:11) 3 Bring me any ___ too hard for you (Deut 1:17) 4 His ears are ____ unto their prayers (1 Pet 3:12) 5 ___ for his sword, drew it out and struck (Matt 26:51) 6 Your servant has killed both the lion and the ___ (1 Sam 17:36) 7 even fall into the mouth of the ____ (Nahum 3:12) 8 and the ___ will melt in the heat (2 Peter 3:12) 9 and said, ____, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly (2 Sam 24:17) 10 his ___ lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime (Ps 30:5) 11 because God hath ____ graciously with me (Gen 33:11) KJV 12 sent me from Kadesh-barnea to ___ out the land (Josh 14:7) KJV 14 If we confess our sins, ___ is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9) 18 ears, but cannot hear, ____, but they cannot smell (Ps 115:6) 21 he touched the man’s ___ and healed him (Luke 22:51) 23 drag, pull 24 and remove all its vile ___ and detestable idols (Ezek 11:18) 26 sailed into ____, and landed at Tyre (Acts 21:3) 29 there came ___ ___ of God unto Eli (1,3) (1 Sam 2:27) 30 the LORD ___ to Moses, “Stretch out your hand (Ex 14:26) 31 all kind of riches; with silver, iron, ____, and lead (Ezek 27:12) 33 a census should be taken of the ____ Roman world. (Luke 2:1) 36 That which groweth of ____ own accord (Lev 25:5) KJV 37 Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and ___ him (1 Sam 16:11) (KJV) 38 David became a ___ after killing Goliath 39 Isaac loved ____, because he did eat of his venison (Gen 25:28) 41 wherewith the odd number of them is to be ___ (Num 3:48) KJV 42 one young bullock, one ____, and seven lambs (Num 29:2) 44 He who digs a hole and scoops it out ___ into the pit (Ps 7:15) 45 I will ___ the soul of the priests with fatness (Jer 31:14) KJV 46 your lightning ___ up the world (Ps 77:18) 48 took a chest, and bored a hole in the ___ of it (2 King 12:9) 49 it is my ___ that this great storm has come (Jonah 1:12) 50 and ____ ____ to be desired to make one wise (1,4) (Gen 3:6) 51 the LORD ___ the sea back with a strong east wind (Exod 14:21) 53 I will ascend above the ____ of the clouds (Isa 14:14) 54 flesh upon you, and cover you with ____ (Ezek 37:6) 56 Jesus went to a town called ___ , and his disciples (Luke 7:11) 57 tried to produce gnats by their secret ___ (Ex 8:18) 58 dug a ___ in the ground and hid his master’s money (Matt 25:18) 61 a Hebrew name for God used in combination with other adjectives 63 Abner, the son of ____, Saul’s uncle (1 Sam 14:50) 65 I ___ he that liveth, and was dead (Rev 1:18) KJV Answers on Page 44

OVERCOMERS

OUTREACH: The best kept secret in Cayman! O

vercomers Outreach (OO) is a Christ-centred 12 step recovery support group addressing addictions and compulsive behaviour, and those affected by them. The first OO meeting was held at Cayman Islands Baptist Church on January 10, 2011, with meetings continuing there on Mondays at 7pm. As the OO “Big Book” states, “we meet to praise the Lord, study the Bible along with the 12 Steps and relevant recovery subjects, candidly share our experience, strength, and hope in strictest confidence; and to conclude in a circle of mutual prayer. Even though OO groups avoid doctrinal issues at all costs, the meeting’s focus is specifically based on commonly held tenets of historic orthodox Christianity. Without a doubt, the incredible power behind the success of those in OO groups is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s Holy Word, linked with the proven tools of the 12 Steps, is the dynamite that helps combat the fear, guilt, anger, loneliness, confusion, and frustration that accompany chemical dependency or compulsive behaviors and their total effects upon the family unit.” Overcomers Outreach FREED acronym: F – Fellowship in Recovery R – Reconciliation to God & His Family E – Education about Chemicals & Addiction E – Edification through Faith in Christ D – Dedicated Service to Others The vision that God put into the hearts of OO’s founders, Bob and Pauline Bartosch, has grown into a much-needed bridge that connects traditional 12-step groups and churches of all denominations. It is a network of Christ-centered 12-Step support groups but is not a substitute for church, Bible studies or traditional 12-step groups. In fact, OO encourages continued attendance at these life-saving programs. The Bartosches have written the OO Big Book, “A Bridge to Recovery.” People within traditional 12-Step programs are offered a fresh look at the “higher power” they have been seeking, in the person of Jesus Christ. This spiritual experience can pave the way for their return

to the church of their choice. OO brings recovery tools to the church and point people in recovery programs to Jesus Christ as their Highest Power. The OO Preamble is read at the beginning of every meeting and clearly states, “We strongly believe that our ‘higher power’ is Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.” Christians are not exempt from addictions and compulsive behaviour, nor are their loved ones. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Individuals within the church who have kept their problems hidden or have been reluctant to attend recovery groups in the community can come to Christ-centered OO groups and due to rule of anonymity, they find a safe place to share. Pastor Randy von Kanel may recommend someone to OO but unless he or she lets him know, he has no idea whether the person becomes involved. Bob Bartosch studied for the ministry in his youth, but alcoholism nearly destroyed his life. A series of miracles led to his involvement with AA where he found sobriety. Pauline Bartosch secretly became a Valium-addicted codependent who found hope within Al-Anon just weeks before Bob got sober. Once they both re-discovered their “higher power,” Jesus Christ, Bob and Pauline started one OO group in their church in 1977, which exploded into hundreds more. OO groups now span the globe - Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, China, Philippines, Russia, Mexico, New Zealand, Malawi, Uganda, Liberia and South Australia, Africa - and there are over 500 groups in the USA – in homes, churches, prisons, treatment centers, sober-living houses, rescue missions, and such. OO in Grand Cayman was conceived in the burdened heart of two faithful AA attendees who wanted to ensure that the true “Higher Power” was recognized in the Person of Jesus Christ, and that those in recovery and their codependents were offered an opportunity to join such a group, in which prayer would always be recognized as a vital component. The couple initiated a contact with Pastor Randy Von Kanel

who readily committed his whole-hearted support. Since its first meeting at Cayman Islands Baptist on Pedro Castle Road, Savannah, just over two years ago, OO has attracted more than two dozen adults. Members of this OO group often refer to it as their “home/family group” although most are actively involved in traditional AA or Al-Anon group meetings across Cayman, as is recommended. Through the recommendation of OO members, “Tried n True” or “TNT” program was introduced at a local high school with the endorsement and support of the National Drug Council, as one of the pro-active responses to the 2012 Drug Use Survey. This program is based on a 12step Guidebook which has been adapted for teenagers, and already positive results are evident in the changed lifestyle of more than just a couple “at risk” high school participants. Some informational OO pamphlet titles include, “Does Someone You Love Drink Too Much?” “Alcoholism: Sin or Sickness?” “Which One is the Alcoholic?” “Circus of Codependency” and “The 5 “R’s” of Adult Children of Alcoholics and Other Dysfunctional Families.” So how does one get started in OO? What does one need to do to help a loved one become involved? First of all, begin with prayer. The facilitator, Virginia Castillo, may be contacted at C I Baptist Church office, and will be happy to answer any inquiries, but just showing up for the meeting is really all one needs to do – and let God take care of the rest! Anonymity and confidentiality are always closely guarded. Then, as is repeated at the end of each meeting, “Keep coming back; it works if you work it, so work it cuz you’re worth it!” Adapted from “Overcomers Outreach: A Bridge to Recovery” by Bob and Pauline Bartosch; used with permission. www. overcomersoutreach.org Submitted by Virginia Castillo, OO Facilitator. For further information, call 946-2422 / 916-7714, email cibaptist@ candw.ky or castillo@candw.ky Issue No. 2 - 2013

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Answers on Page 44

At Wit’s End Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner,” Christian, with troubled brow? Are you thinking of what is before you, And all you are bearing now? Does all the world seem against you, And you in the battle alone? Remember--at “Wit’s End Corner” Is just where God’s power is shown. Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner,” Blinded with wearying pain, Feeling you cannot endure it,

You cannot bear the strain, Bruised through the constant suffering, Dizzy, and dazed, and numb? Remember--at “Wit’s End Corner” Is where Jesus loves to come. Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner”? Your work before you spread, All lying begun, unfinished, And pressing on heart and head, Longing for strength to do it, Stretching out trembling hands?

Remember--at. “Wit’s End Corner” The Burden-bearer stands. Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner”? Then you’re just in the very spot To learn the wondrous resources Of Him who faileth not: No doubt to a brighter pathway Your footsteps will soon be moved, But only at “Wit’s End Corner” Is the “God who is able” proved. --Antoinette Wilson

Issue No. 2 - 2013

All Nations United Pentecostal Church (UPC) 23A Woodlake Drive George Town Grand Cayman Tel: (345) 949 9533

Light of the World Christian Fellowship 65 Smith Road, George Town Grand Cayman Tel: (345) 946 0292

United Church in Jamaica & the Cayman Islands • East End United Church Tel: (345) 947 7618 • Elmslie Memorial (George Town) Tel: (345) 949 7923 • George Hicks United (South Sound) Tel: (345) 949 7923 • John Gray Memorial (West Bay) Tel: (345) 949 1378 • Robert Young (Crewe Road) Tel: (345) 947 6071 • Savannah United Church Tel: (345) 947 6071 • William Pouchie Memorial (North Side ) Tel: (345) 947 3070 • Webster Memorial (Bodden Town) Tel: (345) 947 3070

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