L.A. Living Abundantly (2014 Summer Vol 12)

VOLUME 12 • No. 6 • SUMMER 2014

Living Abundantly A M I N I S T R Y P U B L I C AT I O N O F A B U N D A N T L I F E B I B L E C H U R C H , T H E B A H A M A S

I AM NOT ASHAMED The Rights of Workers in The Bahamas

In Every Issue Member in Focus Pg. 20 Pastors’ InBOX Pg. 23 Ministry Outlook Pg. 26 www.albcm.org Living Abundantly

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014

Living Abundantly

A M I N I S T R Y P U B L I C AT I O N O F A B U N D A N T L I F E B I B L E C H U R C H , T H E B A H A M A S

VOLUME 12 • No.6 • SUMMER 2014 DEPARTMENTS

FEATURED ARTICLES

6 Bold For The Cause of

Devotion/Prayer

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Youth Speaks

and Wellness 18 Health Autism & Cerebral Palsy

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Associate Editors Meshelle Moss and J. Shannell Evans Literary Editor Patrice Evans and Prieta Burnside

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I AM NOT ASHAMED

Photography Rhodine Fox

Member In Focus

Consultant to the Editor Sharon LaFleur

Nathan Jones

Pastors’ InBox

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Ministry Outlook

Questions and Answers for everyday living Social Ministry

Finance, 30 Business, Law

& 12 AUTISM CEREBRAL PALSY

The Rights of Workers in The Bahamas

Pastoral Board

Cranston Knowles – Co Pastor Gil Maycock – Co Pastor Algernon Malcolm – Associate Pastor David Cartwright – Pastor of Discipleship O’Neil Russell – Youth Pastor

Pastoral Consultants

32 Upcoming Events Office Staff Pastor Cranston Knowles Pastor Gil Maycock Associate Pastor O’Neil Russell Ms. J. Shannell Evans (CFO) Mrs. Kimberley Minors (Office Manager) Mrs. Lisa Moss (Secretary) Ryan Jones - Ministry Assistant- Media Ms. Joyce Maycock (Office Assistant) Ms. Vonette Jean - (Custodial)

Photo Editor Rhodine Fox Graphic Design and Layout Mieko Smith and Dominic Cartwright

Bahamian Recipes

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Ed Allen

Editor in Chief Cranston Knowles

Christ

8 Missions Ministry Defence 11 2014 Force Recruits

Executive Editor

Dr. F. Edward Allen – Senior Pastor Emeritus James Knowles – Chairman of Finance Committee

Deacons

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THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS IN THE BAHAMAS

Anthony Stubbs – Chairman Gregory Bullard John Davis William Maycock David Cartwright

ADVERTISE WITH US For details call 242-393-8134 or email: living.abundantly@albcm.org • © 2014 Abundant Life Bible Church, All rights reserved.

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Persecuted but not abandoned. Struck down but not destroyed. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.

Romans 1:16

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he reported cases of Christians martyred in 2013 has doubled from the report of 2012, with Syria having more Christians killed in 2013 than the total number of reported cases combined for 2012. There were 2,123 martyr killings in 2013, 1,213 of those deaths were in Syria. ( CBS News, January 8, 2014 “Survey: Reported Christian ‘martyr’ deaths doubled in 2013.”)

There seems to be two wars in Syria – a civil war that is devastating the country, and a war against the church which has become the target for Islamist rebels. North Korean Christians have faced intense persecution. Up to 70,000 are said to be living in political prison camps.

There is a move to purge Christianity from Somalia.

Christians today are being beheaded, maimed, imprisoned, and tortured…for the mere fact that they are believers in Christ. In light of what is happening in the persecuted Church, and with a burden to bring awareness to the Church of The Bahamas of the persecution of Christians worldwide, a number of churches have decided to join together in a united effort to send a message that we too are not ashamed of the gospel.

The “I Am Not Ashamed Campaign” is a one year awareness campaign that was launched this March, 2014 and climaxes in March of 2015 with a United Missions Conference and Rally.

Churches in the Assemblies of Brethren (in conjunction with the United Missions Department), Abundant Life Bible Church, Calvary Bible Church, Grace Community Church, Temple Baptist Church and others will be on a one year journey to pray for, learn about, speak up, and spread the awareness of the plight of our brothers and sisters who are suffering globally, simply because of their faith in Christ.

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014

by Pastor Cranston Knowles

Islamist extremists with ties to Al-Qaeda have been attacking communities in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. In Borno state April 9 and 10, 2014, 135 people were killed due to these attacks. On April 14, another 75 were killed with 141 casualties.

The numbers are expected to rise. Over 200 pastors have been forced to close their church or have been killed. The words of one of the Nigerian pastors speak volumes: “We are willing to pay the price for our calling.

We don’t only share the Gospel when things are rosy.

It is to be done in every situation. Hunger and want will never discourage us. Swords and guns, even the roar of the devil, will only encourage us to stand first for Christ. If we die, our blood will speak about Christ to our killers.”

The “I Am Not Ashamed Campaign” will be in 3 phrases, which define the three levels of involvement.

Phase 1 – Awareness campaign Phase 2 – United Missions Conference Phase 3 – The Not Ashamed Rally

The Awareness Campaign begins now with each of the individual churches. There will be prayer initiatives, evangelistic efforts, and constant reminders in our worship services. We have one year to build the momentum for our climactic event.

All sights are set toward the dates March 11-15, 2015.

The United Conference will be Wednesday, March 11th through Friday March 13th. There will be training sessions and high powered keynote speakers from both the Barnabus Fund and Gospel for Asia (two missions’ agencies that deal specifically with the persecuted church). The morning of Saturday, March 14th will be workshops and the evening will close with the Not Ashamed motorcade and rally where we want to take the message nationally. The conference and campaign will conclude in each of the churches on Sunday, March 15th.

Pastor A. Geoffrey Wood, Temple Baptist Church; Pastor Lyall Bethell, Grace Community Church and Pastor Allen Lee, Calvary Bible Church.

There is a call to Christians to get involved with what is happening to our brothers and sisters in Christ, to show brotherly love. Do you have brotherly love? Hebrews chapter 13 has a test we can take to find out. Verses 1 to 2 says that brotherly love is best demonstrated in the way we treat those who are visitors among us. Verse 4 challenges us to check the home; if love is not happening in the home, there is no brotherly love. Also, verses 5 and 6 have a challenge for us to look at how we handle money. So many of us complain about what we do not have. Instead we are to be thankful for what we do have. When we get our attitude about our finances right, we will recognize that God is our helper and our source. You are probably asking what does all of this have to do with brotherly love? It actually all ties into verse 3; ‘Remember them that are in bonds’. We are to be aware of what is happening to those under persecution; they are those in bonds, and apply brotherly love. When we pray for them, we need to be bond to them in our heart, in our emotions and in our spirit. We are not to pray in a disconnected, uninterested way but pray from a perspective of suffering with them, the way you would for a love one. They should be our love ones because we are connected to them in Christ.

Get involved and be a part of the movement! Take the 555 Challenge: Commit to pray 5 minutes a day for the persecuted church Commit to inform 5 persons about what is happening Commit to give at least $5 a month to support those who are suffering.

When you pray for them, pray for:

Courage for them

Them to speak the right words in persecution

Them to have a platform to speak

Their dependence upon God

Let us be in prayer for a mighty move of God this year – that He would open our eyes and our hearts…that He

would turn the eyes of The Bahamas toward Him…that He would raise us up as a Church united to stand for Him in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. May we stand and boldly proclaim… “I Am Not Ashamed!”

Pastor Cranston Knowles

Pastor Cranston Knowles Co-Pastor

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DAILY DEVOTION

BOLD For the Cause of Christ

by J. Shannell Evans nd for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

The Apostle Paul in my estimation was one of the bravest defenders of the faith with phenomenal courage and impeachable integrity. Once known as the chief persecutor of the church, after his conversion he poured all of that energy and conviction into his fight for Christianity. He was relentless in his quest to tell all of mankind about their need for a Saviour, even in the face of persecution. He passionately proclaimed, ‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21).

He viewed the things he suffered as a means of causing the gospel to spread even more (Phil 1:12) and to have made others in ministry more confident to proclaim the Word of God boldly.

It does then seem strange to find a verse in the book of Ephesians; a letter written by Paul to the church in Ephesus, where he is asking that boldness be given to him so that he could proclaim the mystery of the gospel. The question would be, ‘Boldness? Paul?’ The answer would be yes, Paul. He recognized that it was a process and that the work was great and he needed God’s empowerment in his life to do the work that God had called him to. You will see that he did not just ask to be made bold, but that he also recognized that there was a standard and he was aspiring to reach it. He said, ‘that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak’. Obviously as bold as we view him to have been, to Paul, he still had to reach the level that God required.

Once we have achieved the smallest measure of success in ministry, it is easy for us to puff out our chest and strut around with pride.

However we need to examine ourselves before

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the Lord to see if our work is of the standard required of us by the Lord. Paul’s boldness was highlighted and increased in the face of persecution, what will it take to make you and I to become who God wants us to be in Him?

Many of Paul’s letters to the churches were written from prison. He could have become broken and silenced from proclaiming and teaching the gospel. He could have decided that it was not worth it to endure such affliction for this man called Christ and the gospel. Instead he de-

clared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes”(Rom 1:16). On another occasion he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” (Phil 4:4). Prison did not break his spirit.

It did not, and could not silence his voice for the cause of Christ. He was a man who recognized just what Christ had done for him on the cross of Calvary. Being fully aware of who and what he was before he encountered Christ, Paul had a deep rooted appreciation for his Saviour’s love for him, and the forgiveness he received from Him when he met Him on the Damascus road (But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: 1Cor.15:10). He understood what his fate would have been if he had rejected Christ. He under-

Living Abundantly Summer 2014

stood what it meant for others who were rejecting him still, and so he earnestly tried to bring them to a saving knowledge of the Saviour who died for them (Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; 2Cor. 5:11a). How much do we appreciate Christ’s love and forgiveness?

Do we fully recognize the fate He saved us from?

How earnest are we in ensuring that others today are saved from that fate too?

The persecution of Paul and the other Apostles took place in Bible times but the persecution of believers for their fate did not begin or end in their particular era of time. Hundreds of years before, the prophet Daniel had his battles and faced death in the lions’ den, so did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were thrown into the fiery furnace.

As centuries passed, the level of persecution has escalated and continues even today. In major countries around the world, Christians are suffering for their faith in Christ. Many of them die daily because they refuse to renounce their faith. The amazing thing is, just as it did in the days of Paul, the church of Christ still continues to grow.

The light of the gospel will never be put out in this world. Satan has and will continue to wage his war against the kingdom of God, but he will not be victorious. As believers and students of the Word, we should know how the story ends. The book of Revelations, which is the revelation of Jesus Christ, tells us what is in store for Satan (Rev.20), as well as for us as believers (Rev. 21:1-7). Satan’s fate is to be thrown into the lake of fire forever, and ours is to dwell with the Lord. We then as believers should be encouraged to stand up for the cause of Christ because we know that in the end, we will have the victory and nothing that we suffer in this life, will be able to diminish the reward we will receive in glory.

May we like Paul, ask to be given the boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel to those who do not yet believe.

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BEFORE JESUS CAME WHERE DID A PERSON’S SOUL GO AFTER DEATH?

by Bro. Anthony Rolle

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eople who died prior to the advent of Jesus Christ and the completion of His redemptive work on the cross were carried to Paradise. It was a special place in Sheol (Hebrew word for the grave), used to provide rest and comfort to righteous followers of Jehovah. In Luke 16:22, Jesus confirmed the existence of Paradise in His statement “that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom”.

In the story, Jesus describes Paradise’s location in the grave and it being a place of comfort compared to the rich man’s hellish experience.

Furthermore, the Bible reveals that Paradise was Jesus’ destination after His death on the Cross. Luke 23:43 records Jesus responding to the faith of one of the crucified thieves with this statement, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” Theologians contend Jesus went to Paradise (1 Peter 3:19) to preach the Gospel to saints held captive (Eph 4:8-10) there. The purpose of His visit reveals significant facts about God, in particular His wisdom and His providence for the Old Testament saints. Generally, with the possible exception of Elijah, Enoch and a few others, the Old Testament saints were ineligible to inherit the kingdom of Heaven (as David stated in Psalm 23:6, 27:4). They could not enter Heaven due to their sin nature (inherited and personal). Nevertheless, God extended His provi-

sion to them by providing a temporary resting place called Paradise. Upon the culmination of His divine redemptive plan through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, these saints were qualified to enter Heaven on the basis of their faith in Jesus.

After Jesus had preached to them saints, they were united with Him in His resurrection and ascension to Heaven (Matt 27:52-53). This confirms the exclusivity of Jesus as the (only) means to enter Heaven.

Jesus boldly professed this in His statement, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father (heaven) but by Me” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter also confirms this view in his sermonic address during Pentecost (Acts 4:12).

To contemporary believers, this is good news. It affirms the reliability of God’s promise and the supremacy of His power to bring salvation not only to those of the Old Testament saints, but those of us of today as well.

If He was faithful to them, He will perform the same acts of faithfulness to us. We can rest in the comfort of God’s power and love to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Ps 145:3-5).

Luke 23:43 records Jesus responding to the faith of one of the crucified thieves with this statement, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”

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MISSIONS Abundant Life Bible Church 2014 Missions Conference Review

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hrist’s Call is a call to reach the lost, the needy and the hurting—and to rescue them with the love of Christ”…. K. P. Yohannan, the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia.

At the end of the 2014 Missions Conference, the 2015 United Missions Conference was launched, under the theme ‘I Am Not Ashamed’. The marketing of this upcoming Conference provides a tremendous opportunity for the Abundant Life Bible Church Missions Department to play an integral role in bringing awareness to the field of Missions and the plight of missionaries who are not ashamed to go into the ‘highways and byways’ to fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission. The call that Dr. Yohannan references is not always in Jerusalem (your home city), but can be in a place where each day may bring discomfort or a threat of torture or even the loss of your life for the gospel of Christ. But knowing all of that, will you be one who answers the call and says “Here I am, Lord, send me”?

In this issue of the Living Abundantly Magazine, and in subsequent issues over the year of the ‘I am The Abundant Life Chapel Singers perform during the Not Ashamed’ campaign, we wish to bring greater focus on 2014 Missions Conference. the persecuted church and areas of the world where missionour missionaries and others around the globe. aries suffer for their faith in God. As you can well imagine, Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian in Sudan, is our second this is not an easy topic to address as someone who may have case.

She was convicted for apostasy and is facing persecution felt the call to the mission field may be fearful of just where for her faith.

Raised as an Orthodox Christian (her mother’s that call may take him/her. But, there is no need to fear, for Jereligion, as her father, a Muslim, was absent), she has been sensus has promised that He will always be with us, His children, tenced to death by hanging for refusing to recant her faith and wherever we are. return to Islam, and to 100 lashes for ‘adultery’ for marrying

At the time of writing this piece for the magazine, someone who is not Muslim. Meriam was eight months pregthere were two incidences of great concern to us which threatnant at the time of her sentencing in May She reportedly gave ened children of God. The first involved ALBC’s missionarbirth to a baby girl a few weeks later in her prison cell while ies, Rick and Lori Bassham, who are serving in Thailand. Restill shackled. (web article, DailyMail.May 31, 2014. By Mark cently, there was a coup which overthrew the government and Nicol and Kieran Corcoran).

Meriam’s fate was uncertain for left the country in turmoil. The missionaries were moved to a some time.

She was even released at one point in the face of insafe area but the outcome of the political issues is too uncertain ternational pressure, only to be re-arrested at the airport as she to know at this time. Beyond your financial contribution, how and her children were trying to leave the country to join up with else might you help at this time of ordeal? A key way is to pray her husband.

The second arrest was said to be for false travel and we ask that you do just that for the safety and protection of

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014

documents. They were finally release and flown to Europe on July 24.

Christians around the world are daily being persecuted just because they live for Christ. When you determined not to live according to the world’s standards but choose to live according to God’s Word, The Bible, and are humiliated or scorned, you have made a choice to stand for Christ which may one day bring a penalty of death even in The Bahamas, considered a ‘Christian’ nation. Compared to what Meriam and others are facing, yours may be considered

MISSIONS

‘light affliction’ but we encourage you at every opportunity to make Christ your choice. Remember, what you do for Christ is not temporal but eternal, and will be honored by God as He has promised that whosoever shall confess Him before men, the same one will He confess before His Father which is in heaven (Matthew 10:32).

How will you respond if you are faced with the ultimatum of Jesus or the gallows? Persecution may come, but Jesus has overcome the world!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014 MISSIONS CONFERENCE

Audience watch parade of nations.

Pastor Ludwig Gresseau, Conference Speaker, Pastor Cranston Knowles & Praise Choir.

Missions Committee Members bring greetings and updates on the missions field.

Girls Brigade members hold name cards of countries where missionaries serve.

Tali DiPalma and Kayla Rohr, ICCD Missionaries. to the Deaf.

Flags of All Nations Banner - Go Ye Into All the World. www.albcm.org Living Abundantly

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Abundant Life Bible Church’s MOTHER’S DAY HIGHLIGHTS

The ALBC Men’s Ministry honours Sister Velma Allen as the church’s eldest Mother.

The ALBC Men’s Ministry honors Sister Joyce Knowles.

The ALBC Women’s Ministry 2014 Mother’s Day Honouree, Sis. Marisha Humes and family.

The ALBC Women’s Ministry 2014 Mother’s Day Honouree, Sister Althea Albury and family.

The Children’s Choir perform a special Mother’s Day tribute .

The ALBC Mothers of the Year Honourees along with Women’s Ministry Leaders, Sister Naomi Cumberbatch and Sister Prieta Burnside.

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Abundant Life Bible Church’s FATHER’S DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Pastor Gil Maycock is presented with an award by his family.

The ALBC Women’s Ministry’s 2014 Father’s Day Honouree, Deacon Greg Bullard.

Pastor David Cartwright

Fathers at the alter for prayer.

Pastor James Knowles

The ALBC Men’s Ministry’s Father of the Year Honouree 2014, Bro. Asa Johnson and Family.

Praise and Worship Team.

Fathers at the alter for prayer. www.albcm.org Living Abundantly 11

H T U O Y EAKS SP “The Benefits and/or Disadvantages of Gambling

Athena Bain

Nathan Evans

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To me, gambling is a really weird cause to rally for or against. On both sides of the fence, I believe that the arguments made are overlooking important issues to consider. For example, in last year’s gaming referendum, the Christian council vehemently rallied against gambling alluding to the social ills that could result. However, does gambling result in households being abandoned, and men roaming the streets in search of a dollar? Or is that a result of greed, selfishness, or the human desire to crave more and never be satisfied? Should we have been in Rawson Square praying that the government not pass the Gambling Bill, or should we have been in the streets mourning the brokenness of the hearts in our country? Gambling in and of itself is not inherently evil, but unfortunately, we (us human beings) are.

On the flip side, those who rallied for the passing of the bill referenced all the economic benefits and the new jobs that it will create. Though it may contribute to the economy and add a few jobs here and there, the benefits are being gravely overestimated. Every time someone talks about its contribution to the economy they throw out a new funky number-- some odd thousands of jobs, some few millions of dollars. Nobody really knows since this has been an illegal industry for so many years.

Furthermore, most state that this will only contribute to maybe 1% of our GDP; and, in a country wallowing in debt, we need something much bigger than a few number houses to save us from sinking.

All in all, I don’t think the pros outweigh the cons in this matter, so I would much rather we do without a legal gaming industry. But I guess the government has spoken.

My perspective on gambling is based on my exposure and present knowledge of the topic.

Gambling has been present in the Bahamas for many years, unbothered. My personal opinion is that there is an extreme double standard toward the issue. Growing up, you see family, friends, and family of friends partake in “playing numbers” with little or no consequences. However, it is illegal for Bahamians to gamble in BAHAMIAN casinos. Whatever the moral dilemma, the government should choose an absolute side and stick with it. Either there be absolutely no gambling in the Bahamas (casinos AND number houses) or they set legislation so that everything is on one accord.

Although I personally see nothing wrong with CONTROLLED gambling, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10 - “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Any idol that can deviate our focus from God isn’t good, and the ‘love of money’ is an idol and the root cause as to why some people are easily bought.

All this being said, there are still pros to this matter. The country is in a position where additional revenue would not hurt (but when does additional revenue ever hurt? Other than when it is illegally obtained). If something can be done with gambling to generate revenue that doesn’t sway the Nation’s eyes from God, then I see that as a positive and a boost to our economy. However, as soon as that focus is shifted from God, The Bahamas will not be in the path of God’s will as gambling will then become a source of revenue for some people as oppose to dependence on God, and an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Thus, the moral dilemma remains unresolved and we continue to be where we are as of today.

Living Abundantly Summer 2014

“The Benefits and/or Disadvantages of Gambling

There has been much debate in recent times as to whether or not the act of gambling is a sinful one and further to that point, whether or not webshop gaming ought to be legalized in our country. During the course of this debate, the argument has been advanced that the Bible does not take a clear position against the act and thus we have no grounds for our opposition, an argument which has even been advanced by some within the body of Christ.

Countless verses of scripture have been manipulated and distorted in an attempt to lend credence to this arguAkire Nicolls ment and as a result, many have been led to believe that gambling is not only not a sinful act, but also that it will serve as some form of economic salvation for our people. Regardless of whether or not we choose to take heed to the words of those persons who have expressly stated the correct Biblical position against gambling, we have no choice but to observe the impact that it has had and continues to have on our communities.

Certainly, we know of any number of persons who have received large winnings from gambling, which they claim have provided assistance for them in one way or another. However, we cannot consider these “winnings” in isolation from the vast amount of money that is wasted by these persons in an attempt to obtain these winnings.

There are persons in our society whose minds have been taken captive by gambling addiction, many of whom are unable to fulfill the financial duties and responsibilities owed to their families because of the constant loss of money to web-shops.

In this most difficult economic period in the history of our nation, when families across the country are suffering so immensely, the kind of damage that can be done to the family by gambling losses almost need not be explained. Surely, any right-thinking person is capable of realizing that God does not approve of an activity that causes such a great degree of harm to the family, which is the most important institution that He has ever created. How, then is such a harmful practice supposed to be of any benefit to the Bahamas on a national level?

One would think that during times of economic hardship, emphasis would be placed upon faith in God, hard work and the development of ingenuity. The message of the pro-gambling community is one of dependence upon a thieving system of false security. The gambling

business is not the respectable financial institution that it is being presented as.

While it cannot be disputed that web-shops do amass millions of dollars per year, it also cannot be disputed that those millions of dollars represent the pain, desperation and vulnerability of the Bahamian people. There is absolutely no product offered by the gambling institutions. The money which is distributed to the people is that which already belonged to the people. Winnings are distributed simply so that persons may be enticed to continue to gamble, ultimately losing the previously distributed winnings. Stripped bare, the only thing that Gambling institutions will actually do is facilitate self-robbery and self-destruction at a time when there are already so many other elements seeking to rob and destroy us as a people.

We ought not pretend as though the opportunity to win a large amount of money which can possibly be of great financial assistance to us is not tempting but we must bear in mind that the opportunity is indeed a temptation, yielding to which is sure to bring about severe and undesirable consequences. For many years, there was no question as to whether or not gambling was a sinful act, not even by those who indulged in the practice, but unfortunately it seems as though the current economic climate has made way for the accrual of some form of validity to the business. It is absolutely imperative that we hold fast to our beliefs and moral convictions, particularly during times of upheaval as it is an opportunity for the Christian community to display our unwavering faith in God before the entire nation.

As aforementioned, many bible verses relating to financial matters and the attitude that the Children of God ought to take towards money have been subjected to intense scrutiny in search of answers to many of the questions posed during the debate but in my opinion, Genesis 3:19 ought to put the entire debate to rest. It reads, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground.”

This is a clear expression of the principle that we as human beings are to seek financial provision through our own labour. The very premise upon which the concept of gambling rests is in diametric opposition to that of labour of any sort as the gambler is enticed to win large amounts of money through games of chance, requiring no real degree of skill or strategy whatsoever. I posit that the only relevant question which arises as a result of all of this gambling chatter is why is it that persons are even considering leaving our financial affairs to “chance” when we have already received direct instructions from God as to how they ought to be handled? Genesis 3:19 does not promise that the journey before the labourer will be one of ease or comfort. However, the believer can find comfort and security in the midst of financial turmoil in the words of Psalm 37:25 which read “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” One can be unmistakably certain that no government official, political body, nor all of the web-shop owners together in the abundance of their ill-gotten wealth can provide the kind of assurance that these simple words do.

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ABUNDANT LIFE BIBLE CHURCH SUMMER RECAP

FOOTBALL CAMPS

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his year; in particular this summer of 2014, Abundant Life Bible Church through its Home Missions program, has hosted several camps for students from high schools in Florida and South Carolina. During the week of June 28 to July 3, Lake Highland Preparatory school out of Orlando, Florida was one of two high schools here for football camp.

The week was beneficial for the team and the kids in the community who attended. It was also rewarding for me as well. It has both brought us out of our comfort zone and showed us a new way to think and live with one another.

The week started off with the team arriving at the Lynden Pindling airport on Saturday afternoon. They went straight into the Garden Hills community, going door to door to pass out flyers and inform parents and children in the area about the football camps that were happening within the next few days. The walk-about forced many of the Lake Highland guys out of their comfort zone. Being in their football uniforms gave them easy access to the people to tell them about the events. However with the temperature being in the 90’s and wearing two layers of shirts, walking in the hot sun for about an hour gave both the football team and myself a new experience in ministry, but through it all, they did not complain nor did they have an attitude despite the circumstances.

Later, the team was bussed to the church for dinner which was prepared by one of the ministries of the church. Although one or two could not partake of certain parts of the meal due to religious convictions, they thanked the cooks and kitchen helpers gratefully for the delicious meal.

Shortly after dinner, the team was taken to The Children’s Emergency Hostel where the team interacted with the young residents for about an hour.

The football players may be strong but I do not think they were prepared

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by Angelique Cartwright

to be bombarded with the many kids wanting to be lifted in the air multiple times. While the team was still at the hostile, Pastor Cranston Knowles gave a short message and an invitation for the children to accept Jesus into their hearts.

Sunday was Lake Highland’s day for free time. Shortly after church and lunch, the team was taken down to the beach for the day. They swam, played football and also did a workout/ wrestling match on the beach. A few hours later, Byrnes football team; the second team coming for camp, arrived that afternoon and joined us at the beach for dinner. Youth Ministry was responsible for hosting the beach picnic with the meal preparation organized by Mr. Kai Davis, Department Head/Teens in Youth ministry.

Actual camp days were Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays at the Garden Hills community park from 3pm-5pm each day. As each day passed, more and more kids showed up for the camps. Children heard the gospel and responded to it. The team gave their uniform/ jerseys to the children who came to the camp as a gift from the team.

The mornings of Monday and Tuesday both teams helped out with jobs at the church. They painted, cleaned the bathrooms, busses and the main church, and cleared debris from hallways. With so many hands, we were able to accomplish a great deal each day.

Lake Highland got to experience the Mall of Marathon’s food court, the busy streets of Downtown Nassau, the straw market, and Paradise Island.

Being their hostess for the week, I was grateful for their hard work, willing hearts to assist me in anything, attitudes and just their interesting conversations. I fully enjoyed being the hostess of Lake Highland Football team.

SUMMER CAMP FUN IN THE SUN

by: Keishanne Moss

S

omeone once told me, “To teach is to touch lives forever,” this was a phrase that was constantly in my head the entire week of the football camp. A team from J.F. Byrnes high school; a public high school in South Carolina, came to Nassau for a mission’s trip to teach the kids in the community about football.

I have never been in the public school system myself, so my basis of judgment can only be from the rumors and gossip that I hear. Knowing the little that I do about government school, I thought that my hands would have been full hosting this group of public teens for their football camp. Meeting them at the airport at first sight I thought, “Woah! Now that’s a hand full of mean, tough, angry looking public school kids.” I always heard the expression never judge a book by its cover, but sadly I did not listen, spending time with this group of young people though changed my perspective.

As the week took off, I can gladly say that to my surprise they were nothing like what I had expected. The guys that seemed to have so little to offer financially and emotionally to these kids turned out to be, in my opinion, the ones that gave it all. From the

first day they arrived at the airport, moving straight onto the streets of New Providence, these guys gave it their all, handing out flyers, stopping cars driving by, waving down buses and knocking on stranger’s doors. This group of young men played hard but worked even harder.

Their excitement for sharing the gospel with other teens and children who, in some ways reminded them about themselves, gave them a thirst to share their experience and the gospel even more.

The moving testimonies that the guys shared on their last day of camp, bonds established in that short week, definitely broke down walls that many of the kids had built up for years. J. F. Byrnes’ interaction with the children not only at their camp was astonishing, racing around the court letting the orphans win, throwing around the football or just simply them throwing hoops with the orphans made their day. I can honestly say lives were truly changed because of that Missions trip and I am grateful to have been a part of it. The lessons that the footballers taught the children and learned themselves will not be soon forgotten. To God be the glory, great things He has done! One team, One Camp, whose lives were changed forever!

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THE ULTIMATE SLOOZE SHOW Winning Souls For Christ Through Fun and Fellowship At Arawak Cay.

L

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014

Springtime Tea Party Abundant Life Bible Church

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‘Hats on parade’ at the Abundant Life Tea Party .

Ladies eagerly participate in the ALBC Springtime Tea Party.

A table in the Tea Party Competition is accented with the sweet taste of Jam and tea.

Sis. Caroyln Hanna and guests enjoy afternoon tea.

Vanessa Turnquest displays her authentic jewel pieces.

A table display with play on words for the Tea Party theme: with ‘Bat Tea Fly Bahamas’.

Ladies model Bahamian Straw Bags. www.albcm.org Living Abundantly 17

HEALTH & WEL LNESS

Getting Healthy

I

… a m g i n E y M – n o S y Autism: M d r i b g n i m m My Hu

n my eyes, he will always be my little hummingbird…a beautiful creation of God.

Enigmatic to say the least, full of energy, relentless, intuitive, witty yet cuddly, warm and loving are just a few of many adjectives that describes my son. I am amazed by his uniqueness every day. A quality which I have no doubt, is one of the many reasons God paired us or chose me to care for His child while on this earth. I am blessed every day to play a part in his life.

I believe the greatest challenge a child on the (this) spectrum faces is the perception; based on ignorance that some people have of the disorder. Once they hear the word ‘Autism’, they think ‘retarded or crazy’. Nothing could be further from the truth! They are not retarded nor crazy but merely perceive things differently; do things differently, uniquely!

Sometimes I am not able to understand, for the life of me, what he is thinking and feeling. Another time, he would do something else so remarkable and leave me in awe. It is that jaw dropping moment when Mom looks at Dad, Dad looks at Mom and

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by Mrs. Serena Rolle

everyone is speechless! Well there are lots of those moments.

I think for me, the greatest difficulty comes when a person who has never had the good fortune of teaching/training a child on the spectrum, attempts to give parental advice. My thought is, “Seriously!” It is an annoyance having to endure seemingly long and boring speeches about my son’s restlessness because he lacks home-training. Hyperactivity is a characteristic of children with Autism. My son in particular has an energy level that can exceed that of the energizer bunny.

I take abated breaths as he comes bounding down the stairs, stamping his feet against the wood as loudly as he can. The thrill he gets from hearing this sound I’ll never understand. He is innocent. The fact that he is so unaware of the dangers all around him, reminds me of this. His cuddly and warm little teddy-bear body, younger on the inside than the outside, emphasizes his need for a little extra attention, from the countless baths each day, to watching all three hours of King Kong, back to back.

I secretly hope with every teardrop at the ending that he would never ever want to

Living Abundantly Summer 2014

see that sad affair again, but an encore is the only way to bring King Kong back to life!

I am amazed at his ease when he tells me, “It’s going to rain today mommy!” and it actually does. Yet I am baffled everyday when he tries to tie his shoe-laces, which to him, poses one of life’s greatest challenges. There are also the emotional highs and lows that he goes through.

He can go to bed at night in very high spirits after a good day at school, but in the morning, I have to either take a call-in day or a ‘tagalong with mom at work’ day when he remembers how much he actually hates school, or has everything in the medical encyclopedia wrong with him that day!

The routine can range from hiding the uniforms or shoes to lodging himself so tightly in the rear seat of the car that

it would take a ‘jaws-of-life’ to pry him out of there!

Life with my son, although accompanied by some challenges, is invaluable to me. I often wonder how his life would be if I was not his mother. I thank God that I am because he is the point of focus that keeps me going from day to day. I think to myself, who would take the time out to care for him like I do? From kangarooing to piggy-backing; for the patience to buy two brand new pencils every morning without asking for the two of yesterday. To kiss away the anxious tears of not getting the two and three times table, and give ‘high-fives’ for getting most of the spelling words right, we celebrate small victories one at a time!

It is for his cause, I keep pressing on and it is he who holds my heart!

HEA LT H & W ELLNES S

CEREBRAL PALSY by: Cindy Young

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enial, anger and then ‘Why Me’ ? A question I asked myself over and over when first told that my infant son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I did not fully understand the diagnosis and still thought it was something that we could treat and he would eventually overcome.

Born prematurely and residing in the “Special Care Baby Unit” at the Princess Margaret Hospital for the following 5 months, Keiran began his life with all the odds stacked against him. During his tenure in the unit he developed three life threatening infections and on numerous occasions he simply stopped breathing. I was informed that his chances of survival were just about non-existent.

Now, 17 years later, Keiran’s will to live has endured. I understand that my son will never function as an independent adult and I have more of an appreciation for the small things we take for granted like, being able to feed and dress ourselves or even selfexpression!

I know that God chose me to be mother of a handicapped child with great care and deliberation. This is an assignment that cannot be completed by a person wal-

lowing in self-pity and despair. I’ve been blessed with a child considered “less than perfect” and I never take for granted a spoken word. When Keiran said “Cinny” for the first time, I was present at a miracle and knew it!

I know that I am not alone and God is by my side every minute of every day of my life because I am doing His work. I am blessed to be an “instrument of propagation” and I take this mission seriously.

This journey has taught me to trust and have faith in God, continue to do His will and to accept the things I cannot change.

I am honored to be Mother to such an extraordinary child with “Special Needs”.

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Bahamian Recipes

Potato Bread

Sapodilla Jam with Currents

Ingredients Recipe for 8 x 10 pan 4 cups grated potato 2 cups grated coconut 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg 2 cups water

Ingredients

Directions Mix together until fully blended Bake at 350 degrees for one hour

Directions Blend ½ cup currents in blender In a large pot, combine all of the ingredients except the Pectin Cook about 1 hour over low heat Add Pectin, stirring constantly Cook an additional 15 minutes and test for consistency. If sticky, turn off heat.

Fill jars to ½” from top and let cool completely Wet outside of jars and let jam harden, cap and store away.

12 large Sapodillas (peel, seed and blend to pulp) 1 bag white sugar ¼ cup apple cider Juice of one lime or lemon 1 tsp all spice 1 tsp ground cloves 1 cup currents Dash ground ginger 1 pkg Sure Jell or Certo Pectin 1 pkg orange Kool-Aid

Recipe submitted by Rosita Burrows

Recipe submitted by David Bethel

Do you have a famous, homemade recipe you’d like to share with us?

If so email us at living.abundantly@albcm.org and submit your recipe along with a photo!

Happy Cooking...

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014

Living Abundantly A Ministry Publication Of Abundant Life Bible Church, The Bahamas

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COMIC RELIEF

Living Abundantly

Rovan Humes I Rovan Humes I www.albcm.org Living Abundantly 21

Nathan Jones 22 22

Living Abundantly Summer 2014 Living Abundantly Summer 2014

MEMBER IN FOCUS Meet

Nathan Jones

part from the theme of each issue of the magazine, the Member in Focus segment receives the most thought and discussion. This is so because, just as the selection of the theme is important, so is the member who is chosen to be featured. What is the purpose of the Member in Focus you may ask? The answer is that there are many sides to its purpose, just as there are many facets to the character and person that we will feature in this issue. The overriding purpose is to assist us at Abundant Life in our ‘growing together’ process; a theme from past years that we are continuing to build upon. As we feature each member, it allows all of us to get to know that member just a little bit better, and to develop a greater appreciation for what it is that they contribute to our church family as well as to the wider community. Secondary to that, at the same time it allows society to see what they are doing in the house of the Lord, for the work of the Lord.

The member that we are featuring this month is a very charismatic young man. He has a vibrant personality that can bring a smile to your face at any time. He has a strong, clear voice that commands to be heard. All of these characteristics and more have been an asset to his work for the Lord. Our focus this month is on Nathan Livingston Jones.

Nathan comes from a large family clan with a rich heritage, however that notwithstanding, this young man is creating a legacy of his own. He is a native Androsian, born to Lyneth and the late George Jones. He is one of six boys (one deceased) and he has three sisters. Life was not the easiest following the sudden death of their father at an early age, but they had a dedicated and hardworking mother and loving grandparents who took them all in and saw them through to adulthood.

As a boy, Nathan attended the Nicoll’s Town Primary school, and then the North Andros High school where he graduated as Head Boy. He developed a love for swimming, fishing and diving at an early age; a love he quite likely inherited from his father who was out on the sea fishing when a medical condition took him home to be with the Lord, as well as from his maternal grandfather who had become the father figure in his life after the passing of his dad. Swimming and diving continue to remain among his favorite hobbies and played a major role in his career choice. A very personable person, Nathan has always worked with people. While in Andros following his graduation from high school, he worked at the then Andros Beach Hotel and one of the areas he worked in was as a diving instructor. This was to serve as a spring board for his career.

The economic condition on Andros has always been unstable and during one of the downturns, came the closure of the dive shop at the hotel. Eventually Nathan relocated to New Providence.

Talk about a ‘fish out of water’. His first job in New Providence was that of an insurance agent. This job required a suit and tie, everyday, all day long. Although it still allowed him to interact with people, it was not the same. His love for the ocean eventually led him to seek employment with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas. He quickly moved up the ranks from Dive Master to Instructor, and after two years at Stuart Cove’s he was asked to manage a newly acquired dive operation based at Atlantis (Blue Adventures owned by Stuart Cove’s) where he remains today. Nathan continues to advance in his field and is one of only a few Sea Trek World Staff Training Coordinators and Scuba Program Directors in the Caribbean.

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MEMBE R IN FOCUS

of the Youth Renewal Choir and was as said, also involved in the drama ministry.

He re-dedicated his life to the Lord while attending a service lead by an outreach team visiting Andros from Abundant Life Bible Church.

He relocated to Nassau a short time afterwards and joined the membership class at Abundant Life. Because of his love for music, he also joined the then Youth Choir and later became a member of the group Inspired along with his brother Ryan Jones, cousin Rovan Humes I and close family friend – Allison Coley. Travis Edgecombe later joined the group.

He also joined the Praise and WorNathan, Althea and Alvita Jones Nathan assisting two young snorklers. ship ministry and was a member for

many years before recently being asked

In addition to his phenomenal love for the water, to fill a void in that ministry and is currently functioning as Nathan also loves music, travelling and meeting people; atthe Worship leader. tributes which allowed him to travel extensively throughout

Nathan indeed has many loves in his life but he the United States of America, Eastern Canada and Europe. has them in order of priority. Second only after his love He also has another love which was reluctantly kindled infor the Lord, is his love for his family. In 1997 he met the side of him but once it got going, became a glowing flame beautiful miss Althea Smith-Dames, whom he later marin him for the Lord. That is his love for drama. Amazingly ried on June 5th 1999. They have a daughter Alvita and a Nathan considers himself to be shy and it was only with lovely granddaughter Raven whom he took as his own. She great reluctance that he played his first lead role in a high is definitely a daddy’s girl and loves him very much. He school comedy. It was then that his interest in drama began enjoys spending time with his wife who is his best friend. to bud. This bud was nourished by his involvement in the He loves travelling with his family and tries for them to drama ministry of his local church, Nicoll’s Town Gospel spend every New Year’s Day in Orlando, Florida. Nathan Chapel but really began to blossom here at Abundant Life makes sure that he prays every morning with his family Bible Church after he relocated to New Providence. He before heading out to work. He believes that the family was given room to grow after being approached by then that prayers together stays together. His favorite scripture Youth Pastor Cranston Knowles to head up a new drama verse is Galatians 2:20, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; ministry called Soldiers of the Cross. He gladly took on the It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the challenge of writing, directing and building sets for many life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son productions. He also continued to take roles for a time, of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’ having the lead role in 2003 in the production, ‘Jesus the

The members of the Living Abundantly magazine Son of God’, a production of Abundant Life Bible Church team and Abundant Life Bible Church congratulates you written by Pastor Knowles. This production is still shown Nathan for being chosen this issue’s Member In Focus and on our local stations every Easter. In 2008, he was assistant we wish you all of God’s continued blessings as you condirector in the Christmas production, ‘The Baby King’ and tinue to serve and live for the Lord. most recently was assistant drama director for the widely publicized production, ‘The Easter Song’.

Nathan gave his life to the Lord at the age of nine while attending vacation bible school at a local church in Andros. He became very active in the music ministry at the Nicoll’s Town Gospel Chapel where he was a member

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The Pastors’ InBOX

Questions & Answers for everyday living....

The Importance of Christian Baptism

Baptism was a rite of identification by which new believers became associated with Jesus and His followers.

Repentance and baptism enabled the believers to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

One must believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, repent of their sins and be baptized. Water baptism is merely a symbol of spirit baptism which was practiced by Jesus and His Pastor Algernon Malcolm apostles.

The baptism of the spirit began at Pentecost but is a continuing work of the Holy Spirit. Each individual who believes in Jesus, experiences the baptism which joins us to Jesus and to one another.

The Theological definition helps us see how appropriate the term “Baptism” is; we are immersed in the Holy Spirit and Jesus Himself by the Holy Spirit.

Baptism as Union with Jesus The baptizing work of the Holy Spirit that unites us as one body also united us to Jesus the head of the body. The most noticeable is in Romans 6:3-8 where Paul writes, ‘don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life?’

God is talking about freedom from bondage to the old life. We are given power by Jesus to live a new life. Another benefit with the spirit’s other work, enables us to live in unity with other Christians and finally, all of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.

It may well be that the great theological reality of union with Jesus in death and resurrection is intended to be affirmed by the water baptism practice by the church. It is clear that the efficacy of Christian baptism does not lie in ceremony but in an inner work of God within the heart of each individual.

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The Pastors’ InBOX Why some Prophets in the Bible are, called ‘minor prophets’?

The ‘minor prophets’ is the collection of twelve individual books listed in the Christian Old Testament, and named after the prophets who wrote them. They are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

They are called ‘minor’ in their comparison to the ‘major’ prophets which are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentation, Ezekiel and Daniel.

Pastor David Cartwright

The gospel writers record the events of our Lord’s death. They detail His arrest, His trial and crucifixion, His burial and resurrection, but they did not give us any insight into what happened during the time when He died and when He rose.

To answer that question, we will have to go to the only place in the New Testament which gives us insight into this. It is found in 1 Peter 3:18-20 which reads: 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

We see that he was ‘put to death’ physically.

Many have disputed whether Jesus rose from the dead, by claiming that He never really died. They say that He merely fainted into a semi-conscious state on the cross and was revived in the coolness of the tomb and then unwrapped Himself and walked out. But we see that this phrase leaves no doubt that Jesus died on the cross. During the crucifixion, victims postponed their deaths as long as possible by pushing up on their legs to breathe. But, when the soldiers came to break the legs of Jesus as they

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These books were also named after men who were prophets and are called ‘major’ because of their length, but not their importance.

Just a note, Daniel, which has twelve chapters (shorter than Zechariah, which has fourteen chapters) and Lamentations (which has five chapters) both are included in the major prophets section of the Christian Bible.

Where was Jesus for three days between His death and resurrection? had done the two thieves, they did not break His because He was already dead. Trying to confirm that He was indeed dead, one of soldiers pierced His side with a spear and blood and water flowed out. This indicates that He was certainly dead – John 19:31-36.

The phrase ‘but quickened by the Spirit’ does not mean that He was made alive ‘quickened ‘ by the Holy Spirit but that He was still alive spiritually, contrasting it with Him being physically dead in His body.

‘He went and preached unto the spirits in prison’ He went – this means that Jesus during this time (between His death and resurrection) went to another place ‘spiritually’ and that place is where these spirits that were kept by God until judgment in a prison, this could be the bottomless pit of Revelation 9:1-2 but not the Lake of fire – Hell which is mentioned in chapter 20:14 of Revelation.

Who are these spirits and why are they in prison?

It says it in the same verse ‘which sometime were disobedient…in the days of Noah’. They are not the souls of sinful human beings that have died and are awaiting judgment but fallen angels in which Jude 6-7 also says they are - 6 ‘the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornica-

The Pastors’ InBOX tion, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire’. That is recorded in Genesis 6:2-4.

Preached – not to evangelize but proclaim victory over. In the ancient world, heralds would come into a town as representatives of the rulers to make a public announcement or preceded generals and kings in the

In dealing with authority, how can I explain things or make a point without sounding argumentative or disrespectful?

procession of celebrating military triumphs and announcing victories won in battle. This is what Jesus did to these spirits, proclaiming His victory over Satan, demons, hell, sin, and death.

The key to making a point without sounding argumentative is to give honor to the individual with whom you are speaking. For example, Scripture teaches in Ephesians 6:2 that children should honor their father and mother which is the first commandment with promise. Parents are authority figures and therefore they are an example of those we should honor. To honor means to give respect to someone. Therefore, whatever conversation may arise, we must give respect to the authority figure.

An example is the Prime Minister of The Bahamas; the highest and foremost human leader of our country. Nevertheless, it is possible for the Prime Minister to do or say things that we as Bahamians are not be in disagreement with. When such situations occur, if we are given an opportunity to meet the Prime Minister in person, it is not proper to be argumentative or obnoxious in his presence. Why? Because he

Pastor O’Neil Russell

I think it is almost impossible to separate from bad friends without hurting them or incurring some kind of negative response. After all, they are exactly just that--BAD FRIENDS! And the reason you are separating from them should because of their lack of spiritual interest and actions. You cannot expect someone who is spiritually immature to understand the decision you are making, or to promote your spiritual progress. If they understood your

is the Prime Minister and although we may disagree with him about certain issues, we must respect him because of the position in which he has been placed. The same attitude should be the case when it comes to dealing with all authority figures.

Points to be remembered and followed: Have a conversational tone of voice. Raising your voice to someone in authority is not a Christ-like action and does not show honor. Also, when an authority figure is speaking, you should give them the opportunity to speak without interrupting them. After they have spoken, then you can proceed with what you have to say. If you speak while they are speaking, it implies you are not listening and do not care about what they have to say. Third, give undivided attention. This shows great honor and combined with the other two points, then individuals will take you seriously, even if they do not agree with you.

How do you distance yourself/separate from “bad” friends without hurting them or making them think you are stuck up? spiritual decisions, you more than likely would not be considering separating from them in the first place. Consequently, anyone who desires to separate from a “bad friend” must be ready to receive some form of negativity, however slight it may be. Scripture teaches us in 2 Timothy 3:12, “that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This biblical principle is true regardless of one’s age or situation in life. It ought to be expected.

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MI NI STRY OUTLOOK

ABUNDANT LIFE SOCIAL COMMITTEE

T

he Social Committee has been in existence for the past twenty five years.

Cynthia Nixon was the Chairperson up to the time of her death in 1994, after which Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Sands assumed the role as Chair and has served in that capacity from then to present.

The Social Committee comprises a group of dedicated men and women who are always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty when called upon. It is a mixed group of young and not so young individuals, twenty five in total. The young ones are in training, in order to take over when the not so young are no longer able to carry on. You could say the committee has a succession plan in place.

The department head reports directly to the pastors and is the liaison between the committee and the pastors, relaying requests and instructions and ensuring that they are carried out.

The committee’s main functions are to oversee/ organize social functions put on by the church, and cater

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to visiting groups and Missionaries, ensuring their needs are met as necessary.

Whenever there is a major fundraiser planned by the church, this committee is the one called upon to take the lead in ensuring that the event is a success. While there may not be plans on the church’s calendar under this committee’s name annually, the Social Committee is asked to either assist or spear head the functions set on the calendar by the various departments. The committee this is indeed a very active and busy department.

All of the members will not necessarily work every function. They are assigned according to the amount of people being catered to. There is a group of retired members who work during the week whenever there is a group visiting the church. They not only responsible for feeding them, but they also ensure that the facilities/ apartments are cleaned before and after the group’s visit to the church.

During the first quarter of 2014, the Committee has catered to a Girls Soccer team with thirtyone persons from Apopka Florida, hosted a Good Friday Luncheon

M INIS T RY O U T LO O K

and the Easter Sunday Pot Luck Luncheon on Nirvana Beach. There are more teams scheduled to come in from Florida during the course of this year, which the committee is eagerly anticipating to be of service to. The next group will arrive in June 2014, which is a boys group of some thirty five young men, with their coaches.

The Social Committee is delighted to be serving the Lord in this manner, and each member is committed to being and doing the best they can in order to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour. We do not look to anyone for praise because we know that our reward is in heaven, and it will truly be worth it all when we get there.

Our focus is best described in the following scripture verses: Romans 12:11 – 13 11 - Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 – Distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality.

Members of the committee include: Geraldine Sands - Chairperson Vanrea Smith - Co-chairperson

Brenda Percentie Faith Roxbury Angela Wells Blanche Turnquest Ina Maycock Bernice Fernander Alvena Taylor Annamae Hamilton Ada Smith Lorna Bethune Rowena Miller Sharraine Walkes

Lillian Moss Patricia (Patsy) Knowles Mizpah Robinson Germaine Butler Tennille Ryan Westra Knowles Vanessa Turnquest Kenneth Sands Renaldo Butler Elsworth Moss Bruce Dean

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s r e k r o W f o s t h s g i a R m hT e a ah T

B e h T In

he labour laws of The Bahamas presently consist of the Employment Act, the Minimum Wages Act, the Health and Safety at work Act and the Industrial Relations Act. However, the Employ-ment Act 2001 sets out the rights and obligations of the employee and the employer in The Bahamas. I wish therefore to highlight several areas of the Act which will assist you in understanding your rights and benefits; minimum standard hours of work, vacation with pay for employees, the grant of maternity and family leave, redundancy payments to employees, termination of employment with notice, summary dismissal, and unfair dismissal. The Act also addresses the employment of children and young persons, fingerprinting and lie detector test.

STANDARD HOURS OF WORK After February 1, 2003, the work week was reduced to forty hours per week, which is referred to as the “standard hours of work”. Employees required to work on any public holiday or day off, should receive twice his regular pay.

SICK LEAVE An employee who has been employed for at least six months is entitled to one week sick leave with pay each year, where they are prevented by illness from performing their duties.

VACATION LEAVE An employee, who has been employed for six months or more but less than one year, shall receive one week basic pay.

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by Althea Albury

After one year of continuous employment, two (2) weeks vacation with pay.

After seven years of continuous employment, employees are entitled to three (3) weeks vacation with pay.

Employees are not entitled to vacation pay unless they have been continuously employed for ninety days or more.

MATERNITY AND FAMILY LEAVE Female employees must be employed for at least twelve (12) months by the employer from whom she requests such leave.

Every female employee is entitled to twelve (12) weeks paid maternity leave once every three (3) years.

Employers are required to pay thirty-three and one third percent (33 1/3%) of that portion of the employee’s wages which does not exceed the National Insurance ceiling on insurable wage.

An employee shall provide her employer with a certificate issued by a medical practitioner indicating the actual date of her confinement.

The Act prohibits the termination of an employee because she is pregnant.All seniority and rights are maintained upon return after maternity leave.

In the unlikely death of a mother while on maternity leave, the guardian of the child is entitled to all unpaid maternity benefit from her employer and the National Insurance Board.

FAMILY LEAVE An employee who has been employed for at least six (6) months is entitled to one (1) week unpaid leave per annum for the following:

F INA NC E • BU S INES S • LAW

A Closer Look At The Employment Act (a) The birth of a child; or, (b) The death or illness of a child, spouse or parent Every employee is required to provide for his/her employer, evidence of the birth, death or illness, as the case may be.

REDUNDANCY An employee shall be deemed to be dismissed because of redundancy if: His/her employer has ceased business, That particular kind of work has ceased or diminished or is expected to cease or diminish.

Redundancy payment shall be paid as follows: An employee who has been employed for twelve (12) months or more: Two (2) weeks’ notice or two (2) weeks’ basic pay in lieu of notice and; Two (2) weeks basic pay for each year up to twenty-four (24) weeks.

An employee who holds a supervisory or managerial position shall be paid; One (1) month’s notice or one (1) month’s basic pay in lieu of notice for each year up to forty eight (48) weeks.

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH NOTICE An employee employed six (6) months but less than one (1) year: one (1) week’s notice or one (1) week’s pay in lieu of notice and one (1) week basic pay or a partthereof on a pro-rated basis for the period between six (6) months and twelve (12) months.

Employed twelve (12) months or more: Two (2) weeks’ notice or two (2) weeks’ pay in lieu of notice; and two (2) weeks’ pay for each completed year up to twenty four (24) weeks.

For supervisory or managerial employees: One (1) month’s notice or one (1) month’s pay in lieu of notice; and one (1) month’s basic pay for each year up to forty eight (48) weeks.

An employee shall not terminate his/her employment until after the expiry of;

(a) Two (2) weeks’ notice to the employer if the employment is one (1) year or more, or (b) Four (4) weeks’ notice to the employer if the period of employment is two (2) years or more,

Unless the employer has been guilty of a breach of the terms and condition of the employment.

An employer may give notice to an employee orally or in writing.

SUMMARY DISMISSAL An employer may summarily dismiss an employee without notice or notice pay when the employee has committed a fundamental breach of his/her contract of employment or has acted in a manner inconsistent to the fundamental interest of the employer; Misconduct that constitutes a fundamental breach of contract may include (but not limited to); Theft Fraudulent offences Dishonesty Gross insubordination or insolence Gross indecency Gross negligence Incompetence Gross misconduct BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY The employer must prove for the purposes of any proceedings before the Tribunal, that he/she honestly and reasonably believed that the employee had committed the misconduct.

As this is a limited and extracted overview of the Employment Act, it is recommended that employees and employers visit our website www. bahamas.gov.bs/labour or call the Labour Department for additional information and assistance.

Althea Albury www.albcm.org Living Abundantly 31

UPCOMING EVENTS Back-to-School Grooming – August Men’s Retreat – September Family Life Conference – October Ladies Retreat – October Deaf Rally – October Selah Conference – November Church Anniversary Celebrations - November “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

Ephesians 4:16.

Come worship with us...

WEEKLY SCHEDULE SUNDAY: 9:45 am - Sunday School 9:45 am 11 am - Morning Worship 6 pm - Communion Service 7 pm - Evening Worship

MONDAY 7:30 pm - Men & Ladies Prayer Meeting

TUESDAY: AWANA 6:30 pm

WEDNESDAY: Equipping the Saints 7:30 pm

THURSDAY: Soldiers of the Cross (Closed)

FRIDAY: A.L.I.V.E. 7:30 pm SATURDAY: Boys’ Brigade 1:00pm

Girls’ Brigade 1:00pm

Abundant Life Bible Church Abundant Life Road

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Living Abundantly Summer 2014