Believe Magazine April 2017

C MP CO M LI LM ME ENT NTA ARY RY

APRIL 2017

VOL.2 ISSUE #2

HOPE IN

DESPAIR THERE’S ONLY ONE

CHURCH Up Close and Personal with

Gospel artiste, pastor and announcer John Yarde

Contents 4

e Key Focus of Lent

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Words of Encouragement

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Up Close With John Yarde

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e Value of e Cross

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Abstinence

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Hope In Despair

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e Leacock Family Rooted in Music

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ere Is Only One Church

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e Arts In Church

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Rebuilding Intimacy

20 Feedback

On the Cover Pastor John Yarde

Credits PUBLISHER: M. Anthony Shaw

From the editor’s desk

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EDITOR: Cheryl C. Harewood HEAD OF ADVERTISING -NATION GROUP Paulette Jones DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER: Lyle Jones PHOTOGRAPHY: Amery Butcher, e Morgan Media, Lennox Devonish CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Pastor Linda Jones, Rommel Lawrence, Camille Alleyne, Paula Richards

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES: Danielle Beckford Tel.: (246) 430-5495 Asha Jones Tel: (246) 430-5519 Stephanie Barnett Tel: (246) 430-5515

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ou hold within your hands the second issue of Believe Magazine. Based on the feedback received from our readers, this magazine has been well accepted and we are happy to place it in your hands once more.

Again, it is the Lenten season; a time for spiritual renewal and a time to reflect on the benefits of Christ’s death in a dying world. As you consider where your spiritual journey starts and where it ends, we hope that you will be blessed with its content. e Value of the Cross by Rommel Lawrence explains why Jesus Christ’s death on Calvary paved the way for mankind to be reconciled to God. Pastor Linda Jones’ ere is Only one Church - speaks to the fact that while there are different denominations, there is only one Church – which is the Body of Jesus Christ.

Other interesting topics which are sure to encourage you in the faith include the article on Hope in Despair by Paula Richards and Nuggets for Encouragement from the Bible. e Leacock family rooted in Music looks at this family’s commitment to music on the local gospel scene.

Other interesting topics are Abstinence and a Q&A with announcer, musician and pastor John Yarde.

In general, we hope that the pages of this second edition of Believe Magazine provide you with invaluable reading which will assist you in your spiritual walk. Flip to each page in great anticipation of the revelation of each article.

Believe has been specially published with you in mind, so indulge and enjoy this publication as much we enjoyed bringing it to you.

PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Limited Tel.: (246) 434-6719

BELIEVE is produced by the Nation Publishing Co. Limited, a subsidiary of the Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media (OCM) Limited group of companies. is publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the publisher.

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e key focus of Lent e key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God’s favour or increasing His love.

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appy Easter It’s that time again when we acknowledge the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It has been a season of denying the flesh and working hard on strengthening the inner man. e Easter holiday is said to be the most significant season for the Christian. It is a time of taking stock of one’s spirituality and reflecting on the Christian walk.

Many would have sacrificed their dainty treats to focus more on a wholesome and healthier diet.

For others the Lenten season would have been a time of resisting temptations and turning over a new leaf.

Traditionally, the Lenten season is said to be a period of fasting, moderation and self-denial.

It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. e length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4th century as 46 days (40 days, not counting Sundays).

During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television, eating candy or telling lies.

It’s actually six weeks of self-discipline.

Research shows that Lent began as a way for Catholics to remind themselves of the value of

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repentance. e austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes.

However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more “sacramental” value.

Many believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing. But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is “the gift of righteousness”. Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus’ command to “wash your face” seems to conflict with the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s face on Ash Wednesday.

Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits. ere’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the days of Lent.

If anyone, especially the Christian wishes to observe Lent, he or she is free to do so. e key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God’s favour or increasing His love. God’s love for us could not be any greater than it is already.

Words of Encouragement

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to time. e Bibl b e is filled witth nu nugg gget etss o off encouragement whic ich h we can “feed on” when th the e go goin ng gets tough. Here are som me fam miliar portions off sc scri ript ptur ure e wh which will help y u mak yo ke it through any day. y. Do en enjo joy! y!

Deuterronomy 31:8 8: It iss the LORD who goe es be efo fore re you ou.. He He will be with yo ou; He e will not ot leave you or forsake you. Do no nott fe fear ar or be dismayed.

Psalm 9:9: e e LORD D is a stro onghold for the e op ppr pres esse sed, d, a str t ongh gholld in i time m s of trouble. And tho ose who know your na ame put the eir trustt in yo y u, for o yo ou, O LORD, hav ave not fo orsak aken those who see ek yo you. u.

Psalm 23: 1: e Lord is my Sheph pherd I shall no ot wa want nt..

Psalm 23:4: Even thoug gh I walk thr hrou o gh the he val alle ley le y off the he shado hadow w of death, I will fear no evill, forr You ar a e wi with h me; you ur ro rod d and an nd yo y ur sta taff ff, th they ey co omfo ort me.

Psalm 27.1: e Lord iss my ligh ht an and d my y sal alv vation va tio on n, wh ho om m shall hall I fea ear? r? e Lord iss the light of my y liife, of who hom m sh shal a l I be al e afrai aid? d Psalm m 46: 10: Be still and d kn know w tha hat I am m God d.

Psalm m 55:22: Cast your bu burd rde en on th he LO L RD RD,, an and He willl su ussttaiin y yo ou; He will ne ever permit the righ ghteou us to be mo move ved. ve d.

Isaiah Is h 40: 31: But they th hat a wai aitt up upon n the Lord will ren enew en w the heir irr str t en ngt gth. h. ey shall mount up with th win ngs as ea eagl glles es;; th they ey e y wil i l ru un an and no nott be wea eary ry, and th hey shall walk and no nott fa ain int. t Is h 54: 17: No weapon Isaiah n that is i forme orrme med ag gai ain nst th ns hee e sha all pro osp sper e and n nd ev e very tongue tha hat rises up up aga ain insst st the ee in n jud dgm gmen e t sh shal alll be be con onde demn mned ed..

Z pha Ze aniah 3: 17: 7 e LOR RD your u God ur d in th t e midst of you ou is mi migh ghty gh ty;; He wil ty illl ssa ave v , He will rejoice overr you u witth jo joy; y He wiilll qui y; uiett you u with ith His His lo love v , He ve willl rejoice ove er you u with h singi ing ng. in Mattthew 11:28-29 Come to o me, alll w wh ho la labo borr an bo and d ar are e heav vy la aden, and I will give ve you u resst. t. Take my y yok oke ke up pon you, and learn from om m me, for I am gentle and nd d lo owl w y in heart, and yo ou wi w ll find d re r st for your souls.

John 14:1 Pea eace ce I lea eave e with you, my peace I giive e unt nto o yo ou: u not as the world giveth, give v I unto o yo you. Let not your heart be tro oub u le ed d,, neither let it be afraiid..

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Up Close with John Yarde

By Cheryl Harewood

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Gospel artiste, pastor and announcer John Yarde recently sat down to reveal a little bit more of himself with Believe Magazine.

Q: Who exactly is John Yarde?

A: John is a 27-year-old Bajan who just loves life, people and good music.

Q: What would you say are your strengths?

A: I am very comfortable with myself. One of the most beautiful things about life is finding yourself. From that foundation, one is able to interact with and appreciate people in their journey; be able to help how and where I can and just love because having found John and positioning John, this enables me to love people.

Q: Growing up what did people say you would become?

A: I was a lot of trouble at secondary school [Ellerslie Secondary]. I really do not know what people were saying about John but I can say that at secondary school the principal told my dad I had two options- continue with friends and the lawlessness I was doing and leave school with no CXCs or I could pull my socks up, apply myself and make something of myself.

Q: Who is your hero and why?

A: Jesus is my hero. I am satisfied with the person of Jesus Christ. I have come to discover Him not only as a guy in the Bible, but one with whom I have a relationship. He is responsible for my turn around and my success.

He is my hero in the sense that salvation is a beautiful gift which He gave and having followed His precepts of the Bible, I’ve seen how my life has been radically transformed.

My parents John and Shirley Yarde are also my heroes because they have stuck with me. I appreciate them because they hoped and prayed for me to be better. ey have supported me throughout everything and believed in me before saw me. at makes them pretty awesome.

Q: What types of music do you love best?

A: I appreciate music. I listen, enjoy and learn. I love Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior and, Nat King Cole. I also love contemporary gospel music like that of Fred Hammond, Ron Kenoly and Israel and New Breed.

Q: Who is your favourite artiste?

A: I do not have a favourite artiste, but right now I am listening to the music of Ed Sheeran. He is a brilliant song writer. I love to listen to how he approaches music, his writings and melodies.

Q: If you were not a pastor or radio announcer what would you be?

A: I would probably be a chef. I studied culinary arts at the Barbados Community College and I had the opportunity to travel and work in the United States. If I was not a chef, I’d be Batman.

Q: What is it about you that people do not know?

A: I am good with people as a pastor, announcer and artiste, so by nature I am somewhat of a public personality. What people may not know is that I do enjoy being quiet and by myself.

Q: What advice would you give to up and coming gospel artistes?

A: Don’t stop learning and don’t make excuses. is advice is for any artiste, not necessarily gospel artistes. Connect with other creative people and have fun in the process. If you’re not having fun you are probably not doing it right.

Q: Are you were you want to be?

A: Right now I am happy where I am. By all means I look forward; I dream big.

I have a plan for the future but I celebrate where I am right now.

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e Value of e Cross

By Rommel Lawrence

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he message this Easter Season is based on the Cross.

To take up your cross and follow Jesus requires courage and humility, for the route of the Cross is punctuated with suffering, pain and rejection – none of which Almighty God wills for us since He made us for happiness.

Christ’s brutal death at Calvary does not demonstrate our value as human beings; rather, it shows the weightiness of our sins which led to His crucifixion and, at the same time, the unfailing love of God from which nothing can separate us (Romans 8:38 – 39).

In His wisdom, the Father sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus to save us from the divine wrath and add value to our lives: to allow us the chance to become born again creatures, capable of doing what Jesus did and more (John 14:12).

By accepting Jesus, we open ourselves to suffering. Viewed from this perspective, the logic of the Cross makes no sense. But the Cross is not about logic and reason anyhow. It is about faith that leads to salvation. By His Cross, Jesus defeated Satan and by our obedience to Almighty God we too will be triumphant over Satan regardless of the crosses we have to bear.

Bearing our crosses allows us to build intimacy with Jesus based on faith in His power to heal and restore us. Whenever we are confronted with problems, we often wish Him to perform instant roof-lifting miracles. If He did, we would become lukewarm at best in trusting Him and treat Him as a fast food outlet. By causing us to depend on Him and not on ourselves, He moulds us into pillars of faith to be blessings to those weak in faith.

As we surrender our will to the Lord through our crosses, the Kingdom of God comes alive within us because it is through faith we will please Him and reap the rewards He promises (Hebrews 11:6). e Cross will add value for us when we spend more time in prayer, avoid the snares of pride, lust, envy and anger and repent of our wrongdoing. e Cross ought to remind us of the sacrifices of Jesus’ love of us as it symbolises triumph over sin, the world and the grave. It ought to evoke in us fresh waves of energy to appreciate that its greatest currency is derived when – tempted like Jesus – we can serve without desiring to be served; we can give without looking for anything in return; we can bear our trials courageously; we can abandon who we are in order to discover whose we are.

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Evangelist and author Rommel Lawrence is a former management consultant who specialises in organizing spiritual retreats, conducts healing and deliverance services and promotes prayer as a way of life.

Abstinence Enjoying a walk on the beach, a romantic dinner for two, or just a night at the movies can illustrate the same meaning inherent in sex and also allow for the formation of a deep emotional bond.

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bstinence, or the action of refraining from sexual activity, has been used for centuries to prevent unwanted pregnancies. In fact, abstinence is a normal and acceptable practice used by men and women of all ages who are not yet prepared to accept the risks of sexual activity.

Here in Barbados there is a ministry - Ammar Empowerment Ministries, whose message is pure sex, in short, abstaining from sex until marriage.

Some people argue that sexual abstinence is not a true form of birth control. But birth control is any act, drug or device that is intended to prevent pregnancy. is means that choosing to abstain is really seen as a contraceptive. Did you know that among teens, abstinence is the most popular method of birth control?

Why Sex? When you are feeling close to another person, it may seem natural to progress from hugging and kissing to sexual intercourse. Many people use sexual activity and intercourse as a way to express love, tenderness, and affection. However, emotional affection can also be expressed in alternative ways and this can circumvent many of the risks associated with intercourse.

Enjoying a walk on the beach, a romantic dinner for two, or just a night at the movies can illustrate the same meaning

inherent in sex and also allow for the formation of a deep emotional bond. Refraining from sexual activity doesn’t mean that you aren’t interested in expressing affection for your loved one. To the contrary, abstinence can open up opportunities to developing meaningful communication with your partner.

Unlike other animals, humans are able to associate sexual behaviour with their psychology and emotions.

We are able to control our sexual urges and evaluate our decisions unlike the rest of the animal world. As a result, humans are able to engage in a relationship based on sexual fidelity. A lot of couples find that sexual behaviour is more rewarding when explored in an atmosphere of deep commitment, and one in which the possibility of children may be explored. Not all men and women are prepared for such a commitment and thus choose to abstain from sex until they are in a monogamous relationship.

Why Abstinence?

Abstinence is everybody’s first method of contraception.

It is 100 per cent effective in safeguarding against sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.

However, sexual abstinence can be a hard thing to practise. Young people especially find the drive of hormones and curiosity difficult to overcome. If you want to practise abstinence, try avoiding high-pressure situations like empty dorm rooms and the back seat of automobiles. ere are many pressures in society that make it difficult to safe sex. ough it will be hard, you may find that abstinence is far more rewarding than you ever thought it could be.

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Hope in Despair

by Paula Richards

Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.’ (MSG)

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our marriage is a mess and there is no hope of reconciliation with your spouse; your wages are not enough to feed your children and pay your rent and you’ve lost hope that this situation will change anytime soon; the bank has made its final call for the mortgage payment - all hope for keeping your home is lost; the diagnosis from the doctor is cancer and you’ve no hope that you will live past the end of this year; fire has totally destroyed your home and your hope of rebuilding has dwindled to nothing.

Despair comes when you have had disappointment after disappointment, but Proverbs 13:12 gives us hope.

‘Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.’ (MSG) I can almost hear your response: ‘Now would be a good time, Jesus!’

Hope is a wonderful thing to have because it gives you an impetus to keep on living, even if life isn’t quite going the way you envisioned. But when you lose

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Sometimes despair comes because thankfulness is absent.

If we live in a state of constant gratitude, despair will not find root in our hearts. hope, you lose the will to live. Hopelessness reduces your quality of life; it obscures all that is good and causes you to see only what is negative. It crushes your faith in God, preventing you from seeing all that He can do for you. A cursory glance at the news has the potential to tempt even the most optimistic or faith-filled person to lose hope. But can you have hope in the midst of such despair and rise from a place of hopelessness to one of faith and hopeful expectation? A resounding yes! e Psalmist David discovered the solution for his despair.

In Psalm 42, we see the depths of his pain. He knew only tears, his enemies taunted him and his heart broke because he remembered when life was good. He had come to the end of his tether and all around him was darkness. But then, in the midst of his despair something changed, and David shifted from his negative self-talk and began to encourage himself. In verse 5 he said: ‘Why are you so discouraged? Hope in God!’ He recognised that he had placed his hope in people and things rather than in God, and this was the source of his despair. He then directed his

words to God, declaring in verse 6, ‘When my soul is discouraged, I rehearse everything I know of you.’

Sometimes despair comes because thankfulness is absent.

If we live in a state of constant gratitude, despair will not find root in our hearts. If you want to rid yourself of despair, begin to rehearse everything you know about God and thank Him for all His blessings–no matter how small. If we would just press the pause button and examine our lives, we would soon discover that there is always something to thank God for.

Our hope should never be in things or a person - it should always be in God, but this will require a mind shift. It is always easy to focus on the negative, but it will take a resolute mind to banish all negative talk and place your hope in God. As long as God is in control of your life and you focus on Him rather than the circumstances, soon you will realise that despair has given way to hope.

Paula Richards is an author.

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e Leacock Family Rooted in Music

By Cheryl Harewood

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oth of their parents, the late Cyril and deaconess Naomi Leacock, were members at the First Baptist Church, Constitution Road, St Michael.

Each Sunday, the family of 11 children accompanied by their parents would make the trek on foot from Field Place, Bay Land, St Michael travel through Dunlow Lane, take a short cut through the now Purity Bakeries yard, cross River Road, go across the river and into the church where they would minister in song and recitations on a regular basis.

Today, the Leacock clan, comprising children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and inlaws have mastered the art of ministering in song – a talent they believe came from God and was cemented by their parent’s persistence that they all got involved in gospel music.

When Believe sat down to look at the lives of members of the Leacock clan and their gift of singing, Reverend Paul Leacock, senior pastor of e First Baptist Church took us on a journey down memory lane as he spoke about the early days of this family of song.

“It was my father’s prerogative that we all learn how to sing, and we were his cricket team. He had no trouble dispatching us and sending us out to bat as he pleased,” a smiling Paul stated.

“Both he and my mom would go all over the place preaching. We were part of a Baptist group of churches, so he would go to several churches such as Packers Baptist in St Philip as well as Cleveland Baptist in Gemswick, also in St Philip. He would pile all of us on a public bus. e girls would sing as a group and the older boys would sing as a quartet,

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or as he willed.

“Peter and I would be a duet, Veronica would repeat a recitation, my mother would give a testimony and papa Leacock would preach.

Whenever we turned up dad would be told to do “his thing.” at’s what he did.”

According to Paul, they operated like that for many years. During church harvest programmes, there would also be at least seven of the Leacocks reciting and singing.

“Who could recite had to recite and you dare not forget your words. If you did you’d get a ragging when you reached home. We were just not allowed to mess up in any way. If you made any mistake, God help you. In addition, there were no “ifs and buts” when it came to attending church. If your shoes were too tight, you had to go, and if your pants were shooting, you still had to go.”

Today, many have heard the likes of James, Stephen, Paul, Carlyn, Jan (Carlyn’s daughter) and other members of the well-known Leacock clan ministering in song. What is even more interesting is that every person the Leacock siblings married can sing. In short, there is not one member of the extended Leacock family who does not sing or is in some way involved in music.

Cyril and Naomi Leacock joined the First Baptist Church in the late 1950s, early 1960s when it was situated on Tudor Street, and before it moved to Constitution Road. e Leacocks’ ministry in song started with their parents and their parents’ siblings.

“Mom was first soprano in the choir. Auntie Dora Aboab and my other aunt Alma Farnum also sang. Whoever in the family my dad could incorporate into the church choir, that was the case.”

It is worthy to note that before starting a choir

and attending church, Cyril Leacock and his brother Hugh Parker Leacock (deceased) sang at cabaret shows and were tap dancers.

All that changed when Cyril joined the church.

“He raised us up in the faith, and you could tell the translation by the names of their children. All in all the Leacock clan is comprised of Ronald who lives abroad, Barton and Ricardo who are deceased, Carlyn, Janis, Peter, Paul, Esther, Veronica, James and Stephen.

Music comes natural for this family.

“It is like breathing,” said Paul, “so bringing the group together is not hard. Once we can decide on what we are going to sing and what we are going to wear, we will have fun singing.”

“My father set a precedent to show that you don’t have to have everybody in everything, but you bring voices together that are best suited for the song and occasion.”

Paul and other members of the family are taking note of the younger generation and their ability to sing.

“You have younger family members who are emerging and they will want to sing in different styles. You have to make allowances for that.”

Emerging soloists include Shem, Jaimie, Samantha Leacock, the 2013 Flow Gospel winner, and Nicki Browne.

“Seeing the gift of singing pass from one generation to another generation gives you much pause. You become aware of

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Standing (left to right) Stephen, Paul and James Leacock

You are given the gift to worship God and be a blessing to others. the awesome responsibility with which you have been entrusted.

You are given the gift to worship God and be a blessing to others.

My father reinforced that in us. He resisted persons giving us money for singing and we have never clamoured for fame or fortune, but have focused on using the gift within the church and for the church.”

In recent years, the Leacock clan has also started the Cyril and Naomi Leacock Legacy Foundation to promote artistic expression in song, dance and drama, especially for the glory of God. e Foundation’s role is so established to support other musical groups. Students at the Barbados Community College have been the beneficiaries of the foundation.

Currently, plans are afoot to produce a programme similar

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to Hymns My Mother Taught Me which, has been produced at First Baptist Church for the last three years, thanks to the input of the Leacocks.

Held on Mother ’s Day and on behalf of Cancer Support Services, an attendee at this concert would witness more than 25 members of the Leacock clan ministering as a group or individually.

“For the first time we are looking to host a concert and let all the talent within the family be displayed and expressed during a full production. We have never done this before and we want to do it for 2017.”

Today most of the family continues to worship at the First Baptist Church – where it all began more than four decades ago.

ere is Only One Church

By Linda P. Jones

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am sure like me; you have been asked, “Why are there so many different churches?” And I well understand the inquirer’s quandary, but I believe the real question is, “Why are there so many different Christian denominations supposedly serving the same God?” e reality is there is only one Church – there is only one Church with many different expressions in the earth.

Having said that, it is important to clarify who or what is the Church. Most people when they hear the word “Church” immediately think of a building where people gather several times a week for religious services.

However, in the Bible, Church has nothing to do with buildings; it was a term used exclusively of people. e Greek word for ‘church’ ekklesia means ‘called-out ones.’ roughout the Greek world and right down to New Testament times, ekklesia was the designation of the regular assembly of the whole body of citizens in a free city-state, “called out” by the herald for the discussion and decision of public business (c.f. Acts 19:39). However when Jesus declared “...I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18), He was establishing once and for all the distinction between His special ‘called-out’ people over

every other classification of human being. e Church is therefore an assembly of believers in Christ (Acts 2:47; Romans 16:4-5). ose who have responded to the call of God to come out from the dominion of darkness and sin into Christ’s light. It is a people called out to live lives as responsible citizens in God’s Kingdom; lives that reflect and share the love of Christ to a lost world... (1Peter 2:9).

New Testament Church was called followers of “ e Way” – way meaning ‘mode of conduct’ (Acts 9:2; 19:9). ey lived their lives in such a way that was distinctly different from the lifestyles of those around them, that they acquired the nickname – “ e Way.” ere are many expressions of the Church – those belonging to a house church, a mega church, the traditional church or a denominational church...but there is only one Church. It is not an institution, a concept, a building, or an organisation; the church is a living breathing organism. It consists of ‘called-out’ authentic believers in Jesus Christ.

Now the question is “Do you belong to the “Church,” are you a ‘called-out’ one or do you just go to ‘church?’”

by Linda P. Jones - Pastor of Walking on Water Teaching & Equipping Centre and Founder/Director of Women of Worth Ministries

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e Arts in Church

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By J. Scott McElroy and Jessie Nilo

ust imagine if the local church became the place in culture to experience beauty, creativity, and transcendence.

Hundreds of years ago churches were, in many ways, centres for these experiences.

Somehow, over time we’ve abdicated that role. Now, many churches are moving in that direction again and there’s a growing desire to begin developing creative arts programmes.

Of course, the arts are inextricably intertwined with our culture. e average person may encounter performance, music, design, image and the media arts daily on a regular basis, and some churches would like to become more uent in the use of the arts to communicate truths about God more effectively.

God designed the arts to jump over our barriers, slip past our intellect, and penetrate our hearts and souls. But His design for

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the arts goes beyond human thoughts about how they could be “useful.”

He conceived them because He is beauty and creativity, and because He can uniquely express His love through them.

Embracing beauty and creativity enables us to more fully understand His personality and enjoy His presence.

Many Christians are recognising that God is calling us to reclaim the arts and renew the use of them in our churches.

In many cases this means an “arts ministry” will be created to develop artists and projects.

Some activities that might fit under the title of “arts ministry” in the local church include: creating performance pieces for services, such as drama, dance, spoken word, creating live visual art for services, creating gallery spaces for enjoyment and meditation, creating art that is positioned permanently or seasonally behind the altar or around the sanctuary, creating interactive art, sensory, or “sacred space” experiences for the congregation, using the arts in community outreach. is includes taking arts performances to nursing homes and schools. ere is also the task of employing the arts as learning tools for youth, using the arts in counseling and therapy, using the arts spontaneously as a mean of conveying “prophetic” messages, offering arts classes and workshops, and much more.

Many churches around the world still do not have much in the way of arts ministry or programmes, though there are talented artists in their congregations. e best way to develop a thriving arts ministry is to first build a strong arts community—a fellowship of artists—in your church.

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Rebuilding Intimacy

By Camille Alleyne

You must make major changes to your mind set in order to make your marriage successful

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was attracted to my husband because he was knowledgeable about church and the Bible. After the wedding, however, it didn’t take me long to realise how lazy and undependable he was. When I voiced my concerns, he excused himself by quoting biblical phrases. He thinks I am spiritually immature and disregards my views.” Denise

“She was intelligent and beautiful.

Most of the time she was loving and demonstrative but I noticed that in public, she was uncomfortable. Almost immediately after we wed, she began to make subtle negative comments about me. During this time I had an affair. I don’t believe she loves me anymore.” Andrew

“While discussing finances, my fiancé wanted to be responsible in this area after marriage. Well, that was the beginning of a disaster. During our union, most of our financial decisions have been made without my consent and now our family is in trouble.

I have offered to manage our money but he refuses to let me. With three children to care for, I am worried. I no longer trust him and want to leave.” – Janice

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Being faithful also means being trustworthy, loyal, constant and thorough in performing one’s duty.

If your spouse has betrayed your trust, you can still rebuild intimacy through maturity, humility and wisdom by both parties.

Do you have a strong marriage? Here’s how you can tell. Which of the following statements best describe you?

A. I have never done anything wrong.

B. People have been telling me things about myself that I need to correct. I don’t understand. I think I need help.

C. I will spend some time communicating with my spouse to find out how he/she feels about our relationship.

A. I am tired of trying.

B. Only God can save this marriage.

C. I am planning to spend some quality time with my spouse every week doing something we both like.

A. If my spouse is truly a Christian, all my shortcomings should be overlooked.

B. I thought I was a pretty nice person and it hurts to hear that I need to change.

C. I will try my best to understand my spouse’s desires especially since he/she has encouraged me to follow my own dreams.

A. I do not need a counsellor.

B. I feel as if everyone is against me. I need God to help me.

C. Self-improvement can only make my marriage stronger. Together, with God, we will make it.

Results: A: You must make major changes to your mind set in order to make your marriage successful.

B: You are trying to be in tune with your emotions. If you are also in tune with God, your chances of success will improve greatly.

C: It is highly probable you will rebuild intimacy in your relationship.

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What do you think about the different genres of gospel music?

Nadia Richards:

Lisa Belgrave:

Sheria Brathwaite:

Music was originated by God and in the Bible we read that music was used in different forms of worship.

I don’t have a problem with the different genres of gospel music, but I love hymns. I also love the music of Kirk Franklyn. e message in the music is what is important.

I think people relate to music in different ways, in the sense that different genres have different beats for different people. I love upbeat music so I relate best to soca gospel.

John Walcott:

Fabian Wharton:

Elon Arthur:

Music is music. e genre of music does not dictate whether the song is gospel or secular. It is really the message that is placed on the beat, which is the lyrics.

I am very conservative when it comes to music.

For me, Christ should be explicit in the music that we hear or play. ere are different forms of [gospel] music where Christ’s name is not mentioned but I would rather all forms of music.

We are a people of rhythm. Once the message is conveyed I do not think there is anything called evil music. In short, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the different genres of gospel music.

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