BBC e-Voice Magazine June 2016

God is in it" Using the parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13, Harold White declared that as Christians we are required to "live the sacrificial life" as we prepare for the Harvest. In doing this we are equipped by the Holy Spirit in offering ourselves faithfully and living abundantly. This abundant life comes through the fact that Jesus came to give life in all his fullness.

He informed that Jesus' parable of the mustard seed refers to faith and the kingdom of God. The

"Living the Sacrificial Life - Preparing BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH | JULY 2016 EDITION | ISSUE NO. 46 for the Harvest - Little is much when

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Music in a McIntyre Head Participating in the Westminster Choir College of Rider University Conducting Institute 2016 Summer Workshop introduced new techniques and practical applications that can greatly enhance choral ensemble performance. I was taught how to understand my role as co-creator and not a re-stator of the music, where, as a conductor, I create community through connecting sound with music as together (conductor and choir) we upload ideas that will form the basis of text interpretation and delivery. A take-away for me, however, was a very simple yet profound technique used by Assistant Professor of Voice at Westminster Choir College, Nova Thomas to place the music in your head and not your head in the music. Put simply, we were challenged to know the music for ourselves before we present the music to others. As conductors, we were also reminded that speaking to your choir about the textual foundation of the music and requiring them to require of themselves artistry is the conductors’ conduit to creating art through music.

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In addition to intensive small group study with the world-renowned faculty, each participant was asked to select a piece, from the literature provided by the Institute, that he/she would conduct and receive comments and video feedback in the final master classes. My piece for study and master class presentation was, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, written by British hymn writer, pastor, preacher, poet and founder of English hymnody, Isaac Watts, and arranged by free-lance composer and an editor of choral music Gilbert Martin.

Uploading the idea and the message of the cross assisted me in becoming a co-creator of the text as written by Isaac Watts, from the place of deep reflection in verse 1, to repentance and humility in verse 2, to mystery and reverence in verse 3, to gratitude and surrender in verse 4.

The programme has offered me unique opportunities for professional development in all aspect of my musicianship and I believe that the knowledge gained will advance the work of chorale and sacred music within my own Church, denomination and country. It is in view of the experience that I have once again accepted the invitation to chair the Music Committee of the Jamaica Baptist Union for the period 2016-2018. I look forward to the opportunities to transfer knowledge and evoke musical artistry.

I am delighted to have added my name to the list of distinguished Jamaican musicians who have taken the Westminster journey, such as Noel Dexter, John A. Binns, Donald Hossack, Donald C. Morris, and Wayne Moore.

I wish to record my sincere gratitude to GRAMMY nominated conductor and most published musician/author in the world, Dr. James Jordan who coordinated the programme, my coaches Professor Sabine Horstmann, instructor of Group Vocal Technique and voice at the Robert-Schumann Music University in Dusseldorf, Germany and Gary Grayden (Director of choral music in the Stockholm cathedral and St Jacobs Church in Stockholm). Thanks are in order to Rev. Dr. Devon Dick and the membership of the Boulevard Baptist Church for underwriting the cost associated with the programme and affording the opportunity to have attended.

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BBC Netballers Canada Tour – Placed 3rd in Tournament Team members share the successes and experience Shawn Murdock (Coach) Our trip was very short but exciting and successful. This was the third year straight year at this tournament. We finished 3rd in the inaugural year and improved to 2nd place last year. Last year was also the introduction of a mixed category and we won that section. Our group of players is the smallest we have travelled with and as such I opted to play the team in the mixed category only in an attempt to not overwork the ladies in the hot Canadian summer sun. This worked out to be a favourable option Page 4 of 20

amongst the members of the team and it bore success as we won the section thus defending our Mixed Champion title. The camaraderie between the team members was at its usual best and we got the opportunity to reunite with a former captain of the team (Chellian McIntyre) that is now teaching in Virginia, USA as she made the trip across the border to play with our team. It was also a personal satisfaction to be able to contribute positively towards the opportunities that members of our team get as a result of being

a part of the Boulevard Baptist Church Netball Team.

Gail Buchanan The trip to Canada was Epic! Fun would have been an understatement. The weather was “bipolar” as during the day it really felt like summer but at nights the temperature fluctuated. We won all our matches in the mixed league (consist of a maximum of 3 males). Coach Murdock being the only male on our team made us unstoppable. I felt like a star, shone so bright.

I made most of my shots after being appointed the designated Goal Shooter for the entire day. Did I even mention it was the best month of the year "JULY"? Our team mate Chrisona was celebrating her birthday on the same day of the tournament and our victory was a birthday gift. Our Manager, Uncle Dwayne with an active mind thought of a surprise celebration for her and so we ordered a cake to celebrate!

Christine Christie Fantastic! Had all the support I needed.

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Tanesha Johnson My experience in Canada was good and bad.

The bad part is when I didn't get enough game time. The good is however is that we had a great time together and the concern my team showed for me. It was also great learning more about my team mates and coach.

Chrisona McGrouder Traveling with the team to Canada was an awesome experience. The bond and respect that we have for ourselves and the rest of the team couldn't be clearer to everyone else. The tournament helped us to bond and assist each other with some of the little faults we have on court while having fun. We went with the mind set to conquer and we did just that!

Shana Steadman The trip was short but I enjoyed every moment of it. From having team devotion and breakfast together in the mornings, talking, laughing, the coach giving trouble, our road trip to Niagara Falls, all added to a wonderful experience.

Coach Shawn Murdock Taking our netballers to higher heights

Shawn Keyan Murdock has been the coach for the Boulevard Baptist Church Netball Team for the past 8 years. A banker and family man, he also divides his time in coaching other teams such as Flow and Hardware and Lumber in the Business House Netball League. His catalog includes companies such as Victoria Mutual, ICD Group Limited, Maritime Transport and Services, Seprod Limited and Ernst & Young, which he previously coached.

Coaching for over 15 years, Shawn Murdock is no ordinary netball coach as he recently attained accreditation from the Netball Australia Foundation Coach, Brisbane, Australia. Also to his credit is certification from the Caribbean School of Sports Science, UTech/Netball Jamaica Level 1 Coaching. Shawn shares more in this interview with the BBC E-Voice.

BBC E-Voice: Tell us how you started as a netball coach. What motivated you?

SM: I started to coach netball as early as a teenager as the president of my youth club. We were actively participating in SDC competitions and there was a need for a "coach" to guide the team. My motivation was that I wanted my team to do well and as such started to learn more about the sport to better guide the team to success.

BBC E-Voice: This being a female dominated sport, were there any reservations initially?

SM: Reservations? Absolutely no reservations. And fortunately, because I started from an early age, I got to study and understand how to deal with females and the issues that sometimes come with the gender.

BBC E-Voice: As a coach would you say that you are satisfied based on your teams level of achievement to date?

SM: I think the only coach or coaches that are satisfied would be a coach who is forever winning; and in today's sporting landscape there are very few repeat winning coach in any sport. Even if you win, there are always some areas that as a coach you can identify that your team can improve. While I am happy with most of my teams' achievement to date, I am not yet satisfied. This might sound cliché but "there is always room for improvement".

BBC E-Voice: How do you motivate the team?

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SM: Motivating a team is a hard task, especially when you have lost a match. Sometimes in those instances I need motivation myself (LOL). I however always try to find different ways to motivate the team. Could be as small as a smart comment or joke, or as big as a trip to another country to compete. But after years of coaching the same team, the task of motivating the team gets easier. Sometimes it is even reciprocated as the players find ways to motivate me.

BBC E-Voice: What are the challenges in preparing the team?

SM: My biggest challenge in preparing the team is the current surface that we train on. In fact, we have had to be training elsewhere to get an "ok" surface to train on. A few personality issues challenges here and there, but that is expected when working with a group of ladies. Generally though the turnout to training sessions is normally good and the players are cooperative and the group is as close as a family, so that help to take the focus from the challenges.

BBC E-Voice: To share your time among the different teams with a full time job how do you manage this?

SM: I think a more appropriate question would have been "am I managing?" (LOL). This is probably the hardest part, as it takes up most if not all of my social and family time and sometimes even study time. But I enjoy coaching, especially my Boulevard Baptist team so I try to manage (covers face).

BBC E-Voice: You obtained your netball coach accreditation in Australia tell us about that, and with the Australia netball team consistently being number 1 in the world what do you make of this?

SM: The accreditation in Australia was a wonderful experience. I also got the opportunity to sit in a training session with one of the premier teams in Australia, Queensland Firebirds, which is the club of Jamaica's Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken. I also got to see a game live. This league is like a Netball version of the Barclay's Premier League (Football). But to answer your question, I think Australia is the Benchmark for Netball worldwide and one of my former Principals at Calabar High School, Mr. Joseph Earle always challenged us to be the best that we can be. So in my journey to being the best coach I can be I opted to journey to Australia to start my quest. Great experience, took back a lot of best practices from my experience which I have already started to put in practice at my training sessions. And after seeing these best practices, it is now clear in my mind how and why they remain at top of the game for such a long time.

BBC E-Voice: Tell us about your most memorable game... and worst experience?

SM: Most memorable game is easily the year Boulevard Baptist won the Jamaica Netball Association Division C League in 2011. I have a lot of worse experiences. Once we lose a game not playing at our full potential, it is a "worst experience" for me.

BBC E-Voice: What is your ultimate ambition as a netball coach?

SM: My Ultimate ambition is "The utmost for the highest", Calabar's motto. I want to be the best coach I can be, if it is coaching Boulevard Baptist or the Sunshine Girls or an international team. Whichever team it is, as long as I am being the best coach I can be.

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'Living the Sacrificial Life' - Romans 12:1-12 One for All... All or Nothing... All for One.

Delivering his sermon under the theme, “Living the Sacrificial Life”, to the Boulevard Baptist congregation on July 31, Rev Devon Dick expressed that when Paul exhorted the Christians in Corinth to offer themselves as a living sacrifice it is that they were doing it because of the mercy of God. It was not to offer a sacrifice - but the sacrifice of their bodies, talents, gifts and accomplishments - your all based on the mercies of God. Emphasizing the sacrificial living, Pastor deliberated on three principles…

One for all We are justified in the sight of God, declared right through the One - Jesus Christ. Mercy unmerited, undeserved. We do not own it, but accept it as a gift." He noted that it is the same for us when Usain Bolt wins a gold medal for our country. One for all! We are justified one for all in Jesus Christ. It requires for us to give this sacrifice… All for nothing!

All or nothing Pastor pointed out that just as how a woman cannot be a little pregnant... we are either Christians or not Christians. It is full commitment.

God must have preeminence - must come first... He added that it is like some people want to be in the church and in the world at the same time, so they want to straddle both, but it calls for... All or nothing!

All for One We have seen by the mercies of God, he gave... All for nothing - One father in God. All of us must be for each other, Pastor urged. He expressed that we are living in a harsh and cold world, and contended that when we go through grief someone must be standing with us. It is a call for solidarity and support when someone is sick we are there for them… Just be present. "I am there for what you are going through."

Highlighting our national hero, Samuel Sharp, Pastor expressed that despite his position as a slave he recognized other slaves who were suffering and defended their cause. Pastor urged that we give tactical support, that we help each other up the hill and through the storms, working together! By the mercies of God the call is One for all, All or Nothing, All for One! Amen!

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E-Voice Admiration Award A Man for the Ladies

When we encounter a man who goes the extra mile for the “lady in his life” and against the known culture of doing the tasks in the home which are generally done by the female then we cannot help but highlight such persons when the opportunity arises.

Well, while doing an internship programme at

underwear, clean the house and buy di

one of our public hospitals it was my pleasure

grocery… an’ she eat nuff… and mi breda pay di

to have encountered someone of this caliber. It

bills.”

was a case involving a female patient for whom I had to carry out a home visit based on her illness and the treatment which had to be administered at home. Part of the assessment had to with her family support. I must admit that prior to this aspect of the interview, I was kind of worried, knowing the culture of our men; but I was in for a surprise. She stated that it was her common-law-husband who cooks, washes her clothes, cleans the house and provides food for the home. She indicated that he had already cleaned over the weekend in preparation for her return home after learning of her diagnosis and the type of environment required at home... “Is him been looking after me for the many years we are together… im wash mi clothes, cook for everybody…” I said, “Really!” Her daughter “chipped in” at my amazement. “Yes a im cook, wash all ‘er

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He picked her up at the hospital and arriving for the home visit, this gentleman whom we will refer to as Mr. Caring for the purpose of this article and for confidentiality, demonstrated a keen interest and willingness to do what was necessary to ensure that his partner was comfortable, safe and without stress. The fact of the matter is that even before her illness he has been doing this and looking forward to do more for her. “A long time mi a duh dis… an mi jus a fi duh weh mi suppose fi duh.” he remarked (smiling). I was bold over… and amazed. Of course I had to congratulate and encourage him. When they met with my supervisor the day after, she also had praises for Mr. Caring, and encouraged both of them to get married. So well-deserved for our E-Voice Admiration Award “a gentleman for the ladies,” Mr. Luv Caring.

You are bought at a Price…

Youth Sunday at Boulevard Baptist “You are bought at a price… And so the Lord is calling you as young people to be an example and also as Christians to live a holy life… Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Expressing these thoughts Deacon Lassom McDermott declared that it is not easy, but we are called to do so. She noted that we live in a very body conscious world, but as Christians we must be Spirit conscious, enquiring how long since we have been to "knee city".

Presenting her sermon to the Boulevard Baptist believers on Youth Sunday, July 1, 2016, she asserted that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and right in that body God implants gifts and talents. She suggested that the fruit of the Spirit must be manifested in our lives, therefore we must be careful where we go, what we do, what we think and how we react. Deacon reminded that everything God created is good including sex, which we must feel free to enjoy,

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but not to press so far to hurt ourselves. We are free but sin still has serious consequences.

From the text in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 she indicated that Paul wants us to take a holistic approach to faith - how we manage this holy body, the temple where God resides - as Christians she reiterated that we must refuse to dishonour God with our bodies. The Holy Spirit is there to empower us and troubles our conscience. Deacon warned that sexual immorality is an offence against God the Father.

Sexual immorality may seem to be the real living but may be the path to death, she cautioned. The Holy Spirit gives unending joy and bears the fruit of the Spirit. He gives us gifts so whatever we do we do it to the glory of God. Concluding, Deacon enquired if we are offering God our best or is he getting your obligated left over. God she asserted gives us the best; let us give him back the best! Amen.

Eliminating Mosquitoes from the face of the Earth A smart idea?

One cannot imagine that one of the smallest insect on the face of the earth is putting the global population life at risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Over time there have been rafts of measures to contain the mosquito population, as certain diseases re-surface and being experienced by some persons for the first time.

Find out how much we have advanced in reducing the population and if it is at all possible; and is it the safest and best thing to do in relation to our environment.

Recently in the news we have heard about the biotech firm, Oxitec who is in the business of genetically modifying (GM) the males of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmit the Chikunguniya and the Zika virus, in addition to dengue and yellow fever. In Britain they have worked with Oxford University in successfully preventing the offspring of this specie from developing properly, thus the second generation of mosquitoes would die before they can reproduce and act as carriers of disease.

Closer home, in the Cayman Islands, approximately three million of these modified mosquitoes were released on a site between 2009 and 2010. A 96 percent reduction was reported compared to nearby areas. Currently, a trial is taking place on a site in Brazil, which has reduced the numbers by 92 percent.

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But in trying to eliminate mosquitoes, are there any negative effects? According to Phil Lounibos, an entomologist at Florida University, mosquito eradication "is fraught with undesirable side effects".

He says mosquitoes, which mostly feed on plant nectar, are important pollinators. They are also a food source for birds and bats while their young - as larvae - are consumed by fish and frogs. This could have an effect further up and down the food chain.

He warns that mosquitoes could be replaced by an insect "equally, or more, undesirable from a public health viewpoint".

Its replacement could even conceivably spread diseases further and faster than mosquitoes today.

Science writer David Quammen has argued that mosquitoes have limited the destructive impact of humanity on nature.

"Mosquitoes make tropical rainforests, for humans, virtually uninhabitable," he said.

Rainforests, home to a large share of our total plant and animal species, are under serious threat from man-made destruction.

"Nothing has done more to delay this catastrophe over the past 10,000 years, than the mosquito," Quammen said. Enough said.

What is the verdict? Eliminate or not to eliminate?

50/15/5: A saving and spending rule of thumb

Hugh Reid

The first of a three part article – Step 1… 50 percent rule

Budget - Does anyone like that word? How about this instead: the 50/15/5 rule? It’s a simple rule of thumb for saving and spending. Not more than 50% of your take-home pay should go to essential expenses, 15% of your pretax income to retirement savings, and 5% of your take-home pay to short-term savings. (Your situation may be different, but you can use this rule of thumb as a starting point.)

Step 1. Essential expenses: 50% Some expenses simply aren’t optional—you need to eat, and you need a place to live. Aim to have no more than 50% of your take-home pay go toward your “must-have” expenses, such as:  Housing—mortgage, rent, property tax, utilities (like electricity), homeowner's/renter's insurance, and condo/home association fees  Food—groceries only; do not include takeout or restaurant meals, unless you really consider them essential, i.e., you never cook and always eat out

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 Health care—health insurance premiums (unless they are made via payroll deduction) and out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., prescriptions, co-payments)  Transportation—car loan/lease, gas, car insurance, parking, tolls, maintenance, and bus fares  Child care—day care, tuition, and fees  Debt payments and other obligations— credit card payments, student loan payments, child support, alimony, and life insurance Keeping it below 50%: Just because some expenses are “essential” doesn’t mean they’re not flexible. Small changes can add up, such as stocking up on—groceries when they are on sale, and bringing your lunch to work. Also consider driving a more affordable car, carpooling, or taking public transportation. If you need to significantly reduce your living expenses, consider a less expensive home or apartment. There are many other ways that you can save. Take a look at which essential expenses are most important, and which ones you may be able to cut back on.

Editor’s Notes on a Topic of the Day Auditor General tells on Port Authority Executives The Auditor General Department has uncovered gratuity payments of $106.9 million made by the Port Authority (PAJ) to its senior executives for the financial years 2010/2011 to 2014/2015. The auditor general reported that in 2013 one of the fourteen senior executives benefitted from three pensions valued at $120,000; $56.2 million and US$554,164 respectively, while in receipt of gratuity totaling $31.33 million.

In a newspaper report in 2013 the PAJ was reported to be one of the richest state agencies and had been paying most of its senior managers much more than the salaries of the government minister including the prime minister. In 2012 the outgoing president and CEO received a net pay of just under $21.7 million, which included gratuity or performance incentive of $4.1 million.

But let us be rational in assessing what many perceive based on the face of it as unreasonable, inequitable and unjustifiable. While these figures seem excessive one may surmise that this state agency earns huge profits because it is well-run by its managers and thus accounts for it being described as a “cash rich” entity. One can

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imagine that they have measured-up to the challenge and reaped the rewards based on their performance in achieving and maintaining profitability and efficiency.

Nothing is wrong with that if this is the case. It brings to mind Insurance companies rewarding their agents based on sales performance.

As a citizen though there must be some concerns/questions/ recommendations, which are as follows: 1) Being a government agency it is said that they did not seek approval from the relevant ministry.

2) Similarly to what the government does in taking funds from the NHT to fill certain gaps in the economy, etc; why not the PAJ also. 3) What are the social outreach programmes or sponsorships connected to the PAJ? 4) Similarly to the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the PAJ could also have a special fund for summer jobs and beyond. 6) It is hoped that other employees of the PAJ are motivated and enjoying a reasonable compensation package. The PAJ could not have achieved huge profits without the input of the entire team.

Dehydration It is Summer… Be conscious of the signs

Dehydration occurs when our body does not have enough water to maintain its usual functions. This happens when our water intake is not enough to replace our water loss. Excessive sweating, intense breathing due to vigorous activities, and hot weather can cause dehydration, according to the University of California Health and Wellness Center. They inform us of the signs, symptoms and treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Mild or moderate rehydration can lead to: o o o o o o o

A dry or sticky mouth or tongue Thirst Dark coloured urine or decreased urination Dizziness, nausea and headaches Dry skin including chapped lips Constipation Tiredness and sleepiness

Severe dehydration can lead to: o o o o o o

Inability to sweat or produce tears Extreme thirst Little or no urine production Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure Fevers Unconsciousness

Treatment The simplest and most effective way to treat dehydration is to increase the amount of fluids in the body.

Most moderate or mild dehydration can be resolved with the oral intake of water. More severe cases of dehydration may require intravenous (IV) hydration, where water and electrolytes levels are replenished through a vein, which would take effect more quickly than with oral intake.

A simple way to keep hydrated is to keep a water bottle with us at all times and sip it throughout the day.

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JULY P-I-C-S In a Thousand W-o-r-d-s

The Wedding Bells echoed for Ricardo Greensword and Naudia on July 30, 2016.

Congratulations from the Boulevard Baptist family!

They were at Youth Camp 2016… Nutshell Conference Centre Ajala Kings shares the Happenings… the Highlights…

You should like this one…

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So how about this one… What’s going on here?

Hold on! Like this tug-o-war?

Best yet! This is the ONE! This is IT!

What can you say about Youth Camp 2016? PURE FUN! MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT!!!

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Mission Statement: To develop our spiritual lives, evangelize the wider community and influence the world through Christ by organized preaching, public and private worship, Christian education and fellowship, while co-operating with other Christian bodies.

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Devon Dick Opportunities for Worship Sundays: 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday School: 8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.

Prayer meeting: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. • Community Bible Study each Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

Prayer and Fasting: 1st Saturdays, 7:00 a.m.

Editor-in-Chief: Sophia Williams Other Team Members: Francine Dallas, Duvaughn Dick and Claudette Reid Design & Lay out: Sophia Williams Boulevard Baptist Church 2 Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20 Telephone: 905-2422 Email: boulevard.baptist@yahoo.com | Website: www.boulevardbaptist.org.jm

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