Believe March 2018

1 MARCH

2018

Contents

On the Cover Award-Winning Gospel Artiste Allison Norville

6 ....................Unforgiveness A Deadly Sin 7 .....................Faith Versus Medicine 8 ....................Moments With Donnie McClurkin 10 .................Divorce and Remarriage 11 ...................Allison Bares It All 14 .................Christian Schools How ey ShapeYour Child’s Future

16 .................Cremation Or Burial?

18 .................Insurance A Wise Investment 19 .................A Look At e Gospel Music Industry 20 ................Impact World 21..................Flowers - God’s Gift To Mankind 3

Credits GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:

From the editor’s desk

M. Anthony Shaw

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EDITOR: Cheryl C. Harewood HEAD OF ADVERTISING – NATION GROUP Paulette Jones DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER : Lyle Jones PHOTOGRAPHY: Dominique Bonnett Reco Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Camille Alleyne, Katrina Francis-Worrell Anthony Greene ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Debbie Brathwaite Tel: (246) 430 -5518 Danielle Beckford Tel: (246) 430-5495 CIRCULATION MANAGER: Adrian Bowen TeL: (246) 430-5500 DESIGN/LAYOUT

t’s a pleasure once again to present you with this copy of Believe – e Nation Publishing Co. Limited’s faith-based magazine written with you in mind. is is our third issue and it is filled with articles which are sure to educate as well as help you on your spiritual journey.

As with our two previously published magazines, Believe has again been published during the Lenten season. It is my hope that as we commemorate Christ’s death, your watch word would be “love”, for it was an unselfish love that sent Jesus Christ to die for us on Calvary’s cross.

Today, we can rest in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from that love - neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears of today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of Hell can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus.

As you journey through the pages we hope you’ll be touched by gospel artiste, Allison Norville’s story of a lifetime; as well as our thought-provoking Q&A with international gospel artiste Pastor Donnie McClurkin.

You can also read up on Cremation Versus Burial, written by Katrina Francis- Worrell; Christian Schools, How ey Shape Your Childs’ Future by Camille Alleyne; Faith Versus Medicine, which looks at the importance of health care professionals and Insurance a Wise Investment.

It is my hope that each article will offer revelation and encouragement.

Please feel free to share your views by emailing any comments or suggestions to cherylharewood@nationnews.com.

Happy Reading!

Imageworx Tel: (246) 430-5419/5559 PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Limited Tel: 256) 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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tpcschooloffice@gmail.com tpcprincipal@gmail.com The People’s Cathedral www.peoplescathedral.org

Unforgiveness a

Deadly Sin U nforgiveness is said to be the single most popular poison the enemy uses against God’s people, and it is one of the deadliest poisons a person can take spiritually. It causes everything – from mental depression to physical health problems. Usually, people who refuse to forgive are tortured by their own bitterness.

Let’s see what the Bible says about unforgiveness.

UNFORGIVENESS PREVENTS GOD FROM FORGIVING OUR SINS Matthew 6:15: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

UNFORGIVENESS CAN BLOCK GOD FROM ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS Mark 11:24, 25: “ erefore I say unto you, whatsoever thing ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

UNFORGIVENESS SHOWS WE DON’T REALLY LOVE JESUS In John 15:12, Jesus commands us to love one another, as He has loved us. True love doesn’t hold bitterness or unforgiveness against that person. If we are bitter or hold unforgiveness against someone, then we don’t love them as Christ loved us. If we don’t keep Jesus’ commandments, it proves we don’t love Him. John 14:24, “He that loveth me keepeth my sayings...”

UNFORGIVENESS CAN GIVE SATAN AN ADVANTAGE 2 Corinthians 2:10-11: “To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

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UNFORGIVENESS CAN PREVENT US FROM BEING FRUITFUL SPIRITUALLY A seed cannot grow if it is not in (or abiding) in good soil.

John 15:5 tells us that if we abide in Christ, we will produce much spiritual fruit, and the way that we abide in Christ is by keeping His commandments (verse 10). Verse 12 tells us that His commandment is that we love one another as He has loved us. erefore, if we don’t love one another, as He has loved us, we do not abide in Him. How can we produce much spiritual fruit if we don’t abide in Him?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FORGIVE When we forgive, it opens us up to God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:15), it puts us in a receiving position when we pray (Mark 11:24, 25); it helps us become spiritually fruitful (John 15:10, John 12, 5), and we will know that we have passed from spiritual death to being reconciled with our Heavenly Father when we love each other (1 John 3:14).

REMEMBER COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. (NLT)

Faith

VS

Medicine

A

recent news story told about “extremely religious” parents who allowed their 11year- old daughter to die of a treatable form of diabetes by seeking healing through prayer instead of seeking medical treatment. is situation was obviously a tragedy for the family, but it also begs the question: Should Christians always seek medical treatment, just pray, or do both? e wise answer of course, would be to do both. While not disputing the power of prayer, healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, pharmacists – are there to help you heal and provide relief from sickness.

Physicians always navigate a balance between respect for patient autonomy (remaining open-minded and flexible) and concern for the patient’s good (persuading the patient to adhere to recommendations).

Sadly, there are some Christians who believe that they should not visit doctors or pharmacists, but rely solely upon prayer for healing. ey claim (falsely so) that all healings in the Bible were strictly the result of prayer.

While it is true that the gospels contain many examples of Jesus’ (and even the apostles’) healing of the sick and lame, the healings of Jesus were given as a sign of the legitimacy of His claim as Messiah. e Old Testament said that the Messiah would heal the blind and the deaf. Despite claims to the contrary, there were physicians at the time the New Testament was written. In fact, Luke, one of the writers of the gospels, was a physician. Jesus seemed to know that doctors could heal people, since He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick”, giving legitimacy to medicine as a healing art. Jesus also quoted from the proverb, “Physician, heal yourself!” indicating that physicians of the time were healing people. e Greek word for “physician” is derived from the root verb iaomai, which means “to cure” or “heal,” indicating that a physician’s job in the first century was to heal people. ere are other believers who go to the complete opposite extreme, claiming that the healing gifts died with the apostles. It is likely that neither extreme position is correct, since it seems likely that God does heal some people to demonstrate His love and power. However, in addition to His miraculous healing power, God has called some people to be doctors to minister healing to others.

Christians should not rely solely upon prayer to treat diseases that are reliably treated through modern medicine. is doesn’t mean that we don’t pray for the sick. When Christian parents let a child die from a disorder that is readily treatable by modern medicine, it says to the world that we are ignorant and uncaring. However, since God calls certain individuals to serve others through medicine, aren’t those individuals really an answer to our prayers?

When you or a loved one gets sick, use your faith to seek medical professionals whom God has provided for your healing and the healing of your loved ones. Endorse those prayers that may be made for you and your loved ones, but also pray for the doctors and pharmacists whom God has provided with wisdom and discernment to treat illnesses.

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spel nnie o g l o iona astor D a brief t a n o r Inte te and p greed t ve e a s i i l t ar lurkin ith Be the C w n Mc view hile o ar.Here e r inte azine w r this y f his life e g o i Ma d earl pects od and o islanhares as Harew rrell. l he s Chery cis-Wo n with ina Fra Katr

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“I think the greatest testimony is July 14, 1969 when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and he redeemed and saved me. at was by far the greatest day of my life, with no falsity or false humility.”

Q: How long have you been in ministry?

A: e first time I ever spoke was in 1984, I was 24. I’ve been in singing ministry all my life. My mother made me sing. It was progressive. It started off as very rudimental and small initially, but it grew from ministry to ministry; from one level of ministry to another. I never expected it to grow to this degree. at’s how ministry began.

Q: Did you ever take voice training or was it a gift from God? A: I never really took voice training. I should have. It would have spared me a lot of problems and complications, but I never took formal training. Had I done so, I would have been able to have more clarity in my voice, more control over my range, and the notes that I attempt. ank God for background singers. It’s mostly a gift from God. When I turned 18 years old that’s when it really formulated.

Q: How do you prepare for ministry?

A: ere are many different ways. Spiritually we pray and even when we travel I have a group of people who pray back in New York. We come together as a band and singers and we pray whenever we reach the hotel. We come together and pray in my hotel room. We pray before a song is sung and after we sing, then we pray before when it is time for us to leave. at’s how we prepare for concerts. We have Bible study and everybody has to remember a verse and explain the verse. ey cannot use Genesis 1 or 2, Psalm 1 or John 3:16. ey have to study a verse. If you don’t have the Word in you then you can’t carry the anointing. e anointing only rests on the Word.

bother me. I can ride in a car with people that are driving and not ask for a limousine. I don’t like fanfare and presidential suites. You have to preach the gospel without charge. at’s how I remain humble. My family keeps me humble. ey would not let me be anyone but Donnie and when I travel I am in the same hotel with those I travel with. I don’t want to be treated any differently.

Q:

What advice would you give to young people in ministry, especially with all the distractions out there?

A:

Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. e same distractions that you all had in your generation we had similar distractions- maybe not the same kind. We did not have a computer, but we had different things around us. We had peer pressure, insecurity and lust. We had domestic problems. We had the musical distractions and the iconic entertainment, but the thing that kept us focus was church. It served the purpose to keep the young people focus. Today’s young adults and youth need to value the church. e family, church, school and friends are the four components of the community. Our parents picked our friends and we did not ask questions. You did what you were told.

Q:

Out of your songs which one resonates with you the most and why.

A: None of them! None of them has a specific impact on me more than the other. It’s like saying which one of your children is your most favorite child. You can’t of a truth say so because each child carries its own distinct personality. It’s the same thing with the music. Each song is birth out of a different place and carries its own distinct impact. Most of my songs I don’t use for myself. e songs are birthed for people. Maybe one song I can think of resonates with me and that has not been released as yet. e songs that resonate with me are the hymns. When I worship, or when I am going through anxiety joy, pleasures or sorrows. It’s the hymns.

Q: What touching testimony would you like to share?

A: I think the greatest testimony is July 14, 1969 when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and he redeemed and saved me. at was by far the greatest day of my life, with no falsity or false humility. It really was the day I remember more than anything that God has done. I was nine years old. From that time to this day this is the greatest testimony.

Q: How do you manage fame with your personal life?

A: Fame is not in my personal life. I have been smart enough through family and through Christ not to allow fame to really

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Divorce and

Remarriage

by Mary Fairchild

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arriage was the first institution established by God in the book of Genesis, chapter 2. It is a holy covenant that symbolises the relationship between Christ and his Bride, or the Body of Christ. Most Bible-based Christian faiths teach that divorce is to be seen only as a last resort after every possible effort toward reconciliation has failed. Sadly, divorce and remarriage are widespread realities in the Body of Christ today. Generally speaking, Christians tend to fall into one of four positions on this controversial issue:

POSITION 1: NO DIVORCE - NO REMARRIAGE Marriage is a covenant agreement, meant for life, therefore, it must not be broken under any circumstance; remarriage further violates the covenant and therefore is not permissible.

POSITION 2: DIVORCE - BUT NO REMARRIAGE Divorce, while not God’s desire, is sometimes the only alternative when all else has failed. e divorced person must remain unmarried for life thereafter.

POSITION 3: DIVORCE - BUT REMARRIAGE ONLY IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS Divorce, while not God’s desire is sometimes unavoidable. If the grounds for the divorce are biblical, the divorced person can remarry, but only to a believer.

POSITION 4: DIVORCE - REMARRIAGE Divorce, while not God’s desire, is not the unforgivable sin. Regardless of the circumstances, all divorced persons who have repented should be forgiven and allowed to remarry. e following study attempts to answer from a biblical perspective, some of the most frequently asked questions about divorce and remarriage amongst Christians.

Q:

I am a Christian, but my spouse is not. Should I divorce my unbelieving spouse and try to find a believer to marry?

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A: No. If your unbelieving spouse wants to remain married to you, stay faithful to your marriage. Your unsaved spouse needs your continued Christian witness and may likely be won to Christ by your godly example.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. (NIV)

Q:

What are biblical reasons or grounds for divorce?

A: e Bible suggests that “marital unfaithfulness” is the only scriptural reason that warrants God’s permission for divorce and remarriage.

Q:

I did not want a divorce, but my ex-spouse unwillingly forced it on me. Reconciliation is no longer possible because of extenuating circumstances. Does this mean I cannot marry again in the future?

A:In most cases, both parties are to blame in a divorce.

However, in this situation, you are biblically considered the “innocent” spouse. You are free to remarry, but you should do so carefully and reverently when the time comes, and only marry a fellow believer. e principles taught in 1 Corinthians 7:15, Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:9 would apply in this case.

Q:

My spouse committed adultery (or some other form of sexual immorality). According to Matthew 5:32, I have grounds for divorce. Should I get a divorce because I can?

A:One way to consider this question might be to think of all the ways we as followers of Christ commit spiritual adultery against God through sin, neglect, idolatry, and apathy. However, God does not forsake us. His heart is always to forgive and reconcile us back to Him when we turn back and repent of our sin.We can extend this same measure of grace toward a spouse when they have been unfaithful, yet have come to a place of repentance.

W

hen award-winning gospel artiste Allison Norville makes her way on stage to minister in song, her captivating smile often wins the hearts of those who find healing and solace in her songs, but behind her vocals and winning smiles lie vicissitudes of suicidal thoughts, and emotional abuse.

To see her today is to see a woman who has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, zealous in her work for God.

Allison

by Cheryl Harewood

bares it all

An unhappy marriage, disillusionment, an unplanned pregnancy, sneers, jeers and heartless judgmental words were some of the challenges she faced. Yet, this gospel recording artist and worship leader never relinquished her hope in God. Flashback to the late 1970’s when young Allison was a playful, happy child - one of three biological children born to Algernon Holder and Audrey Norville (now Norville-Chase).

Her years at St. Mary’s Infants and Junior schools, Westbury Primary, and later St. James Secondary School, helped fashioned her into a strong, confident, happy individual.

“I had a very happy childhood,” she confessed.

In fact, so happy was Allison’s childhood that she was oblivious to the fact that her mother was struggling to raise her and her siblings as a single mother under relatively poor conditions.

“I only knew we were poor when I got older.

My mother was father and mother to me until my stepfather came into our lives.

“Looking back I appreciate the herculean tasks my mother undertook. One day when I was older and she saw me on stage, she said, “No one knew us when we had to eat out of butter bowls for a while,” Allison said with a chuckle.

Young Allison left primary school determined to become a teacher. However, she changed her tune when she discovered her vocal talent, and vowed instead to be a professional singer.

“I wanted to be the first Barbadian to win a Gospel Grammy, but this is now sidelined. Since having my daughter, my aim is to continue laying

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a godly foundation,” she stressed, as she referred to six-year-old Amy. Her curiosity about God started to grow as she attended St Mary’s Anglican Church.

“I had a lot of questions about God, and questioned some of my fellow members’ behavior and practices. I was very opinionated but not rebellious. I wanted to leave the Anglican Church but I felt I would be deserting my family and friends. I give credit to Reverend Dr. Michael Clarke for keeping me grounded and supportive in my ministry.”

Allison began singing in the Anglican Church from aged eight, but also attended Pentecostal churches during her young adult years. She won the Anglican Youth Ministry Song Contest (AYMS) in the 1990’s, and this led her to meeting James Morgan of Promise - one of the island’s leading gospel bands.

“James Morgan was eventually instrumental in helping me experience singing outside of Anglican events. I would never forget how gracious they all were towards me in my formative years as a gospel singer.”

While many local artistes were etching out names on the secular music scene, Allison stuck with gospel music – until she derailed for a while, when she turned to heavy metal.

“I wanted to be a gospel artiste, to always give back to God from what He gave me, but I lost focus at some point,” she confessed.

She joined the heavy metal/rock band Le Groove, and remembers performing at After Dark during the St Lawrence Music Festival, just so she could purchase a pair of sneakers to play volleyball.

“I remember the following weekend was a combined church convention. I used to leave that church rehearsal to go to the other (secular music) rehearsal. I was at a crossroad.

After performing at the festival I was featured in the local newspaper under the headline “Allison Norville Rocks the Stage”. I recall one of the church band members looking at the paper then back at me with a puzzled

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“I heard from other people that I was nothing and that I had messed up. One person even told me it was best for my child to die than to face the backlash of what was coming, but no matter what I was going through, I knew every child is a gift from God.” expression, because I had just been part of the combined choir. I felt so convicted.

I didn’t sing at the convention. at was the last time I sang secular.

After meeting her future husband in her early twenties, Allison joined Power in the Blood Assembly where she led worship in church.

Unknowingly, she was about to write another chapter of her life.

In 2001, she became a blushing bride, and in 2005, she launched her first album titled “It’s Not Too Late.”

Most of the songs were written by her uncle Nathaniel Ligons and recorded in Michigan, United States.

While things were looking up for her as a gospel artiste, the same could not be said about her personal life. To her dismay, she would soon discover that her marriage was a roller coaster of emotional abuse. is happy soul would be left bruised, exposed, degraded and humiliated in a marriage she thought would have truly been “til death do us part.”

By 2009, she had separated from her husband.

“I tried so hard,” she lamented, “but the person I dated was not the person I married.”

“It was a toxic relationship with various forms of abuse and promiscuity. It was a really bad time for me. In my eyes I was a princess and a mighty woman of God. His actions towards me however showed that he did not agree. I found solace in the church, training the youth chorale, and the Silvertones of Barbados. I learnt that all that glitters is not gold. I was accused by him daily of infidelity and all other strange mannerisms.

Gradually my appearance changed

from vibrant to that of dull and plain.” ree times Allison walked away from her marriage, but went back each time, determined to make it work. It did not.

“When I finally decided to leave, I left some of my possessions behind and never looked back.

“For a while, after the move back home, I was angry and rebellious. I started to do a lot of foolishness. I was angry because I gave so much of myself to him,’ she again lamented, as she reflected on some of those challenging years.

Eventually, the leadership at the People’s Cathedral offered her the post of a full-time worship leader and later musical director.

“I worked some of the longest hours. My prayer life became very weak. I used to be really tired and burnt out,” she pointed out.

It was during this most vulnerable time that Allison would meet someone who provided a listening ear and told her everything she wanted to hear.

“It is true that he provided a listening ear and one thing led to another. When I realised things had gone too far, I cut off the friendship, but by then to my unknowing, I was pregnant. I only knew this three months later, after I returned from a Music convention in Nice France.”

It seemed like all hell had broken loose. She was still reeling from her failed marriage and had only spent months in her new post. She felt disgraced, especially when word got out that she was pregnant, and the child was not for her estranged husband. e talking and whispering began, and once again, Allison had to put her

total trust in the God whom she knew would continue to love, forgive and shield her.

“I was shocked because I had been trying to get pregnant for years during my marriage. I was in total disbelief.

“I was also in a new church environment, and here was I, this newcomer, who had fallen before these folk. Some were skeptical, while others ran to my rescue. People I thought would be there for me; were not.

Others were phenomenally supportive and never left my side.

Support came from her pastors at the People’s Cathedral. To this day, she is eternally grateful for the consolation and help she received from Pastor Emeritus, the now Late Reverend Dr. Holmes Williams and Reverend Jewell Callender, who stood by her through thick and thin.

“I heard from other people that I was nothing and that I had messed up. One person even told me it was best for my child to die than to face the backlash of what was coming, but no matter what I was going through, I knew every child is a gift from God.”

Allison also received unwavering support from fellow gospel artistes Mya Daniel, Paula Hinds; her sister, Vanessa, and her mom.

She was asked to step away from her leadership position for a season, but she continued her soul searching.

“I felt I had failed the young people who looked up to me, not just from the People’s Cathedral, but at Power in the Blood. Here I was honouring God, and at a moment’s discretion, I plummeted.

Yes, I always wanted a child back then, even though my marriage was failing. I felt a child would have kept my company. Being pregnant was supposed to be a happy time for me, but at the age of 36, I was depressed and felt so alone, despite the love shown around me.

Allison’s turning point came when she heard her daughter’s first cry at birth.

“My mother was there happily videotaping everything. When the doctor placed my daughter next to me and I kissed her, and felt her cheeks on my lips; when I saw how beautiful and pink she was, I was instantly in love.”

Amy weighed eight pounds, nine ounces, and came into this world on July 25, 2011.

Allison went from entertaining suicidal thoughts to finally understanding what love songs were all about.

“I fell in love with her instantly. I knew my life had taken on a brand new meaning. Today, she is my love, my inspiration, my little sparkle. She fits right in.”

Although challenged as a single mother, since Amy’s dad lives abroad, Allison is pleased that Amy maintains a relationship with her dad via Internet video chats.

“It is important that she knows her dad and builds a bond,” the now assistant to the technical manager at People’s Cathedral says.

Since launching her second album “I’m A Winner” which was produced by Sherwin Gardiner in 2010; “How Can It Be”, a single, which is a reggae remake of a song by Lauren Daigle, together with “My Point of View,” a rhythm and blues release early last year, “I Wanna”, “Forgiveness” and others, Allison is looking forward to writing and producing more music. is 42-year-old is now in a better place in ministry, music, and as a mother. She has made her amends – including learning to forgive, and is looking to giving more of her time to God and writing more inspirational songs. “ ings are much better. I am not where I want to be, but I have started to write again. ere is room to grow, to be creative, and to spend more time with my daughter.

“I am glad for new beginnings.

Mistakes should not brand a person.

When you fall you should get back up and run again. I fell and I got back up.

So can anyone else.

“I am grateful for life and a second chance. I thought my life was over because of the mistakes I made.

Some people try not to let me forget, but I will continue to grow in Christ and leave a legacy for my daughter who has filled a void in my life. I love my Amy,” she declared, with her effervescent smile.

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Christian Schools

How ey Help Shape Your Child’s Future

by Camille Alleyne

Schools are one of the key institutions in which knowledge, information and education are disseminated. Christian schools have the privilege of taking it one step further – placing even greater emphasis on the feeding of the soul.

As John Dewey, a famous educator of the 20th century said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

b

arbados is a Christian nation and most schools, both public and private are generally based on a way of life which upholds one God and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. In Barbados, Christian schools are private schools that have faith as the focus of the institution.

e SDA, like some other Christian schools, incorporates activities such as Weeks of Prayer and Community Outreach into their extra-curriculum programme in order to emphasise the value of Christian living.

What is a Christian school?

Why parents choose Christian schools

Administrator of e Rock Christian (Primary) School, Marcia Jenkins, explained: “A school is a Christian school if it chooses to operate under Biblical principles and values in all aspects of its undertakings.”

Barbados Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Secondary School’s principal, Annette Alleyne, was happy to add that the mission of her school is to offer students a balanced education that will: • Inspire, challenge and direct the pursuit of knowledge • Instill in them a sense of responsibility • Provide a framework of Christian values that will prepare them for service and eternal life.

Parents, Angus and Zenada Forde, admitted that they chose a Christian school for their children even though government schools facilitate prayers, teach religious education, and generally abide by the Ten Commandments. e Fordes place a high premium on their Christian beliefs and felt that their spiritual values would be reinforced in their children at such a place of learning.

“After all,” Angus said, “It is at school that children spend the majority of time away from home.” e couple is pleased that management and staff of their school lead by example and uphold Christian principles in the face of world views.

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Traits developed in Christian schools Christian schools provide a sound foundation for children, preparing them for secondary school and beyond.

Forde said that his 12-year-old daughter who now attends public secondary school has put into practice what she had learnt during her seven years at a Christian school.

She has chosen her friends wisely, is dedicated to her work, and maintains high moral standards. Frequently garnering compliments about her work ethic, manners, attitude and behaviour, her parents are satisfied with the decision they made.

Jenkins noted that many students, especially those who join her school at three or four years old, can consistently show the following traits later in life, such as: • Courtesy • Respect for self, others, authority and God • Ability to invite God into every area of their lives • Obedience to God • Ability to make wise decisions • Appreciation for hard work • Well-rounded abilities e high level of discipline instilled in students, results in excellence, as is evident at the SDA school where approximately 20 persons have received Barbados Scholarships and Exhibitions since 1979.

Principal Heather Bryan of e People’s Cathedral Primary School expressed that students were encouraged on a day-to-day basis to embrace excellence, not only in academics but in other areas of endeavours. She highlighted the achievements of a number of past students – two of them being Haley Matthews and Danielle Titus.

Matthews is an all-round sportswoman, CARIFTA and CAC (Central American and Caribbean) Games multimedallist and outstanding member of the West Indies women’s cricket team.

Titus, on the other hand, is the swimming sensation who has broken records at CARIFTA and CCCAN (Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation) Competitions. She was also a nominee of the 2017 awards for Junior Outstanding Sportsperson.

The impact on children’s future Bryan expressed how especially blessed she was to see graduates of her school excel in the things of God, noting that a significant number of past students became members of the pastoral staff, and the music and dance ministries of the parent church, e People’s Cathedral.

She was particularly touched when she heard a young teen, who is a former pupil, give an emotional testimony of her experiences on the mission field.

Jenkins summed up the impact Christian schools can have on children by saying, “Many schools can produce well educated and polite students, but Christian schools have the added potential to affect a child’s future, not only for this life (impacting career decisions, political views, social choices and family matters), but for eternity.”

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Cremation or Burial?

I IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

by Katrina Francis-Worrell

t is no secret that death is a part of life and at some point, everyone has to say goodbye to a loved one. During this extremely emotional time, while coming to grips with the loss of a loved one, some are also faced with the additional challenge of planning and executing the final goodbye.

Tough decisions must be made such as: Will there be a funeral or a memorial service? Allow traditional colours or no mourning colours? Accept flowers or request a charitable donation? Do an earth burial or a cremation? e answers to all of these questions are usually based on personal preferences, which are informed either by the wishes of the deceased or the preferences of the family.

Earth burials, where the corpse is buried in a casket in the ground, has for a long time been the preference of Barbadian families. However, staff of a leading funeral home revealed that more and more enquiring minds are seeking to learn about cremation. According to them, in recent years the number of families opting for cremation has risen to approximately 20 per cent. e majority of funeral homes on the island will facilitate cremation even though, at present, there is only one local crematorium.

So how does one choose between cremation or burial? Are there Biblical reasons why cremations should not be done? According to two experienced Christian ministers, making the choice between cremation and burial is largely personal.

Reverend Jewell Callender, Senior Pastor of the People’s Cathedral noted, “It is a personal choice. A lot of people prefer not to [but] people choose it because it is more economical.” She further added that within the congregation she shepherds, “A few have been done at members’ requests.”

Lending support to this position, Reverend Austin Carrington of the Christ Church Parish Church stated, “It’s a personal choice, a personal decision.

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Some bodies are cremated and a memorial service is then conducted. Another cost reducing choice is opting not to bury the ashes because it reduces the need to purchase a burial plot.

Some people make the choice before they go and other relatives make the decision. It’s optional. You discard the person’s ashes based on their wishes or the health regulations of Barbados. You can inter the ashes or the urn. We have no theological barriers.”

Explaining why he believed many still chose earth burial he opined, “ ey think of being burnt and don’t like that [therefore] some prefer the traditional means of burial.”

As the choice to be cremated is a personal one, here are some of the main reasons why people have been choosing cremation.

Costs In some instances, cremation can be a more economical choice than an earth burial. If the body is cremated without being embalmed it is more affordable. Some bodies are cremated and a memorial service is then conducted. Another cost reducing choice is opting not to bury the ashes because it reduces the need to purchase a burial plot.

Note well, however, that if the body is embalmed and cremated after the funeral service, or if the ashes are being interred, the cost can be comparative to that of earth burial.

keithjonesfunerals@caribsurf.com

Travel It is more convenient and less expensive to travel with cremains, (that is, cremated remains), than it is to travel with a corpse. erefore, if the deceased must be moved to another country to be with relatives, this process is better facilitated by cremation.

Furthermore, having cremains allows relatives to bury the deceased with their family, place them on the mantle or scatter them to honour a dying wish.

NOTE: Embalming is the process of preserving the body if it is being stored for more than two days. It slows down the decomposition and eliminates gases and bacteria from the body.)

lesmithfuneralhome@gmail.com

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A Wise Investment

by Cheryl Harewood

W

hile not disputing that God gives us the assurance that He will always be there for us, from a financial planning view point, it is important to understand the significance of buying insurance as part of your financial planning. Many people do not take the necessary precautions to insure themselves, their homes, their possessions and their families. To hold to the view that having God’s assurance is all that is needed in life, depicts a misunderstanding about the significance of insurance’s value.You will need several different types of insurance in order to live a comfortable financial existence. e primary reason that you need to buy insurance is to transfer risk from yourself to an insurance company.

Protect your property One of the biggest benefits of owning an insurance policy is that it can protect your property. When you own property, you want to be certain you do not lose it to some type of damage. is is what auto insurance policies and homeowners insurance policies are for. ey allow you to have your property replaced or repaired if some type of damage or calamity occurs.

Sadly, many people fail to insure their homes, and only recognise the importance of property insurance when a fire or natural disaster strikes.

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Protect Your Family If you have a family, you should also purchase insurance products that can protect them if you are unable to do so. is is the ultimate purpose of life insurance. Should you die, life insurance will provide your beneficiaries with a lump sum of money. is money can be used to replace your income and to help pay off any outstanding debts that you may have left behind. Without this type of insurance, your family may have serious financial problems after you are gone.

Health Issues ssues Many people also lso buy insur insurance to limit the amount of out-of-pocket expenses ut-of-po related to healthcare costs. With today’s healthcare system, an individual could easily go bankrupt if he or she does not have health insurance.

Serious procedures can cost thousands of dollars; without a good insurance plan, this would have to come out of your pocket. You could cover these risks by purchasing comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and even long-term-care insurance.

When should you purchase insurance?

Today is as good a time as any. In fact, from the moment you start to earn a living, it is vital that you purchase insurance.

If you have not yet done so, be sure to call an agent today who will advise you on the types of insurance you need.

Even God, who gives you the assurance of life hereafter, understands the need for you to adopt wise financial planning practices as you live out your life day after day. Buying insurance is simply a wise investment.

A LOOK AT THE

T

Gospel Music Industry

by Anthony Greene

here is a success story to be told about gospel music in Barbados. is is especially true if you reference names such as Joseph Niles, Sister Marshall, Paula Hinds and Mya Daniel as gospel singers, the band Promise and producer of Barbados Gospelfest, Adrian Agard, just to name a few. is list is by no means exhausted, but these are some of the best who have stood the test of time. ere are also others who have made valuable contributions. Mike Cummins and Jeff Shepherd as pioneers for Gospel music easily contend. en there are choir directors, such as, Shelton Perkins and Lester Welch and the countless musicians and music producers. Success stories continue, but there is much work to be done to build on the legacy created. Certainly, there is an energy, creativity, freshness and relevance that come with any new generation and is different from its predecessors. It is no different in gospel music. e challenge is to go beyond the potential, take the baton and move forward to newer heights. e question always is, “How do you get there”? ere are many things to consider in maximising the opportunity to give greater prominence to gospel music originating from Barbados. It is not just simply social media exposure and dependence on radio airplay, though these are activities that assist. Rather, a more strategic approach is necessary to take the success story even further. A few considerations are the rate of the production of music, the development of subject matter, and experts who understand priority areas such as music distribution and artiste management, networking and the global music industry. e rate at which gospel music is produced in Barbados is way too low to generate any real surge of interest above American

gospel and Christian contemporary music. Where there have been quality songs produced or volume of songs by particular artistes, greater attention and popularity have followed. is is seen when gospel music fans show their appreciation via social media and requests on radio stations.

Promoters and producers of gospel events respond by booking these artistes and in some cases, churches have added their songs as a part of worship. is is indeed not new as there are hundreds of songs by Joseph Niles which fans love. He is revered not only in Barbados but well beyond. In recent times John Yarde has been producing well written songs with strong hooks and catchy melodies. Yarde’s effort to achieve quality production via collaboration with both local producers and those beyond our shores has also paid off. e development of subject matter by experts is a call for more individuals who work with local gospel music and artistes to acquire the knowledge necessary to take gospel music forward. ere are many facets to the international industry but knowledge gaps pose a challenge and prevent progress. is is where networking is beneficial and encourages knowledge transfer.

In addition, a broader collective effort with the right stakeholders is key. At the moment, artistes, producers etc. get by largely by their own individual efforts. While there have been attempts both locally and regionally at greater synergy and collaboration, a sustainable collective approach will provide a more organised platform for flow of information, opportunity and ultimately results in bringing greater attention to gospel music locally and also exporting the music. When all is said and done, the next frontier is left to those emerging to take gospel music to new heights.

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IMPACT

W RLD

S

By Camille Alleyne

kilful sportsmen, high-energy hip hop dancers and performers from the Pacific region brought drama and excitement to the Barbadian stage as Impact World toured the Caribbean with the aim of touching every island for Jesus.

For several weeks, from February to March this year, teams attended school assemblies, and coordinated 12) exciting cultural shows for all Barbadians to attend freely, since no admission was charged!

WHAT IS IMPACT WORLD? Impact World is an international body of performing arts, sporting and musical groups who partner with local organisations to carry out a series of campaigns and events in schools, communities and other institutions.

THE PURPOSE Impact World’s aim is to help communities win and disciple the unreached in their region. It patterns its purpose from the New Testament model of fervent prayer, public proclamation and personal discipleship.

THE PLAN Prayer and Preparation e Barbados campaign took over 12 months of prayer and preparation. While in Barbados, church members were encouraged to join the 24-hour prayer vigil for their countries and volunteers were invited to come forward to assist in this huge evangelistic effort.

PROCLAMATION Proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ, the Hope and Saviour of the world, is always Impact World’s motive especially in a time when many are disillusioned and distraught by life’s circumstances. ree amazing shows were open to all Barbadians during the Impact World Barbados campaign:

GLOBAL EXPRESSION ese fast-paced, multimedia presentations featured young, highly talented, hip-hop and break dancers from around the world.

ISLAND BREEZE e Island Breeze shows exposed Barbadians to a breath-taking showcase of stunning costumes, fire and knife dancers, and pounding drums of the Pacific island culture.

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TEAM XTREME Eye-opening feats of strength and prowess were performed in the Team Xtreme shows where steel bars were bent and concrete bricks shattered with bare hands, among many other amazing exploits.

DISCIPLESHIP In the recent Impact World campaign in St. Vincent, in a space of three weeks 40,000 individuals heard the Good News of Jesus’ salvation and 9,292 people responded positively. . ousands of Barbadians also heard the gospel through Impact World and thousands responded (exact numbers were not available in time for the printing of this edition of Believe magazine).

It is essential that those who make decisions to follow Christ are followed up and discipled. Personnel were advised to meet with those inquiring to know more within 48 hours, and then continue to follow up with them for at least eight weeks. Inquirers were subsequently connected to the discipleship groups in schools and areas most relevant to them. e presence of Impact World in Barbados was truly dynamic.

True to its name, Impact World has been having great influence throughout the globe touching millions of lives and altering the course of countless souls.

Flowers

God’s gift to mankind

By Cheryl Harewood

Luke 12:27: Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

H

ave you ever stopped and considered a life without flowers? It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? ere would be no beautiful, well-manicured gardens; no wonderfully decorated churches; no birds or butterflies paying our gardens a visit; no flower to smell or floral scents to enjoy; no special way to express our love or sympathy, and no healing floral balms. We must agree that flowers have a special place in our lives. And what would Christmas or even Easter be without them?

Some of the most prevalent flowers offer more than good looks. eir extracts have long been used to heal common beauty ailments and create fragrances. Even in today’s complex and scientifically advanced world, the simplistic restorative power of flowers remains unrivaled. eir scents have also been used to make oils, teas, shampoos and conditioners- to mention a few.

Life can be stressful and people are always looking for ways to relieve stress and better their moods. Flowers offer a simple solution to improving one’s emotional health. Being in their presence often triggers happy emotions.

A study by a team of researchers at Rutgers University, New Jersey, showed that flowers have a positive effect on people’s moods; especially their happiness.

while lotus soothes dry skin. e lavender is widely used in beauty and house cleaning products. It has antiseptic and antibacterial benefits and is an excellent essential oil. Lavender can normalise oily, sensitive skin types and is used in spa treatments to relieve stress and tension. e orchid fights free radicals, retains moisture and renews the skin, while the jasmine relieves congested skin and dry complexions. Of course, flowers are perfect for any special occasion or celebration– weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, for extending get well wishes, or simply saying, “thank you.”

Arrayed in all their beauty, they are truly God’s perfect gift to mankind.

HERE ARE SOME RESULTS OF THE STUDY Each study participant expressed delight and gratitude when given flowers. Participants also reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction. e study also showed that flowers make intimate connections, increase contact with family and friends, and are usually displayed in those areas in the home where visitors could see them-suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing, welcoming guests, and that an artful floral arrangement has the ability, particularly through its colour, to convey a feeling or create a mood without using words.

Some flowers are said to have special qualities and cures.

Chamomile is excellent for bed rest, and for diminishing puffiness and inflammation. e popular rose regenerates aging skin and heals broken blood vessels due to its large concentrations of vitamin C. It is also good for one’s emotional well-being, health and spirit.

Hibiscus revives skin and acts as an exfoliator and antioxidant,

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twosons @hotmail.com

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