Believe Magazine March 2016

COMPLIMENTARY

VOL.1 ISSUE #1

MARCH 2016

STRONG FAMILIES STRONG COMMUNITIES YOU ARE A WOMAN OF WORTH!

GOSPEL MUSIC BOOMING GOD’S PROMISES FOR THE HURT AND BROKENHEARTED

WHO’S STEALING

YOUR JOY?

Believe – Know Your Bible Quiz

Contents 4

Easter Season Rich In Tradition

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Who’s Stealing Your Joy?

Win one of eight prizes, including restaurant and shopping vouchers, top-ups and movie tickets.

Just correctly answer the following questions on the Bible and send us your entry.

Enter in one of two ways: 1. Scan the QR code below with your smartphone and complete the questionnaire online.

2. Complete the entry form below and drop it off at Nation House, Fontabelle, St Michael, or Nation Classifieds, Sheraton Mall, Christ

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Strengthening Your Faith

Church.

Prizes will be randomly selected from among the winning entries. Entries

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You Are A Woman of Worth!

10 e Evolution of Church Attire 12 How To Build Your Prayer Life 14

close on April 30, 2016.

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By whom and how was Jesus betrayed? ________________________________________________________

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Who denied Jesus three times when asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples? ________________________________________________________

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Choose one of the following: Jesus was crucified for saying he was: e son of Abraham | King of the Jews | Mary and Joseph’s son

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Whose life did the Jews spare that ultimately resulted in Jesus’ death on the cross? _________________________________________________________

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Who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus to the place of crucifixion? __________________________________________________________

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What were the seven expressions (sayings) of Jesus as He hung from the cross? ____________________________________________________________

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Give the names of the three women to whom Jesus first appeared after His resurrection. ____________________________________________________________

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According to Matthew Chapter 28, what was Jesus’ last commandment to His disciples before He ascended into heaven? ____________________________________________________________

Strengthened In Loss by God’s Love

18 God’s Promises For e Hurt and Broken-hearted

20 Strong Families, Strong Communities 22 Suicide – Not e Option 24 Gospel Music Booming 26 Losing Your Independence As You Grow Older

28 Cyberbullying 30 Safeguarding e Image of Young Men 32

Feedback Name Address 1 Address 2 Home Number Cell Number Scan QR code to complete Bible quiz

Email address Employees of the Nation Group of Companies and their immediate family are ineligible to enter.

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Credits PUBLISHER: M. Anthony Shaw

From the editor’s desk

By Cheryl C. Harewood

EDITOR: Cheryl C. Harewood

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ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paulette Jones DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER: Lyle Jones PHOTOGRAPHY: e Morgan Media CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lawton Walcott, Rommel Lawrence, Shirley Alleyne, Pastor Linda P. Jones, Anthony Greene, Camille Alleyne, Ethan Alleyne, Reverend John Rogers ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES: Kelly Johnally Tel.: (246) 430-5515 Yvette Berry Tel.: (246) 430-5521 Debbie Brathwaite Tel.: (246) 430 -5518 Danielle Beckford Tel.: (246) 430-5495 CIRCULATION MANAGER: Edmund Holder Tel.: (246) 430-5500 DEPUTY CIRCULATION MANAGER: Adrian Bowen Tel.: (246) 430-5501 DESIGN/LAYOUT: Brian O’Neale/Imageworx Tel.: (246) 430-5419/5559 PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Limited Tel.: (246) 434-6719 PHOTO CREDITS: Housing Concepts, Villages At Coverley, Christ Church

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elcome to the first edition of BELIEVE – the magazine which now ranks as the newest among the Nation Publishing Co. Limited’s line of high-quality, full colour magazine publications. ere is a measure of excitement surrounding BELIEVE, Firstly, it represents the moral values and beliefs long considered to be those of our forefathers and traditional way of Barbadian life. Secondly, it addresses issues which occupy the minds of many Barbadians and offers practical, biblical solutions. BELIEVE also speaks to people of all ages.

Our cover denotes the fundamental truth that strong families will ultimately produce strong communities. Articles such as Suicide – Not e Option, How To Build Your Prayer Life, Cyberbullying, Who’s Stealing Your Joy? God’s Promises For e Hurt And Broken-hearted, Gospel Music Booming, and Easter Season Rich In Tradition, among others, offer an exciting, reader-friendly mix to capture your interest.

Our cover story, in which Lawton and Delphi Walcott share how they dealt with the deaths of two of their four daughters, gives an insight into how the Walcotts’ faith in God keeps them strong in the midst of their loss.

Another interesting feature is the answers provided by individuals who were randomly selected to share their views on the church’s role within a changing world.

As you read BELIEVE, we know you’ll come face to face with the hope which Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection gives to mankind.

We acknowledge and say thanks to each corporate entity, church, and organisation that has partnered with us through their advertising support, and applaud all who contributed in any way.

We look forward to your feedback, so feel free to drop us a line or give us a call at 430-5494.

We thoroughly enjoyed the process involved in putting this first issue into your hands and hope you will be truly blessed.

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.

Easter season rich in tradition

By Cheryl Harewood

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raditions are usually a part of every society, and in Barbados, Easter traditions have their rightful place among our calendar of events.

Religious services and colourful, cultural expressions, remembrance of days gone by, celebrations of contemporary life, kites and various musical

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rhythms; such are the ingredients that combine to make Easter in Barbados a feast for the soul and senses.

Many people follow the Lenten season with strict discipline, denying themselves various pleasures, including the eating of meat and settling for fish throughout the entire season.

Annual observances by some religions start on Ash Wednesday. Restraints will reach their zenith on Good Friday when churches throw open their doors for services in recognition of Christ’s burial. at’s the day when fish is the choice dish in most households. On Easter Sunday, the observance of Christ’s resurrection is heralded once more by services. Families will gather to celebrate at special lunches and Easter eggs (chocolate) will be shared.

On Easter bank holiday, the celebrations take on a more secular form. Parties and picnics are held, beaches are crowded, and a festive atmosphere prevails.

One of our many popular pastimes at Easter is kite-flying. is sport has a colourful history in Barbados and at one time was strongly symbolically connected with the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Adding its own splash of colour to the Easter scene is a vibrant crop of exotic, wild plants. e Easter lily produces orange-red flowers from underground bulbs, which were used for arrow poison by the Amerindians. e Easter vine is liana which produces striking sprays of purple flowers, while the Lent or Judas tree bears bright scarlet flowers after dropping its leaves.

Easter is also replete with reminders of our British heritage, from the obligatory Easter bunnies to the hot cross buns and Easter bonnet parades. e Oistins Fish Festival, which draws hundreds of visitors and locals alike to this Christ Church location for three days of fun, competition and total merriment, will seemingly be the icing on the cake – bringing Easter celebrations to an end.

Whatever you do, have a happy Easter.

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Who’s Stealing Your Joy?

By Cheryl Harewood

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erhaps if you were to pause for a moment, you would have to admit the only person or thing stealing your joy is you. Yes! You are your own joy stealer.

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that “the joy of the Lord is our strength”.

It is therefore easy to reason that just as we eat food to receive physical strength, we must allow God’s joy (a fruit of the Spirit), kept alive through praise, faith, and reading of the scriptures, to provide us with emotional strength and encouragement.

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We are our own joy stealers when we view unpleasant circumstances from a negative viewpoint or complain when things do not go our desired way. We forget that by cultivating and living spirit-controlled lives, we truly experience real joy. is does not mean we will always have a smile on our faces or be free from seasons of pain, mourning, challenges, hurt or frustration. However, even in the midst of trying circumstances, we are assured, according to Romans 8: 28, that “all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord”.

How many times while driving to and fro did you become frustrated and angry with a driver who literally crossed your path and in the process stood liable for causing an accident? What about the boss or coworker who rubbed you the wrong way, the spouse who said the wrong thing at the wrong time, the friend who seemingly let you down, or the parent and sibling who did not offer the support you expected? How about the church leader who failed to live up to your expectations?

Rather than learn lessons from daily circumstances, we often harbour hatred, resentment, self-pity, and anger. We want to retaliate rather than love and forgive.

We become suspicious of those who have wronged us and try to live sheltered lives where pain and hurt cannot enter. e reality is that we hurt ourselves in the process.

We walk outside the sphere of that spirit-controlled life God expects of us. We either steal our own joy or through some master plan of the enemy of our soul, allow him who comes to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10) to rob us of our joy.

If you are allowing people and circumstances to steal your joy, you are living a life of constant defeat and drudgery, never able to see the good in every situation.

Did Paul and Silas allow their joy to be stolen when they were imprisoned? (Acts Chapter 16). What about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown into the fiery furnace? (Daniel Chapter 3). In the face of what appeared to be pending defeat and death, they praised and worshipped God in the midst of their trials. e joy of the Lord is your strength. Meditate on these words and discover the source of true joy.

Believe

Strengthening Your Faith

By Reverend John Rogers

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hen speaking of faith from the perspective of a disciple of Christ, it is imperative that one recognises we are not so much speaking of a religion, but rather a way of life.

It is a way of life in which defending and strengthening one’s faith are really companions along a continuum that ultimately leads to the goal of union with the divine.

It is about becoming so firm in our convictions, so resolute in our faith, that it becomes impregnable. It is a state of spiritual enrichment that the apostle Paul had attained when he declared: “I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

(Romans 8:38-39) St Paul was here deeming his faith impregnable. Such faith is not procured by simply willing it into being. It requires time spent in intentioned prayer and reflection on the Word of God. Interestingly enough, one of the leading industries in the world is the fitness industry. People are willing to spend

exorbitant sums of money and an inordinate amount of time in training to sculpt their physical bodies.

However, how many of us are willing to spend the same amount of time shaping our spiritual selves? St Paul again here proves insightful: “Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:25). us, strengthening our faith requires effort, time, and the training of the mind on things spiritual and by study of the Word of God. Once that faith is strengthened, it presents itself as a sure defence against the myriad of challenges, obstacles, or even opposing views which may confront us in this life.

With such an enriched faith, we need not mount a platform to defend our faith against alternative views. Instead, the best defence of our faith, which we can possibly mount, is to actually live it. However, to live it requires first that we know it.

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Reverend John Rogers is priest in charge at St George Parish Church.

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You are a Woman of Worth!

By Pastor Linda P. Jones

You are a woman of importance, signi cance, honour, and value.

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ou are a woman of worth; that’s a fact. You are a woman of importance, significance, honour, and value. ose are just some of the meanings of the word worth. Yet so many women today do not feel or act as though they are valuable or honourable; they don’t feel significant or worthy. Truth be told, they struggle in silence with low self-worth.

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Low self-worth doesn’t look the same for every woman. e one who climbed the corporate ladder and appears to have it together could be struggling with low self-esteem as much as the housewife who is raising children on a shoestring budget.

In a bid to experience a sense of value, many women do things, accumulate material possessions, or get into relationships they think will make them feel valuable. ey believe more possessions, power, prominence, friends, or that significant other will make them worthy.

Unfortunately, such transient things will never satisfy deep, emotional needs or self-worth. ey were never meant to. Your worth was settled over 2 000 years ago.

Apostle Peter said that “you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot”. (1 Peter 1:18-19). e word precious means costly, held in honour, esteemed, valuable, of great price, beloved . . . wow!

You are so valuable in God’s sight that the only price appropriate to redeem you was the cruel death His Son paid at Calvary.

You are worth the costly, esteemed blood of Jesus. at tells me you are a woman of worth.

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Pastor Linda P. Jones is the founder of Women of Worth Ministries and Walking on Water Teaching & Equipping Centre.

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e evolution of church attire

By Cheryl Harewood

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ong sleeves, sleeveless or thin straps? A hat, mantilla or no hat at all? Jeans, polo shirt, collar and tie with or without jacket, clutch purse or handbag? Sandals or high heels? Dress up or dress down? e debate of what to or what not to wear to church is as old as the beginning of time when priests were told the type of clothing to wear. e debates continue.

Traditionally, women attending church wore long sleeves, blouses or dresses buttoned up to their necks, mantillas or fancy hats, stockings, shoes with slightly raised heels, little or no jewellery, and powder was acceptable – no makeup or lipstick.

In earlier times, decorative clothing and accessories were also seen as worldly and prideful, interfering with a simple and austere mood of worship. Some churches today still hold to this view.

So, do we dress up for church or dress down?

History indicates that dressing up for church became popular in England during the first half of the 19th century. is soon spread to northern Europe and the United States as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution and emergence of the middle class. While care was historically given to cleanliness and solemnity, dressing up for worship resulted not from a theological teaching, but from the influence of Victorian culture on worshipping communities.

Contrary to popular opinion, medieval Christians did not dress up for church because nice clothes were only affordable to the wealthy.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, society was

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polarised into the haves (the landed aristocracy) and the have-nots (plebes, peasants), with a minimal merchant class in between. Fine clothing was handmade and far too expensive for common folk who maintained their living through farming and possessed two sets of clothes made of coarse fabric. One set was for work, the other for going shopping.

However, the growing prosperity of the middle class cultivated a craving for better houses, church buildings, and clothes. Denominations with a greater proportion of wealthy members began selling pews to wealthy families to fund elaborate church building improvements.

In 1843, Horace Bushnell, an influential pastor in Connecticut, argued that sophistication and refinement were integral attributes of God which mature Christians should emulate. us was born the environment for dressing up for church. Members worshipping in an elaborately formal, decorated building began wearing formal clothes out of a sense of propriety of morals, pride and status.

How we dress for church can depend on how we view God, our financial status, and the practices or dress code of a church.

While simplicity and respect for places of worship are welcome, we need not go too far right or too far left. Neither should we criticise those who cannot afford to wear fine clothing. A more relaxed form of dressing for church is today generally acceptable and practised.

As a rule, however, we should consider the following:

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Do not expose your body. If your cleavage is exposed, you’re improperly attired. Likewise, if your skirt or dress is short enough that you are flashing people when you sit, don’t wear either.

Avoid revealing bra straps and backs.

Find out the rules of the church you are attending. For example, some churches do not allow females to don pants or pants suits.

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Do not wear anything that is transparent.

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Men should take off hats in any place of worship.

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While it is now fashionable for males to expose their underwear, this is not church appropriate.

So long as your clothing is decent and meets the requirement of the church you are attending, it doesn’t really matter what you wear.

Lastly, 1 Timothy 2:9 reminds us to dress modest with decency and propriety.

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How To Build Your Prayer Life

By Cheryl Harewood

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ave you ever imagined building a home without laying a foundation? ink for a moment. Is it possible?

Of course not. A foundation of some sort, on which the house can rest, is necessary. e Bible speaks about the man who built his house upon the sand and another who built his upon the rock. (Matthew Chapter 7). After giving instructions to his listeners, Jesus told them to build upon the truths which He taught. He also advised: “Ask, and it shall be given; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; he that seeks finds and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8) Why should we pray if God already knows our hearts and needs? Numerous scriptures show that Jesus prayed daily and often. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. No matter where we are or what we are facing, there is strength and comfort in talking to God. Two key components of prayer are praying according to God’s will and having faith to believe He can do what we ask of Him. According to 1 essalonians 5:17, we should “pray without ceasing”, therefore never losing hope.

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Here are handy prayer points to consider:

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Choose a specific place where there are no distractions.

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Turn off your cellphone and do not take calls during moments of prayer.

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If possible, pray at the same time daily.

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Intercessory prayers should be made on behalf of others, including the Church, family, the sick, unbelievers, nations, religions, governments, and leaders.

Keep a prayer journal to keep track of what you prayed for and the answers when they come.

Pray with others, including your spouse and children.

God welcomes and answers one sentence prayers. Peter prayed “Lord save me.” (Matthew 14:30).

So, my friend, pray.

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Strengthened in loss by God’s love

By Camille Alleyne and Cheryl Harewood

By Camille Alleyne and Cheryl Harewood

Standing (left to right) and in order of their respective births are sisters Dianne, Camille, Marguerite, and Leslie-Marie.

Seated (left to right) are parents Delphi and Lawton Walcott.

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believe that Marguerite and Dianne are healed. ere is no sickness in heaven and if they could speak, they would say to us: ‘Move on. Jesus is the answer.’”

Delphi Walcott said these words as she joined her husband Lawton to share on the deaths of their daughters Marguerite and Dianne, just four years apart.

Both women died from cancer, but the pain of losing their third daughter in 2010 at the age of 42, after a four-year battle with colon cancer, could not compare to the shock of their eldest daughter Dianne, 52, who died in 2014, just four days after informing her parents, via her sister Leslie-Marie, that she, too, had become a victim of cancer.

While death brings separation and pain, it cannot stop love. e fact that the Walcotts’ family chain has been broken twice by death has not shaken their faith in God. eir faith today is much stronger and the family bond which started in Kingston, Jamaica, where Barbadian-born banker Lawton met his Jamaican-born sweetheart, is as strong as it was then when they were raising their daughters: Dianne, Camille, Marguerite, and Leslie-Marie. e two were members of the Anglican Young People Association when they met and a courtship followed. ey got married on December 30, 1961, and lived a decent life in Delphi’s hometown, before Lawton, a former Harrisonian, opted to be transferred back to Barbados to continue his work at Barclays Bank.

As he sat to reminisce on how he and his family dealt with their grief, he recalled how his daughters settled into older secondary schools, colleges, and university in Barbados, being wooed by and getting married to Barbadian men.

Marguerite eventually decided to migrate to the United States in 1990, where she and her husband had their son Adam, now 14 years old. He was a miracle baby, on whom doctors performed surgery two days after his birth. e fervent prayers of the righteous have been credited for bringing Adam back from death’s door and today the child whom doctors said stood the chance of dying young, is an A-plus

student who speaks three languages.

Most families have wonderful stories to share, despite tragedy and loss. e Walcotts are no different.

In 2006, when 39-year-old Marguerite was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the colon, family members took the news hard. It was only their faith in God that pulled them through.

Marguerite was a young woman who was “full of life, always carried a bright smile, possessed a kind heart, had a great sense of humour, and always stood up for what was right. Despite her distance, she maintained close contact with family members.

“Her calls were regular and cheerful. She came home annually and always showered the entire family with gifts.

“It was extremely hard for her after her diagnoses. Her treatment required a port to be placed in her shoulder area. is wasn’t easy.

Medication left her debilitated for many days, but as soon as she felt better, she would do fun things like have her neighbours over for a get-together where she would play Caribbean music all night and shake a leg, too. Whenever we asked: ‘How are you today, Mags?’ She would respond chirpily, ‘Hanging in there, tomorrow will be better.’”

What made the Walcotts truly value the time spent with their daughter prior to her death in January 2010 was that God chose to draw her to Himself during that period.

“Although she went to church every Sunday we sensed she did not have a personal relationship with God. We felt if she understood His love for her and what Jesus did to demonstrate that love, she would be better able to get through those tough moments.

If perchance, she succumbed, she would be assured of eternal life,” Lawton said.

With that in mind, the family prayed and waited for the opportune time to share the gospel with Marguerite.

“We were jubilant when she accepted what Jesus did for her on the cross and embraced Him as her Lord and Saviour.

“During her last months she looked better and happier. She admitted even though she wouldn’t have wished to get ill, she was glad

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she did because life had become richer. When she died a part of us died with her. Even now, we are still coping with her loss, but the memories are warm and God’s goodness is sure,” Lawton said.

Four years later when Dianne, the first born, passed away quite unexpectedly, family members and friends reeled in disbelief and pain. ey were also assured that God was with them.

As this interview was being conducted, Delphi, who chirpily lent her contribution as she buzzed around the house, added: “Dianne’s contribution to life was immeasurable. She was integral in the formation of the Autism Association of Barbados, which her father and I started to assist the autistic population of Barbados. Her pride and joy were her autistic son Rene and her daughter Melanie.

“As a social worker and psychologist, she assisted those in trouble and in need. She worked with many governmental and

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non-governmental sectors, private practitioners and international bodies, giving much of her time and expertise freely.”

Until her funeral, which was attended by people from all walks of life, the Walcott clan did not realise Dianne’s influence on colleagues, neighbours, friends and acquaintances. ey knew though, that everyone would miss her bubbly spirit and tight hugs.

Leslie-Marie, the youngest daughter, said: “Following on the heels of Mags death and faced with the prospects of losing Di was tough.

“With Dianne, I approached the issue by saying, ‘Lord, I will listen to you more closely to see what is your perfect will regarding her – not that I didn’t desire for her to get well, but I decided to surrender more to God’s perfect will.’ “ ings culminated so rapidly, it was difficult to find God’s perspective. During Di’s last 24 hours, I wanted to sit and read the Bible to her. I did not have the opportunity to do so with Mags. I did this for a while but was unable to stay the entire time.

“Doctors reported the immense grace and courage she had as she passed away. God was with her as she faced death. What more could I have wanted?”

Despite their loss, the Walcotts can see God’s daily presence and blessings in their lives. e passing of their loved ones impacted their lives in such a way that they will never again be the same. ey continue to remember Dianne and Marguerite with some degree of pain, as was evident when Delphi shed a few tears during the interview and as sister Camille shared bits of information while consoling her mum and dad.

When Delphi composed herself, she said: “People cannot understand how strong and happy we are, having gone through these tragedies. God is our strength. We cannot go through such challenges victoriously without Him.” eir patriarch concluded: “ e Bible says in Romans 8:38-39: ‘For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’”

Words obviously repeated in faith and with the knowledge that God is always in control.

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God’s Promises For e Hurt and Broken-hearted

By Cheryl Harewood

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re you feeling hurt and broken-hearted?

Undoubtedly, each of us experiences such feelings at some point of our lives. Sometimes it’s the result of losing a loved one to death, a broken relationship, divorce, living the pain of an unexpected job loss, or going through a season of depression, physical or emotional pain. e Bible is replete with scripture verses which bring us hope amid despair, joy when we’re sad, and comfort when we face turbulent or troubling seasons. e following verses will bring you comfort, if you but believe:

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The Bible is replete with scripture verses which bring us hope.

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“ e Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) “God heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.”

(Matthew 5:4).

“For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

(Psalm 55:22) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thy own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) “By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord; to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

(Romans 8:28-29) “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Rendezvoushomes.org

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God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Here’s hoping you will find comfort from the following testimonials: “No matter how fierce the battle, believers cannot be defeated by the fiery slings and arrows of the enemy.

I trust in the promises of Christ. He is my stronghold and my very present help in time of need. I believe in prayer and know that my God hears my every plea.”

(MB) “Jesus Christ had a broken heart. He suffered many trials and tribulations in His short 33 years on earth. He experienced first-hand what is was like to be mocked, spit on, rejected, hated, betrayed, beaten, spoken evil of, and even forsaken. He can relate to our agony. Only Jesus Christ can heal a broken heart. In fact, the Bible says ‘God binds up the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’” (CFC) “ e church is not a select circle of the immaculate, but a home where the outcast may come in. It is not a palace with gate attendants and challenging sentinels along the entranceways holding off at arm’s-length the stranger, but rather a hospital where the broken-hearted may be healed and where all the weary and troubled may find rest and take counsel together.” (JHA)

contactus@Rendezvoushomes.com

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Strong Families, Strong Communities

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trong families ultimately result in strong communities. Likewise, communities have a great inuence in families’ lives. Just as plants are more likely to thrive in a garden with good soil and plenty of sunlight and water, families are more likely to thrive in nurturing communities.

A safe place for children to play, the availability of food, shelter, and medical care, a culture that encourages neighbours to get to know and help one another, and the establishment of laws and spiritual values also play key roles in building strong communities.

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Embedded in the desire to build a strong family and, by extension, a strong community, there must be an awareness of the needs of each other, unity, a strong spiritual and not necessary religious awareness, as well as expressed love for each family member, neighbour, and those with whom we interact on a daily basis. We must also be willing to accept each other regardless of our varying backgrounds, the colour of our skin, social status or religion. e 12 family strengths listed below provide the framework for a comprehensive approach to strengthening families by focusing on developmental stages throughout the life cycle. Individuals within

the family unit can help the family grow stronger. However, strengthening families will not just happen, it takes some effort. When people have strong families, they are more likely to become responsible, productive citizens.

Let’s look at what steps can help in building a strong family:

When people have strong families, they are more likely to become responsible, productive citizens.

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Openness and honesty

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Contentment

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A sense of family history

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A sense of humour

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A sense of optimism about life

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An understanding of moral/spiritual values

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e exhibition of resiliency during challenging times or

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Love and respect for each other

changes

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High self-esteem

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Unity and togetherness

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A respect for each other’s values

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Respect for those in leadership positions, for example parents, teachers, Government and church leaders, and employers.

Indeed, strong families build strong, effective communities.

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Suicide – not the option

By Rommel Lawrence

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woman called from New York one day to inform me she was about to commit suicide. She held the false belief she would never enter the kingdom of heaven because of her sins. Attempting to help her from 4 000 miles away was a massive challenge for me. However, it was not a huge challenge for the Word of God which, is not limited by boundaries of distance, time, atmosphere, geography or human emotion.

With help from the Holy Spirit, I asked her to recall the good things she had done to help others. She did. I

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complimented her for her kindly deeds and told her she had pleased God by such kind acts (Hebrews 11:6). I also informed her that because she had admitted her sins to God, He had already forgiven her (1 John 1:8-10). is woman went on to live a fulďŹ lling life until she died of natural causes many years later.

It is easy to conclude that people who commit suicide will never see heaven since suicide is generally regarded as intentional murder. We do not know what God in His enduring mercy (Psalm 100 and Psalm 136) will do to those who take

It is easy to conclude that people who commit suicide will never see heaven since suicide is generally regarded as intentional murder. their own lives; simply because, we do not know a man’s heart the way God does. ere are varying reasons why people take their lives. ese may include severe depression, an inability to face up to truths, sudden loss of wealth, bullying, guilt (as in the case of Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver), excessive suffering and pain.

Some may conclude that the individual who commits suicide does not trust God. However, there are cases where intent is not observable.

During my 16 years in the healing and deliverance ministry, I have witnessed three cases in which people were demonically possessed and had no control over their actions.

After deliverance through prayer and intercession, they had absolutely no recollection of what they said or did.

If you are reading this and contemplating suicide, remember your best days are still ahead of you. Suicide must never be viewed as an option to rid one’s self of life’s difficulties.

Regardless of the heaviness of your burden, there are solutions and people willing to help if you ask.

When confronted by seasons of difficulty, trials, tribulations, setbacks, broken relationships, stress and severe testing, spend time in prayer. Talk to your heavenly Father and never worry about what others think of you. No matter how much good you do, there will always be those who fail or refuse to see the beauty of your kindness. Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote: “If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.”

God’s unfailing love surrounds you. Because your life has much purpose and value, you are a winner – not a loser. Go ahead and set small goals for yourself. Achieve them before you attempt larger goals. Be patient because the same God who created you understands you.

Choose life, for suicide is not the option.

•

Evangelist and author Rommel Lawrence is a former management consultant.

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Gospel Music Booming

ook out world! ere is a sound of gospel booming from Barbados and with increased levels of production and a focus on quality, it could take you by storm. e year 2015 was a watershed moment for gospel music. It was the year that Joseph Niles, a legend of Barbadian gospel music, was silenced by death at 75. Niles released over 300 songs, spanning approximately 30 albums. It is also the year in which there were nearly 100 gospel songs released on radio. is is prolific compared to the usually much slower rate of production.

From first-timers like Corey Johnson to accomplished

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By Anthony Greene

veterans such as Promise and from the young, silky smooth voice of Pasquin to the worship cries of the mature David Rowe, there have been varying genres of gospel covered, including Caribbean rhythms, ballads, R&B, and pop rock. e preferred genre is soca, with artistes such as Neesha Woodz, Promise, and Shane Forrester matching their regional counterparts with groovy rhythms, catchy hook lines, and strong lyrics. In fact, their releases, including So Amazing, Unconditional, Only One Way and many others by other artistes, are good enough to stand among the secular productions and in some cases, above.

Ballads and worship songs have also been dominant.

In fact, if not for the quantity released, definitely in airplay

and popularity. Echo by John Yarde calls him out as one of the more talented songwriters. Keann Walters’ I Am Amazed received a tremendous amount of airplay on both gospel and secular radio stations in 2015. A review of the production of music locally may even show that most of the ballads produced in Barbados last year have been released by gospel artistes. is volume of production has led to a hype of activity around Barbadian gospel music. is is evident in the increased airplay of local music, particularly on Life 97.5 FM and CITA Radio, and general exposure of the artistes through interviews. ere is also a growing presence on the video-sharing platform YouTube, with strong video content championed by artistes such as the talented Joel Brooks.

Artistes are stepping out and hosting their own events in the form of concerts and album launches. Producer and musician Adrian Odle has been at the forefront of addressing quality and as a result has hosted a seminar for fellow producers, musicians, artistes, and artiste managers. ere has been an increase in appearances of local artistes at major Barbados Gospelfest events. Perhaps, what best captures the quantum leap within the Gospel arena is the quality of the top finishing performers of the Life 97.5 FM Flow Gospel Challenge in October 2015, when winner Ria Armstrong, Alaina Greenidge ,and Kiann Browne delivered stellar performances in a classy

treat of riveting presentations. e hype has continued in 2016 with Woodz attracting American producer/director Kyle Scott to Barbados with his team to shoot a music video of her self-penned So Amazing song by the historic Chamberlain Bridge in Bridgetown and in Bottom Bay, St Philip. Sirrah has also launched her debut album Butterfly with an event that saw a generous turnout at Divi Southwinds at $40, a price point that would have caused other Gospel events to struggle in the past. In addition, the new music continues to flow. Armstrong is among those who has already released a track within the first quarter of this year with her debut Make Me Better.

As artistes continue to knock on the doors of recording studios, quality must be high on the agenda if the upsurge in production is to result in a breakthrough with any international significance. As the appetite for inspiration increases worldwide, there is a wide open door of opportunity for all major players to let the lights shine on gospel music in Barbados. As the nation approaches its golden anniversary, there couldn’t be a better time to follow up the momentum by taking advantage of this jubilee season for gospel music. e best is yet to come.

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Anthony Greene is an announcer/operator with Starcom Network.

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Losing your independence as you grow older

hen you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (John 21:18) Growing old is a natural phase we will experience, providing we live long enough. e writer in Psalms 90:10 places our lifespan at 70 or 80 years. However, there are people who are still quite lucid and fit and who continue to travel into their 90s.

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By Lawton Walcott

So, as the cliché goes, “age is just a number”. At 85 years old, the biblical character Caleb said to Joshua, “So here I am today, 85 years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out”. (Joshua 14:10-11).

If you look around you may notice many of our world leaders and legislators are over 60 years, and are yet active and in good health.

Age may not be the only cause of losing one’s independence. is can occur from several other causes such as diseases, household injuries, illness, and amputations. Even athletes can

find themselves on the list of the disabled. If you have lost your ability to move around freely, it would no longer be easy to visit places like the supermarket for your groceries, the attorney’s office for legal advice, or the post office to cash your pension cheques. Remember to be wise when handling financial matters, since many elderly people have been defrauded while entrusting others in good faith.

Here’s the good news for dependent individuals. ere are organisations in Barbados which assist disabled people and the elderly – offering advice, support, information, and activities to enhance the standard of care to this sector of the population. e Barbados Association of Retired Persons has been integral in advancing the cause of the elderly and improving the quality of life of older people by creating financial ease by way of discounts on goods and services.

Growing old is a natural phase we will experience, providing we live long enough.

•· Keep in contact with a social group via phone or the Internet.

With people living longer and the percentage of the elderly expected to rise, it is essential that we all consider our future and how we will cope with losing our independence as we age.

How then can the aged manage as they lose a grip on their independence?

•· If your budget allows, hire an aid to get you from here to there.

•· Check into a day care or nursing home if you get lonely.

•· Know which of your friends and who in your family are

•

Lawton Walcott is a former banker and newspaper columnist.

trustworthy enough to deal with your money and legal matters.

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Cyberbullying

By Shirley Alleyne

C

onflict can result in cyberbullying and

cyberbullying creates conflict.

Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology (including texting, emails, social media, image sharing, or blogs) to repeatedly threaten, intimidate or exclude a person with the intent to cause psychological harm. e Pan American Health

Organization and World Health Organization Global School Based Health Survey (2007) of Caribbean countries reported that on average 25 to 30 per cent of our children are bullied monthly. With increasing access to cellular phones and other forms of digital technology, cyberbullying is becoming increasingly prevalent with devastating effects.

Most parents are relieved to have children who are easy-going, compliant, eager to please and avoid conflict. Conversely, the difficult child constantly questions the status quo creating conflict. Temperament also affects one’s likely position in the bullying equation with the easy child more likely to be the victim or silent bystander and the difficult or strong-willed child the perpetrator.

How parents’ guide the achievement of their children’s basic needs can alter their style of interacting and ability to manage conflict effectively.

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e how of it

•·

Spending consistent, quality time together, uninterrupted by answering calls or texts.

•·

Build your children up Children whose basic needs for nourishment, security, affection, affirmation, discipline, and success are met are more likely to be self-assured. eir confidence allows

•·

Listening to them.

•·

Encouraging them to share their opinions even if you differ.

them to be independent thinkers and appreciate differing opinions without feeling devastated or a need to lash out at the person with whom they disagree.

•·

Treat them with respect, always Never demean your child through cursing or using

•·

educational progress.

•·

become a victim or perpetrator of bullying.

•·

•·

Monitoring their online activity, interests, and friends.

Demonstrate the right behaviours every minute or every day. Our children’s ability to learn through observation allows us to consistently model right behaviours such as treating others with respect.

•·

Seeking help for their physical and emotional health concerns.

derogatory terms such as idiot, stupid or retarded. is will destroy their self-esteem and increase their likelihood to

Helping them with projects and being attentive to their

Shirley Alleyne, MBBS, is an associate lecturer in psychiatry at the School of Clinical Medicine and Research, University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.

Stand up for what is right even if it does not make you popular. is teaches your child it is okay to have different points of views and it is healthy to do what is right.

Teach them about Internet safety and monitor their use

•·

Have them share their passwords with you and add family members to their pages.

•·

Direct them to never add people they do not know on social media or share personal information.

•·

Tell them never to send photos or stream while naked.

Digital photos remain online forever.

•·

Teach them never to join others in posting negative comments.

•·

Insist they block people who are consistently negative to them online.

•·

Encourage them to tell an adult if they or their friends are victims of cyberbullying.

Continue to build and renew your relationship with your child by:

•·

Reaffirming them and providing unconditional love.

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Safeguarding e Image of Young Men

’

By Ethan Alleyne

m sure many of us have heard the following

delighted in gawking at other people’s vomit. However, the

nursery rhyme “What are little boys made of?

female characters were level-headed, intelligent, studious, and

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails. at’s what little boys are made of! What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and all things nice, at’s what little girls are made of!”

My younger sister has watched a considerable amount

reasonable. I suppose it’s all in the name of humour.

Regardless, boys grow up seeing these negative patterns in media and hearing concurrent comments from family. e Bible says that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy

of modern sitcoms. Something I often noticed was that boys

(John 10:10). One of the most damaging things he tries to

were portrayed as disgusting, idiotic, irresponsible and

steal and destroy is our identity. It makes sense that he would

immature. ey picked their noses, scratched their bums, and

attack and pilfer the image of young men. If he can eliminate

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those designed to be the heads of the family, he can destroy

bounce off the walls do we put them to shame instead of

the family, country and ultimately civilisation.

turning their vigour into some kind of learning game? Who

Boys and girls are gloriously different both physically

cares if their test scores fall behind the girls’ in the first few

and mentally. is allows them to take on unique roles and

years? It has been proven that they will catch up eventually,

complement each other.

provided we have not convinced them to quit.

We celebrate the special qualities of girls, but aren’t our

Ultimately, biblically based boys will become the leaders

little boys special too? Yes they are. ey are strong, creative

of their households, giving themselves to their wives and, by

and courageous. ey are also full of energy, eager to create

extension, to their families, just as Christ gave Himself for

and to build. ey are not squeamish about the icky and

humanity.

creepy and it takes a lot to rattle their nerves. ese traits are instrumental in being builders, protectors,

We must remember that God has a definitive, positive purpose for young men. Let us all endeavour to help them

and leaders. No wonder we see so many male doctors,

fulfil that purpose. As long as they choose to conform to the

lawyers, soldiers, law enforcers, firemen, plumbers, and world

image of God, how can they be anything but great?

leaders. Of course, women can fill these roles, but generally, the design of men makes them fit more easily and naturally.

So why then when boys are loud, do we quiet them quickly and not train them to use their voices to speak up for what is right? Why when they bring us bugs and lizards do we not commend them for their bravery? Why at school when they

•

Ethan Alleyne is a young man with a passion to witness in song, win souls, and help young people aspire to do great things for God.

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Do you think the church as it is today is fulfilling the needs of the society?

Henry Yearwood: e church is obviously trying its best to identify with the current modern society which is in existence. is includes new technological trends and identifying with behavioural patterns of modern-day citizens.

Some are stepping away from the traditional way of doing things.

Within my line of work, I see some reaching out to help their members, especially young people.

Marilyn Rice-Bowen: Some churches have initiated programmes to address domestic violence because they recognise its presence in the church. However, we must develop outreach programmes, make use of social media and partner with ParentTeacher Associations to develop activities to attract and bring our young people back to God.

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Abby Alexander: I don’t think it is, but at the same time, some people simply attend church when it is convenient to them. ey see the church as being there to meet all their needs. e church cannot. People within the church ought to meet the needs of each other.

David Rowe: No. e church needs to be shaping the needs of the society not reacting to them. It needs to be so far ahead that society is looking to the body of Christ for answers. Right now we are playing a reactional kind of role, more so than a proactive role.

Trevor Defreitas: e church is fine for spiritual feeding as long as it combines that with meeting practical, everyday needs such as helping people to find jobs and assisting families with food. is will take the stress off non-governmental organisations.

Nia Gittens: I don’t think it is. e Bible says the harvest is ripe but the labourers are few. e church needs to spread the Good News and meet the needs of young people. e need to evangelise is great and so church members must get out there and win more souls for Christ.