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PM Minnis brings words of encouragement at the 95th Biennial Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Bahamas
By Betty Vedrine
Mar 12, 2019 - 12:19:55 PM

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Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis attended the 95th Biennial Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Bahamas at East Street Tabernacle, Monday, March 11, 2019. The theme for this year’s convention is, “Rise Up and Take Your Journey”. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)

Nassau, The Bahamas - Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis delivered words of encouragement on the opening night of the 95th Biennial Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy Bahamas at East Street Tabernacle, Monday, March 11.

The convention is being held under the theme: “Rise Up and Take Your Journey”, a quote taken from the book of Deuteronomy. The Prime Minister told the congregation that focusing on the youths in the church was of paramount importance.

“I believe that one of the most important ministries in the Church is youth ministry.  In youth ministry, the older members of the church mentor the young people and young adults in Scripture, in faith and in the love of the Lord,” said Prime Minister Minnis.  “I encourage you all to continue to strengthen your youth ministry programs.”

He said that he believes that instead of complaining about the youths, elders in the church community should take the opportunity to mentor young people.

“I was talking to an older lady the other day.  She told me that she thought that too many older people complained too much about younger people. She went on to say that too many adults did not take enough time with or did not properly mentor the young people in our Bahamas,” he said.

“Her lesson to me was this:  Instead of complaining too much about our young people, let us help them to: ‘Rise up and take their journey’ as people of faith and as citizens of The Bahamas.

The Prime Minister said, “I pray that this week that your community will be renewed in faith and that you will continue to find ever new ways to encourage and mentor your young people, who are a source of renewal and hope for your church and for the country.”

He noted that while growing up in Bain Town, his mother and older sister ensured that he also attended church on Sundays and took the opportunity to grow up in faith.

“There are many things about faith and the spiritual life that you do not understand.  So you look to your elders and men and women of faith who can help you to Rise up and take your journey,” said Dr. Minnis. “You look to others for inspiration and encouragement to help you to find your way and to walk the way of the Lord.

“I often looked to the older people in my life and to the seniors in the parish for advice on many matters. I also looked to priests and sisters in the Church as models and examples of faith and wisdom, including the Benedictine monks and nuns, and priests like Monsignor Preston Moss, men and women who dedicated their lives to imitating Christ.”

The Prime Minister noted that in the old days, the elders would encourage the youths to keep good company and stay away from the wrong crowd. He said that advice is still applicable today.

“The older people would tell you about whose company to keep and whom you should not keep company with, and who did not mean you well.”

He said, “I knew some people who spent too much time with the wrong crowd and how that sent their lives in the wrong direction.  Sometimes it was a direction that they never recovered from. In life we should be in good communities and not in bad company.  I say to the young people here tonight that here in the Church of God you are in a good community and you are in very good company.”




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