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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The participants of last year’s 40th Annual Diocesan Conference of the Anglican Church Men pose for the customary group photograph in front of the Activities Centre at All Saints’ Parish in New Providence, in anticipation of this year’s 41st annual conclave.
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Freeport, Grand Bahama -
With just over two weeks left before the start of the 41st Annual Diocesan Conference of the Anglican Church Men, plans were recently announced for the launch of a new initiative aimed at the nation’s youth. This Ministry of Mentorship was started in New Providence by the Diocesan Council back in 2013 and its objective is to allow men and boys to encounter God as they encounter one another. Diocesan Council President, Mr. Kevin Ryan said: “This program is designed to develop sound, Christian relationships (and citizens) among our boys and young men – those who are considered at risk and otherwise. We have had success with it in Nassau and will now take it throughout the diocese, starting here in Grand Bahama during our annual conference.”
He further charged the members to take an introspective look to see what they have done on an individual basis to contribute positively to the building up of the lives of our boys and of themselves thus far. This initiative is consistent with the conference theme which is “Building Character – Changing Lives” and the text selected is from Romans 5: 3-5 which states “...but we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” Mr. Ryan further stated that if we are serious about curbing the issues that we face, we must start in our homes and communities, where each of us has the wherewithal to bring about positive change.
This new initiative will begin with the areas of greater population density in West Grand Bahama, but each branch of the Anglican Church Men throughout the island, and eventually the entire Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands Diocese will be charged to increase both their involvement with our young men and the public visibility profile of the organization in the areas where their parishes are established and in the surrounding communities. A similar initiative was launched a few years ago by the men of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King called: “Love Thy Neighbour” and a member of that group, Mr. Rawle Maynard will speak during the conference on how his branch is progressing with this programme.
In addition to the conference theme, the men also intend to address a number of current topical issues which have been gripping national headlines in recent weeks, and to this end, they have released a list of panellists who will address them when the conclave begins at the end of the month. They include lawyer and Chamber of Commerce member Mr. Carey Leonard, who will speak on the World Trade Organization (WTO); Accountant and Business Executive Mr. Peter Turnquest will address the topic of Value Added Tax (VAT); while Mentor and Coach, Mr. Darren Rolle will speak on his experience as a youth leader.
The conference is scheduled for April 30 – May 4 and will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in West End, with the closing out service scheduled for the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King at 10:00 am on May 4.
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