M A G A Z I N E

BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH | MARCH 2014 EDITION | ISSUE NO. 17

Grounded in Faith
Ministering to the Differently-abled
THE AGING PROCESS

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

Boulevard Baptist Church

Boulevard Baptist Church 2 Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20 Tel.: 905-2422, 905-0118 or 832-1522 Email: boulevard.baptist@yahoo.com | Website: www.boulevardbaptist.org.jm Pastor: Rev. Dr. Devon Dick Opportunities For Worship Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 8:00 a.m. 8:50 a.m. Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Prayer and Fasting: 1st Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. Editor-in-Chief: Sophia Williams Editor: Dorrett R Campbell Other Team Members: Hyacinth Brown, Carla Wilson-Redden, Francine Dallas, Simone Hull-Lloyd, Verna Edwards, Ricardo Holness, Claudette Reid , Duvaughn Dick, Petrona Faulknor, Claudette Reid, Emma McCalla and Lorna Fraser.

 The only source of knowledge is experience.

Albert Einstein

W E A LT H
www.weareproven.com
Head Office: 26 Belmont Road, Kingston 5, Tel: 876.908.3800-2 Mandeville Branch: 5-7 Ward Avenue, Tel: 876.625.0845-6 Montego Bay Branch: Unit 11, Suite B, Fairview II Shopping Centre, Bogue, Montego Bay, Tel: 876.908.3800-2 info@weareproven.com

How long oh Lord!

JBU Presidential Address - Grounded in Faith
Reverend Luke Shaw in his presidential address at the 164 th General Assembly of the Jamaica Baptist Union lamented the reality we face as a people; an experience of stress, fear, helplessness, hopelessness, discontent and apathy.
The outgoing president questions if God is really concerned about what is happening in our personal, national and global experiences. Why does the bloodshed continue in Syria and other Middle Eastern and African countries? How long will the murder, abuse and dehumanization of our children and elderly continue unabated in Jamaica land we love. How long oh Lord! A prophet named Habakkuk felt that way. The pastor expressed that the prophet of God living in Gods world was experiencing a crisis of faith as we may very well be experiencing today. Habakkuk cries out to God in concern and worry for the world. How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, Violence! but you do not save? God seemed indifferent and impotent in the face of all that was happening to Gods own people. Rev. Luke Shaw stated that the cry of Habakkuk could be our cry today. As with Habakkuk we must wait patiently, though we may be punished by the Babylonians of today. As a Church we should never surrender the power and authority we have in Jesus Christ when Babylon threatens us. The Church must be the prophetic voice even if we are ridiculed. We cannot sit at ease while the crisis continues. We will be held accountable. There is work to be done, he declared. The pastor assured that we can live in Jamaica. Faith is the key. The church must take the lead. We must not let God use Babylon to lead us to do what God desires us to do. To have a proper understanding of what it means to be grounded in faith will determine the strength, quality and effectiveness of how we stand in living by faith as Gods people in Gods world. Faith in God calls for a holistic surrender of self in trust and faithfulness to God.

1.

Joint Statement Issued By The Governor-General, The Most Honourable Prime Minister And The Leader Of The Opposition
(Abridged)

A CALL TO ALL JAMAICANS FOR REFLECTION AND RECONCILIATION

Fellow Jamaicans, Our homeland is passing through a moral crisis such as we have never seen before. Most of us are still reeling from the shock of the heinous crimes committed against our people, young and old alike, babies and young children, pregnant women, as well as fathers and mothers from all across this land. It is clear that hatred, heartless vengeance and evil have so taken control of a few of our people that they murder and abuse their fellowmen and women without a second thought. No place is held sacred as they commit these dastardly acts even on church premises. To these criminals, even their own life lacks value and meaning. Too much of our scarce resources go into crime-fighting, resources which could have been invested in social development, so our people could become more productive. We simply cannot continue like this! Today, the leadership of this nation calls on all Jamaicans to come together and make a concerted effort to take back our island from the grip of crime and negativity. As Jamaicans we must reflect on how far we have fallen from our values and traditions. Consider during this Lenten period, what we must do for our land to be healed, and energize a national movement for the restoration of love and reconciliation. Many church leaders and other groups have been petitioning the leadership of our nation to proclaim a solemn assembly to pray for our nation. We know that religious groups are calling for a national day of prayer and fasting. We commend them, and urge that our efforts move also beyond the precincts of our churches into every section of our island to break down every barrier created by political persuasion, and economic standing. We stand united in the struggle for Jamaicas peace, prosperity and safety and for the future of our children. May God grant us the wisdom beyond ourselves to accomplish this mission!

2.

LIVING FAITHFULLY, LIVING WELL:

Uncompromising Faith in Challenging Times

KSABA Retreat and Healing Service

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014 believers gathered at the Boulevard Baptist Church for the Annual Kingston and St. Andrew Baptist Association Retreat and Healing Service. Reverend Marvia Lawes, speaker for the event acknowledged that Lent is the most sobering observance on the Christian calendar. She expressed that some people feel we do not need prayer and fasting, but more action. They may ask, Why are we not seeing people living better? Rev. Marvia Lawes declared that this is not a time to quit. Not to give up on what it means to be a child of God. It is a time for repentance, prayer, fasting and having the right disposition, she added. We offer wellness to material things or some mark of life achievement. Living well means to be grounded in Almighty God. If we are not living well in divine things we are not living well. But this is not what the world tells us. She afrmed that the things of the world will not last, and when they disappear we lose self. Everything about living well is pointing to God. Where? The scripture says, Look to me with all your heart. These are the days when you demonstrate who you are from the inside out. We must be submissive and be willing to surrender. The price we pay so we might achieve demonstrate things that are turn to self, to satisfy our desires. Turn to God and all these things will be added; the righteousness we need to live. Receive the message that comes with openness. It is not time bound; a God that says it is never too late. Those who turn to me will never be turned back, she declared.

- Sophia Williams

3.

High Attendance Sunday

Twenty three students were awarded certicates after their success in the Sunday School Examinations held in October 2013. Twenty ve students sat the exam; four received honours, another four obtained credit and fteen got a passing grade.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Collecting certicates from Sunday School Superintendent, Milton Thompson, l-r are Rodjae Phillips, Akeem Williams and Linford Smith. Looking on are Asst. Sun. Sch. Superintendent Mevonie Bramwell and Rev. Devon Dick

L-R: Malik Thompson, Melissa Thompson and Alexander Haye

L-R: Anthony Rattray, Khamal Johnson and Kelsey-Ann Beckford receiving the highest score of 91

4.

THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS:

TOOL OR THREAT TO EVANGELISM

~ Jeremy C. Taylor, Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (AG)
The Parliament of Jamaica enacted an amendment to the Jamaican Constitution on April 7, 2011. The old fundamental rights and freedoms were repealed and swept away as it was believed that these rights were hemmed in by too many exceptions and a new Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms was brought into being. For centuries, the Church has occupied a pre-eminent position of inuence in helping to shape law, policy and values. Under the Charter of Rights Religious Expressions, every person shall have the right to freedom of religion, including the freedom to change his religion and the right, either alone or in community with others and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion in worship, teaching, practice and observance. This provision ensures that there can be no religious persecution for the practice of any creed, including Satanism. By virtue of this provision the Charter of Rights and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms 2011 is a tool and not a threat to evangelism. The constitution of a religious body or denomination shall not be altered except with the consent of the governing authority of that body or denomination. This principle recognizes the right of religious institutions to be autonomous and independent of any kind of state control. The Charter of Rights guarantees the right of faith based institutions to teach religious doctrine in their schools notwithstanding that they may be receiving government funding from the national budget. No person attending any place of education, except with his own consent (or, if he is a minor, the consent of his parent or guardian) shall be required to receive religious instruction, or to take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance, which relates to a religion or religious body or denomination other than his own. The Charter in conclusion is not a threat to the Churchs work of evangelism.

5.

45th Anniversary Celebrations

Highlights of Boulevard Baptist Church

Unveiled plaque bearing names of the 32 foundation members. Foundation member Dorleen Williams and young Akeem Williams unveiling new Church sign.

L-R: Act of dedication of the new Church sign by Rev. Devon Dick. Beryl Gibbs makes her presentation and Guest preacher Rev. Wilmer Jackson.

L-R: KLAS ESPN team celebrates their 15th anniversary with us. All smiles as Tanya Clarke presents cultural item, Boulevaad a guh haad with her husband on drum during Kings Manor dedication. Guest speaker Earl Jarrett. Kings Manor rst owner cutting ribbon.

6.

Ministering to the Differently-abled

The main thing to remember is that people with disabilities want to be treated like everybody else and have a right to be. BE RESPECTFUL Treat people with disabilities with respect and dignity. BE UNDERSTANDING People with disabilities have the same obligations you have- though their obligations may be harder to meet. BE CONSIDERATE People with disabilities lead full lives. Dont limit discussions to their disability. Discuss for example issues related to work, sports and even the weather. BE PATIENT Do not hurry people with disabilities try to match their pace. BE NATURAL Do not worry about using words related to the disability. For example, do not be embarrassed to say see you later to a blind person. BE SENSITIVE Do not use terms of derision like cripple, hunchback, foolfool and madman. MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT Everyone deserves the courtesy of being looked in the eye. SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE DISABLED PERSON Direct conversation to the person with disability not his or her companion if there is one. FOSTER INTEGRATION/INCLUSION When planning activities, ensure that provisions are made to accommodate all types of disabilities, example, braille or audio for the blind, sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired, ramps and accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users.
Information sourced from the Handbook for Integration, Inclusion and Integration within the Church Community The Jamaica Baptist Union Christian Education Department Ministry to persons with disabilities in collaboration with the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) (Programme of the World Council of Churches).

7.

The Aging Process

As we grow older, as adults we will change and certain changes will appear evident in our bodies.
The science which deals with the aging process is gerontology. This science tries to find the reason we age and the details of aging, biological or otherwise. There is also another related science, geriatrics that deals with the disease characteristics of aging, and the medical care associated with the process. We all have a life span that varies with each individual: some individuals at sixty are considered old, while others at sixty are still thought of as young. The chronological age is measured in years, and the psychological age is expressed by our emotional and mental phases, and is so measured. The anatomical age is the condition of our various body organs, regarding the stages of our life span (growth, maturity, etc.) The aging process does not proceed at a uniform rate. This process really starts before we were born. Before puberty the thymus gland has degenerated, and before fifty, tonsils are old. As we age the various functions and physiological reactions of our body gradually slow down. These changes are not apparent until perhaps fifty years of age, as they are not perceptible. We may not all age at the same rate but the aging process is impossible to escape, even though it may be postponed. Some changes may be forestalled by frequent medical check-ups to make these years comfortable and satisfying. To be continued.

Emma McCalla, BSc. Sociology, Gerontology and Community Health; Member, National Honour Society Pi Gamma, Phi Omega, USA; Retired Principal

8.

Salvation Feature

Too often we find something to boast about, our awards, accomplishments and achievements, but seldom, the gift of Salvation

Reverend Dr. Devon Dick delivered some essential points about faith and Salvation in a sermon titled, Saving Faith. Rev. Devon Dick provided the following for our justification by Salvation and saving faith. It is justification by Christ alone, grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ that we are saved. Repentance is necessary for Salvation and we must make a personal decision to renounce sin. Gods plan is for us to have fellowship with Him. God created us in His own image so that we can have a right relationship with Him.

When we are not in Christ we are prone to do anything. Lifes worth is not based on possessions and profession; each life is significant. We do things that are not right because our minds and actions are controlled by sin. Becoming right with God starts with faith in God, life should be living in faith by God. Saving faith is the role faith plays in the beginning of our Christian life. We accept Gods offer of Salvation. Saving faith is the wholehearted reliance to God and to Gods will.

9.

GREEN ATTITUDES:

Environmental guidelines during construction

We are all aware of major developments, especially in recent times that have in some ways impacted our environment in a negative way. We may be more familiar with housing developments where citizens are dislocated by major ooding or other disasters after the development is completed. Here are some environmental management guidelines which we should consider even with our own individual construction and related activities to prevent pollution and ecological degradation. Protect the environment and preventing pollution by controlling the environmental impacts to acceptable levels; Comply with the applicable environmental laws, regulations, permits and contractual agreements; Respond to any environmental complaints according to the prescribed procedures; Monitor operations, including those of sub-contractors, to ensure that environmental performance complies with the required guidelines; Handle and store all dangerous goods and chemicals in an environmentally responsible manner; Monitor environmental management performance during the constructions works.
Adapted from Bouygues (Construction) Travaux Publics Jamaican Branch health, safety, and environmental policies, rules and regulations.

10.

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REPEATING SERMONS A brand new pastor came out to his first church. As usually seems to be the case, several of the Great Old Saints waited for their new pastor to die. Consequently in four weeks he did eight funerals. He did not have time to write his regular Sunday Sermons. So he used the sermon from the Sunday before - three more times. The Council went to the Bishop complaining that this new pastor had used the same sermon four times in a row. The Bishop asked what the sermon was about. The Council couldnt remember, they scratched their heads and hemmed and hawed - but they really couldnt remember. The Bishop said, Let him use it one more time. STOP, THIEF! An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, Stop! Acts 2:38! (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.) The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you. Scripture? replied the burglar. She said she For child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And had an a axe and two 38s!
the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6

11.

Forward in Faith Costly Righteousness

~ Sophia Williams
Out-going president of the Jamaica Baptist Union, Rev. Luke Shaw, noted that for the week of the General Assembly of the Union they were nourished, informed, challenged and renewed. They talked about grounded in faith, guided by faith, growing in faith, gifted by faith and now at the closing moment of the assembly meetings we were preparing to go in faith and to live by faith. He charged the congregation to go forward in faith with the awareness that it demands costly righteousness.
Reverend Luke Shaw delivered the following points on costly righteousness and living righteously: To live righteously is to promote the peace and well being of humanity and all creation. Righteousness comes at a price. It is costly in that it means we have to surrender self to God. Righteousness will always be costly as faith will always be tested when the foundations of righteousness are shaken. Righteousness is costly because it makes us vulnerable and even put our lives at risk in a world determined to push God to the periphery. Righteousness is costly because our relationship with God will demand more than what self thinks it should offer to God or to neighbour. Referencing Hebrews 11:8-12, Rev. Shaw presented Abraham as an outstanding example of faith and righteousness. We can learn some lesson from his life as we go forward in faith. Abraham responded to Gods call in faith and obedience, not knowing where he was going. Abraham seemed to have given up more for less in leaving the security of his own land, family, possessions and blindly going to an unknown destination. Abrahams faith and righteousness shows us that real faith trusts God when everything seems to go against what we believe about God. Concluding, Rev. Luke Shaw commanded Gods righteous people to GO! Costly as it may be, go and tell! Go and live that the world may know God is alive in Jamaica! God is alive and active in our world!

12.

Listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange

20 Micoud Street, Castries, St. Lucia E-mail smurray@weareproven.com