BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH | AUGUST 2014 EDITION | ISSUE NO. 22

M A G A Z I N E

10 Benefits of focusing on faith in God

Young attorney speaks...

GSAT Government Scholarship winner

EMANCIPENDENCE

SPECIAL

The only sourceof knowledgeis experience.Albert Einstein

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W E A L T H

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Emancipendence Sunday at Boulevard Baptist was a call to focus on faith in God. From the sermon titled, ‘Faith focus’, delivered by Reverend Dr. Devon Dick, there are ten important benefits to be derived when we focus on faith in God. They are as follows:

1. Faith is the foundation of achieving goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love;

2. Faith is the engine that gets everything going;

3. Faith produces a life that is fruitful, having a productive life in service to God;

4. Our productivity will lead to study and proper interpretation of the Word;

5. Our light will shine when we know the Word. Light will devour darkness;

6. The source of the secret for national hero, Sam Sharpe, success and effectiveness was that the Bible was an important part of his life. He was a student of the Word;

7. Having faith in God can help us make a difference and be successful in whatever we do;

8. Faith in God will allow us to have a better future for ourselves and our country;

9. Faith in God gives us deliverance from our trials and struggles. Losing faith in God can lead to one committing suicide;

10. When we put our faith in God and things are not materialized, God will give us the strength to deal with the trials and tribulations.

10 Benefits of focusing on faith in God (Reference 2 Peter 1:3-11)

Focus on FaithE

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Samuel Sharpe in his quest for freedom believed that it should be done without violence. He challenged the fellow enslaved persons saying, “My brethren let us be men! …we should stand up boldly for ourselves and take freedom…”

Sharpe was prepared to lead the charge of freedom. He was not prepared for it to be handed to him as a gift. He perceived it as a right to be attained and struggled for. Sharpe, from his understanding of the Bible, emphasized equality of human beings irrespective of race and the right of human beings to be free. His desire for freedom was not ignited by any revolutionary content in the preaching and interpretation of the missionary, but through him studying the Bible diligently. He believed that liberty was a ‘natural an inalienable right’.

It is reported that before the Slave Rebellion in 1831, Sharpe and other negroes agreed that they would sit down after Christmas, and tell their masters that they were free; but they would willingly continue to work ‘for any small salary’. They did so but afterwards some of the ignorant slaves, refusing to listen to the more

‘sensible,’ began to set fire to the buildings, and to make war against the white people. Sharpe felt that every African had the right to work for pay and to provide for himself a comfortable lifestyle. His position of non-violence was not out of fear for military might of the rulers, but rather a genuine belief of his interpretation of the scriptures and understanding of God.

Sam Sharpe was prepared to be a martyr for the cause of freedom. On the gallows on May 23, 1832 after the sentencing on April 19, 1832, Sharpe said, “I am going to die because I thought I had a right to be free.” He approached the hangman with confidence and dignity. It is reported that his face was bright and his form erect as if he had ‘achieved some glorious victory’.

Source: Dick, Devon. The Cross and the Machete – Native Baptists of Jamaica: Identity, Ministry and Legacy. Kingston, Jamaica: Ian Randle, 2009.

Sam Sharpe:Chief Freedom Fighter

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BBC e-voice: You recently successfully completed the Certificate in Legal Education, and now qualified to practise law in Jamaica. How did you find your course of study and what are the main things that contributed to your success?Stephan: It was very challenging academically but also an edifying experience for me, because of the life lessons learned and the people that I have met. The most important factor that contributed to me successfully completing my course of study was not worrying about everything. This approach was based on simply trusting God to make a way at times that seemed impassable, surrounding myself with a great group of friends to offer mutual support and simply putting in the required time to do the work.

BBC e-voice: In what area will you pursue further studies? Stephan: I will be pursuing a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in International Trade.

BBC e-voice: You will pursue your degree in France. Which University and why France was chosen?Stephan: I will be enrolled at Ipag Business School. France was chosen because it is very important to my career development to be at least bilingual, and learning the language through immersion in the French culture was very appealing.

BBC e-voice: Do you already have knowledge of the language? If not, do you think this will be a challenge for you?Stephan: I have a basic foundation based on personal study. My courses will be taught in English but I will also be learning the language through formal classes. It will definitely be a challenge, but one that I will meet with both optimism and perseverance.

BBC e-voice: What is the duration of the course and what are your plans after completion of your studies in France?Stephan: The duration of the course will be for 18 months, and after completion, I will leave my ambitions open to the opportunities presented by my industry.

BBC e-voice: In what way do you think you are able to contribute to Jamaica in the future?Stephan: I have a very hopeful outlook for the future of Jamaica, and I am encouraged by the recent Logistics 101 information session hosted by the church in February. I hold ambitions of contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the country through the sustainable development of Jamaica’s current strategic growth plan, particularly in the area of trade.

BBC e-voice: Are you comfortable in your mind of Jamaica being the country where you can live, work/do business and raise a family?Stephan: Yes, I believe Jamaica is a beautiful country in which to raise a family, because of our cultural norms and sense of community. However generally speaking, the business/working sectors are not

attractive to young graduates both in terms of availability of career building opportunities versus simply seeking a job and wages in relation to the cost of living. I find that Jamaica’s economic situation leads young and qualified school leavers simply to look for a job, a dependable income stream in any field despite genuine interest or acumen. A symptom of the country’s economic reality is the development of a very negative culture of work among employees in our job market.

BBC e-voice: Tell us about your involvement in Church?Stephan: I am involved in our Junior church and Group 1. I also try to assist from time to time in our youth ministry activities. I would also like to highlight the great work being done by our Junior church and I encourage other members to pop into junior church and see how they can contribute through time or materials, to our children’s pivotal introduction to Jesus.

BBC e-voice: How do you see your future involvement in church ministry?Stephan: God has a plan for me, so I will keep myself open to the areas of ministry to which he leads. I will be looking for a church home in France and have located a Baptist Church for English speakers, if it is the right fit then I will make that my church home during my stay.

BBC e-voice: Stephan, we appreciate your time spent for making this interview possible. God’s blessings and favour in your studies and future undertakings.

“…economic situation leads young and qualified school leavers simply to look for a job, a dependable income

stream in any field despite genuine interest or acumen.”

Stephan Morrison

YouthInspirationYoung Attorney Speaks…

An avid reader who loves reading Greek Mythologies and has ambitions of becoming a Prime Minister

Kevaun attained a 98.6 average in the recent GSAT examination, which landed him a Government Scholarship and a space at Campion College. He is one of two students at Ardenne Preparatory who won government scholarships. Kevaun explained that the exam was not easy, but it was manageable.

Excited“I was not confident of receiving a scholarship, but I was hopeful,” Kevaun expressed. When he got the news from his sister, Aliyah, who could not wait to pass on the news, he was very excited. His father was also excited for him because he knew Kevaun worked very hard. There were mix reactions from his mother, who was in mourning at the time. Her father unfortunately

had passed, Kevaun being his only grandson. She explained that he had such great faith in Kevaun’s ability, and was not around to see Kevaun’s achievement. For his performance, Kevaun was rewarded with gifts from family members and his school.

PreparationPreparation for the GSAT examination meant long study hours for Kevaun, taking five minutes break between thirty minute study intervals. Family members played an integral role in his preparations and ultimate success. His Mom and Dad provided a lot of encouragement and support. Little sister, Aliyah also played her part, providing consistent and strict coaching with his timetable every morning. Kevaun reads in his spare time, his favourite being Greek Mythologies. “He reads above his level,” his mom added.

Involvement and expectationsKevaun maintains a positive attitude

and outlook for Campion College. He expressed that he will like it there, as Campion offers chess and lawn tennis, which are his favourite sport. Kevaun was a member of the school choir at Ardenne Preparatory and participated in other extra curricular activities such as swimming and football. Science is Kevaun’s favourite subject. His ambition is to become Prime Minister of Jamaica because he wants to make Jamaica a better place.

ChurchAt Boulevard Baptist Kevaun is a member of the Children’s choir. He has interest in Sunday School and has started participation in the Boys’ Scout. Kevaun indicated that he is thinking about baptism.

AdviceFor students looking forward to sit GSAT, Kevaun’s advice is, “Prepare properly, put God first and do your best.”

Kevaun KirklandGSAT Government Scholarship Awardee

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Kevaun (front right) with family members

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Three students on Sunday, August 17, 2014 were proud beneficiaries of scholarships at the Inaugural Presentation of the Pearline McPherson Memorial Scholarship and the Emma and Gladstone Hutchinson Scholarship at the Boulevard Baptist Church. Ajala Kings, Kyle McKnight and Romario Willis of Calabar High School, Wolmers Trust High School for Boys and St. Georges College respectively were the recipients. They are also students of the Boulevard Baptist Sunday School.

Reverend Devon Dick in presenting an overview of the scholarships expressed that they were awarded through the generosity of family members. He said these scholarships were in addition to other scholarships that the Church already have in place.

Michael McPherson, son of Boulevard Baptist Foundation member, Pearline McPherson, said that it was the Lord’s wish and their duty to

offer this scholarship, owing to their mom’s love for education, and the opportunity to give back through education. He added that this was important to them as a family.

The Emma and Gladstone Hutchinson Scholarship was previously launched to mark the couple’s 56th wedding anniversary. In making the presentation, Gladstone Hutchinson encouraged the recipients to perform as children who are privileged. He stated that they should expect others to emulate them and as a result they should behave in such a manner. This, he explained was important to build the country and make it better than it is today.

Ajala Kings who spoke on behalf of the scholarship awardees expressed appreciation for the scholarships. He stated that it is for them to utilize this opportunity to make them and their parents proud.

MoreScholarshipBeneficiaries

Clockwise from Top Left: Ajala Kings and Kyle McKnight collecting awards from Michael McPherson, Scholarship awardees pose with family members, Romario Willis accepting award from Gladstone Hutchinson.

“When mama speaks God will be able to do marvellous things,” declared Rev. Loxley O’Connor of the

Reid Temple AME Church, Washington, USA as he delivered his sermon titled, “When Mama Speaks”,

on Youth Sunday, August 17, 2014, at the Boulevard Baptist Church. Mary spoke and God was able to

do something marvellous! We may draw a few perspectives from his message, as he took us on an

interesting turn!

John 2:1-5 reports of Jesus attending a wedding party. Also attending were Mary and Jesus’ disciples.

The wine at the wedding was finished. Mary brought the situation to Jesus’ attention. Jesus responded,

”Woman, what does this have to do with me?” Mary then said, “Do whatever He tells you”

Rev. Loxley O ‘Connor posited, “As a mother you have a unique insight for your children.” Mary

appeared confident of Jesus’ ability and the possibilities of His intervention. Parents sometimes are

able to discern from early certain gifts or talent of their children. Loxley O’ Connor continued…, “Jesus

looked into himself. God the father has destined Jesus for this moment and He was ready for Jesus to

serve in divine power.” This event as it unfolded turned out to be Jesus’ first miracle.

When Jesus responded to Mary in that manner, “She did not speak negatively,” explained Rev, Loxley

O ‘Connor. So, what if Mary responded as a typical Jamaican mother would, and then a few more

exchange of words ensued. Would this atmosphere be conducive to God’s miracle working power?

Perhaps not! Rightly, as Loxley O ‘Connor said, “When Mama speaks we must move [into action]. We

are where we are because of what our parents say and do in our lives.”

O’ Connor encouraged parents not to speak to children out of anger. “The decision you make will

dictate what will happen. Speak word of life, hope and future in our children. Let them know that God

want to do a good thing through them.”

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WhenMamaSpeaks

reflections and perspectives

Mandela Day was celebrated on July 18, and members of Boulevard Baptist Church joined with the Lions Club of Old Harbour to celebrate and share the day with the boys at the Sunbeam Boys’ Home in Old Harbour, St. Catherine. The members read to the boys, had the boys read to them, and conducted a very good interactive session led by Sis. Yolande Beckford. Members of the BBC Youth Choir ministered to them in song and the book, Mandela was presented to the boys for their library.

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celebratesMandela Dayat the Sunbeam Boys’ Home

Main Image: Boys receive Mandela Book from BBC Youth Choir members. Inset: Interactive session with Yolande Beckford

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Augus’ mawnin’ cum again, sing the Bruckins party song as freedom rings! It was Bruckins time again at Boulevard Baptist! August 1, 2014 the Youth groups signaled the 16th staging of Bruckins – a rich celebration of our culture and cuisine.

Features of the quadrille dance, the Mento Band and sharing in the real ole time Jamaican meals! But… wi come Bruckins each year and some not suh sure what dis Bruckins ting is about. Somebody keep asking mi an’ mi was not even sure, suh mi decide to do a likkle search, an’ dis is what mi fin’ out.

We remember with pride the Dinki Mini, out of this came Bruckins, a traditional dance associated mainly with the Emancipation celebrations, with links traced to the Jonkunnu dance. Bruckins dance has an

African influence where different parts of the body are engaged in different movements simultaneously, according to http://www.jamaicans.com/culture/articles_culture/bruckinstime.shtml

This site also reported that on the first Augus’ mawnin’ the freed slaves chanted: ‘Queen Victoria gi wi free Tiday fus a Augus’, Tenky Massa.’ The abolition of slavery, the greatest watershed event in the history of the Caribbean. Emancipation Day was celebrated on August 1 up to 1962. After Jamaica gained Independence, the first Monday in August was named Independence Day. However, although Emancipation Day was no longer celebrated, officially, Jamaicans, known for their resilience, found ways of marking the event.

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Bruckinstime again!Top Row (L-R): Dancing the Dinki Mini, Receiving prize for performance. Middle Row: Dancing and singing to the Bruckins party song. Bottom Row: Lining up for a taste of the real ole time Jamaican food.

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Jamaica is placed in the top ten of the most successful countries based on total Olympic medals per million population.

The World’s fastest man and woman in the world are Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

The Jamaican National Anthem is the only anthem in the world that is a prayer.

Jamaica was the first country in the world to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa.

The oldest Golf Club in the Caribbean is the Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica – over 55 acres of rolling hill, which was established in 1865.

Falmouth, Jamaica received piped water before New York, in 1799.

Jamaica sits pretty in sixth place out of ninety six countries that has won the Miss Jamaica World titles the most.

One of Jamaica’s national symbol, the swallowtail Humming Bird or ‘Doctor Bird’, lives only in Jamaica.

Jamaica’s Giant Swallowtail butterfly is the largest of the swallowtail species globally.

Jamaica was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service, in 1688 in the then capital, St. Jago de la Vega, now Spanish Town.

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JAMAICADid You Know?

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Our Culture Our People

… then cool down with a cool Red Stripe/HeinekenBulla and pear – what nice suh!

Buss it driva!‘Cut out ‘im foot size and sen it come’

Try it! But only if yuh skillful One wheel wheelie mek wi wheel the one wheel

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1. Who said “The monster is dead. The negro is free” and where did he say it?

2. Who was the first black Custos of St. Andrew and what famous edifice did he build?

3. Who declared that he would ascend to heaven on December 31 and descend back to Jamaica on January 3?

4. What is a cotta?

5. Where was the first place in Jamaica to have electricity?

6. Which town has a clock tower that was paid for by one of Jamaica’s German settlers and was designed to look like a German (Prussian) soldier’s helmet?

7. Why would you place a broom upside down behind a door in your house?

8. What are senseh fowls good for?

1A William Knibb, midnight on August 1, 1838 in Falmouth. He was preaching in what is now the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church.

2A George Steibel. Devon House in 1881.

3A Alexander Bedward the founder of Bedwardism. It was a popular Afro-Jamaican politico-religious movements from the 1890s to the 1920s.

4A A pad of leaves or cloth placed under loads carried on the head.

5A Black River. It was installed by the Leyden family in their house in 1893. The house is now Waterloo Guest House at 44 High Street.

6A Lucea.

7A To make an unwanted guest go away

8A They will unearth any ‘guzu’ buried in your yard. Also used to chase mongoose.

Me^ Teacher^!Shhh… Class in session!

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