BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH | NOVEMBER 2014 EDITION | ISSUE NO. 26

M A G A Z I N E

51 Years Of Marital Bliss

Mission in Education

On Being A Member Of A Baptist Church

Parenting

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 Church2 Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20Telephone: 905-2422Email: boulevard.baptist@yahoo.com | Website: www.boulevardbaptist.org.jmPastor: Rev. Dr. Devon Dick

Opportunities For WorshipSundays 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 WilliamsEditors: Hyacinth Brown and Francine DallasOther Team Members: Claudette Reid, Emma McCalla, Verna Edwards, Simone Hull-Lloyd, Duvaughn Dick, Carla Wilson-Redden and Ricardo Holness.

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Gloria & Ronald Walters yearsof Marital BlissCelebrate51

Gloria and Ronald Walters are foundation members of Boulevard Baptist Church. Ronald is a Retired Baptist Minister and Gloria is a Deacon Emeritus at Boulevard Baptist Church. They share some memorable moments and valuable advice about marriage with the BBC e-voice.

BBC e-voice: When did you get married and who officiated at your wedding?Gloria: Our wedding took place on November 2, 1963 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Port Maria, St Mary. The officiating pastor was the late Rev. Spurgeon Smith

BBC e-voice: Please tell us how you met and what was courtship like?We first met as students at the Jack’s River Elementary School in St Mary, but we were not close friends. “Gloria was too busy poring over her books” (Ronnie smiles). We then pursued higher learning away from home, but after graduating from our respective Teachers Colleges (Gloria – Bethlehem and Ronnie – The Mico), we both returned to teach in St Mary. We were at separate schools, but we were members together at the Grace Baptist Church in Oracabessa. “Ronnie joined that church because of me” (it’s now Gloria’s turn to smile). As members of the choir, we became

more closely acquainted. It is at this point, that Ronnie likes to tell the story of my hiding his bicycle at one of our choir rehearsals just to get his “special” attention. (Gloria’s smile breaks into laughter, saying “I was only being mischievous!!”) Regardless of the intention behind the hiding, thereafter we began taking more than a passing interest in each other. Gradually, friendship grew into courtship. For me (Gloria), Ronnie fitted the description of the husband for whom I prayed – a Christian, a non-smoker and someone who was not an alcoholic. And for me (Ronnie), Glo was, “the epitome of womanhood”.

BBC e-voice: What is the secret to having a long marriage?1. Dependence on Divine guidance2. Faithfulness – taking our marriage vows

very seriously 3. Encouraging the family to appreciate the

importance of our supporting one another

Pics L-R: The wedding day. Standing behind is officiating minister, Rev. Spurgeon Smith, Andrea’s wedding, Andrea, husband Robert and daughter Kenni

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4. Making time for relaxation with each other and with the family. For instance, we enjoy going to plays and concerts together

5. Involvement with members of the wider family circle – giving and receiving support

BBC e-voice: What quality do you admire most about your partner?Gloria: He’s caring, determined and dependable.Ronnie: She’s dutiful, helpful, supportive and considerate.

BBC e-voice: Share some of your memorable moments in your marriage?• Childbirth:-

» One month in hospital awaiting Dwight’s arrival

» The relative ease with which Andrea made her appearance in this world

» Christine’s arrival just after midnight on December 25 after the labour pains which started on Christmas morning

• Christine’s major surgery in South Carolina, the entire family being there to give support

• Our children’s weddings and the births of our three grandchildren

• Graduations • Extended family reunions• Trips abroad and to various parts of

the island

BBC e-voice: Is there anything you would like to change about your partner or marriage?Gloria: My childhood prayers have been answered regarding the qualities I wanted my husband to possess. There is nothing more to add!Ronnie: Nothing at all!!

BBC e-voice: Tell us about your children?• Dwight

» Chartered Accountant (ACCA) with an MSc in Information Systems Management

» On staff at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the Regional Headquarters (Mona) as the Manager for Pensions, Project and Commercial Operations

» Married with two teenagers

• Andrea » Attorney-at-Law and with her own

law practice » Married with one child

• Christine » PhD (Epidemiology) with an MSc

in Biostatistics » Also on staff at UWI, Mona as a Lecturer

and Researcher in the Faculty of Medical Sciences

» Singer and performer

BBC e-voice: Any final advice about marriage?Ronnie: Marriage, like a garden, cannot be left on its own to survive and thrive; it has to be cultivated. In the absence of careful attention, the plants in a garden will be choked by weeds, suffer the effects of a drought or die for want of nourishment in the soil. So with a marriage, its survival is dependent on more than a good start. The couple concerned must work together to maintain it. In our experience, those best practices will require more than “best intentions”. Essential to the ingredients supplied to “feed” that union is an adequate supply of wisdom, patience and determination to stay the course. We have found that there is no shortage of supply regarding these essentials when God is made a significant “third party” in a marriage.Gloria: As individuals, we are all different. When two persons join in marriage, this fact should be considered and preemptive steps taken to avoid conflicts. I believe there are some key elements for the sustenance of a healthy marriage:

• Praying together• Accepting each other and learning to

appreciate each other’s differences• Listening to each other• Being grateful for, honest with and

respectful of each other• Being ready to forgive each other • Seeking help when you are not managing

the relationship • Addressing practical issues such as

money management

Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus in Ephesians 5: 22 – 33 is also instructive.

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It was not the usual sermon of Baby Jesus born in a manger or Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Interestingly, his sermon took an unusual turn from off the beaten track. Rev. Devon Dick, instead, shed the spotlight on Joseph’s dream, while delivering his sermon on the second Sunday of Advent at Boulevard Baptist Church on December 7, 2014.When Joseph planned to put away Mary because of her pregnancy, it was through a dream that he received the revelation that the child conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit – Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph was no longer afraid. Dreaming, Pastor explained, is foretelling what is going to happen. It was a means by which God spoke to his saints.

Pastor emphasized the importance of sleep and rest, thus, there were some important and healthful/beneficial pointers, which he delivered. They are as follows:

Rest is a necessary condition for making unexpected connections and waiting for God to speak to us.

When we rest and relax we think clearer, we get inspiration from God and hear the voice of God.

Not having the right balance between work and rest, we get tired, haggard, frustrated, burnt out and worn out.

Rest is indispensable to the brain as vitamins are to the body. When we are deprived of rest, we suffer social, physical and mental afflictions.

Physicist and Theologian, Isaac Newton was resting under a tree when an apple fell and gave him the idea about the theory of gravity.

When we are faced with a dilemma, we have serious problems we need to rest in Christ.

Rest is the peace which comes from a relationship with God, and having a constant and continuous access to God through dreams and other medium.

Every dream is a learning experience and is a message from God.

have sweet dreams

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Sleep on it…

O u r n e w e s t

d i s c i p l e s

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They were all baptized on Sunday, December 14, 2014, except for Lisa Bramwell who joined the fellowship by way of transfer.

Julian Hardie Marilyn Bourne Marlon Lewis

Trecia PhillipsLisa BramwellLesiane Reid

Rev. Karl HenlinOccasionally, concepts we take for granted within the church need to be both re-stated and re-interpreted, both because of changing times and sometimes in the process of Christian Education and membership preparation, gaps occur. The subject of church membership is one of those subjects, I believe, that needs precise attention, as there are numbers of persons/Christians/members who…• see no real need for membership in any local

congregation but are contented simply to pursue their personal faith while turning up to a place of worship to “purchase” their blessing for the week;

• become members of a church with faulty expectations and end up often unfulfilled and frustrated when expectations are not met;

• even when made aware of the responsibilities and privileges of church membership, are contented to have their names remain on a church register

Church as community

There is something very distinctive about membership as Baptist, bearing in mind that the Baptist Church emerges out of a context related to the Anglican and Catholic traditions where all infants were baptized and immediately registered as members of the church. Not so

with Baptists because we have always practiced Believers Baptism where persons consciously make a decision for Christ, baptized, admitted and recognized as a member of the family.

In 1 Cor. 12:13 Paul says we were all baptized into one body – again emphasis on church as community. We do not choose our family members but they are chosen by God.

Responsible church membership

We are called by God and placed into one family to live lives committed to Christ and to each other. To spend time every day in prayer and reading the Scriptures, share in corporate worship, participation according to gifts and opportunities, set aside a realistic proportion of his income for the work of God and engage in corporate and personal evangelism.

All our members are urged to participate in at least one small group (Classes, Birth Month Groups, etc.) because in these groups each of us both promise to give and can expect to receive unconditional love, Prayer, Openness, Accountability and Church Discipline.

Membership reflects the level of our spirituality and understanding, being called to live as Christians in community.

Source: Beasley-Murray, PAUL “RADICAL BELIEVERS”

On being a member of a Baptist Church

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Presentations enlightened members on financial planning and re-emerging diseases.

Boulevard Baptist Church’s all members’ fellowship took place on November 30, 2014. The event featured two presentations by guest presenters Paul Ximines, Public Health Control Inspector and Jourel Morgan, NCB Insurance and Finance Advisor.

How much insurance is enough?

Jourel Morgan made some interesting revelations as he illustrated the importance of insurance coverage, a retirement plan and investments for further education.

With the cost for medical care, to put our loved ones to rest, and to receive higher education peaking to hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars, he placed us in an awareness mode with these startling facts: GOJ and NIS pension at $5000 and $300 monthly; Up to June 2014 there were about 900,000 cancer related illnesses with only 300,000 persons seeing the doctor at least once in three years… 600,000 waiting to die; 3 million and 2 million per annum to pursue a degree in medicine and law respectively; IMF recommendation to reduce how much money you get at retirement, and more…

He provided five simple NCB solutions, namely: NCB Smart retirement, NCB Procare – critical illness, NCB Provision, Omni Educator and Omni. Morgan’s final words: “It all depends where you prefer to land – the decision is up to you.”

Diseases and You

Paul Ximines informed us that the Chikungunya and Ebola virus were re-emerging diseases. He added that Malaria, falls in this category and explained that Jamaica is listed as a country that is Malaria-free, though warning that all it takes to spread this disease in Jamaica is one malaria infected traveller to our country. He advised that when visiting some countries one would need to get prophylaxis medication to protect against malaria infection.

He touched on other diseases such as cholera and influenza. Influenza he said, we cannot do much to prevent. Cholera he informed is spread through insanitary conditions. Generally, to avoid certain diseases, he advised that we adopt safety practices such as washing hands with soap and washing beyond the wrist; eat from safe sources; wash fruits and vegetables properly; interact with the established source; exercise; rest; and adhere to instructions from health professionals.

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All Members’FELLOWSHIP

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The text she explained proves relevant to us today, to meet people through education, pointing out that today we do not see a better way to meet people in mission than through education. She applauded the Boulevard Baptist Church on this Mission. She added that the same way Jesus allowed the man to be healed, a mission in education is a healing to the nation… “It is giving life!” We will therefore have productive citizens, which leads to social enhancement in our standard of living. Sis. Tanesha asserted that when we have a productive nation there will be less crime and violence.

The student pastor reiterated that the girl was neglected by people who could help. She added, “We must recognize holiness and that we are made in the image of God; we are acting on God’s behalf in restoring holiness, recognizing that holiness is relational. It is how we treat each other.” She implored the church to expand its mission in reaching out to schools to help students with similar problems.

Mission in

EducationTanesha Ashbourne, student of the United Theological College of the West Indies, during her sermon on Mission in Education Sunday on November 16 at the Boulevard Baptist Church, brought the story of a girl who was neglected in school owing to her behavioural problems and poor academic performance. She placed it in context to the Bible passage of Luke 6:1-11, which refers to Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, and expressing Jesus’ ability to transform debilitating situations and bring about healing. “It is to be engaged in the mission of Jesus Christ,” she affirmed.

Sis. Tanesha stated that Jesus’ mission was to bring someone in a right relationship with God on the Sabbath. The Pharisees wanted to deny the man of the opportunity to be healed. They failed to exercise compassion, she noted. Jesus, she said, saw the man’s need, but they felt that keeping the Sabbath was more important. She expressed that healing and holiness is coming into a right relationship with God. The man responded and entered into a right relationship with God.

Pics t-b: Abigail Downie (St. Andrew High/BBC Sun. Sch.) and Devaughn Dobson (Utech student) receive scholarship award – Enid Miller and Cyril Matherson scholarships respectively. Missing: Aaliyah Grant, Norman Manley High. Presenters: Woodburn Miller and Sis. Adelle Brown

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Parenting

“Whatever you would have your children become, strive to exhibit in your own lives and conversation.”Lydia H. Sigourney (popular American poet)

“Never do for a child what he is capable of doing for himself.”Elizabeth Hainstock (author of

“Teaching Montessori at Home”)

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.”Jesse Jackson (US civil rights leader)

“If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him. If, however, we are careful not to push a child beyond the limit of his courage, he is almost sure to get braver.”John Holt (American Educator)

“The last step in parental love involves the release of the beloved; the willing cutting of the cord that would otherwise keep the child in a state of emotional dependence.”Lewis Mumford (American Sociologist

Take what you can get until you can get what you want: Every opportunity, well used, can be a stepping stone to realization of your ultimate goalsJamaican Proverb

Willful waste brings woeful want: Don’t willfully waste what you have or you could end up bitterly regretting what you wasted when you do find yourself in needJamaican Proverb

If you spread your bed hard, you must lie on a hard bed: You must accept responsibility for your actions, and whatever you sow, you will surely reapJamaican Proverb

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Inspiring parenting quotes and Jamaican Proverbs

Time Inc. Lifestyle Group: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/parenting-quotes/

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Presenter: Sophia Williams Student, United Theological College of the West Indies

The book of Leviticus addresses the holiness of the whole people of God. The title should not however, be understood as referring exclusively to the Israelite tribe of Levi. The term “Levite” occurs only three times in the book of Leviticus (Lev 25:32-33). However, priests who were the direct descendants of Aaron, are referenced over 175 times in the 27 chapters of this book. Thus the title “Leviticus” refers to the “Levitical priests”. Israel itself was to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation”, hence their association with this book (Exodus 19:6).

Historical contextDuring the exile and later into the post-exilic period, the Jews encountered a crisis in their rituals and their community life; their covenantal relationship with Yahweh was broken because of their disobedience. They faced religious chaos because their monotheistic faith does not permit them to have other gods - Exodus 20:3-5.

At the beginning of Leviticus 19, the Lord spoke to Moses about how this divided community must rebuild and grow in their relationship with God, as the Holy One of Israel. God is the initiator to rebuild this divided community of Israel.

Consequently, a Holiness Code significantly contributed to the restoration of rituals and the community during this postexilic period.

The main theme seen in Leviticus 19 is holiness. During the exile, it seemed as if Babylonia had gained control over Yahweh, even if the Jews believed that God alone had ultimate control over all human events. As a result, the name of God had been despised, as well as the faith of his chosen people. The priests, therefore, played an important role among the Israelites, especially explaining the laws to the chosen people of God to help them live holy as children of God. The

Leviticus 19:9-18 Boulevard Baptist Church | October 29, 2014

Bible Study

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oral tradition (word of mouth) was used here, to ensure that these laws pass from one generation to the next.

Historical settingThe events outlined here in Leviticus took place during the second year, following the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. They were all at Sinai, during the 40 years of wanderings in the wilderness. God met with Moses at the tent of meetings to give further explanations, reinforcements and even additional laws, (to the Ten Commandments), so that the children of Israel may better understand what is expected of them as God’s chosen people. Moses would then go to address the people, hence the phrase, as seen in most of Leviticus, “The Lord says...”

In Leviticus 19:9-18, most of the laws are associated with looking out for the vulnerable in society. Also, they emphasized their duty and love to God and their neighbour. According to Vela-McConnell, (1999), “neighbour is anyone with whom they come into contact with, especially among their own Israelite people.” They should live lives that imitate God’s character as being holy, just and righteous; a God who always loves God’s people.

Applications – How do these laws relate to us as a people today?From these commands, and God’s expectations of the Israelites, He similarly wants us as his people to establish wholesome relationships with each other; relationship, which engenders peace, love and harmony. God commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves, display honesty and integrity and practise fair judgment toward each other.

The church community has been in the forefront in taking care of the welfare of God’s people. As the body representing Christ to the nation, this is the agenda of the church and therefore remains a permanent and inseparable calling from God. The church in applying God’s word has established various programmes outside the

message of salvation to carry out God’s mission of taking care of His people. They have instituted programmes such as continuing education, scholarships and care basket.

The church ensures that the sick among them are comforted and they engage in continued fellowship and welfare for home bound members. Through the church annual Harvest Ingathering, they have found it necessary to share these items with the poor, strangers, children’s homes and homes for the elderly. The church embodies saints who are equipped with different spiritual gifts for the enablement of God’s mission. This not only calls them for mission work within the walls of the temple, but to reach out to God’s people far and wide, as He commands us.

In applying the basic attributes of honesty and integrity, this is important in the manner in which we deal with each other, especially in our business transactions and our word consistently being our bond. When we cheat each other and treat one another in an unjust way, this goes against what pleases God and as a result will not benefit us in the long run. This applies to us in many ways because when cheating and business deals go sour, this results in pain, hurt, revenge and often times, murder.

The text also makes commands in respect to the disabled (specifically the deaf and blind) slander, wages and loving your neighbour as yourself. The latter is the second most important Commandment given to us, and must be applied to our daily living and interaction with others.

Holiness really boils down to loving our neighbour as ourselves, and everything else automatically falling into place.

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It will be go green from the get go on July 22-26, 2015 at the 21st Baptist

World Congress to be held in Durban, South Africa. A Green Plan has been

prepared to offset the carbon footprint of this Annual Gathering.

The international umbrella organization for Baptists will integrate

sustainability practices before, during and after the congress. These include

waste minimization, environmental efficiency, water conservation, social

development and local economic development. Main elements of the BWA

plan include recycling, transportation and digital technology.

Name badges and lanyards (the rope or cord that comes with the name badge) will be collected at the end of the event and recycled. Receptacles will be provided for those who wish to recycle the thousands of programmes and report books that are being produced for the event.

Monetary and environmental costs of shipping will be reduced by the BWA by printing most of the congress materials in South Africa. Transportation such as shipping by air or sea is one of the biggest causes of carbon emissions. The BWA is exploring the possibility of providing bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation for conference participants to use from the venue to their accommodations.

The chief means of registration for the South African meetings is online through the BWA website at www.bwanet.org/congress. This results in reducing the use of paper and mailing.

The BWA is foregoing the printing of a daily newspaper, and will instead rely more heavily on the use of social media and electronic press releases to update participants.

Biodegradable cutlery and food containers will be used in its dining areas; move away from using tablecloths; and using tap water-filled jugs and water dispensers instead of bottled water.

The Baptist World Alliance is comprised of 42 million members in 177,000 churches. Its priorities are nurturing the passion for mission and evangelism, promoting worship, fellowship and unity, responding to people in need and defending human rights and justice. All organizations… take a leaf from BWA Congress 2015.

BWA Green CongressDurban 2015Baptist World Alliance adopting best environmental practices

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The Bail Act permits bail to be considered and granted by Justices of the Peace or a police officer within certain limitations, which excludes cases such as the accused charged with murder, treason or treason felony. . A Justice of the Peace or police officer shall not specify an amount in excess of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) as the payment required of any person as a condition for bail. However there is no limitation on the amount that may be specified by a Resident Magistrate or Judge as a condition for bail.

A Justice of the Peace shall determine whether or not there are reasonable grounds for the arrest or detention in a case where the Security Forces are carrying out any operations in any particular locality in relation to which action is taken under certain conditions.

If a Justice of the Peace is satisfied that the detention or arrest of any person is reasonably required in the interest of justice, he may, having regard to such further investigations as may be necessary, order that the decision

for arrest and detention be made by a member of the force not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

In the case of a person arrested or detained outside of the locality in relation the respective cordon and curfew and there are reasonable grounds to suspect the person has committed or is about to commit an offence, to be taken before a Justice of the Peace (JP) to determine whether or not there are reasonable grounds for his arrest and detention. If there are such reasons then the JP may remand him in custody. If not then his release is to be ordered forthwith.

The JP can order him remanded for a period of 72 hours notwithstanding other provisions of the Bail Act.

Director of Public Prosecutions – Bail regulations 2001

The role of the

in granting bailJustice of the Peace