wfn.org | Barbados: Senate President Praises Adventist Commitment to Community

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

August 13, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

Barbados: 
Senate President Praises Adventist Commitment to Community

St. Michaels, Barbados, West Indies/ANN/APD    Sir Fred Gollop, 
K.A, president of the senate of Barbados, praised the Seventh-day 
Adventist Church for its practical commitment to the community and 
its active efforts to improve society through its lifestyle message.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Adventist Church's Fifth Festival 
of the Laity in Barbados on August 4, Gollop said that he was very 
much aware of the contributions made by the Church.

"I want to pay tribute to the leadership of the Adventist Church in 
the Caribbean, not only for its general spiritual uplift of the 
community but also its practical commitment to education, 
healthcare, and development programs," said Gollop.

The senate president told the 1,300 delegates from across the 
Caribbean and beyond that though much had been accomplished on 
the brink of the new millennium, many problems remain and new 
challenges face society.

"Diseases which we thought were eradicated are now re-appearing, 
along with new ones like AIDS and the Ebola virus," he said. "The 
disparity between rich and poor is increasing, the global population 
is growing at an alarming rate, and we face the challenge of global 
warming. The global drug trade, child abuse, and widespread 
violence remind us that without a sense of spirituality, despair and 
desperation take over. Without spirituality there is a loss of the 
sense of community and rampant immorality."

Gollop pointed to the work Adventists were doing to address the 
challenges in society.

"It is clear to me that the Seventh-day Adventist Church appreciates 
the challenges and this Festival shows the church is ready to make 
responses," he commented. "No one should be unmindful of your 
record in community services, tackling such problems of poverty 
and poor health. Present in nearly every Caribbean country, you 
have the power to reach and touch many people. Your use of new 
technologies is to be commended, with your church's website 
reaching millions."

Most important was the promotion of a practical positive lifestyle 
based on Christian principles.

"Progress is being made in embracing concepts of a healthy lifestyle 
here in Barabados," Gollop concluded. "Your stand is becoming part 
of the lifestyle of many. It is the stress on the practical aspects of 
Christianity which is bringing you success."

Responding to Sir Fred's comments, James Daniel, Adventist Church 
leader for Barbados, said that it was very encouraging to receive 
such commendation.

"To hear these remarks from such a prominent statesman brings us 
as a church immense encouragement," said Daniel. "We absolutely 
agree that it is the practical impact of Christianity that is so 
important. We are committed to making a difference in society by 
uplifting Christ."

The Festival, held August 4-7, was widely reported in the Barbadian 
media and highlighted the contribution of Adventist lay members in 
a wide range of ministries throughout the Caribbean. Featuring 
video presentations, training seminars, and lay-related programs, 
the Festival is part of a series throughout Inter-America that 
includes venues in Venezuela, Guatemala, and Haiti. The church 
numbers over 13,000 in Barbados and 300,000 in the Caribbean as 
a whole. [98/12/08]