The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

SEXUALITY, love, relationships and finance are among the issues that can throw up obstacles for some young Christians.

It is these concerns that the newly formed Bahamas National Baptist Young Adult Ministry is seeking to address during the 'Fire Proof' youth conference.

The event runs on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7pm at the New Mount Zion Baptist Church, South Beach. Tomorrow night Rev Alphonso Jackson Jr from First Baptist Church in Miami Florida will address attendees on ways in which Christians can keep their faith.

Bjorn Burrows, a ministry board member, told Tribune Religion: "From our research we have found that the issues some young people are facing are relationship issues, finances, sexuality, and ways to balances their life. We will also give young people information on how to be a Christian and how to live out their faith in a changing world during the conference.

"We are calling all young adults regardless of their denominations to be part of this event. It is and has always been our mandate to encourage fellowship among young people. This will be engaging for them."

'Fire Proof' is the first event the youth ministry is hosting. As the group grows it intends to play a pivotal role in the community with a direct focus on young Christians.

The youth ministry was the vision of Rev Dr Anthony Carrol, president of the Bahamas National Baptist Convention. It hopes to be a place where young people can turn to for direction.

He said: "Often times the church has been criticised and people have been wondering what things are being done. We realise that there are so many young people out there who are falling by the way side and offering help and guidance to them is something we want to do."

The youth ministry was implemented several years ago but in a different capacity. Mr Burrows said that Bahamas National Youth Convention will increase its presence in communities in the Bahamas.

"The youth ministry has been around in the past. But it was Rev Carrol's vision to have the ministry revamped and resurrected. The difference with this ministry and the past ministry is that we seek to be less aloof and less distant," said Mr Burrows.

He added: "We are not just about hosting social events, we want to reach people in the community. It is our hope to prevent issues from occurring and if we can do so by giving people the information then that will be a win."