The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

WITH THE aim of bringing the community, church and government together to tackle the social ills that are ravaging the Bahamas, Hope United is presenting the 2014 “National Outreach Conference”.

Hope United is an Outreach Arm of the Kingdom Apostolic Ministries International (KAMI) that is based in Freeport, Grand Bahama under the direction of the Senior Pastor Dr Kelafo Collie.

The aim of Hope United is to raise awareness of youth and the community at large through education. Members believe that with education, people are enlightened make positive choices, to benefit their physical, mental, emotional, financial and spiritual conditions.

The conference that began on Monday April 7, opened at the school of the Prophetic Ministry in Hawksbill, Grand Bahama. The activities followed on Tuesday and Wednesday at St John’s Jubilee Cathedral in Settler’s Way, Freeport. Tonight and tomorrow night at 7pm and on Saturday at 9:30 am, the conference will take place in Nassau at the Church of God Auditorium on Joe Farrington Road.

Speakers include Bishop Godfrey R Williams of Jubilee Cathedral, Chief Apostle Bishop Rodney Roberts of Five Porches Deliverance Centre, Bishop Mark Knowles of Deliverance Tabernacle, Minister Valentine Johnson, Minister Cranston McDonald and Conference host Dr Kelafo Z Collie. All sessions are free.

Event organiser Ralandra Sands said the National Outreach conference hopes to introduce revelation of “the world’s strategy to demoralise the general population through music and media” to those who attend the sessions.

Under the theme “Empowered For Change”, Ms Sands said change is a deliberate action that comes from a shift in a person’s thought process. With education, she said, people are empowered to adjust their thoughts and actions for a better outcome in their lives.

“We have broken our campaign down to three phases: Teaching Sessions, The Soul Campaign and The Prison Outreach,” Ms Sands said. “Day and Evening sessions will minister to the hearts of the community. We have invited youth groups, youth leaders, civic organisations and Student Christian Movement chapters to be empowered to change their mindset and better manage their emotions. Students will learn through visual demonstration the effects of the following: Bullying, Music & Violent Behavior, Substance Abuse, Abortion and a Spiritual Family Foundation.”

She said they are also building community campaigns as a call for change of mindset and attitudes. This campaign has been executed daily since Monday, and will continue through to this Sunday in different communities.

The major “Soul Campaign” she said, will be held this Saturday at 1pm. Persons wishing to participate can meet at the Church of God Auditorium at 12:30 pm for supplies and further instructions. Ms Sands said volunteers will walk through neighbourhoods, assessing needs and concerns. Volunteers will also enlighten citizens about the importance of conflict resolution and a strong family structure. Bibles, tracts, motivational books and supplies will be provided to residents as necessary.

“A church service will be held on Sunday to touch the lives of those who exist behind bars. We will provide bibles and other motivational and thought provoking literature. We seek to spark a transformation of the mind and spirit of those who are incarcerated,” said Ms Sands.

Ms Sands said the events of this week will lead into Palm Sunday when the church remembers Jesus’ transition through Jerusalem.

“We liken our activities to Jesus’ Jerusalem experience by taking churches beyond their four walls and into the streets of their communities to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the hurt and lost; this is our Christian mandate,” said Ms Sands.

“Our speakers for Thursday and Friday evenings; Minister Valentine Johnson and Bishop J Rodney Roberts, these two powerful men of God are coming with great revelation of the word of God for our patrons. Ultimately, there will be enlightenment for patrons, empowering them to spark the change they wish to see in the world,” she added.

With this being the first multi-island initiative Kingdom Apostolic Ministries has executed, Ms Sands said, based on the feedback from many of the youth groups, community leaders and churches who have partnered with for this conference, it definitely won’t be the last.

“We are already reviewing plans for consistent outreach in some communities. Next year we will engage communities on some of the Family Islands as well. The scope of next year’s outreach will definitely be greater,” said Ms Sands.