The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

THE following is a partial quote taken from Hebrews 11:13-16. It talks about a country that is not on earth and about faithful believers who have their eyes set on attaining God's promise of a life beyond this one: "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

We are dual citizens in this regard, as we have one eye looking for our Lord's return and we have one eye here on the Kingdom of God that we have been called to develop. It was ushered in by Jesus Christ and left for his disciples to manage. We are the stewards who are to oversee God's business here, while working as ambassadors to attract more persons to become citizens of this Kingdom. When Christ comes to reign, then the Kingdom will be fully established.

Until then we live in our own Promised Land. We celebrate 44 years as a sovereign nation with grateful hearts for all of the blessings that we have received. Blessings such as:

1. The freedom to worship without fear of arrest or attack

2. The freedom to assemble and meet together in large or small numbers

3. The freedom to travel anywhere in the world, applying for visas when necessary

4. The freedom to vote and democratically elect our government

5. The freedom to be educated without discrimination

6. The freedom to receive medical attention in facilities that are always improving

7. The freedom to interact with persons of all races and social classes

8. The freedom to own our own business

9. The freedom to own homes and other material items

10. The freedom to access electricity and clean water wherever we live

The list goes on.

The beauty of our country has been documented by astronauts, tourists and residents alike. Our water is unbelievable. Whether in a boat, plane or car, the shades from deepest blue to turquoise to the pale aqua of our crystal clear, shallow waters take one's breath away. No wonder swimming pools are often painted to reflect these colours.

Flora and fauna in abundance, along with a multitude of maritime mysteries all await to be discovered by the curious explorer. There are historical ruins, modern malls, old style homesteads, various architectural styles and paint choices, and magnificent hotels - something for everyone. Our temperate climate, our unique islands, our diverse facial features reflecting our mixed backgrounds and our many visitors, these are just some of experiences that we can easily take for granted. It is good for us to travel as we come to appreciate just how truly blessed we are.

At the same time, there is always room for improvement. We desire a better country for the generations to come and so there is much work to be done. Let us pray without ceasing for:

1. Economic stability and job opportunities

2. More renewable energy sources and sustainable development that preserves and conserves

3. The elimination of crime and domestic violence

4. The cessation of all addictive behavior

5. The availability and practice of proper nutrition

6. The existence of a strong family life for every person in every home

The list goes on.

As Christians we desire a deeper devotion to Jesus Christ and the resultant commitment to social justice, personal integrity, and national holiness. We call for rededication to transformation as a result of sincere confession and repentance, the acceptance of forgiveness and a fresh anointing by the Holy Spirit. As an independent people who need to be totally dependent upon God, we desire a better country on earth and anticipate a heavenly one in the nearer presence of God where true joy will finally be found.