Despite the gloomy weather, on the weekend the women of the South Bahamas Conference were not deterred in standing up against violence. On Sabbath, August 24th the Women’s Ministry Department hosted the annual EnditNow Rally at the Grant’s Town Church under the theme “Go Find My Sheep”. 

The ladies and supporters conducted a mini march inside the church, proudly displaying banners and flags, and standing up against violence. Also in attendance were the administration of the South Bahamas Conference, Conference Women’s Ministries Leader Carla Rogers, and Union Women’s Ministries Leader Arleen Sands. 

Special guests included Assistant Director Eartha Charlow of the Social Services’ Domestic Violence Unit and Assistant Commissioner of Police Janet McKenzie of the Police Domestic Violence Unit. 

Charlow shared the various organizations and institutions that offer support to victims of domestic violence, including crisis centers, hospitals, churches, and courts. McKenzie discussed the establishment of a stand-alone domestic violence unit within the police force. The unit, which was recently established, is focused on investigating reported cases of domestic violence, seeking evidence, and placing offenders before courts. 

Also present was the President of The Senate, Dr. Lashell Adderly, who emphasized the importance of taking action and helping those in need regardless of background or circumstances. 

Adderley said, "We are absolutely doing the Lord's work when we are concerned about the least of our brethren and sisteren. We have to look at practical ways and means that we can assist persons. And I think it starts with a shelter."

The featured speaker for the rally was Franchon Braynen, who encouraged the audience to go beyond political divides, religious beliefs, and cultures and stand against domestic violence. 

Braynen said, "Domestic violence has no religion. Domestic violence has no color. Y'all ain't saying nothing. Domestic violence has no gender. It attacks anybody and everybody, and it doesn't matter your class or your creed. We have to get to the point where we acknowledge that this is our issue. We as the church have been called, we have the answers. No matter what a person is going through, at the end of the day, they need a comforting word. They need to know that God loves them. They need to know that it will not always be like this."

She also reminded those present of the importance of the Christian duty to take of those who are affected by violence.

Braynen continued, "If each of us leave our comfort zones, if each of us leave our own agendas and comfort of our homes, and go find somebody that is in need of a Savior. If you bring one, and I bring one, my God, and my brother in the back there brings one, we would not have space in order to heal and help the people that would be coming in."

The rally concluded with a special prayer offered by Executive Secretary of the South Bahamas Conference Pastor Leonardo Rahming, who asked God for guidance in supporting those who are hurting. 

END IT NOW is a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventists to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence around the world.

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