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As the month of October slowly creeped in, the South Bahamas Conference in collaboration with the youth sector of The Bahamas ushered in National Youth Month with an inspiring worship service at the Hillview Church on Tonique Williams Darling Highway. Young people gathered from various churches within our conference to recognize the outstanding contributions of youth, in ministry.

Under the theme “Y.E.S, Youth: Excellence is the Standard," the special service featured a Masterguide Investiture ceremony, dynamic musical selections, drama, and a sign language interpretation.

Present were South Bahamas Conference youth representatives, as well as representatives from other sectors including Assistant Youth Leader for The Bahamas Rashard Ritchie, Youth Director for the North Bahamas Conference Pastor Peter Watson, Youth Director for the Anglican Dynasty Rev. Travis Fernander, and Masterguide and member of the Centreville Church Glorian Storr, who was honored as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Honouree and serves as the patron for this year's National Youth Month. 

President of the South Bahamas Conference Pastor Kenny Deveaux, brought greetings, and drew inspiration from Proverbs 22:6, which instructs us to, "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it”. He also emphasized the significance of a well-trained youth army in spreading the message of Christ.

He said, “I believe that the Adventurer Club, the Pathfinder Club, the Masterguides, and the Adventist Youth are all avenues that the church has where we can train our youth, not for the future but for now. 

He continued, "...there is still a group of young people in this Commonwealth who continue to hold up the banner of Prince Emmanuel.” 

Head of the Division of Youth Shandena Neely, conveyed greetings on behalf of the Youth Sector for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She indicated that the theme for this year, “Youth: Excellence is the Standard will echo throughout the month of October and by extension the rest of the year, underscoring the value of youth work and the importance of maintaining a clear vision on the path to excellence.

Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Ministries Director of the South Bahamas Conference requested the official investment of nine Masterguides in training, comprising of six females and three males. Pastor Terry Tanis, Youth Director for the Atlantic Caribbean Union, granted this request, marking Kaitlyn Forbes, Maygen Daley, Marlene Jerome, Denise Woodside, Percell Sturrup, Dwanye Daley, Chante Deal, Amal McCoy, and Nelson Bain official Masterguides.

These newly invested leaders received sashes, scarves, and Masterguide pins, symbolizing their commitment to leadership and service.

In a heartfelt gesture, the newly invested Masterguides honored their dedicated directors, Pastor Jamal Franklyn and Elder Barry Saunders, for their tireless efforts in training the invested class from 2021 to the present day.

Pastor Terry Tanis delivered a compelling message during the service, narrowing down on this year's theme. He encouraged attendees to embrace their uniqueness and strive for excellence, emphasizing that it is Jesus who sets the standard for true excellence.

Tanis said, "...Rehab was hand picked, Daniel was hand picked, Jesus was hand picked, I believe that you and today were hand picked, because… you came form the divine hands of God. If you know who God called you to be you would never settle for second class citizen in the commonwealth of the kingdom of heaven. Excellence is the standard!”

The gathering also celebrated the decision of Adventurer Akiel Wilson, who committed his life to Christ, highlighting the joy that comes from young hearts standing up for their faith in Jesus.

With this inspiring start, Youth Month in The Bahamas promises to be a month filled with empowerment, spiritual growth, and a commitment to the standard of excellence set by its youth.