Law enforcement officers and public civil servants gathered at the Hillview Church on February 10th, for a special service of thanksgiving and gratitude. In attendance was the Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Cynthia Pratt, as well as Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe. 

Munroe shared that all sectors of the community need to collaborate to improve and uplift the country, and he encouraged those present to continue to carry out their Christian duty to represent Christ. 

Munroe said, "I’m encouraged from what I see on the program, that we have a goodly number of Seventh-Day Adventists in the leadership of law enforcement and public service. I know we have a number Baptist, and Anglicans, and so our law enforcement infrastructure and public service is full of Christians."

Munroe went on to say, "I’m also persuaded there are far more Christians than heathens in this country still. And may I encourage us, that how we will improve, as the Bible says that faith without works is dead. And so I’m encouraging all of us as people of faith, to perhaps be more active in our works."

President of the South Bahamas Conference, Pastor Kenny Deveaux, expressed gratitude towards law enforcement services and emphasized that crime is a heart problem that can only be solved by Jesus Christ. 

Deveaux said, "We cannot thank our law enforcement services, as well as our civil services for the great and outstanding and dedicated work they do for us on a daily basis. You consistently make sacrifices and put your lives on the line every single day when you leave home." 

He said, "The island of New Providence Minister Monroe, is again faced with a high crime wave and there’s a lot of discussion and talk about who should, and how to solve the crime that is impacting us all. The truth is that crime is a heart problem, and therefore a sin problem." 

Deveaux shared the church’s interest in partnering with the government to guide the youth and change the hearts of those involved in crime. 

Deveaux continued, "The Seventh-day Adventist Church in The Bahamas, especially the South Bahamas Conference would like to join hands with our government, and all those responsible for solving crimes, to assist in guiding the youth, all those who are knowledgeable about those committing crimes, and all those who are profiting from crimes. We want to partner with you so that we can assist in changing the hearts of men and women in our Bahamaland."

In his sermon, South Bahamas Conference Youth Director, Pastor Jamal Franklyn delivered a powerful sermon on the theme of a full partnership with God. Pastor Franklyn’s message focused on relying on God as the foundation and protection for overcoming life's battles. 

Franklyn said, “Jesus is our foundation, and the divine foundation is the pursuit of justice. Justice is the manifestation of God’s righteous character in the world. The Lord is your protection. As important as human effort is, there is need for divine guidance in the pursuit of justice." 

He continued, "While you safeguard and protect this country, you yourselves need divine protection. While we recognize your contribution and acknowledge your importance, I invite you today to enter into a full partnership with God into the spiritual dimension. There is a spiritual realm around us, that we cannot see, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The service concluded with a call to action, inviting individuals to join in events and programs focused on sharing the message of Jesus Christ and serving the community.