THE Thomas A Robinson National Stadium will host the memorial service today – Wednesday, December 3, 2014    Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Preparing to say goodbye

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

THE gruesome plane crash in Grand Bahama nearly a month ago, which claimed the lives of nine people, is still fresh in the minds of Bahamians as the final goodbyes will said at memorial and funeral services tonight and tomorrow.

On November 9, the executive Learjet 36 carrying world-renowned Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) president Dr Myles Munroe, 60, and his wife Ruth, crashed at a junk yard at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The plane went down around 5.10pm, having left Nassau just after 4pm.

Also on board the ill-fated flight were BFMI vice-president Dr Richard Pinder, newly-ordained youth pastors Lavard “Manifest” Parks, his pregnant wife Radel and their son Johanan, five, pilot Captain Stanley Thurston, co-pilot Franhkan Cooper and US citizen Diego DeSantiago. On their way to a conference, they all died immediately on impact.

A preliminary investigation into the plane crash last week highlighted the deteriorating weather conditions that reduced visibility, resulting in a missed landing on the aircraft’s second approach to the airport.

As soon as the news broke, condolences from around the world began to pour in. Prime Minister Perry Christie held an impromptu press conference where he said he was both shocked and saddened by the untimely deaths. The prime minister remembered Dr Munroe as a man of “immense charisma and persuasive appeal”.

Mr Christie said that although he and Dr Munroe disagreed on things over the years, he saw him as a friend and spiritual mentor.

Additionally, superstars including international gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams, actor/director Tyler Perry and pop group One Republic expressed condolences reflecting on the impact that the inspirational speaker and author had on their lives.

In the midst of an emotional reaction from various corners of the world, people waited to hear from the victims’ loved ones. When the silence was finally broken, the strength shown on the part of relatives, who spoke publicly as they mourned, was inspirational while at the same time saddening.

Most memorable was the very first time that Dr Munroe’s son, Myles Chairo Munroe Jr, addressed those gathered at a conference in Grand Bahama.

It was the same conference that the fallen passengers were traveling to and had planned to attend for the entire week. Dr Munroe had organised the annual event.

Following the tragedy, church members decided to only hold the event until Wednesday.

On the final day, three days after the crash, Chairo, flanked by his sister Charisa, loved ones and church members, said he was not hopeless.

He told the crowd: “I would like to make it known that although we are grieving our losses and are deeply saddened by this tragedy, we have never been, nor will we ever feel hopeless.

“There is no question in our hearts that the spirits of the nine persons whose lives were taken are now resting with our heavenly Father. We rejoice for we know they are in a better place watching over all of us and rejoicing among Heavenly angels.”

In an interview with The Tribune in the week of the crash, the twin sister of Mrs Parks, Ranel Pierre, said she was still living in denial. At times overcome by grief, Mrs Pierre recalled the last day that she spent time with the family.

She said she never imagined that the ill-fated Sunday would be the last time she would see her sister, nephew and brother-in-law.

Funeral services for the crash victims began last week. The only victims yet to be buried are Dr and Mrs Munroe.

A five-hour memorial service for the couple will take place this afternoon at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium from 6pm. Doors open at 5pm.

Yolanda Adams is expected to make an appearance as the headlining performance, closing the memorial, according to Kevin Harris of Harris Media Group, the firm handling the public relations.

Local performers to take the stage include Vision, The Original Visionaries, Orlando “Landlord” Miller, Simeon Outten from Grand Bahama and Bishop Denczil Rolle & Friends.

Mr Christie, Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Attorney General Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson and the president of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev Ranford Patterson will bring remarks.

Several of Dr Munroe’s international speaking friends will also pay respects including Susane Hinn, the wife of Benny Hinn, an American televangelist.

Creflo Dollar is expected to bring the keynote address.

BFMI officials have said both tonight’s memorial and the funeral service tomorrow at 10am are open to the public.

Live streaming of the services will be available at http://www.lifestream.tv/bfmi/.

A musician practices at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium yesterday.  See a gallery of pictures from the preparations – and updates from the memorial – on www.tribune242.com.

Prime Minister says loss of Dr Munroe ‘immeasureable’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said he was left “shocked” and “saddened” by the tragic death of Dr Myles Munroe and others who were on board his ill-fated plane.

His comments came at an impromptu press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister shortly after the crash. Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney also expressed condolences about the tragedy.

“It is utterly impossible to measure the magnitude of Dr Munroe’s loss to the Bahamas and to the world,” Mr Christie said. “He was indisputably one of the most globally recognisable religious figures our nation has ever produced. His fame as an ambassador for the Christian ministry preceded him wherever in the world he travelled. He was a towering force who earned the respect and admiration not only of Christian adherents but of secular leaders both here at home and around the world.”

The prime minister remembered Dr Munroe as a man of “immense charisma and persuasive appeal”.

He said while he and Dr Munroe disagreed on things over the years, he saw him as a friend and spiritual mentor.

“I leaned on his counsel in a number of important matters, most recently in the consultations with religious leaders on the pending constitutional bills, a process in which he took an enthusiastic and constructive part, helping even to re-draft one of the bills that had met with a great deal of public controversy.”

He lauded Dr Munroe as a “great Bahamian of universal renown” who leaves the country as a better place because of his work.

Dr Minnis released a statement which said the news of Dr Munroe’s death left his heart “heavy”.

Mr McCartney said the country has lost “one of its greatest sons”.

He added: “Dr Myles Munroe, president and founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries, was without question one of the brightest lights this country has produced.”

Chairo Munroe speaks to the delegates at the end of the convention in Grand Bahama to thank them for their love and support following the death of his parents, Dr Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth, and seven others in a plane crash. Chairo’s sister, Charissa, stands at his side during the speech, wearing a peach jacket, left.

Photo: David Mackey

Son vows to carry on Dr Munroe’s work

MYLES Chairo Munroe, the son of Dr Myles and Ruth Munroe, with his sister Charissa and other family members, stood bravely before the Global Leadership Forum in the wake of the crash that killed their parents and seven others - and said that while loved ones are affected by the tragedy, they are not “hopeless”.

“I would like to make it known that although we are grieving our losses and are deeply saddened by this tragedy, we have never been, nor will we ever feel hopeless,” he told the crowd.

“There is no question in our hearts that the spirits of the nine persons whose lives were taken are now resting with our heavenly Father. We rejoice for we know they are in a better place watching over all of us and rejoicing among Heavenly angels,” he said.

The group killed in the crash was heading to Freeport to attend the leadership conference, which Dr Munroe hosts every year in Grand Bahama.

Before the close of the conference, Chairo, 29, and his family made their first appearance since the tragedy.

“I hope the conference has been a blessing to everyone,” he said. “I take this time to address everyone here and around the world who has shown their support and expressed condolences during this difficult time.

“We know there are many questions as to how or why something like this would be allowed to happen to such great individuals, but still God is in control,” he said.

“The past few days have been the most difficult times for my sister and I, my family, and all affected by this loss. We are all saddened, but comforted and encouraged by outpouring of love and support we received from everyone around the country, and from those around the world at large.

“I want to thank everyone that has called, that has emailed, that has left messages, or that has just given words of encouragement. We are truly grateful,” he said.

Chairo has vowed to carry on his father’s legacy.

“We will not allow death to claim any victory, but we celebrate the life and legacy of each individual. This tragedy does not mark the end; the end of life, the end of a vision, the end of a journey, nor the end of a purpose, but it marks the new beginning of a new era.

“An era of new generation that will carry on the vision and legacy of my father and mother and of each individual whose life was lost so unexpectedly,” he said.

“So let’s not mourn their deaths, but let us celebrate their lives and find joy knowing that although God may not explain himself, he will reveal Himself.”

He ended by quoting words of his father by saying: “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but is in dying without purpose. We know there is a greater purpose in all of this and we are now the vessels for this new vision and this new legacy to be carried on.”

Political leaders united in paying respects to Dr Myles Munroe

Dr Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth

ACROSS the political divide, tributes have been paid to Dr Myles Munroe and the other victims of the plane crash - his wife Ruth, Dr Richard Pinder, Lavard and Radel Parks and their son Johanan, pilot Stanley Thurston, co-pilot Franhkan Cooper and US visitor Diego DeSantiago.

Minister of Tourism Obadiah Wilchcombe said: “The ministry of tourism joins the nation and the world in mourning the untimely death of the founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries, Dr Myles Munroe and his wife, Pastor Ruth Munroe, who worked closely with her husband in the ministry.

“Dr Munroe was a global leader, a pillar of strength and inspiration for many and a pioneer of religious tourism in The Bahamas. Dr Munroe also acted as an ambassador for The Bahamas, taking his ministry to thousands and participated in numerous foundations and conclaves around the world. During the course of which he put The Bahamas on the world map for many who might not otherwise have heard of our nation.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said: “This is simply a stunning development. It has left the country reeling. One looks around and sees so much evil surviving in the world and in these circumstances you want to ask the question why does evil survive when so much more can be done by good people? Dr Munroe was one of the good people.

“Reverend Munroe was a giant of a Bahamian. He rose up from modest circumstances to the highest heights and with his grit, determination and God’s favour he helped to put The Bahamas on the world stage. That he should be taken from us at the height of his influence is a mystery. It is sad beyond measure.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing. His sister is a part of our staff at the Ministry; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry is a member of his church. His father is my constituent. So you see that the things that unite us in this country are more than the things that divide us.”

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis said: “On behalf of my wife Patricia and the Free National Movement family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Bahamas Faith Ministries family on the tragic loss of my friend Pastor Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth, Dr Richard Pinder, his long time colleague, co-founder of BFM and Assistant Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor Lavard Parks, Captain Stanley Thurston and other colleagues accompanying him.

“Like millions around the world we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of one of the world‘s most noted spiritual leaders and teachers. This tragedy is both difficult to comprehend and accept but we know that Pastor Myles and his colleagues and family all enjoyed a deep and personal relationship with God and as such are resting in his arms.

“The Bahamas has been blessed because of the tireless and selfless work of one of our greatest sons.

“No doubt the world will mourn with us here in the Bahamas. We deeply love Pastor Myles and will miss him but shall continue his work to empower others and share the Kingdom principles that undergirded everything he said and did.”

A book of condolence was opened at The Bahamas Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Dr Elliston Rahming, Bahamas United Nations and Organization of American States Ambassador, said: “Dr Munroe and I were childhood friends – we were born five days apart in 1954. Even as a teenager, Dr Munroe understood his purpose and used his special gifts to maximise his potential. He was a towering intellect, a multidimensional talent and servant of God with global appeal.”

Former prime minister Hubert Ingraham said: “Dr Munroe was an inspiration to thousands of Bahamians and to countless followers and admirers of his teachings around the world.

“I last spoke with Dr Munroe and his wife in an airport lounge in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. He encouraged me to see more of Tanzania of whose beauty he was effusive.

“He was happy and enthusiastic, heading to Gabon with his wife on what was a three nation tour in Africa. He told me that he would be home in early November.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to his children, to his father, his siblings and extended family.  I especially say to his sister Verdell, who in the early 1990s worked in my office, that I and Delores will keep all of her family in our prayers and pray that God will grant them the strength to deal with their terrible loss at this time.”

PLP chairman Bradley Roberts called Dr Munroe “a giant of a man, a visionary leader, a man of God, a teacher and a patriot”.

He said: “Dr Munroe died as he lived – building future leaders and building The Bahamas as he was on his way to Grand Bahama to officially open a global leadership conference.

“As a businessman and up to his untimely demise, Dr Munroe played a significant role in building the religious tourism component of our product offerings and his choice of Freeport as the venue for the conference provided a much needed economic stimulus to that island. His nationalism and love of country knew no bounds.

“The Bahamas and indeed the world are better places because of the indelible mark of Dr Myles Munroe.”

Also joining the tributes was Matthew Crouch, the vice-president of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and his wife, Laurie, who said: “Pastor Myles was an intricate part of Laurie’s and mine’s vision to the motion picture industry, ministry and so many things. One of the reasons we found our way into the motion picture industry was a service we attended some 25 years ago where Pastor Myles Munroe was the speaker. In that service Pastor Myles spoke about reaching out into the world with the kingdom message and that the kingdom of God needed to expand into different areas in our society.”

Caricom Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin Larocque’s tribute

THE Caribbean Community has lost one of its most illustrious sons with the passing of the Leader of The Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI), Dr Myles Munroe, a prolific best-selling author, internationally renowned preacher, and leadership and business coach.

Indeed, the community has been thrown into a deep sense of sadness with the tragic news that Dr. Munroe, his wife Ruth Munroe, daughter Charisa and several others perished in a plane crash on Sunday in Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.

Dr Munroe was an exemplary son of the Caribbean Community whose life was defined by faith, excellence, enterprise and inspiration. As the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the International Third World Leaders Association and President of the International Leadership Training Institute, he authored numerous books and provided leadership training and spiritual growth to people far and wide. His many speaking engagements to global television audiences, governments, businesses, schools and universities have left a rich legacy of mentorship and inspiration.

In his own words, Dr. Munroe described his purpose as “encouraging personal, spiritual and professional development in millions of people worldwide.” In this regard, the Community recognises the indelible and valuable contribution this strong and dynamic spiritual leader has made and joins in mourning his death.

I extend deepest condolences to the surviving loved ones of all victims of this tragedy. It is especially poignant that the Government and people of The Bahamas can find succour and comfort at this time in Dr. Munroe’s own words: “the greatest tragedy is not death but a life without a purpose”.

BTC chief executive officer Leon Williams’ tribute

LEON Williams, Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd CEO, paid his respects to Bahamas Faith Ministries International Senior Pastor Dr Myles Munroe, one of nine people who died in Sunday’s tragic plane crash.

Mr Williams said that the Thursday before the crash was the last time that he had spoken with Dr Munroe through a text message. At that time, Dr Munroe assured Mr Williams that he would live up to the expectations of persons gathered for a speaking engagement later that day.

Mr Williams had reached out to the world-renowned inspirational preacher for prayers and support before the event.

He sent condolences to the Munroe family during a press conference at BTC’s headquarters on John F Kennedy Drive.

“This has been a sad week for the Bahamas,” he said, “and on behalf of the 779 staff (members) of BTC I would like to express condolences to the family of Dr Myles Munroe.

“He has been a very good friend to BTC. (When) we had our first church service at his church in 2006 he preached to us. And when I became CEO for the second time, we invited him to spend a whole day with us. He trained the managers of BTC in a leadership conference and I had a personal relationship with him because I have spoken at many of his conferences on leadership like the one which he was holding in Freeport, Grand Bahama.”

Police advice on route of cortege and road closures

THE Memorial Service for Dr  Myles Munroe and Pastor Ruth Munroe, Founders of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, will be held today at 6pm at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.

The state-recognised funeral service will be held on tomorrow at 11am at the Diplomat Center - Carmichael Road.

The police have advised that they will provide motorcycle escorts for their bodies from Bethel Brothers Morticians, Nassau Street, to Bahamas Faith Ministries International Carmichael Road, setting off at 8.30am today. as well as for the family for the official viewing at BFM and back today.

Escorts will also be provide for the family to the stadium and back, as well as for Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage and Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.

The bodies will be escorted from Bethel Brothers heading south on Nassau Street to Thompson Boulevard, south on Thompson Boulevard to the six-legged roundabout, to Bethel Avenue, south along Bethel Avenue to Sir Milo Butler Highway, south along Sir Milo Butler Highway to Carmichael Road, east on Carmichael Road to Bahamas Faith Ministries.

The route from the church to the cemetery will take the cortege west on Carmichael Road to Sir Milo Butler Highway, north onto Sir Milo Butler Highway to the Round-About at Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, west on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway to JF Kennedy Drive to the area of the Red Cross where the motorcade will form into a procession and travel west along JF Kennedy Drive onto Gladstone Road concluding at Lakeview Cemetery.

ROAD CLOSURES

From 4pm today, the following streets will be closed until after the Memorial Service:

• Bahamas Games Boulevard - between Yellow Elder Way and Moss Road.

• Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre Road - between Thompson Boulevard and Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

From 9am tomorrow, the following streets will be closed until after the funeral service:

• Carmichael Road between Mermaid Boulevard east and Mermaid Boulevard west

TRAFFIC DIVERSION

During the closure of Carmichael Road, traffic will be diverted south along Mermaid Boulevard east to Golden Gates Strait, west along Golden Gates Strait to Mermaid Boulevard west, west along Mermaid Boulevard to Carmichael Road. Where necessary, traffic will be diverted along Fire Trail Road, Allen Drive and Faith Avenue; the public is asked to plan alternative routes to avoid any disruption, from the in place traffic management, during the length of the service at the church and cemetery.

During the procession from the church vehicular traffic travelling along Carmichael Road, Faith Avenue North and South, Sir Milo Butler Highway, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, JF Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road will be diverted onto side streets for proper traffic management.

NO PARKING

From 6am tomorrow until after the church service, no vehicles will be permitted to park along the following streets:

• Carmichael Road between Mermaid Boulevard East and West - both sides.

• Sir Milo Butler Highway between Carmichael Road and Tonique Williams-Darling Highway - both sides.

• Tonique Williams-Darling between Sir Milo Butler Highway and John F Kennedy Drive - both sides.

• John F Kennedy Drive between Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and Gladstone Road - both sides.

• Gladstone Road between Bahamas Waste and JF Kennedy Drive - both sides.

PARKING

Parking will be permitted for persons attending the service at the following venues located on Carmichael Road:

• parking lot of Bahamas Christian Fellowship Centre.

• St Gregory’s Anglican Church.

• Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries.

• the parking lot of South West Cathedral,

• Cousin McPhee Cathedral

Buses will be used to transport persons from the mentioned location to the church every 15 minutes. Parking on the church grounds are for reserved vehicles only.

Shock around the world at crash

By ALESHA CADET

DR Myles Munroe was beloved by people around the world, and never was this more evident than when news of his tragic death on November 9 spread.

As devastating reports spread via social media that Dr Munroe was among the nine passengers who died in a deadly plane crash in Grand Bahama, religious ministers, celebrities and friends from all around the world joined Bahamians in mourning the loss of the well-known motivational speaker, author and founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries.

Dr Munroe, his wife Ruth and their party were heading to Freeport to attend the Global Leadership Forum, which he was to host. The crash occurred last Sunday afternoon and killed all nine people on board the private jet. The plane reportedly struck a crane at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, exploding on impact and crashing into the ground near a junkyard area.

Immediately following the confirmation of the crash, people took to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to offer condolences and quote some of Dr Munroe’s most memorable sayings.

“The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose,” was one of the many quotes used by people expressing their sadness over his unexpected death.

Here are some the messages that were posted on social media by celebrities and religious leaders:

Yolanda Adams, gospel singer and actress

“My heart is extremely heavy upon hearing of the passing of my Dear Friend Dr Myles Munroe and his Family and Staff. An Encourager and Inspirer to all He knew. May the LORD GRANT SOLACE AND COMFORT TO THOSE WHO MOURN WITH ME!! Love Yall, Yolanda.”

CeCe Winans, Grammy Award winning gospel singer:

“Praying for Myles Munroe Family. I know God is faithful and He will show Himself strong in this situation! Nothing takes Him by surprise :-)”

Myesha Chaney of Oxygen’s “Preachers of LA”

“RIP #MylesMonroe, thank you for sowing the knowledge of the Kingdom into my life. Some things we will never understand in this life. The passing of this Godly couple and their team if one of those things.”

Bishop Paul Morton of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

“Dr Myles Munroe said I will die empty he would preach 2 hrs while most do half that time he did 80 yrs of preaching in 40 yrs of preaching.”

Sherri Shepherd, comedian and actress

“Devastated at the death of Dr Myles Munroe & his wife Ruth & other members of his crew – met him & he was a true gentleman #RIP #angelsawait”

Tyler Perry, actor, director and screenwriter

“‘The poorest person in the world is the person without a dream’ – Dr Myles Munroe. No words, just heartbreak. My prayers and thoughts for Dr Myles Munroe and all aboard that tragic plane crash.”

Evelyn Lozada, “Basketball Wives” reality star

“Our deepest condolences to @mylesmunroe family, friends, and colleagues. #RIP #DrMylesMunroe #SoSad.”

Bishop TD Jakes

“There are few biblical clinicians who’s view of ministry wasn’t enriched in some way by this tremendous bible scholar. His voice changed the way we viewed the Kingdom! Dr and Mrs Myles Munroe and associates, gone but not forgotten! #DrMylesMunroe”

Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions NFL player

“My thoughts and prayers are go out to the family and friends of Dr Myles Munroe and the rest of the passengers on board of the plane crash.”

Benny Hinn, televangelist

“Pray for the family of Dr Myles and Ruth Munroe, as well as others killed in the Bahamas small plane crash.”

Creflo Dollar, World Changers Church International Founder

“Taffi and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth. We send our prayers and condolences to the Munroe family and all families affected in today’s tragic event.”

Bernice King, minister and youngest child of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr

“Whenever a Kingdom of God General (@mylesmunroe) is taken from us so abruptly, a cataclysmic shift is happening. Be still and know what God is saying to ‘The True Church’.”

Paula White, Christian evangelist and TV personality

“My prayers & heart go out to the family & friends of @mylesmunroe Dr Myles & Ruth Munroe, BFMI. He touched my life & the world for God!”

Fred Hammond, gospel singer

“Prayers for @mylesmunroe & his wife’s family & all the families of those on board the jet who perished with him. #brokenhearted”

Betty Wright, R&B singer and songwriter

“My heartfelt condolences to family and ministry of Pastor Myles Munroe, reportedly, along with wife,was Killed in plane crash. #Bahamas”

Heather Lindsey, founder of Pinky Promise

“Praying for Dr Myles Munroe’s family, friends & all of those who were on board the plane that crashed today. I find comfort in knowing that they are in the presence of our sweet Jesus.#RIPMylesMunroe”

College of The Bahamas saddened

THE College of The Bahamas family is deeply saddened by the loss of President and Founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Dr. Myles Munroe, OBE, his wife, Ruth, and seven others who perished in a plane crash in Grand Bahama on Sunday, November 9.

The college has, for many years, shared a connection with Bahamas Faith Ministries International and the institution is the better for it. Dr Munroe lived what he preached. His teachings on leadership and purpose are reflected in his recent gift to the college in support of an impending Caribbean Leadership Education and Development Conference. He was also our commencement speaker in 2010 and espoused the principles of successful and impactful leadership.

Dr Munroe was an internationally respected visionary and leader par excellence whose gentle spirit, yet purposeful strength left an enduring impact on those whom he met, mentored, befriended and led. His teachings have reverberated among world leaders, spiritual shepherds and industry titans.

President Rodney D Smith and Dr Christina Smith join the college community in extending condolences to Dr and Mrs Munroe’s children, Charisa and Chairo, their family and the membership of Bahamas Faith Ministries International.

The college’s Counselling and Health Services Department is offering grief counselling to the members of the College community.

Additionally, our counsellors will also offer assistance and support to members of Bahamas Faith Ministries International.

Tribute to my friends and the BFM family

The homecoming - as the bodies of those killed in the plane crash are returned to Nassau. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

By PASTOR DR WILFRED T ADDERLEY, SR

THE Psalmist said: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1).

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

How do you begin to give thanks in tragedy like the fatal jet crash this past Sunday which claimed the lives of Dr Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth, Dr Richard Pinder, Pastor Lavard (Manifest) Parks and his wife Radel and their son Johannan, the pilots Thurston and Cooper and a visitor from the US. Many questioned asking: “Why did God allow this to happen to them, His servants who were on His assignment? Where was God?”

It is of such situations that David and Paul are speaking of; from their experiences in a world of sin, with Satan, the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). He is as a roaring lion roaming about seeking to devour whomever he can (1 Peter 5:8). This spiritual foe and the reports of bad weather for air travel combined, I believe, caused this crash.

Therefore, human miscalculations and also poor visibility, notwithstanding that the adversary Satan with some power over the elements of nature (Job 1:19) took advantage of the situation. In God’s permissive will, He allowed it for more eternal reasons that we are hesitant to accept; a tragic death, but in Christ.

The truth is these nine precious souls have sealed their eternal destiny on mission for Christ. Therefore, they are in a better position than any person who is alive because we who are alive can die in our sins or on Satan’s ground. According to Matthew 24:44, Jesus told us: “Be ye also ready.”

Revelation 14:13 says: Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write! Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.”

I believe they are all resting peacefully in the loving arms of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our soon coming King. Let us listen to Jesus in His prayer for His 12 Apostles and for His people today.

He said: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (St. John 17:15). He prayed further: “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours” (John 17:9). Then Jesus ended His prayer on the matter of God protecting His people in these words: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world”(John 17:16). In these statements it is clear that dying in Christ is better than living a life in sin and worldliness, or fulfilling the pleasures of the flesh.

I know of persons who had premonitions or dreams about this fatal tragedy before it happened.

One young lady dreamt of a pretty bouquet of flowers in her room and while questioning how they got there, she was drawn to her bedroom window and saw beautiful flowers outside swaying in the wind. On the ground before the flower plants was the wreckage of a crashed jet with mutilated bodies lying on the ground. The other young lady said an angel told her to gather the people of the Bahamas and pray because calamities are going to strike the nation; she saw fire come from the sky and after this a heavy downpour of rain. The angel told her that people must be praying and must be ready. Both dreams were seen about seven days before November 9, 2014.

About 5.07pm that Sunday I had the premonition of seeing a light moving across an overcast sky and colliding with a high pole sticking up in the air. I jumped out of my sleep, saw the time and said: “Oh, I must get to the square.” Then I heard like a voice whisper “Dr Myles Munroe”. As I lay for a while contemplating if Dr Munroe would be available to lead a prayer for our special prayer service in the square for parents, children, youth and the family, the voice said: “If he is not available, fill in someone else, ask Pastor Francis”. Then I said to myself, I could ask my schoolmate Pastor Richard Pinder, not knowing that this was not to be.

I believe the Lord sent these dream experiences to confirm this tragedy, but also to give a wake-up call to all Bahamians that the nation needs a national revival. Every day, for 187 days since May 12, we have been praying in the square for the healing of our people and our nation, the Bahamas. Therefore, in memory of Dr Munroe, who I knew as Peter, my junior school friend Dr Richard Pinder and his wife, my senior schoolmate Pastor Lavard, Radel and Johannan Parks, my friends of music and the other persons who have passed on and now to my entire Bahamas Faith Ministry family, who mourn, I do extend heart-felt condolences on behalf of my wife and family, the Bahamas Public Prayer Ministry and the Redemption SDA Church family.

Trust in the Lord always and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, for He shall strengthen you, wait I say on the Lord”. (Ps. 27:14).

Jesus and His angel said: “Keep on praying”, as “weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5)

May you find comfort in these words and may their souls rest in peace.

Press Club sends its condolences

IT IS with heavy hearts that we, the members of The Bahamas Press Club 2014, join the Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Bahamians and the peoples of the world in mourning the passing of DrMyles Munroe and his wife, Ruth, Dr Richard Pinder and the other six people who died in Sunday’s plane crash in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

In a chaotic world where complacency has become the order of the day and leaders and their emissaries try to negotiate peace treaties in an effort to ensure their own economic stability, Dr Munroe was a loud global voice, proclaiming the Kingdom message of God, The Creator.

However, we mourn not with sadness or regrets, because in Dr Munroe’s own words, he did the job that he was placed here to do and he was finished. He had emptied himself.

May he rest in peace.

Anthony Newbold

President, The Bahamas Press Club

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?

By PASTOR MARIO MOXEY

WHY did God allow Dr Myles Munroe, Ruth Munroe, Dr Rich Pinder, Manifest, Radel Parks, Jojo Parks, Captain Thurston and Frakhan to die in that crash? Why didn’t God protect them as He said in His Word that He watches over us? Why?

These are extremely riveting questions, so allow me to share my thoughts regarding this nationally painful experience.

I am always encouraged by what Dr Myles taught me, “Life is not measured by duration but rather by donation”. Our assignment in life is to die, finished. By “finished” I mean dying completely empty, having achieved our God given purpose. Our goal is not to fill everyone else’s cup but to empty our own cup.

Could it be that Jesus died at age 33 because He was finished? Could it be that Martin Luther King, Jr died at age 39 because he was finished? Could it be that Myles Munroe died at age 60 because he was finished? Could it be that Jojo died at age five because he was finished?

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (New International Version) – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

How are we supposed to respond to such tragedy?

I am also encouraged by the fact that even though I may not understand why certain things occur; life’s painful experiences provide an opportunity for my faith and trust in God to be strengthened. Am I like the man who built his house upon the sand and when the storms of life come, my house is blown away because my foundation is weak? Or am I like the man who built his house upon the rock and when the storms come, his house remained standing?

Wouldn’t we all desire to build our house upon the rock, Jesus Christ? Let’s learn to trust Him even when we can’t trace Him. We must learn that God heals all broken hearts and makes all things beautiful in His time.

Job 13:15 (New International Version) – “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”

For those of us who are in the faith, we weep in the hope that we will see them again.

I can imagine Dr Myles and Ruth holding hands and leaping through the grassy plains headed to church to a crazy Bahamian praise and worship service led by Mark.

I can see Dr Rich bursting into his infectious laugh as St Paul tells him a joke about a passage of scripture he taught at BFM.

I can also see Captain Thurston and Frakhan inspecting an angel’s wing as they marvel at God’s aviation wonder.

I can hear Jojo laughing and giggling as he is pulling his dad and mom, Lavard and Radel, into his new room in their brand new mansion while Radel, holding their newborn baby, completely blown away by what’s around her, lovingly looks into Lavard’s eyes and says, “For me”.

Yes Radel, for all of you. For all of you have fought the good fight, finished the race and have kept strong faith, right to the end. You have earned your mansions, for your labour has not been in vain.

Psalm 116:15 (New International Version) – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”

May their souls rest in peace.