by Delmas Campbell, Bermuda Institute At the end of the ten days they looked better and more robust than all the others who had been eating from the king's menu. God gave these four young men knowledge and skill in both books and life. At the end of their training, the head of the royal staff brought them to Nebuchadnezzar.
When the king interviewed them, he found them far superior to all the other young men. None were a match for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. … So they took their place in the king’s service. Whenever the king consulted them on anything, on books, or on life, he found them ten times better than all ... put together. Daniel 1: 18 – 20.
The ballroom setting was augmented by the presence of the head of state, dignitaries of various levels, business executives and a bevy of other notable officials. The occasion was not to celebrate or promote the virtues and benefits of Christian education, however, one’s eye could hardly miss the delegation from the local Adventist Conference. Their table was noticeable different: the wine glasses were empty and instead of shrimp cocktail, they enjoyed a serving of fresh fruits.
This grand occasion, however, was to recognize and award those individuals who had distinguished themselves in the rendering of unselfish service to the people and community of Bermuda. Though not on the list of honorees, a sextet of young men who had matriculated through the ranks of the schools of the prophets were called to share the spotlight.
Months of careful preparation had led to the selection of the esteemed and well-renowned U. S congressman James Clyburn to be the speaker of the hour, but due to severe weather his plane was diverted back to the U.S while enroute to Bermuda. In what one could call serendipity or better yet, divine intervention, the young man, Dr. Stanley James, who only hours before had proclaimed the word of God with power and zeal, now stood to address this august body as its keynote speaker. Dr. James, a graduate of Bermuda Institute and Loma Linda University, spoke of the current spike of gun violence in Bermuda carried out by young black men, in the context of broken dreams that are embraced by disillusioned dreamers. His speech was laced with eloquence and it challenged the community at large to reach out to the disillusioned by paving the path so that broken dreams may yet become visions of hope. Moments later, it was announced that Dr. James, a medical doctor, would be leading the team from Bermuda for relief work in Haiti the following day. A crescendo of applause was given to this modern Daniel who had honored God in the sight of heaven, and who God in return had honored before me.
Unexpectedly, the Deputy Premier of Bermuda was then called to recognize the efforts of brothers Dwayne, Wayne, and Travis Caines, legal researcher, with ASW Law Firm along with their comrade and friend, Dr. Lou Matthews (PhD) for their initiative in fighting against gang violence. The Caines brothers all thirteen years at Bermuda Institute (K thru 12) and completed their education at Oakwood University. Matthews graduated from Bermuda Institute and completed his undergraduate degree at Atlantic Union College. Their bold stand against violence and a burning desire to help young people compelled them to form the organization Rise Up Bermuda. Deputy Premier Cox used the acronym SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive) to describe the innovative and profound impact this organization is already having on the community.
Philanthropist Philip Rego, another recipient of Christian education, that he began at Bermuda Institute, and founder of Feed my Lamb Ministries, was applauded for his stellar work in Haiti. He, too, was set to board the humanitarian flight along with a team of medical professionals to assist the people of Haiti, especially the children who resided in his two orphanages. The local Bermuda community has rallied to support this Adventist Christian young man.
It was a night designed to honor those who had rendered service to their fellowmen, but it became a showcase for those how had been instructed in the ways of the Lord. Their parents had seen to it that their children were taught by the Lord and in return the God of heaven had elevated them among the honored positions of men. Dwayne Caines currently serves as the Media Relations Manager for the Bermuda Police Service. Wayne Caines holds the position of CEO for Digicel, Bermuda. Brother Travis Caines and Dr. Lou Matthews was recently assigned as Director of Standards and Accountability for the Ministry of Education…
The honoring of these young men was a clear testimony that “a noble character is the result of self-discipline… the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.” They demonstrated that their “strength, time, intellect, are but lent treasures that belong to God and … every youth should put them to the highest use.” Throughout their years of Christian education they embraced the eternal principle that “every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God and the uplifting of humanity.” (Education pages 57,58.) The cost of Christian education may be paid back over a period of time, but the rewards and results can only be measured in eternity.
Identify at least ten persons in this photo including the person sitting in the front (holding the flowers) as well as the venue to enter into a chance to WIN one of five AMAZING PRIZES. Click Here to submit your entries before 30 October 2009. *Conference workers are not eligible to enter. [Archive]
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