Diocesan Council President of the Anglican Church Men (ACM) Dwight Gibson, fourth right, along with a team of his executives in Exuma after the induction of new members and the installation of officers in the branch in Exuma. The branch had been inactive for a number of years. (Photo: Anglican church men)

Catechist Daniel Deal has been inducted as president of the revived Exuma Anglican Church Men (ACM) organization on that island, and he and his team were encouraged by Keith Cartwright, archdeacon of the Southern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands with responsibility for the churches in Exuma, to take their rightful places in both the church and the wider community.

Cartwright told them that they needed to become men of prayer, knowing the scripture beyond just reciting a few verses from the Bible, while at the same time not neglecting their roles in the home as husbands and fathers.

The archdeacon said that, when they look at the current state of the Bahamian society, now more than ever are the men are called upon to be the leaders that God has ordained them to be. He said with a reliance on God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit they could make a difference -- not just in their communities or the country, but the world.

Also comprising the ACM are Theodore Lewis, vice-president at large; Peter Burrows, area vice-president; Howard Bethel, Sr., area vice-president; Tracey Styles, area vice-president; Crispin Sturrup, area vice-president; Dejuan Strachan, assistant secretary; Rodney Lightbourne, treasurer; Dezon Curry, Sr., assistant treasurer; Catechist Patrick Symonette, chaplain; and Howard Bethel, Jr., assistant chaplain.

The slate of officers was expanded by one person due to the entire island forming one single parish and utilizing regional vice presidents to oversee the function of the organization in the different areas of the island.

The installation of officers was held during the service of Solemn Evensong, Sermon and Benediction, which was observed within the Octave of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul by Father Ethan Ferguson and assisted by the Diocesan Council President Dwight Gibson.

Having been inactive for many years, the new officers receive instruction by members of the executive council out of New Providence in a number of areas which included the new constitution; duties and responsibilities of the various offices; the importance of timely and effective reporting; the annual general meeting and conference and as well as the dues structure.

Gibson was assisted in updating the new members by Trevor Bethel, Diocesan Council vice-president; Kenric Major, secretary; Ken O'Brien, assistant treasurer; Theophilus Glinton, chaplain; and Godfrey Arthur, who has responsibility for membership growth and retention, along with communications.

The Diocesan Council president assured the parish president and the entire branch of the council's unconditional and unwavering support and reminded them that help and assistance are only a phone call or e-mail away. He commended them for the bold initiative and encouraged them to continue to support their rector and his ministry, to reach out to the young men of the community, and to maintain fellowship one with the other.

President Deal expressed gratitude for the support and prayerful encouragement he received. He also challenged the men of Exuma to remain diligent, faithful and committed to the work of the organization on that island; he said there is a lot of work to be done and, with God's help and the constant support of the membership, their goals will be achieved.

Deal pledged to serve faithfully to do his best.

While on Exuma, President Gibson and his team worshipped with the congregation of St. Margaret in Hart's as well as the people of St. Andrew in George Town.

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