New Category : Opinion

What it takes to be an effective ambassador

What it takes to be an effective ambassador

Thu, Aug 10th 2017, 10:57 AM

To be an effective ambassador there are several prerequisites. The first is to be effectively trained and discipled in the laws, policies, procedures and protocol of your kingdom and country. If you are not well versed in these you will be a poor ambassador, which is why diplomats receive extensive training before they are lanced into their official assignment.
Your training begins with understanding who you are and who your leader or leaders are. In the Kingdom of God some persons who are not trained can misunderstand their identity. Jesus made a statement that we are sheep and He is the shepherd. While this is a true statement, there is another aspect of it for us to consider. Jesus' true identity was not sheep. He became a "lamb" in order to be slaughtered or sacrificed for us, but His true identity is a lion. We go into the world not as lambs, but lions. We are sheep to Jesus but lions to everyone else.
People are not attracted to sheep -- sheep are docile and look for leadership. They are easily taken advantage of and seldom resist. Jesus said we may take on the appearance of sheep, but our true identity is a lion because He is the lion from Zion, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and we operate under His authority. We are meek, but not weak. This may seem like a simple point, but if you don't know your true identity then you will be taken advantage of. Jesus also said we should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. In other words, we are trained to be shrewd, perceptive and wise, but we are not belligerent or obnoxious in the process. We represent effectively because we have been trained in diplomatic protocol.
We are sheep to God, but lions to everyone else.
Ambassadors must undergo training such as outlined below (based upon the United States Foreign Service requirements): Most diplomats are Foreign Service Officers (FSO). Every FSO must pass the Foreign Service Exam, which consists of a written exam, an oral interview, a negotiating exercise, grueling exams, medical checkup, security clearance, in order to be asked to join the distinguished ranks of the foreign service.
It is said that the foreign service is more selective than Harvard University. If you make it into the service the next stop is the Department of State's National Foreign Affairs Training Center for A-100, a 10-week introduction to the Department of State and work as a Foreign Service Officer. They probably also spend time at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) to take foreign language classes in preparation for traveling to their new post. There may also be classes on the history and culture of the region, specific diplomatic functions or skills, and important issues on human rights.
Your post is related to your background (passion and focus), gifts (talents) and training.
An ambassador's role is an extremely important role and one not to be entered into lightly or flippantly. Ambassadors are highly trained, and even after they are trained they received constant briefings. The purpose of the church is similar to that of an embassy -- the diplomats gather to be briefed in kingdom policy and strategy, and then they go out into the world and represent the kingdom in whatever environment they are assigned to.
Once you are properly trained and inducted as an ambassador you are given the title of ambassador extraordinary plenipotentiary and assigned a diplomatic mission. A person's post is related to their background, gifts and training. This is why the most effective ambassadors are those who have had a hands-on view of their environment. A former drug addict is often the best choice to help other addicts once they have been trained and have thoroughly accepted the discipline associated with their new life. If you come from the business world you are probably best suited to reach businessmen and represent the king in the business community.
Ambassadors are trained and given a specific list of duties, including protecting citizens who are in their country of residence; looking out for their interests, promoting trade and economic activity beneficial to their home country, promoting peace, holding diplomatic briefings (Jesus gave constant briefings to His disciples), attending official functions, negotiating treaties and deals, issuing visas (consular officers), issuing communications on behalf of the government (kingdom), and issuing diplomatic notes.
Diplomatic notes are of particular importance because they are one of the strongest forms of inter-governmental communication. A diplomatic note according to the dictionary is a letter of protest and is written in a highly formal manner, intended to be both courteous and critical at the same time. In order to express exceptionally strong anger towards a foreign government's policy, a letter of protest would say, "We condemn this action in the strongest possible terms." It can also be used to clearly deliver various warnings to the recipient government, up to, and including, ultimatums. In turn, some such ultimatums can be, in effect, considered a formal declaration of war by those who sent them in the event that they are ignored or flouted by the recipients.
Training is essential for the diplomat. As believers -- Kingdom citizens, diplomats and ambassadors, we must truly understand our identity and our assignment, because failure to do so can result in misrepresentation and ultimately may lead to war or chaos and bring dishonor to our king.

o Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.

Should your child comply or conform
Should your child comply or conform

Thu, Aug 10th 2017, 10:56 AM

Will you be proud when your eulogy is read
Will you be proud when your eulogy is read

Thu, Aug 10th 2017, 10:55 AM

Humble yourself
Humble yourself

Wed, Aug 9th 2017, 11:10 AM

Children's feet should not be treated like adults

Children's feet should not be treated like adults

Tue, Aug 8th 2017, 10:31 AM

We often think of and treat children like little adults. This is not recommended, so that we recognize the uniqueness of every child. Just as children cannot be treated as little adults, neither should their feet -- as every child is special, so are their feet.
Children's feet are different from adults because they are not yet fully formed. At birth and in early childhood, the feet are fat, round and floppy and will eventually grow and change into the shape we recognize as normal feet. At six months of age the child's foot is still mostly cartilage and some of the final bones do not start to form until age three. A child's foot will double in size by the age of one and is approximately half their adult length by 18 months. By age 18 years most bones in the body are fully formed.
During this period of development, a child's foot is flexible and is at risk of injury and deformity due to abnormal pressures from ill-fitting footwear. Care should be taken when choosing shoe types and shoe fitting for children.
Nearly all children appear to have flat feet when they first start walking. This is partly due to posture and fatty deposits in the foot. When babies walk, they have to balance a relatively large head and torso so they walk with the knees bent, legs wide apart and the feet turned outwards. Parents are often anxious about when their child will walk, but they must know their baby will walk when they are ready to walk. The average age to begin walking is 10 to 15 months. When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors, however, when walking outside or on rough surfaces the baby's feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials. On average, children's feet grow two sizes per year in the first four years of life, and one size per year thereafter until growth is complete, around age 14. This is not written in stone, however, and sometimes a child's foot may not grow for a considerable period of time and then grow several sizes quickly.
Many of the problems with children's feet are associated with growth, overuse, weight gain and postural changes. Genetics also play a crucial role in the development of your child's feet. Some children walk with their toes pointing inwards (in-toeing) and some outwards (out-toeing), and others even walk on their toes (toe-walking). It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of children have flat feet. Most children grow out of in-toeing, out-toeing and toe-walking by 24 months of age. If the child's feet are causing pain, discomfort or affecting mobility this is not normal, and all children with foot pain and any persistent foot complaint should be seen by a podiatrist.

When to see a podiatrist
Besides foot structure, the main cause of foot problems and possible deformities is ill-fitting footwear. If you notice any problems with your children's feet they should be seen by a podiatrist; foot problems may include foot, leg or heel pain, swelling, limping, flat feet, foot deformities, skin rashes, hard skin, lumps, bumps on the feet, nail complaints, tripping or stumbling, child not wanting to walk and asking to be carried instead. It is best to make an appointment to see your podiatrist if you have any of these concerns, other concerns, or questions about your child's feet. The podiatrist can help your child by providing a comprehensive examination, diagnosis of any foot problems, and then either managing the condition or referring to an appropriate consultant. Treatment may take the form of footwear prescription or advice, assessing how the foot functions, orthoses (special insoles) to be worn in the shoes, special shoes, bracing, etc. Researchers have found that giving correctional foot support to children with insoles or orthotics between the ages of two and five years of age can significantly improve foot development and functioning later in life. After age five, correctional support can help, but there can be no more changes to the basic foot structure.

Feet care tips
Always have your child's feet measured for length and width before buying shoes. Always fit shoes with the child standing, because the foot spreads on weight-bearing.
o Check the size of their socks and shoes regularly for fit, condition and wear. Check shoe sizes every one to three months up to age three, every four months to age five, every six months from five years onwards.
o If possible, do not put your child in the same shoes every day. Alternate the child's shoes to allow them to dry out, especially if the feet are sweaty.
o Be especially careful and check the feet after wearing new shoes, they can cause blisters and sores if they don't fit properly.
o Inspect feet regularly for inflamed nails, red pressure areas on the top of the toes, below the ankle bones and at the back of the heel.
o Good foot hygiene is vital. Wash their feet daily with simple soap and water and dry well, particularly between the toes. After drying, a small amount of talcum powder or moisturizer can be used. Some children have naturally sweaty feet, but smelly feet may be an indication of poor hygiene or an infection.
o Toenails should be inspected regularly and trimmed as required. Cut the nails straight across and never cut down into the corners or cut them too short.

o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996, or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport, Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.

Change is from the inside out
Change is from the inside out

Tue, Aug 8th 2017, 10:30 AM

Hearing milestones for preschoolers
Hearing milestones for preschoolers

Tue, Aug 8th 2017, 10:23 AM

Whatever we want has already happened
Whatever we want has already happened

Fri, Aug 4th 2017, 09:02 PM

Passenger tax - a tax on all their dreams

Passenger tax - a tax on all their dreams

Fri, Aug 4th 2017, 11:24 AM

What the Caribbean region needs is so simple: rapid, reliable mobility at reasonable rates. What makes it so difficult? It is almost as short and simple to explain. There are two players: the aviation industry and the governments. The aviation industry is not really the problem. They have the equipment and the crews. They have fixed costs and calculate what is needed to make a profit. One could argue about how cost-effective they are and what is considered a reasonable profit margin. And that's it. Yet, one should also consider the entrepreneurial risks they are taking.
On the other side, you have the governments. For one, they have no risks in the aviation operation. Just benefits. Yet, they want a random tax contribution per passenger, of no particular calculation. Mind that landing fees are different than taxes, and they do have a particular justification. So, what justifies the passenger tax? Inter-island or international, it doesn't make a difference.
Major airlines are polite to governments. They listen politely when representatives of tourism or airport authorities are courting or flirting, and trying to convince them to come on over. However, the operators don't tell governments where to go; they just don't put the destination on their schedule. Except for one airline, or rather one airline boss, who is well-known for telling anyone where to go, or in clear text expressing that 'they can shove it'.
Ryanair decided in October last year that it would drop 16 routes and 600 jobs after an Italian government's tax hike. It would also result in 800,000 client losses according to their calculations. Their explanation: "Ryanair had no choice but to close two of its 15 Italian bases, and move its aircraft, pilots and crews to countries that have lower tourism costs. The tax increase will seriously damage Italian tourism, and it would hand a golden opportunity for growth to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece that have lower tourism costs."
Governments love low cost carriers (LCC) because they lure tourists with low fares. Exactly for that reason, they believe that the LCC will bring the oh-so-desired passengers by the masses. Yet, then they slam the air passenger duty on top of the fares, to the extent that those are nearly double. Does that make sense? So, before the passengers don't show up and seats remain empty, the airline doesn't open a route or terminates it. That does make entrepreneurial sense!
A quote attributed to Leonardo da Vinci goes: "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Anyone who is less than a genius may tell you that when the taste of flight fare turns from sweet to bitter, he will not turn his eyes skyward in all directions anymore.
Governments can argue until they turn blue or green why a passenger tax is needed or why they believe it is justified. They may even feel proud when they believe that they won the argument. However, the tourists have the last word in determining what price is acceptable for their vacation budget. This is money that they had to work and save for a whole year, to make their dream retreat come true.
Taxes are not a dream incentive; they are a repellent. For tourists, there are plenty of options near and far in the geography, where the temperatures are warm, the platinum beaches are lined with palm trees, and where they are received with open arms. Governments can try to have it their way; but tourists for sure will find it their way... somewhere else.

o Cdr. Bud Slabbaert is the organizer of the annual Caribbean Aviation Meetup conference. He has a extensive background in aviation and business development, as well as in related journalism.

Underdeveloped minds
Underdeveloped minds

Fri, Aug 4th 2017, 11:00 AM

The art of public and political communication
The art of public and political communication

Thu, Aug 3rd 2017, 10:38 AM

God comes first
God comes first

Thu, Aug 3rd 2017, 10:30 AM

Cyber junkie
Cyber junkie

Thu, Aug 3rd 2017, 10:29 AM

Relationships with a big age difference

Relationships with a big age difference

Thu, Aug 3rd 2017, 10:27 AM

Is it okay to marry someone who is much older or younger than you are? My answer to this question is not to condemn or condone, but to cause one to think objectively. Truthfully, the actual number of years older or younger might be the concern. Then, it does not matter who is older -- the man or the woman. It all depends on your outlook on life, personal needs and philosophies. However, we are learning, through research, that great disparity in age may not be wise. Also, when it comes to great age difference, the age at the time when one gets married might also be important.
For example, if one partner is 20 years old and the other partner 35 years old, or 20 to 30 years older, this may not be wise. Both are at different maturity levels and will most likely view life differently. This can cause serious hiccups in the marriage. The younger one wants to get out and have fun with his or her energetic friends and the old one wants to settle down and stay at home or do more serious, non-energetic things.
Let me pause here and share my own view of age differences in marriage. First, it is my view that it does not matter who is older -- the man or the woman. The older women trend has been around for centuries. Second, it is my view that the age difference should not go beyond seven years to 10 years (male or female). Beyond that difference in age we get into generational differences and perhaps health and lifestyle differences and even life experiences that can be difficult to understand or explain to the younger one. Third, it is my view that couples should go through the lifestyle changes and adjustments together--menopause, andropause, retirement, fading energy, etc. Usually, a seven to 10-year age difference is not really that noticeable and even sometimes the older one can look younger and has more energy. This is with the understanding that, at the age of marriage, neither partner is an emerging adult--under the age of 25. As stated earlier, if one partner can be viewed chronologically a minor (18 to 25) although legally an adult, and the older one is 10 or 20 years older, this might be a great mistake. However, with the same age difference, but getting married at an older age, it may be less of a concern.
I encourage individuals who are falling in love with someone who is much older or younger to consider these points by psychologist Zawn Villines.
o "Love can be fickle, and we don't always fall for the right people. Sometimes a significant age gap makes a relationship impossible. If you get married to someone who is very young it might cause legal issues."
Don't be mesmerized by the beauty, sexiness or intelligence of the partner. Be real. Be objective in understanding that the great age difference is too large and might be harmful.
o "Before you begin a relationship with someone much younger or older than you, it's important to make a careful assessment of your motivations. Love knows no age, but if you date only people who are members of a different generation, it might reveal something about your approach to relationships. While people who date only people much younger or older than them owe no one an explanation, it may be helpful to consider underlying reasoning. Some who date only much older people may be seeking a parental figure more than a romantic partner. They may be insecure about finances and thus want to be with someone established in his or her career. If you have a history of dating people who are significantly younger than you, maybe you like feeling like your partner admires your experience, or perhaps you're just not physically attracted to other people your age."
If you insist to marrying someone who is much older or younger than you are, Villines wants you to consider the following:
o "No matter how understanding you are, it's likely that you're going to bump up against some generational differences. You might have different political views, find each other's music obnoxious, or have no understanding of historical events that profoundly influenced your partner's life. Bridge this difference by probing deeper and making a concerted effort to understand your partner's viewpoint. A big age difference provides you with valuable opportunities to learn about alternative perspectives and experiences."
o "Although age differences can create some challenges in your relationship, focusing too much on age can backfire. While you need to be understanding of generational differences, attributing every disagreement to your partner's age can leave you both feeling self-conscious and misunderstood. If you frequently tell your partner his or her age doesn't matter, your partner might end up feeling like age is a significant issue, or even that you're in the relationship specifically because of the age difference."
If you find yourself having to explain to others the age difference between you and your partner, or you often feel embarrassed about the age difference, then it would be foolish of you to get married to each other. That would be a built-in recipe for disaster.
A July 2016 Glamour Magazine article by Ashley Ross states, "Couples with a big age difference need to think things through or risk finding themselves at conflicting stages in their relationship."
Don't let the need for sex urge you into getting married, or the fear of getting too old lure you into a trap of making a poor decision. Take your time. Think clearly.

o Barrington H. Brennen is a marriage and family therapist and board certified clinical psychotherapist. Send your questions or comments to barringtonbrennen@gmail.com or write to P.O. Box CB-13019, Nassau, The Bahamas, or visit www.soencouragement.org or call 242-327-1980 or 242-477-4002.

Work together for the common good
Work together for the common good

Thu, Aug 3rd 2017, 10:25 AM

Our politics remains too juvenile
Our politics remains too juvenile

Wed, Aug 2nd 2017, 11:40 AM

The PLP's reality
The PLP's reality

Wed, Aug 2nd 2017, 11:39 AM

Stop the blame game
Stop the blame game

Wed, Aug 2nd 2017, 11:38 AM