The devil destroys society through men who do not do what they are supposed to do. When they do not take an interest in the home and their children, they cannot take their place in church and in civil society, according to Reverend Laish Boyd, bishop of the Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Boyd, who serves as patron of the Anglican Church Men (ACM), preached the sermon during a service to recognize men from various parishes within the diocese who separated themselves through exemplary and distinguished service to their respective branches.

Twenty-two men received the Bishop Michael Eldon Medal of Distinction in recognition of their service to the organization.

Boyd said when men do not take their places, a weakness ensues.

Coupled with that, he said if women do not support their men, society cannot be what it is supposed to be.

"All must realize that God has a place for them in His scheme of things, and when we do not assume that place, it results in the negative impacts on society that we are presently experiencing today," said Boyd.

He said there are far too many homes where the men are absent and the women are left to bear the burden of raising children on their own, which he said underscores the need for vibrant ministries such as the ACM in the churches and the wider communities.

Boyd said it all begins with God, that faith is the key to people's response to God, and that there needs to be diligence.

"All that we have, all that we seek to achieve, and all we may wish to become - it all starts with God," said Boyd. "He must remain the preeminent figure in our lives and should remain the focal point of all of our thoughts and actions. God is the source of all that we are and all we seek to become."

As far as faith is concerned, he said the promise of God does not begin with the law but with people's individual response to God.

"It is our heart and our commitment that really matters," he said. "We are to seek first the Kingdom of God."

He urged the people present to question whether they had done that.

And that in the time of Jesus, when he stayed behind in Jerusalem after his family had left to return home, that Jesus' parents were diligent in seeking to find him. He said there needs to be diligence on people's part as they strive to fulfill their responsibilities and become good stewards.

"We should see ourselves as a part of the solution and not a part of the problem," said Boyd.

The service was held at Christ Church Cathedral on March 18, the eve of the Feast of St. Joseph of Nazareth, patron saint of the ACM of the twin-nation diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Reverend Harry Bain, dean of Nassau and rector of the Cathedral, reminded the ACM that God has called them to be leaders in the church and that men have a vital role to play. He said, from the very beginning, God created men to be the head of the family, with the responsibility to be the leaders, providers and protectors. And that it only follows that the same leadership and service should be extended to the church.

Bain said throughout the Bible, there are many examples of men, though imperfect, who were called by God to lead His people like Abraham, Moses, David, and the Apostle Paul, who were faithful, selfless, obedient and committed to their work.

He told the men that they played a crucial role in building lives in their communities and have left an indelible mark on the history of the church. And that it was important for men to step up to the plate and do their part in building communities.

Gevon Moss, ACM council president, said his members are presented daily with a unique opportunity to make a difference like their patron saint Joseph made a difference. He said the tribute-to-men event and bestowing the honor of the Bishop Michael Eldon Medal, could not have come at a more opportune time.

"We seek to recognize the significant contributions made by ACM members across the Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. We recognize the tremendous investment in time, talent, and resources that, over the years, our honorees, in their own way, have contributed to the success and improvements to our organization, the church, community and nation. The narrative of what is wrong is always easy, sometimes we miss the opportunity to say what is right. We use this opportunity to showcase, applaud and recognize our brothers who continue doing the best they can in improving the lives of so many."

Moss said each honoree was selected and nominated by their branch and the nominations were reviewed by the central council, and that the council saw it fit to bestow one of its highest honors to each of the recipients.

He said it is on the shoulders of each honoree that the ACM continues to see how far it has to go to enhance the ministry and that he looked forward to their continued contributions to the work of the ACM organization. He said they are stronger because of their strength, commitment, and actions.

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