Caribarena Antigua The Best Caribbean News Portal

JK » 2012-07-09 16:25

while i am happy for the concern of Ms. Spencer I thought perhaps she should have taken it to the leaders before posting it to the media. The Seventh day Adventist church throughout history has received heavy scrutiny of which i have no problem with. It mean that the church is being held to a high standard. I don't think the problems remains only with the Adventist church but the nation of youths. The church try its best to mold the youths in the right direction. however the responsibility is also with us as parents and as a society to help molding the right characters in these youths. the behavior of youths today is definitely a concern with the changing of the ages and new accepted norms. We all have to come together to figure out the best way to help them this blaming thing can not work and will not work. Interestingly enough this issue is now coming out am wondering though if there are many others out there who share the view that Ms. Spencer shared

**Michelle** » 2012-05-20 16:45

The High Priest in the days of Jesus had their standards which they held so high that they nailed Jesus to the cross to keep it high. Standards are important but not as important as having Jesus Christ living inside your heart.

When people begin to jump to conclusions then we become judges. First find out what is the truth before saying anything. Both sides I am asking for Mrs. Spencer and her daughter to give me a call. This is one week and still, I am waiting.
We have a standard in our church and we have principals to live by. However what are these without having Jesus living in me.
My point is that we all have faults, make mistakes and we all have asked for forgiveness. Then let us deal with the matter in a Christlike manner and not be arguing about who is wrong and right.

What I or you think is not important. God will deal with this matter and His name will be glorified and honoured above every name.

**Chriscart** » 2012-05-20 00:06

Clearly this lady is not an Adventist but seem to have grown accustomed to true Adventism over the years. Secondly; she did say she made a few futile attempts to contact the church about this situation. based some of the response i am seeing here i can only conclude that the church had the opportunity to arrest the situation before now (not to come here to defend it ) Finally, the grace and love of God while applicable to everything does NOT apply in the same way to all !! there MUST be some standards as to how one atire themselves when coming to the house of God! while we cant and wont stop anyone from entering even if they are coming from a dance hall there must be a difference in how we treat each. Dont speak rubbish about Mary, thats a totally different situation involving forgiveness which did not give mary the right to trample upon the principles of God. we should not judge nor seek to condemn but holding the church to a high standard is neither

**Michelle** » 2012-05-19 22:38

Dear Heidi & Margaret,

One thing is important is how we deal with issues. There are two sides to a story all I am saying now is: John 8:7 "So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." None of us are perfect. I am not taking up for these young people.
Before you jump to any conclusions on this article, I ask that you first know the facts. Then pray about it. How Jesus deal with sinful humans is never to shame them but love them and transform them. I am and I am sure you both are for the way jesus deals with people.
When He lifted and saved Mary from being stoned to death, He said go and sin no more! I love the Lord because He has saved me to love others. I am sure you both love Him too!! Let us seek to transform people with love like Jesus and not how mankind does it.

I have given out my number asking Mrs. Spencer and her daughter to call me. I am still waiting for them to call me. Please get in touch with me Mrs. Spencer.

Kind regards,
Michelle
Cell: 773-8716

**Margaret** » 2012-05-19 12:24

The way adventists ladys dress nowadays (not only the young) really disturbs my conscience. Instead of being of an example to their children many mothers dress in short skirts because it's in style. I live in France and it's the same problem. Christians are supposed to be a "special people" (sanctified: put apart) that they may be an example to others. Most times the leaders don't want to offend members so they leave things continue that way. Jesus is coming soon. Adventists "awaiting the second coming of Jesus" in that position.

**Heidi Carson** » 2012-05-16 17:25

I am saying the same thing on all these related articles. When young people refuse to adhere to the rules/dress code.... SEND THEM HOME.
If they genuinely cannot afford long skirts, the church members should provide genuine help. If their behaviours/dres s are not in accordance with the Club's standards... SEND THEM HOME!
And this should apply to certain things in school also.
By SENDING THEM HOME, both parents and children will do better as long as they want good.
We need to reflect and see how this world is going and stop Petting up wrong!

**Michelle** » 2012-05-13 07:08

Dear Dessalines,

The issue is not the Sabbath but the clothing. However since you have mentioned the Sabbath as not being Biblical. I will show you from the Bible that is is.
In Mark 15: 42 talks about the preparation the day before the Sabbath. Mark 16: 1 -2 talks about after the Sabbath very early in the morning the first day of the week. Most people celebrate Easter Weekend. All know that Friday is good Friday or Crucifiction Day and Sunday is Easter Sunday. The Sabbath is between those two days. Therefore we worship on Sabbath because God command us to.

In regards to the this article, I have asked Mrs. Spencer's daughter to give me a call as soon as possible.

God bless!!

**SlyThatGuy** » 2012-05-06 13:01

Since the author failed to specify, I cannot say any thing about the behavior of those young ladies. But is there anything wrong with the length of the skirts they're wearing? Absolutely not! But I am glad for this because people will see how some religious people will try to impose(force)th eir own views on churchgoers and the rest of society. The main reason for appealing to the leader of the Adventist Church is to get him or her to suppress the girls. Suppressing its members is how the church gains control over every aspect of a member's life. The trouble is,they think they know what is best for all of us,but they don't.

**Lady K** » 2012-05-06 11:19

Ms. Spencer I appreciate you speaking out about SDA youth dress code. What do you think about the youths dress code in general because almost all of the youths attends a church. Why are some persons lashing out on the Sabbath here? Is it that God's Sabbath bothering persons. The Bible clearly state that Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath. God's word is binding and stands forever.
Parents, you have a role to play also in the upbringing of your children. Let us as parents, teachers, leaders and concern community help.

**Bouzie Martin** » 2012-05-06 10:46

I am an11year old pathfinder and I am ashame of them.The church teaches good principles but we need to put them to practice.

**debbie usa** » 2012-05-05 20:07

The bible says "train up a child" that also mean being an example. Hats off to Ms Spencer for her bold step. We need leaders who isn't afraid to call sin by it's name. Those young people need proper direction. If you were coming to stay in my home-there'll be rules you have to live by. The club also have rules they need to follow. We need to stop trying to please our children and leading them down the wrong path. Let Christ be the center of our lives and the young people will thank us for leading and guiding them the right way. Pray for us all.

**Watchman on the wall** » 2012-05-05 17:49

Satan is constantly devising some new style of dress that shall prove an injury to physical and moral health;and he exults when he sees professed Christians eagerly acccepting the fashions hat he has invented.IF we find ourselves condemned as we look into the mirror[CHRIST,T HE TEN COMMANDMENTS] and contemplate the infinite sacrifice let us not venture further in transgression,b ut face rightabout and wash our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb,that they may be spotless.

**Frank Casimiri** » 2012-05-05 17:07

I personally belief that the one that posted this issue should have contacted
any one of the leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Chusch before having it publicied. I think her statement was more to warn the youth by the way they dress in order to avoid being a solid weapon of atraction over those that are walking around with a weak and distructive mind for sexual inter-
course. No matter how good and how strong and possitive we think our youth can be, let us never forget that Sata is able to set a trap that
looks so nice, sweet and atractive that it is impossible to reject or deny.
Remember that what we as veterance has gone through these youth has not experienced. It is our duty to warn them about the dangers of life and dont let us pretend that they have to be in and with the modern style. By God's grace let us as leaders and parents guide our youth in the right way. They can be in style but in a moderate way. God bless you all dear young people.

**Joe Shafer** » 2012-05-05 16:50

The Devil wants us to live in the flesh and not the spirit. Spirit driven people or youth will not be focused on the flesh. keeping a skirt lenght that best represents a christian is not an issue . However people living in the flesh will always try to justify sin. today we tolerate everything and stand for nothing. SO!, Young people , stand out and stand up for what you believe.

**concern member** » 2012-05-05 14:13

Dear Ms. spencer
The lord said render your heart and not your garments. Let god be the judge, you don`t judge us.At Clear Hall SDA Church we have a good clean hearts.

Thanks For Your Concern but please do not judge us :-)

**sylvia** » 2012-05-05 13:25

I live in North America were our young people are so influenced by sex, that the church looks like a joke to them. The same issues you are going through, we have too, but let me say this it all starts in the home, our leaders cannot manage their homes, they cannot manage the church, our parents are getting younger which means that their values and morals are not the same as their parents or thier grandparents. Children live what they are taught. If my mother does not have an issue with me dressing "sexy"" why should I care what the church things most of the time my parents buy what I wear. Parents need to make a positive stand for their children and leaders need to stop being wishy washy and make a stand for the church. Every one has the the right to voice their opinion, it is to bad some of us forget that Jesus is our Lord and Savior before we attack freedom of speech. Those who are quick to attach and stand up on a rostrom and speak of Jesus you need to pray harder, those who do not make a stand and try to smooth things over just to make peace need to pray also. We need to pray for each other and let Jesus lead us. God Bless and keep you all.

**Calista** » 2012-05-05 11:55

You people are sick. I love the way these girls look they are so sexy. As adults we are fearful of jealous of the sexual items, but when we talk about the Adam and the Eve God made them naked. Sin has caused us not to appreciate our nakedness. Our Adventists girls are now like the Catholic girls who look sexy in their uniforms. Do you want your girls to become lesbonic and spinsters? Leave the children alone. The fashions today may look like **, nut it is just a sign of the times. At least they are not drinking and smoking the dope. These people are young. Just because you are old ashy and dusty it is no tool to hate on the young girls.

**Parrent** » 2012-05-03 20:11

Take Heed, i would ask you to take heed and be sure that you and other negative members like yourself have good or better characters. Antigua and Barbuda is a free country and we look our for our children. So, i am sure society will now be watching you leaders even more and will be reporting it YES, PUBLICLY IF FORCED TO

**Looking out** » 2012-05-03 19:45

This happens to be a very nasty fight for the entire Christian Community. I am watching to see how the seventhday adventists deal with this one because this is some deep XXXX!

Leaders with questionable characters, LOOK OUT! people are watching and we have the freedom of speech. If you know you are not living right, do not take up any leadership position in church because church is expected to lead by example - that cannot be denied.

**Mr. Henry** » 2012-05-03 19:35

Take Heed sounds like a Badventist fu true. One who either want to have their own way or one who usually gets their own way.

After the nice SDA member give such a good response to the issue on behalf of the church, why would another member want to come here to mess up that good opportunity to put this to rest? My only answer is that you (Take Heed) has something to defend.

Let us hope that Take Heed is not one of the leaders, or the leader being spoken of here.

**Molwyn** » 2012-05-03 19:29

I believe a lot of people are hurting from this but I also believe that God reveals things at times for important reasons. Our children are our future and because some of them are a challenge to deal with we urgently need leaders of good character, leaders with backbone, leaders with God's principles at the forefront!

I pray that the Clare Hall SDA church will really take this seriously and not sweep it under the rug. Our churches are there to aid the development of our society. Antigua and Barbuda is small and can ill afford persons messing up repeatedly without intervention by those in charge. Our society depends heavily on our churches and i hope this church realizes that.

**Selwyn Christian** » 2012-05-03 19:18

Today happens to be Free Press Day but thanks to Caribarena, we are free to give our opinions whenever we wish at this forum.

I too believe the person Take Heed is seriously one of the wolf in sheep clothing at the seventhday adventist church. Any good leader or member (such as the one who posted and is shown appreciation) would think that this is a very serious issue.

To have a leader who do not lead by example, and who seem to allow others in the club to do as they wish tells a lot. I do hope the pastor of this church is not influenced by persons like Take Heed.

I too will be watching and listening to see exactly what the church will do about this particular situation.

Heaven help us all. We are indeed living in the last days.

**Sleepy** » 2012-05-03 17:47

The person who wrote that take heed sounds like probably the leader of that same church who is seeking to defend him or herself, or a sickhead!

Take Heed, do you truly think you are representing Seventhday adventists? Do you truly think you are even representing Christians at all? Why are you hiding behind the name Take Heed?

Thank you again to Ms Spencer and again respect to the real SDA member who posted earlier.

**Clare Hall Resident** » 2012-05-03 17:42

Take Heed you sound like the king or queen of Hypocrites! Tenman said the right thing! You are exactly what you explained! You are the bench warmer, the Badventist that you spoke about.

You sound like one of the bad eggs from that particular church if you ask me. If that is so, i can see why Ms. Spencer had to take action of her own.

Once again, thank you to Ms. Spencer and i hope "TAke Heed" gets converted at the end of this all and become a real Christian.

**tenman** » 2012-05-03 15:46

Take Heed, as I read your comments its shown that you are not a representative of what Christ taught. Your attitude is not one of trying to bring peace to this situation. The writer has raised a concern. Yes you do not like the way it shows the church but have you done anything to try and fix the issue? Instead you seem set on attacking the messenger. Why don't you learn from the poster SDA Member? Miss Spencer loved the church enough to take the time to complain via letter. Hopefully there will be more like her, not afraid to stand up and voice what they see as wrong.

..

**Take Heed** » 2012-05-03 14:52

You did not have to hide under a fictious name to get across you what you had to say. If you were a converted SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN you have done the right thing and that is to go to the pastor or the leaderand further to the young ladies.

This is just a clear indication that you are one of the bench warmers who just keep the sabbath but the real converted christian will stand . The church will always be triumphant because God still work on people's heart.

**Take Heed** » 2012-05-03 14:17

Ms. Spencer as you call yourself you could at least gorn to the pastor or the director before bringing the chuch business to the public. Is people like you who give the church a bad name. Anyway is not everyone that attends chuch is converted ; some are just sabbath keepers but as you know is not everyone that say Lord Lord will enter.

**Member** » 2012-05-02 21:50

We are not all negative (see link below) and please give us some time for our leaders to address the problem.

http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/education/201-education/98761-adventist-students-host-soup-kitchen.html

**Clare Hall Resident** » 2012-05-02 20:58

Let's put this to sleep for now people and pick up back the issue if the church leaders or the powers that be don't give it due attention and believe me, with all these comments we will hear about their decision if any is made. :zzz

**Wadadli Blogger** » 2012-05-02 16:35

The real question should be ... why do young SDA girls want to wear their skirts like that? Stoping the attitude is more important than trying to stop the act after the attitude is already implanted in their minds.

Looks like the churches needs to spend more of it's tide money and other resources on the youth clubs and make sure they are both welcomed and respected by the youths.

**uh oh you didnt** » 2012-05-02 16:34

@ no need to no
Wake up! This is our little beautiful Antigua! We don't need no director's permission before giving our opinion!!! That is probably how your church works but hey, this is not your church. These are concerned citizens of as is said little beautiful Antigua!

Also, what is meme right about? that you probably have no vested interest because you have no children? or that you lack leadership skills?
Please, freedom of speech is also a part of our little beautiful Antigua and if you are one of us, you will know we are a proud people who look out for each other. Thanks to Caribarena, we are given that opportunity.

**Meme** » 2012-05-02 15:57

eh eh all ya still pan this one ya? Ok, seriously, i think my SDA friends should stop trying to defend this person who xxxx the xxx at the Clare Hall SDA Church. I don't know if you realise but each time you try to defend persons get upset. I would pull my tail between my legs and sit quiet if i were in your places because wrong has been identified and wrong is wrong, period.

**no need to know** » 2012-05-02 15:56

i think that u are right but u should have go to the director and get permisson before u post it :sad:

**M. Matthews** » 2012-05-02 15:12

No Need to know??? Maybe you don't need to know or maybe you don't have any children or so it sounds. Exactly who are you representing?? who in their right mind would take up issues with children?? do you have any leadership qualifications whatsoever?? Of course we all would expect the church leadership to take this up with the leader and other leaders who have been silent but You sound totally off the mark. Allow people who know to give their intelligent and free and open responses and while you're at it, get a life.

**no need to know** » 2012-05-02 14:59

i think that this matter should be taken up with the leader and the children of the church. i don`t that this should have gone so far

**Parent** » 2012-05-02 14:14

I get your point believerforever . I just wanted acknowledgement that this particular situation seem not to be the average because obviously, people knows this person and do not associate good with their character which is strong point for concern.

I too hope that not just good but better will come out of this.

**Not a Saint** » 2012-05-02 13:06

God is watching us! so if they (our SEventhday adventist friends) want to defend or resolve it is all up to them. I have friends who are adventists and i know if it was up to them alone they would do something but in todays churches, one can never tell if this will ever be resolved.

**believerforever** » 2012-05-02 12:55

Parent:
I completely understand what you are saying and I agree with you.
But what I want to say is, it starts with us as parents of theese young ones, we ought to be held accountable when we don't raise up our children aright.
Now, I am not saying that the church does not have a responsibility to provide solid God fearing persons to guide and lead - they do!
My point is I hope and pray that this is the catalyst to bring about reform in how things are done from now on.

**Bruce** » 2012-05-02 12:04

I just want to ask 3 questions:

1. The church has other leaders. Why didn't all the other leaders address this problem? and why are some of the SDA members who posted try to defend it.

2. Will the Seventhday Adventists and/or their representatives continue to give tumbs down to all the comments that support Ms. Spencer letter?

3. what is their official response tot he matter? did the SML officials contact the church to have it resolved.

**Parent** » 2012-05-02 10:45

I am the parent who said Lisroy was right and I hold firm to that. I am following this story and I would like to point out to Mr. believerforever that more than one person who commented knows that the leader at this particular church club has xxxxxx xxxxxx and also that the children are xxxxxx to the leader.

I stress that a good character must be sought out for all the leaders of young people all across Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda is too small to have undesirables leading our young people who just happens to be our future.

**believerforever** » 2012-05-02 10:07

I am a Seventh Day Adventist Christian and I want to thank Ms/Mrs Spencer for bring to the forefront a concern for the young people of our nation, more so of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Christians are called to a light in the community and not a stumbling block as the article is stating. She is concernd because she is aware of the high values that Adventism calls for. Morals is a serious issue in todays world and it is the leaders that play a vital role in addressing certain issues. But what I want to do is call on the parents of these children that God placed in their care to play their part in doing what is right in God's sight. We must note that we can't lay all the blame on the Leaders and Parents of the church, the children have a moral responsibility also to act like children rightly representing God, in and out of the home and church. Let us pray that somthing positive will come out of the issue raised.

**Parent** » 2012-05-01 17:37

Thank you Ms. Spencer and acknowlege the Adventist member who accepted the issue for what it is.

I just want to say that my children attended that club also during the time of Philbert's wife and she did a fantistic job but she also would not have allowed that dress code or behavior at that club.

My children were no pies so therefore i blame the leaders too even though it seem harsh. They should not allow those dress codes or behaviors at a church club. When you are dressed, people associate your dress with where you're going and that type of dress code would not suggest that you are going to a church or a church club.

**Lesroy** » 2012-05-01 11:49

Good to have the goodly response of the member but like i said, i know the xxxxx and i know of xxx xxxly's influence so let us hope that the church will indeed deal with the issue and not drowned in into the sea of convenient forgetfulness.

The member who posted i believe have good intentions that should be upheld. Sounds like a good PR/Marketing person to me but i believe the person is sincere nonetheless.

Where there is such a person in the church, there is hope. I hope the confidence that this member has in her church is not in vain.

**Just Me** » 2012-05-01 11:29

I hope all of you who took time to spread the unfortunate news yesterday would find sometime today to spread the inspired response of the member.

God be praised!!

**R. Tonge** » 2012-05-01 11:27

I have been following this story and feeling ashamed for the entire church body but just like the member said,God is indeed in control. I believe God inspired that member to respond and your church should thank you.

God bless you whomever you are.

**Justin** » 2012-05-01 11:21

Heard about this story and now i've seen it. sad indeed and i do hope the church does not brush this one aside. I want to join Marcia and Interested in bigging-up the Seventh-Day Adventist member who just joined the long list of persons responding.

You did an excellent job on behalf of your church. It is true that they should be proud of you.

**Interested** » 2012-05-01 11:09

I would like to say to the person who wrote the last post (Seventh-Day Adventist member) that your church needs more of you.

Thank you for having a level head and yes, God bless you too.

**Marcia** » 2012-05-01 11:06

Dear SDA Member, my hat is off to you! You should teach your other members to deal with situations and not just their sabbath. Your church should be proud of you.

**SDA Member** » 2012-05-01 10:37

Hello to all of you and to Ms. Joyce Spencer:

I am a Seventh-Day Adventist member and I too am not proud of what i''m hearing. I accept that we need to deal with the issue and I am confident that the leaders of our church will address the issue and have it resolved.

On behalf of my church, the Seventh-Day Adventist Organisation, I thank Ms. Spencer and all who have weighed in on the matter. We are a church/ organisation that appreciates when others look out for us and can bring certain issues to our attention.

Yes, it would have saved much embar**ment had it not been placed in the public's domain but in all things God is in charge and all is well.

Let us continue to pray one for the other and leave all else up to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

God's continued blessings upon us all.

**Marcia** » 2012-04-30 17:34

Parent with interest has made a valid point. The focus should be on the leaders of the club and not the Sabbath day. The issues are the Clare Hall SDA pathfinder club leaders, the children's behavior and dress code, not which day you worship on.

If you focus on the day, you will forever have many more like Ms. Spencer and her neighbors and the many other people who know this leader and are brave enough to speak out.

**Dessalines** » 2012-04-30 12:17

Monday is the first day of the week according to the International Standards Organisation and calendars in most European countries designate Monday as the first day of the week and Sunday the seventh day. In France (and most francophone countries) SDAs worship on the 6th day which is Saturday. In Israel for example Sunday is a working day. So while we are fighting about what the Bible does or does not say most of our customs are more cultural (foreign culture) than Biblical or spiritual.

**Lady Chris** » 2012-04-30 12:15

Breathe people, there are good leaders and they are bad leaders. This one is simply a xxx pick and can be corrected. Parents, you too need to play a more active role in your children's lives because sometimes you drop them off to these clubs as if these clubs are day-care centers.

Congrats to the better leaders out there and to the not so good ones, pull your socks up!

Thank you Ms. Spencer!!!

Peace out!!!

**Parent with interest** » 2012-04-30 12:08

The last person who posted, "Sabbath Keeper" - i think that is why many problems in your church are not properly addressed because you guys always see people as attacking your Sabbath or your church and you never address the issues at hand.

The problem is not YOUR SABBATH DAY!!!! It is THE xxxxx OF THE PATHFINDER CLUB AT CLARE HALL AND xxx xxxxxx!!!!!

You know what they say about one rotten orange being put into a bag of good oranges????? This sounds like many rotten oranges being put into that bag of probably good oranges. What do you think will happen in that case Ms or Mr Sabbath Keeper.

Address the issue no one is attacking your Sabbath or your church. Antigua is free for us to worship on which ever day we want!

**Sabbath keeper** » 2012-04-30 11:15

There's something that needs to be corrected: We are 'Seventh-day Adventists' not just "Adventists". Our name speaks for itself. We observe the 7th day Sabbath as found in Genesis 2:1-3 and also Exodus 20:4, and look forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. It is not a Jewish Sabbath. The Scriptures clearly states that the seventh day is the "Sabbath of the Lord thy God". Jesus said "the Sabbath was made for man" (Mark 2:27-28). It's a Sabbath for all people (Isaiah 56:1-8)The Sabbath was given to man before there ever was a Jew. Does Monday qualify as the 1st day of the week? Colin, please check your dictionary and your calendar.

**Reader** » 2012-04-30 11:13

I too am a reader who too knows that leader and her relatives. The issue needs to be addressed and the Adventist church should and must address it. It does not sound nice but as little as Antigua is it is a free country. Thank you Ms. Spencer.

We will see those same young people bouncing to the bands in the street marching as witnesses and nothing is wrong with that but we need to deal with the situation head on.

If you got no response from the letter you sent and if the church member still p** your way - keep stopping her and keep talking to her - maybe she too is afraid of talking about it at church. You can also send your letter to the Adventist Head Office on American Road.

Children are guided by leaders, if the head malfunctions, the body is in trouble. That's truth!

**Dave** » 2012-04-30 10:59

ABS you are heading down the right road but i too know that leader and a particular group of children who are always dressing a certain way and behaving less than desirable and they are all related and probably own that church too. i say no more

**Margaret** » 2012-04-30 10:45

Not saying that our children are saints but leaders are to be blamed most of the times. Dealing with young people is a huge challenge and some of them ALONG WITH THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIA NS are not approachable. However, it is of utmost importance that we carefully select leaders.

There is an office called the South Leeward Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists which is located on American Road. That is where all the officials can be found. If there is anyway Caribarena can share this letter and even the comments with them, I believe it would prove helpful not just to that particular club but let the powers that be have the chance to address the situation.

**ABS** » 2012-04-30 10:25

I have read the article and the comments above. Everybody talking about screening leaders at the Church and so on, but be reminded that those leaders did not raise the children the training has to start from inside the homes. The parents are the ones who have to train their children the leaders and teachers can only guide them for the few hours they have with them. So Ms Spencer instead of blaiming the leaders of the club why not blame the parents.

**M. Matthews** » 2012-04-30 10:18

Our churches need to listen more to people (even sinners) instead of getting defensive and I too think that "Looking on" may be an Adventist defending his or her church.

I have seen some of the young people from that same church and my daughter went to that club during Mr. Philbert's wife time and yes, the children were better behaved and respected all adults. Their dress codes were good and we will always have children who are challenging to deal with but recently, the children i see from that club??? They need more than just a leader with proper background/life style, they need someone who can discipline them and guide them in a proper but firm manner.

I was tempted talking with a woman one day whose daughter wanted to join that club also since they live close by but those children who were passing the same time really turned her off. So this is certainly not a story to pull the covers over.

**Parent** » 2012-04-30 10:09

It is not easy approaching young people they are quick to cuss you off (and yes, even the ones who are attending church) and for one of our senior citizens to point out this problem, i salute her.

Our children today needs strong leaders who are dignified in every way so speak up, speak out and let the church know when it's wrongs need to be made right URGENTLY.

The leader at that particular club seem questionable. Simply replace her with someone who you have screened, someone who can manage the children because that sounds like a beaten path they are going down.

**Parent** » 2012-04-30 09:31

We all need to screen our leaders at all our churches across Antigua and Barbuda.

And yes, these days most of our young people only join the pathfinder club because of its uniform and fancy parades. The church needs to be more careful when placing people in charge of our children.

Children will do as they are guided and where proper guidance is lacking they are likely to go astray.

Clare Hall SDA Pathfinder club - address this problem head-on before it spreads. Replace your club leader that obviously is questionable.

**Lisroy** » 2012-04-30 08:31

You are probably Adventist and one who does not want to hear the truth. Suck it up! the lady has every right to speak her mind. All of us are aware that there is hardly a time when you can talk to those youths out there. Their behaviour alone scares you away. And yes, a lot of our young people are only joining the pathfinder clubs because of its uniform and big fancy parades. The lady said she sent a letter, plus she spoke to a member of the church what the hell more do you want from her - must she be a face for people like you to judge her like that? Get a life!

**Colin** » 2012-04-30 08:15

I have always found it amusing that those who choose to observe the Jewish sabbath have managed to appropriate to themselves the title of "adventist".
All who look for the return of Jesus Christ are "adventist' - even if they opt to worship him especially on Sunday: the day of his rising.
By the way - does not Monday qualify as the first day of the week nowadays?

**Lisroy** » 2012-04-30 08:05

I too know that xxxxx at Clare Hall Adventist pathfinders meeting. xxx is a warrior!

That is no secret and so i don't think the church is unaware. Parents need to be careful into whose hands they place their children. Church is no longer what it uses to be. I remember at one time we could have sent our children off to Sunday School or Sabbath School and be assured that they would be in good care - Not now!

I join the appeal to the Adventist leaders to carefully screen the leaders of their church and this pathfinder club at clare hall needs sorting out or flushing out.

Check your leaders background! Screen them carefully!!! The destination of our youth of tomorrow depends heavily on it!

**Pope** » 2012-04-30 07:57

dear Ms. Spencer,

I thank you for your letter! If more of our people were as concerned as you about our youth maybe things would be better for them as they get older!

Congratulations for speaking out - you are proof that: "it takes a village to raise a child!"

**The big Beazer** » 2012-04-30 07:51

I think some church leaders these days just put their families and friends in church positions or offices and don't think about if they are the proper examples for our young people.

I know of some good leaders in the Adventist Church but i also know of some bad ones. Remember the wheat and the tares will grow together until the time of harvest. Our bible tells us so but this is disturbing and the Seventh-Day Adventist leaders should have that undesirable leader removed.

Maybe it is because the children are her relatives why she allows them to behave like that. The church in general need to step up its game and play its rightful role in our little Antigua as Ms Spencer said.

**Looking on** » 2012-04-30 07:19

I think you this people mean well but she could have contact the church directly and not post a letter in the newspaper. Also as an adult if you seeing their behavior on the street. you should have said something to them directly the young people, Why must the church do everything. you, me and the society along with the parents have their roll to play . I am not an Adventist but there is a right and wrong way to do things.

Title	Answers
How do you keep people safe and seen on your roads at night?	0
what kind of plants do giant african snails affect?	0
wat are the names of plant pests in antigua?	0
how can i get in touch with musicians to start a new touring reggae band in antigua	2
who agrees that the government should pay the school teaches and improve the libraries instead of buying school students expensive tablets	1

Title	Answers	Hits
Was there a police report filed by Royal Caribbean Vision of the seas for the man, wife and 11 yr old child removed from the ship on December 20th, 2012 ? He allegedly attacked a man with a service dog on the ship and was set on the dock that day with hi	0	28708
PWD in shambles, what is the purpose of their position? I'm tired of these people in the dept who jsut come eac day to make you feel uncomfortable because of their miserable lives. someone needs to look into this.	0	14596
What is the world's largest airline?	2	5303
What is the amount ZDK owes for electricity ?	1	3647
any audio or video of Minister Farrakhan speech at the Multi-purpose Centre?	1	3563

67 Comments In This Article

Add comment

Follow us on Facebook

Popular Questions

Ask Your Question

Spotlight on Education

Latest Letters to the Editor

Most Read Opinions This Month

Search Directory

Directory Listings

App

CARIBARENA