|
It was an experience to
remember. Sailing on a vessel 290m or 950.1 ft. long, 50.5m or 165.7
ft. wide, and 64.7m or 212.3 ft. high, with the capacity to house
precisely 4,822 persons – 3622 passengers and 1,200 crew members
indeed is an experience to remember. In my estimation, this has got
to be one of the finest architectural pieces of modern times that
navigate the seas.
We embarked onto
Caribbean Princess (ship’s name) at Port Everglades in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, on the nineteenth of August, 2007, and
disembarked at the same port on August 26, 2007, concluding what was
a well spent week. Approximately eight hundred (800) Seventh-day
Adventists were among the hundreds of passengers that boarded this
vessel. Nine persons of this amount were from the Central Jamaica
Conference.
The cruise saw us
heading towards the Eastern Caribbean (Princess Cays in the Bahamas,
St. Marteen, and St. Thomas US Virgin Island) instead
of the Western Caribbean (which would include Jamaica) due to the
path of Hurricane Dean. Now, this was a disappointment for many, for
they were looking forward to going to Jamaica (desire of a few
people I spoke to). But even this did not diminish the quality of
the trip. Actually, just to be on the ship was relaxing and
refreshing. It was truly an experience to have.
The cruise indeed was a success. It was so for many reasons.
Firstly, the setting—a ship on the Atlantic ocean, sailing into the
Caribbean, with all the amenities at your disposal was grand. Kind-
a- like a reminder of Jesus, with His disciples on the Sea of
Galilee. The service was for the most part excellent.
Secondly, the fellowship opportunities — families including couples,
singles, parents, children and seniors from the Spanish, French, and
English speaking territories of I.A.D. were present. You could meet
and socialize at will. Lives were enriched as a result of the co and
inter mingling that existed.
The third
reason that accounted
for the success of the trip was the inspiration received— it was
encouraging and heartwarming to see so many families gathered
together. The seminars also added to the inspiration. There were
three presenters; Pastor Jansen Trotman, who spoke on the main theme,
“Getting Heaven into Your Family and Your Family into Heaven.” Dr(s).
Richardo Norton from Andrews University and Colwick Wilson from the
Loma Linda University were guest presenters. The presentations
naturally focused on building healthy and happy families for
eternity. There was food for thought for all present.
Would I recommend such method of bonding for families? Without a
doubt yes, I would. Keep your ears to the ground. You will hear of
something in the future. Begin to plan for it.
Article by By Anthony Reid, CJC Family Ministries Director |
