July 16, 2012 – Nassau, Bahamas… John Garcia/ACUM/IAD
“Do not resort to the easy way out, do not seek shortcuts,” said the president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union, Dr. Leonard Johnson, as he addressed the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, residents, and visitors at Clifford Park, Nassau, on July 9, 2012, the eve of the island nation’s 39th anniversary of becoming an independent country.
Speaking at the 2012 Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving, Dr. Johnson, president of the Adventist Church in the Atlantic Caribbean region, explained how the Biblical Joseph was given to self-discipline, industry, loyalty, unity, and respect for God despite the thirteen years he lived under constant trials and pain in Egypt. He admonished listeners to revisit the preamble of the nation’s constitution and note that the same qualities that Joseph adhered to are the same ones listed in the preamble.
On the brink of a national referendum to determine whether gambling should be legalized, Dr. Johnson advised the audience to learn from the life of Joseph. Despite all the difficulties he faced he had faith in God and did not take chances to gain success, said Dr. Johnson. These qualities are what the Bahamas should place as its foundation for moving forward, he added.
Dr. Johnson pointed out that Joseph’s success was a result of industriousness and faithfulness in God, underscoring that the Bible does not support gambling as a means to succeed. Quoting Carlton Francis, one of the nation’s forefathers, Dr. Johnson listed the damages that the social fabric of the Bahamas can experience due to casino gambling and similar gaming.
“We cannot legislate morality,” Dr. Johnson said. “But we can declare that the Bible is relevant and true.” He noted that the choice to gamble or not is in the hands of each individual.
Referencing Genesis 41:50-52, Dr. Johnson implored Bahamians to, like Joseph, forget the things that could retard its forward movement and commit to the will of God to receive His blessing and healing as a nation.
There are more than 20,700 Seventh-day Adventists in The Bahamas worshipping in 55 churches and congregations.
The Atlantic Caribbean Union is comprised of the islands of The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos.
