| Primate Atherly - January, 2010 |
From the Caribbean mainly the beautiful Island of Barbados we greet you in Jesus name. We wish all members of the
ACW a wonderful and prosperous New Year. Here in Barbados we have just celebrated our 43rd birthday as a nation
(November 30). Our culture has not changed much since our independence from Britain, but in these last few years,
influences from aboard mostly satellite cable television, we are beginning to see changes, some not good, not only is
Barbados, but the surrounding islands. In Antigua the murder of a doctor and his wife from England last year has done
considerable damage to their industry. Many of our islands are doing well, but their economies are still struggling,
tourism remains the main source of the Caribbean economy.
The Anglican faith has been a part of the Caribbean for over 300 years. There was once a time that churches were
filled anytime the doors were opened, Sunday or week day, but there has been a drop in attendance, young people has
lost interest in the church, however not the faith. Church remains important.
Here at St Raphael ACW we keep strong our roots in the conservative branch of the faith, they are challenges, but
none that cannot be overcome with prayer. The rise of crime is alarming and continues to be a major concern. As a
policeman in Barbados for over 40 years, I have personally seen the danger of crime, but we continue to pray for
change.
As we enter this year of 2010 I asked your continued prayers for the Caribbean, that our churches will once again be
filled and young people would not turn to lawless ways, but find their way back to church.
From this end of the world we firmly stand behind the ACW in its outreach. We continue to pray for our Bishops in
the USA especially our compatriot + Hartley.
As you pray this year we invite you to pray for the Islands of the Caribbean, while we are a mixture of English, Dutch,
Spanish & Portuguese, we solicit your prayers for the surrounding Island blended together by the same culture.
We submit and request your prayers for Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, St Vincent & Grenadines, St Lucia,
Montserrat, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Guyana & Jamaica
A happy New Year to all with God riches blessing
In his service
From Bridgetown, Barbados
+ Chris, Primate ACW
| My Dear Brothers and Sisters |
