Couples and singles enjoy sea conference

The annual Singles and Married Couples Conference of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. R. B. Holmes, Jr., was held on the Royal Caribbean’s luxury liner, Monarch of the Seas, from April 19-23. Ports of call were Coco Cay Island and Nassau, Bahamas.

Participants included members of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, married couples and singles from other Tallahassee churches, as well as attendees from Texas, Ohio, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi and West Virginia. Representatives from various parts of Florida, including Quincy, Pensacola, Gretna, Lyn Haven, and Jacksonville were also in attendance. The theme of this year’s first conference at sea was “Trust In God At All Times” scripturally based in Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Psalm 37:23-26. Dr. and Mrs. R. B. (Dr. Gloria) Holmes, Jr., of Tallahassee served as conference hosts.

“This conference at sea is about fellowship, faith and Christian fun,” stated Rev. R. B. Holmes Jr. “If our churches and communities are to improve, we must save our families. We must focus on the fundamentals for living a victorious life.” General Session thematic speakers were: Rev. Dr. Leonard King of Cleveland, Ohio; Rev. Dr. Joseph Wright of Tallahassee; Rev. Dr. John Grant of Asheville, N.C.; and Rev. Dr. Matthew Carter of Quincy.

Married couples and singles attended special breakout sessions each morning. Presenters and topics for the married couples were: Dr. and Mrs. John (Balinda) Grant – “Stay Together Until the End”; Dr. and Mrs. Matthew (Dr. Rita) Carter-:A Biblical Method for Debt Elimination and Wealth Accumulation”; and Deacon and Mrs. Clarence (Dr. Patricia) Tennell- Communication: Talking To and Not At.”

Presenters and topics for the singles were: Dr. Linda T. Fortenberry-“Steps for Joyful Living: Prayerful and Powerful”; Ms. Carolyn Garrett (LA)-“Steps for Understanding God’s Will in All Seasons: Meditation and Concentration”; and Dr. Cyneetha Strong-“Steps for Living A Healthy Life: Education and Expectations”. In the closing session Thursday night, participants shared personal testimonies about how the conference has strengthened their marriages and defined their purpose.

Deacon and Mrs. Clarence (Dr. Patricia) Tennell were appointed as chairpersons of the 2011 Singles and Married Couples conference At Sea. Along with the local and national coordinating committee, they will immediately begin prayerful preparations for next year’s “National Save the Family” Conference at Sea for singles and married couples. Further information will be provided in the Capital Outlook and WTAL radio station 1450 AM.

Editor’s note: In the coming weeks, the Capital Outlook will feature a weekly series on the topics presented at the 2011 Singles and Married Couples Conference At Sea for our readers’ enlightenment, encouragement and edification.