Adventists say we must become our brothers' keepers!

Once again the news of another boy gone missing confronts us. Like you, we in the Adventist community are incensed with these disappearances.

In fact, our hearts are saddened as we can only imagine the pain that Miss Shirlene Smith is experiencing over the apparent disappearance of her 14-year-old son, Desmond Rolle. Yet, we are also mindful of the pain the other parents must be experiencing as well. However, we are deeply disturbed by the position of some in resorting to blaming. Granted, we are upset and we ought to be, but to make the mother culpable or the police, the church,

employees of Winn Dixie or the government, for that matter, so soon might be going too far.

Nonetheless, what can we do? May we suggest that we regard the problem of the five missing boys as a matter of concern for all persons. These disappearances underscore the need for a return to community-mindedness. It is hard to conceive that such happenings could take place unbeknown to anyone. It is plausible that someone saw something, but might be reluctant

to speak up –we are talking about 5 separate disappearances.

As parents and guardians, we must network. Understandably, it is difficult to expect some single parents to take or pick up their child/children from

school daily. However, it is not unreasonable to expect them to seek assistance of other parents ensuring their child's security. Even the idea of students traveling together in groups of five or more may serve as a

deterrent to abductors. Additionally, we must educate and drill into our children certain basic information regarding security. Gone are the days of taking anything for granted or anyone for that matter.

It is our opinion that the police in Grand Bahama, under the able leadership of Assistant Commissioner Elliston Greenslade, are doing their best. It is incumbent upon us as citizens to assist the police by passing on any

information no matter how simple or non-essential it may seem, for that may be the very piece needed to solve the mystery. It is also necessary that the law enforcement agencies take into account whatever the citizenry shares.

We also wish to applaud the efforts of the various branches of government, all church groups, youth organizations and all community organizations.

Certainly, this situation of our young boys being abducted or disappearing calls for a united approach in combating these mysterious happenings, for only God knows whom the perpetrator/s will target next.

Finally, it is important that we never lose hope as the God we serve is a great God. We must remind ourselves that "nothing is too hard for God".

Let's continue to prayer and search and search.

Posted: Thursday October 2, 2003

© 2003 The Nassau Guardian