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March 23, 2007
Students from Lipscomb University are in Saba for the fifth straight
missionary year working with the students of Saba Comprehensive School (SCS).
Lipscomb University is a Christian University in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Lipscomb Student Mission Director Jeff Fincher said that the group loves coming to
the island and working with the teenagers, many of whom they now know. Working side
by side with the youth on several projects, the university students have an
opportunity for in depth discussions with individuals and listen to their concerns.
Monday evening, Christian Joe Beam, internationally known speaker on family values,
was invited by the Lipscomb group to speak with Saba parents. author and radio
personality Joe Beam joined parents for a chicken dinner in the SCS courtyard, and
then entertained and informed the group at a short discussion meeting. Fincher said
that last year, Lipscomb had given out one of Beam's books, but decided to bring him
in person this year, which entailed arranging a helicopter ride to the island since
Winair was booked.
Beam said that the most important key to a strong family unit was commitment. He
said there are now statistics that show that children are better adults when their
parents remain together, even if the parents argue. The other important keys are
spending time together, conducting positive communications, showing affection and
appreciation, having the ability to handle stress and crises, and working on
spiritual wellness.
Beam will remain on the island until the group leaves and is available to parents as
well as the teenagers. On Tuesday night, fathers and sons enjoyed a barbeque and
dominos tournament. Tonight, Wednesday, the popular Mother/Daughter banquet will
take place at SCS.
The culminating activity is the Saba STOMP!, which will be held Friday, starting at
6:00pm on the Sports Field in The Bottom. Fincher said the students will dance,
sing, show their art work and video presentation in a variety show that they have
been working on throughout the week. He said all SCS students will participate in
some way, either performing or helping with stage sets, marketing, or other
involvement. "All kids will be involved with their talents," Fincher said. The
general public is invited. The 22-member group is staying at the Sunny Valley Youth
Centre.
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