The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

THE SOUTH Bahamas Conference of Seventh Day Adventists is getting a new media platform this Saturday, when it launches Word SBC 88.3 FM, a new radio station.

Followers of the church and other members of the Christian community will be able to hear a number of programmes on the radio station, including youth, health and family programmes.

Seventh Day Adventist pastor Paul A Scavella told Tribune Religion, the mission of the church is to impact the community through as many avenues as possible.

The church is also responsible for Adventist Television (ATV53), a TV channel aired on Cable Bahamas on weekends. Local programmes on focus on health, keys to a deliberate life, youth link, news updates, moments to ponder and Adventist Spotlight, just to name a few.

The radio station, Pastor Scavella said, will have similar content and much more.

"The station is going to benefit people by listening to good Christian music and talk shows. People will be allowed to call into the station in regards to religious issues. They can listen to the preaching and have the opportunity to dig into the word of God," he said.

Excited about the launch, Seventh Day Adventist follower, April James* said the church has always been "exemplary" in the Bahamas and the members have always done a good job at spreading the message of Christ.

"The launch of this station speaks to how passionate the conference is about the work it has to do," she said.

Another member, Jessica Fowler* said: "I think the new station is a good idea and people can gain more knowledge about the Adventist Church and what we do. I don't listen to the radio often but I can guarantee that I will be now."

At the Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church on Tonique Williams Darling Highway this Saturday, members will gather for the official launch. Pastor Scavella said there will be the unveiling of the studio itself.

"We will also unfold the mission statement of the station. Shortly after, we will move over to the church where I will give a sermon," he said.

An official program for the radio station will also be airing this Saturday. During the hours of 7:30 to 8:30 pm, people can tune in to hear the mission and purpose of the station. "We will also be talking about how people can become apart of the station," he said.

Pastor Scavella said he trusting and hoping the station will make a difference in the country.

"We hope the programmes will help with people making right decisions. The family programmes will help in strengthening our families, the health programmes will help people with health issues, and so on. If we get people functioning properly in these areas, they will be more open to listening to the gospel," said Pastor Scavella.

Names have been changed*