St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Nassau

 

“Believe. No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted island, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.”
― Helen Keller

Approaching St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Nassau

Sunday, December 14, 2014

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Nassau

The crew of Sea Angel attended St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Nassau.  It is the country's (Bahamas) oldest church edifice, dating back to 1802. It sits solemn in the middle of a very old and very unattended cemetery.  The old and weathered exterior is in distinct contrast to the beautiful and alive inside. We enjoyed two special moments. The first was a long pause mid-service to exchange blessings, and when the congregation took special time to greet us as guests to their church. 

But the most powerful and moving was the “singing” of the Lord’s Prayer.  The entire congregation held hands and we all sang from the depths of our hearts. To me, it emphasized a discussion I had the previous day about the power of prayer when two or more joined together.  It was a very beautiful continuation and connection delivered by God. Later in the afternoon I returned to the church to photograph it in the evening sun for the blog, and was then blessed to meet Gerald.  

Gerald is a man who lost his wife last year.  He stood alone over a grave with a tombstone that gives only the names of his wife’s mother, her grandmother, yet even though his wife rests there now too, the stone does not honor his beautiful wife Bren Hilda.  He knew she was there and that may be all that really matters.  He is 59 and he knew her since he was 6, was married to her for 22 years, was deeply in love with her, and returns each week to her grave for strength to go on.  We spoke of the true value in life being relationships, being love.  We spoke of his children and their not yet realizing it is love and relationships that make life a beautiful thing. We spoke of life as a journey and we each arrive to that realization at our own time, when we are ready.  I respected Gerald’s love, his faith, and his wisdom.

The real rhythm of this journey is beginning.  It is about people, connection, and Love.  Thank you Gerald for your reminding us of that.  Tomorrow we start moving south again, down the Exumas and to Georgetown, God willing, by Monday the 22nd.  

dl

The Sea Angel is sailing for a cause. Sea Mercy is a benevolent program developed for disaster and critical care needs for remote islanders. Sea Mercy is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity with a simple vision and mission to "stand in the gap" with a service delivery vessel, trained health care volunteers, support equipment, and critical care services as island nations develop their "outer island" health care infrastructure, when critical health care need opportunities are present, or when disasters occur. 

 

If Sea Angel's journey resonates with you, we welcome you to consider donating on our behalf to Sea Mercy - there are several ways to get involved. 

 

Sea Mercy's Corporate "We Care" Program is designed to help organizations attract and engage clients, vendors, and employees in the spirit of social responsibility and provide a wonderfully enriching partnership. There are several ways to participate with "We Care". Visit Sea Mercy's website for additional information. If you know of an organization or would like to involve yours, please share this information forward. The more we sail, the more we understand how important it is to foster these types of relationships in everything we do.