By BARBARA WALKIN
Senior FN Reporter
barbara@nasguard.com
Under the theme 'Judgment Day ... Are you ready?' Reach Out Ministry will host its Second Annual Boys to Men Mentoring Conference, focusing on spiritual preparation.
Dudley Seide, founder of the organization which targets young men, particularly those in the inner-city communities, said that this year the conference is being held in honour of the late Anthony Shaquille Hinds.
Hinds, 16, passed away on Thursday, January 14, after collapsing during basketball practice at the YMCA. He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy (TBCA) Falcons basketball team and an active member of Reach Out Min-istry and its team.
"It is so ironic that we selected this theme before Shaquille's passing and we also did a short movie, showing the same thing that happened to him.
"We will be showing that movie at the Conference," said Seide.
The event is set for Saturday, February 6, at Calvary Temple Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. "sharp."
Seide noted that registration for the Conference will begin at 9:00 a.m.
"This year we want our young boys and men to understand that after death it is the judgment and we want them to be prepared for that,
Seide explained. "We want them to know that it is not only about basketball. It is not all about winning, but it is about being ready to meet God."
Seide said that Shaquille was an example to all of the youngsters in the ministry. "And, the most important thing was that he gave his life to the Lord."
"We wanted to get the young men to come out through the avenue of basketball, but while they socialized and played the game, we where also sharing the message of Jesus Christ - from Garden Villas (The Ghetto), Columbus Park and Coral Gardens to Hudson Estate, East End and West End."
During the one-day conference the young men will hear from several speakers, including Norris Bain, principal and head coach at TBCA.
"Our special guest speaker for the Conference is Bishop Ricardo Grant of Universal Household of Faith," said Seide. "We will also be honouring our sponsors, those persons who contribute and donate to Reach Out Ministry year round."
The list of sponsors include – Ian and Barbara Rolle; Keith Rolle, (Gizmos and Gadgets); Kevin Bethel, (Bethel Brothers); Brian Bethel, (B and B Trucking); Hansel Collie; Kenth and Emil Symonette, (Awards and Signs); Allison and Andrea Pinder, (Halt Industries); Caribbean Bott-ling Co.; Pastors Anthony and Ann Grant; Hansel King; Jenkins Ferguson and the Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of Companies.
Seide noted that Reach Out Ministry's top academic achiever, Niketo Cooper and Athlete of the Year, Anthony Shaquille Hinds, will receive special awards.
"The Conference is open to kids, boys and girls, of all ages ... so we invite parents to bring their children and join us as we spread the word of God and change the mindset of our young people," said Seide.
