FREEPORT, Bahamas The Islands of the Bahamas recently received major television exposure through the promotion of the upcoming “First Ladies First: The Quiet Whispers” women’s conference on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world’s largest religious network and America’s most watched faith channel.
Andria Hall, former CNN News Anchor and President of the New Jersey-based SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. communications firm – which will produce the Caribbean conference from November 30 through December 3, 2006 in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island – recently appeared on TBN’s “Praise the Lord” program, and is encouraging people of faith to visit Freeport to experience God in a deeper way.
Hall wants to encourage women to serve God in both traditional and non-traditional venues by strengthening their faith and sharpening their leadership skills. She says “women don’t need to have a degree in theology in order to share their faith. We are all called to represent Christ in culture, and that means at our jobs, at our schools, and in our communities.”
“I was particularly pleased to learn that so many Bahamians tuned in to the broadcast,” said Hall, who was in Freeport last week to attend the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s annual conference at the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort, the host hotel for the “First Ladies First” women’s conference.
Women throughout the Caribbean, North America and elsewhere who are in ministry, leadership or who are the wives of pastors and preachers are invited. “This particular group of believers is near to my heart because of all the pressure placed on them as leaders in their churches, communities and circles of influence”, Hall said, adding “that’s where the Quiet Whispers come in. There is so much on their plate, but very little opportunity to deal with the vulnerable issues of their lives in a way that is authentic and transparent.”
Linville Johnson, director of religious markets for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, understands the long term significance of targeting the faith tourism market, a US $1.1 billion industry in the United States. “Women make much of the decisions in the household. If we can get the First Ladies to come to the Bahamas and enjoy themselves, we know others will come down too.” Johnson acknowledges both the financial and spiritual benefit to the island: “Bahamas being a Christian country … this is a natural for us. It’s a one two punch”.
The conference will feature an intimate praise and worship concert with the Bahamas’ “Double Edge” and participants will be engaged in interactive seminars on issues specific to women in ministry and many other topics relevant to today’s Christian woman.
Special registration rates are being offered to both Caribbean and international delegates who also can take advantage of special Fall fares currently being offered by the airlines or at www.speakeasytravel.com. Specially negotiated group hotel rates can be secured at www.speakeasymedia.com.
