Bahamas News
Abaco Native and Grand Bahama Talk Show Host Releases New Book to Free Readers from Their Stormy Past
#TheBahamas, June 1, 2022 – Survival mode has been a fixed position for author and teacher Chantel Thompson, a native of Abaco, the island not so long ago hit by the devastating hurricane Dorian some years ago. Ms. Thompson is quite familiar with storms, as she so aptly shares in her newly released book, Unchained: The Grace to Break Strongholds (Trilogy 2022). Now a resident of Freeport, Grand Bahama, the host of The Father’s Love, which airs on Dove 103.7 FM radio, Ms. Thompson uses every platform to share her story of brokenness and redemption. A story that is all too common among the hurting.
A prisoner of her fears, trapped in a world she unwittingly lived in, Ms. Thompson says she knew what it was like to give up on God. She knew all too well what it felt like to be lonely, search for love, embrace compromise and then begin the cycle over and over again. She knew what it was to cry out in pain for help, only to feel like it was her voice echoing through the darkness. In this plain-talking book, Ms. Thompson speaks with great transparency of the highs and lows in her life. But she doesn’t do this, she says, to air her dirty laundry. She’s doing it because she knows that there are others out there, both men and women, who are hurting and feeling alone as she did. “People,” she said, “who look beautiful on the outside yet feel as if they are dying within.”
Educator and youth leader Tori Tiffany Lewis says, “What a message for weary people everywhere. No subject is better than God’s grace.” Ms. Lewis went on to say, “Chantel’s account of her journey to freedom, through God’s
grace, is the hope and encouragement we all need.”
“It’s a desperate place to be,” Ms. Thompson explained. “I’m grateful that God brought me through, but it was not an easy journey for someone like me who wanted to do things my way.” She explained that she had to learn how to surrender and turn her life over to God entirely as she made it through what felt like a dark, hideous tunnel with no way out. “This book has already been a lifeline to readers,” she noted. “I believe many people confused my determination and outward confidence with success. The truth is, nobody knows what goes on in the quiet times of a person’s life when the doors are closed, and the smiles are put to rest—looks can be and many times are, deceiving,” she noted.
Having rejected herself, Ms. Thompson wondered if God would ever forgive or love her. She, after all, had difficulty forgiving or loving herself. The author mentions that she was done with trying to be free from the chains and strongholds in her life through her efforts and finally learned how to let go. The journey she aptly shares in the book is to help others through their desperate times.
After reading the book in one sitting, Ms. Lutesha Campbell, an English Language instructor, declared, “I am speechless!” An avid reader, Ms. Campbell went on to say, “I have never related to a book like I have done this one. It was as if Chantel lived my life experiences. It [this book] is a must-read! I promise you that you will never be the same!” Following on her heels with a similar report was Ms. Pauline Ramsey, a beautician who admitted to not being able to put the book down through the night. In her social media post, Ms. Ramsey stated, “I’m up at this hour still reading and feel like I’m experiencing every moment. The scriptures are there to back up [what is being said]. I love it!”
Written to walk others through their dark times, Unchained: The Grace to Break Strongholds gives readers scriptures and guides them through meaningful prayers to help express their hearts to God as they identify strongholds and destroy them at their roots to receive God’s unconditional love.
Unchained: The Grace to Break Strongholds can be purchased at Bellvue Books and Gifts Ltd. in Freeport and is also available in paperback and kindle on Amazon.com.
Release: BooksByBethel.com
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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