Author name: Kingdom Life Radio DM

Silencing the Noise: Taking a Stand Against Explicit Music It’s hard not to think about Paul’s warning to Timothy when I listen to the push behind X-rated music. He said, “The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil” (1 Tim 6:10), and that rings true today. You rarely hear anyone celebrating the artistry behind these ‘nasty business’ songs. Instead, it’s always about what sells. Artists, promoters, and DJs don’t seem to care about the long-term effects this music has on the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of our young people. There’s no real consideration for how this kind of content can dehumanize and oversexualize our kids or the impact on public decency. It’s frustrating to see the industry just keep cranking out this stuff as long as there’s a market for it. In many ways, these creators and promoters are no different from drug dealers or porn producers. Their focus is on profit, even if it means sacrificing the wellbeing of our youth. It’s all about that ‘love for money’—the same greedy desire that drives unethical behavior in any industry. And it’s becoming a deeply rooted part of our culture, especially in Dominica, where we’re starting to celebrate these ‘nasty business’ artists just like we do with notorious figures from other sectors. So how do we tackle this issue? Realistically, I don’t expect the DFC or public officials to take much action unless we push them. We need to hold them accountable and demand they protect our children from this harmful content. The government should revisit and enforce the public decency act, which could include censoring certain music on the national airwaves. It’s ironic that they might ban political calypsos while allowing harmful music to thrive. Aside from political action, there are practical steps we can all take. Many of us might not buy this music, but if we can educate others and convince them to do the same, we could effectively shrink the market for it. Boycotting these shows and artists can make a difference; if promoters see that nobody is interested, they’ll stop booking them. Just look at how quickly Brizee Mart closed after President Charles Savarin asked Laborites to stop shopping there! I recently had an experience on a bus where the driver was playing music with graphic lyrics. It was offensive, so I asked him to change it or turn it off. When he refused, I simply got off. We can all take that stand—vote with our wallets and our choices. We can ask drivers to stop subjecting our kids to lewd lyrics. If you’re ever at a school and hear this kind of content being played, don’t hesitate to lodge a complaint. Speak to the principal or director and push for change. If they don’t listen, take it to the Ministry of Education or the Child Welfare Unit. And if they still don’t act, we can shame them publicly. We’re at a critical point. If we don’t address this now, it’s only going to get worse. Instead of just discussing explicit lyrics, we might soon be facing public nudity and more extreme forms of entertainment under the guise of “art.” Let’s take action before it’s too late!

You know, it’s never fun to be called a fool, right? But interestingly, the Bible gives us some serious food for thought about living wisely versus foolishly. In Ephesians 5:15, Paul warns us, “Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” The Contemporary English Version puts it even more straightforwardly: “Act like people with good sense and not like fools.” So, what really sets the wise apart from the foolish? It boils down to our belief in God. A wise person understands and prioritizes God’s plan for their life (Eph 5:17). King David hits the nail on the head in Psalm 14:1 when he says, “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” But let’s be honest—some people might not outright deny God; they just live as if He doesn’t exist, ignoring His moral compass. On the flip side, the wise person acknowledges and fears God. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This kind of wisdom isn’t just about knowledge; it leads us to turn away from evil (Job 28:28) and to follow God’s precepts (Psalm 111:10). To illustrate these contrasts, let’s look at three parables Jesus shared: 1. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27) Imagine two builders: one carefully constructs his house on solid rock, while the other hastily builds on sand. When storms hit, guess which house stands firm? That’s right—the one with a strong foundation. This parable nudges us to think: Are we grounding our lives in Christ and His teachings, or are we letting the ever-changing cultural values steer our decisions? It’s like choosing between a sturdy rock-solid foundation or a shaky one—definitely a no-brainer! 2. The Foolish Rich Farmer (Luke 12:13-21) Picture a wealthy farmer who thinks he can secure his future by hoarding grain. But God calls him a fool, saying his life will be demanded that very night. This story is a wake-up call. True wisdom recognizes that we’re not just here to chase after material gain. Are we investing in things that matter for eternity instead of just piling up fleeting wealth? It’s like saving for a vacation but forgetting to book the tickets—what’s the point? 3. The Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) In this parable, ten virgins wait for a bridegroom. Only five come prepared with oil for their lamps. When he arrives unexpectedly, the unprepared ones miss out on the celebration. This teaches us about being spiritually vigilant. Wisdom is about making choices today that prepare us for tomorrow. Are we nurturing our relationship with Christ, or are we just coasting along, thinking we have all the time in the world? It’s kind of like knowing a big exam is coming but choosing to binge-watch your favorite show instead of studying! So, reflecting on these stories, we see that the wise person acknowledges God, plans for the future, and stays ready for Christ’s return. Meanwhile, the foolish person neglects the truths that shape their destiny and often drifts through life without foresight. As we navigate our daily choices, let’s continually ask ourselves: Are we building on rock, investing wisely, and keeping our lamps filled? Or are we letting the currents of this world carry us away? After all, the choice is ours, and it’s one worth pondering!

I’ve been reflecting on the “The Church Speaks” rally organized by the Dominica Association of Evangelistic Churches (DAEC) this past Sunday, and I have mixed feelings about it. The moral issues discussed—like abortion, the Samoa Agreement, the decriminalization of buggery, X-rated music, and women’s reproductive health—are significant challenges to our faith and values. As Christians, we need to unite and push back against these troubling trends. Our pastors and evangelical leaders play a crucial role in this. We need to come together, support a Kingdom agenda, and hold our government accountable. We shouldn’t let a vocal minority dictate laws that could lead the majority down a dangerous path. The church’s voice is powerful, and if our government isn’t listening to the people, we can express our views at the ballot box. Just think about it: if Christians truly understood this power, we wouldn’t have struggled to fill seats on Sunday. Unfortunately, our church has become a bit too political. Many people who agree with the DAEC’s rally agenda chose to stay away, thinking it was “too political.” I’ve spoken to some of these individuals, and many identify as labourites. They seem determined to protect their political leaders, forgetting that those leaders might be promoting laws that go against their faith. This raises an important question: Are we more loyal to our political parties than to our churches? Are we prioritizing our political leaders over Christ? We must remember the importance of not giving what belongs to God to Caesar (Matt 22:20-22). Now, let’s talk about the framing of this rally. For years, critics have accused the church of being silent on pressing moral, political, and social issues. “The church must speak,” they say. So, with the rally titled “The Church Speaks,” it feels like the DAEC is finally answering that call. But I can’t help but worry that we might be yielding to political pressure. We need to be careful. It’s crucial that no political party or special interest group co-opts the church’s voice. We exist to serve a Kingdom agenda. We are citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:20-21) and ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Our message should be dictated by Heaven, not earthly powers. I also take issue with the suggestion that we haven’t been vocal enough. That couldn’t be further from the truth! The church has always stood firm on biblical morality and a strong Judeo-Christian ethic. We’ve consistently spoken out against sexual perversion, the decriminalization of buggery, gay tourism, and abortion. We’ve called for censoring X-rated music in public spaces. Sure, we could have been louder, more consistent, and united in our opposition, but we haven’t been silent. Our voices have resonated without fear or favour, representing a Kingdom agenda, not bowing to any political party or special interest. I’m glad that the DAEC and evangelicals are highlighting the hidden evils of the Samoa Agreement and women’s reproductive health. They’re like watchmen on the wall (Hab 2:1), alerting us to the alarming rise of drug-induced issues among our youth, the over-sexualization of our children, and threats to our religious liberties. The DAEC has its foot on the gas, and that’s a good thing. We need to keep advocating for change. As Edmund Burke famously said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We are those good men and women, and we cannot stand by while evil spreads. So let’s speak out—but let’s ensure our voices aren’t hijacked by political agendas. We speak because Heaven demands it of us. Let’s keep our focus where it truly belongs—on truth and integrity.

*Roseau, Dominica* — Patrons at the Eliminations Round of the National Institute of Praise Production (NiPP’s) Gospel Song Contest Season-3, praised the event as “one of the best Gospel shows” experienced in Dominica in a very long time, with one attendee expressing, “I am blessed beyond words.” Ten talented Gospel artists have advanced to the grand finals of the NiPP’s Gospel Song Contest Season-3, scheduled for December 7, 2024, at The Factory on Valley Road. The finalists were selected from a pool of fifteen competitors during the highly anticipated Eliminations Round, held on Saturday, October 12, at the King Event Space, located at the NiPP studio on King George V Street, Roseau. Each artist performed an original song in their chosen musical genre, with judging criteria focused on lyrical content, presentation, vocal clarity, and stage presence. The finalists competing in the grand finale include: • Rennick Toussaint – The Will of My Father • Kervel Xavier – I’ve Got Something • Shadrach Ogbonna – Praise Tribute • Eversley Coliare – So Much You Love Me • Elisha Rolle – I Thought I Couldn’t Make It Out • Nickisha Yearwood – Running to You • Markanna Charles – Blow the Trumpet • Leon Royer – Believe • Evelyn Lealtham – Beautiful Feeling • Edward Julien – Get to Know You More Additionally, Hendrick Giraudel has been selected as the Director’s Choice with his song ‘You Are My Lord,’ allowing him to compete in the grand finals. Ken Robinson, CEO of NiPP, congratulated the artists, saying, “It’s unfortunate that only ten of you will make it to the finals, but you are all winners. You did an amazing job and have blessed our patrons immensely tonight.” He added, as he thanked patrons for their support, “I am excited to see Gospel music making a comeback in Dominica.” Jerry Lloyd, renowned gospel recording artist and Director of Artist Development and music at NiPP, also commended the outstanding performances of the new and upcoming artists, promising an even bigger and more spectacular grand finale. “You did exceptionally well. While it might be hard to imagine a better show than tonight, I assure you the grand finals will deliver even higher quality,” he stated. “The accompanying band -“The Dynamics ” did a ‘Yeoman’s job’ playing for the artists. You have been exceptional. “ The Grand Finals will also feature guest performances by Nyel Grove, the Season 2 winner, and four artists from the Eliminations. Featured performances will come from Julian “Caribbean Cowboy” Riviere and Jerry Lloyd. Tickets for the NiPP Gospel Song Contest Season-3 Grand Finals can be purchased at Robinson’s Bakery on King George V Street and at Robinson’s Grocery Store at 3 Cross Street. For more information, please contact NiPP at 245-1661 or 265-5462.

This week, let’s dive into Psalm 23, often called the Shepherd’s Psalm. Davidwasn’t just using a metaphor—he had a real, hands-on understanding of what itmeant to be a shepherd. Picture David out in the fields, keeping an eye on hissheep, making sure they were safe and well-fed. He knew firsthand the care andattention needed to protect and nurture them. So, when he says, “The Lord is myshepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1), it’s not just poetic language; it’s a deep,personal expression of trust. Think about how a shepherd leads their flock to green pastures and stillwaters, ensuring they have everything they need. It’s a bit like when you’re planninga road trip and you map out all the stops to make sure everyone has what they needalong the way—snacks, rest breaks, and a safe route. David saw God as theultimate guide, making sure he had everything necessary for his journey. Jesus picks up this same idea in John 10:11, saying, “I am the goodshepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Imagine thecommitment of a shepherd who would put themselves in harm’s way to protect theirflock. Jesus is telling us He’s that committed to us. It’s like a parent who would doanything to keep their child safe, no matter the cost. And let’s not forget the parable in Luke 15 about the shepherd who leavesninety-nine sheep to find the one that’s lost. Picture a shepherd frantically searchingthrough the night, calling out for the missing sheep until it’s found. That’s howintensely Jesus seeks us out when we’re lost or wandering. Paul reinforces this in Romans 8:32, reminding us that if God didn’t spare Hisown Son, He’ll certainly provide for all our needs. It’s like having an all-access passto a concert and knowing you’ll be taken care of every step of the way—every needmet, every worry eased. So, next time you read Psalm 23, think of it as a personal promise that God isalways there for you—guiding, providing, and protecting. It’s a comforting reminderthat you’re never alone and always cared for. Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for being our Good Shepherd and for taking such goodcare of us. Help us trust in Your guidance and provision, knowing that with You, welack nothing. Strengthen our faith and keep us mindful of Your promises.In Jesus’ name, we pray.Amen.