Bahamas
The Eleuthera Bible Training Center
Youth On Mission is blessed to partner with the EBTC in James Cistern!
The ministry of EBTC exists to fulfill the words of Christ in Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."
The ministry was initiated in 1993 when members of a short-term trip to the island of Eleuthera discovered that while the Bahamas had been significantly evangelized; few persons had come to help the people grow in their Christian faith.
Thus, the Eleuthera Bible Training Center opened its doors in 2002 for the purpose of providing Bible classes to Bahamian pastors and church leaders, both men and women. Students of the center are taught the contents of the Bible, the application of it in their own lives and how to teach it to their congregations as well as individuals.
LOCATION
YOM travels to the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. On Eleuthera, groups will stay in the town of James Cistern, just minutes away from Governor's Harbor. Governor's Harbor (GHB) is the preferred location for groups to fly into. With approval from YOM, groups can also fly into North Eleuthera (ELH) about an hour and a half north of James Cistern. Eleuthera is only 200 miles off the coast of Miami, FL.
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
The Bahamas have been an independent country since 1973. Under British control for over 300 years, the Bahamas have a British influence throughout the islands. The Bahamas are one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Local cuisine is quite diverse, but the staples revolve around fresh seafood like fish and conch. Music, dance, and art all play vital roles in the lives of Bahamian people. English is the national language, although dialects may vary from island to island. Average temperature is 80 degrees year round. The island of Eleuthera is only 110 miles long and a mere two miles wide. Eleuthera is known for its colonial villages, pink sand beaches, and pineapple fields. The population of Eleuthera is just under 10,000 people. There are over 100 churches on the island. Religion is very important, but many people do not understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ.
MINISTRY
Ministry is wide open in Eleuthera. Church and schools are willing and eager to have U.S. groups come and minister to them. Possible ministry opportunities in schools and/or churches include: VBS, skits, drama, puppets, mimes, and other forms of evangelism. If you plan on bringing an evangelistic ministry, please be well prepared and organized. Groups can also do sports ministry: basketball, softball, volleyball, and track and field are very popular sports clinics. Work projects and light construction are also available. If you desire to do a work project, please bring the necessary funds for materials. Other options include movie presentations or food and tract distribution
HOUSING
Groups will stay in the town of James Cistern at the ministry complex, located directly across the street from the beach. The complex can house about 40 people total. The complex has one half that is dedicated for up to 20 ladies and one half that is dedicated for up to 20 men. Bunk beds come furnished with sheets and pillows. Bathroom facilities are available on site in the ministry complex. Bath towels are provided, but beach towels are not. Dorm rooms do have air conditioning. There are ping‐pong tables, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court available for groups to use.
The ministry center in Eleuthera is a beautiful building. It sits directly across the street from the Caribbean Sea. There is a large front porch that is great for watching sunrises and sunsets over the water.
Rooms have bunk beds and air conditioning. There is one large room for 20 ladies and one large room for 20 men. There is a very large common area in the middle of the complex that serves as a dining room, chapel, and recreation room.
The ministry center has a full basketball court in the front yard. The beach us just steps from the volleyball court. There are also ping‐pong tables inside the ministry complex.
INSURANCE
YOM in cooperation with SCORE International purchases insurance for all persons going on trips prior to the team leaving the U.S. Insurance coverage is provided through Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company.
CLOTHING
We ask each person to help us stay above reproach in this area. What may not be a problem in the U.S. can be identified as a problem in this culture. You can help us by rising above your personal preference in order to overcome any perception problems that could occur. The weather will be warm every day; plan accordingly.
Ladies: Dress for ministry is a knee‐length skirt with t‐shirt, Capri pants with t‐shirt, or a dress. Denim skirts and capris are allowed. Modest shorts may be worn during free time at the ministry complex. As for t‐shirts, you may wear a sleeveless shirt, but no spaghetti straps or thin tank tops. Swimsuits must be one‐piece. No tankinis allowed.
Men: Dress for ministry is long pants with a collared shirt. There may be some days where men will be allowed to wear shorts (not athletic) with a collared shirt. Modest shorts are allowed during free time at the ministry complex. Pants must be worn when attending church services.
MEALS
Lunch and dinner are provided in the cost of your trip. Lunch is typically a sandwich and chips. Dinner will vary from night to night. You are asked to bring your own food for breakfast or purchase it on the island. Please keep in mind that food prices on Eleuthera are much higher than in the U.S. Instant oatmeal, Pop Tarts, and granola bars are good ideas to pack because cereal and mile are very expensive to buy.
GENERAL INFO AND GUIDELINES
- Be prepared to be very flexible! Plans may change daily.
Be on time every time. The Bahamians may be late, but we do not want to be.
Stay together at all times. Groups of at least 4 are recommended at all times.
Be prepared to share your testimony at any time.
Look for God to do something amazing in your life on this trip
Cost is $625 per person + airfare
