What would you like people in other countries to know about your nation?

Daniel: "Our nation is made up of a lot of islands. It is a very relaxing place where tourism is the number one industry. We used to be a British territory and became independent in 1973."

Destiny: "The Bahamas is a very peaceful nation and most of our people are very religious. I'd like for everyone to know that we have United Church of God congregations in both Freeport and Nassau."

Ariel: "Those of us in the Church are scattered on different islands, so it makes it hard for us to stay in touch. One of the ways we do stay in contact with each other is through the Internet."

The other teens added that the Bahamas have very friendly people, great beaches and a culture that likes to eat.

What are the biggest challenges for United Church of God teens?

Daniel: "I think the number one problem is peer pressure. There is a lot of premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, smoking, etc., going on; and you have to know right from wrong to not go astray."

Kevara: "Not giving in to temptation is a challenge."

Ariel: "There are pressures from others who don't know God's way to go out on Friday nights [the beginning of the weekly Sabbath]."

Destiny: "It seems to me that our biggest challenge is probably the Sabbath. And it is also the Holy Days. Of course, most people also don't understand why we don't eat pork."

Ashley: "Most of my challenges involve keeping the Sabbath holy. Parties and activities are usually held on Saturdays."

Kevara: "For me it is peer pressure to do bad things."

Hubert: "The Sabbath is hard for me to keep because I like to play sports—especially baseball and tennis—and these activities take place on the Sabbath."

Daniel: "I go to a Seventh-day Adventist school, so I don't face as many problems there as youth do who go to government schools. The main thing I face is not celebrating Christmas."

Is it difficult for you to keep the seventh-day Sabbath?

Destiny: "Earlier it was confusing for me, but now that I know what the Bible says, I'm able to deal with it. Many of my friends have parties on the Sabbath, but I tell them I can't come."

Gabriel: "It's hard for me to keep the Sabbath because my favorite TV programs are on the Sabbath."

Ashley: Sometimes it is difficult because of all the fun things happening. But when I pray about it, God gives me strength."

Daniel: Keeping the Sabbath isn't that hard since my parents take me to church."

Ariel: "It isn't hard for me to keep the Sabbath because my family and church give me a lot of support."

Kevara: "It used to be difficult for me, but I've gotten used to it. I wanted to do sports on the Sabbath, but my parents wouldn't allow me. Now I've accepted this."

Are you excused from school to observe the Feast of Tabernacles?

Destiny: "As a senior I'm only allowed to be absent 10 days from school, and my time off for the Feast counted as eight days. So far, it doesn't look like this will be a problem."

Daniel: "My parents have to write a letter to the school officials and then I can get advance assignments. This way I can attend the Feast without any difficulty."

Ashley: "My mom also writes a note asking my teachers to give me my homework in advance, and so far it hasn't been a problem."

Ariel: "My school is very understanding because many members of our family have been taking off for the Church festivals."

Kevara: "My parents send a letter to the principal of the school and we are excused."

Gabriel: "My teachers let me make up work when I miss school for the Feast of Tabernacles, so it works out."

Where have you most enjoyed observing the Feast of Tabernacles?

Daniel: "Our family used to go to Jamaica quite often, but now we have our own Feast site at Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas. I like keeping the Feast here."

Ariel: "I also like keeping it best here at Freeport. It is fun hosting it."

Destiny: "Jamaica has been my favorite place. I've also enjoyed Jekyll Island, Georgia, because of the shopping."

Ashley: "Jekyll Island is my favorite place because of all the activities."

Hubert: "I enjoyed keeping the Feast at Jamaica because it is an all-inclusive site—meaning you can eat all the food you want and play a lot of games."

Have you had any opportunities to show others God's way of life?

Ariel: "In talking with a friend who was doing a report on atheism, I showed him a copy of Vertical Thought that addressed that subject. In the process he learned about our Church. I also show my friends in the Bible why I keep the Holy Days."

Destiny: "When I go to the Holy Days, I get to explain why I keep these days."

Daniel: "At school I try to be friends with everyone and do the right thing. I try to let others see God in me."

Ariel: "I try to forgive people who have hurt me."

How has Vertical Thought (VT) helped you grow spiritually?

Destiny: "VT uses language that I can more easily understand. A lot of questions I have are answered in the magazine."

Ashley: "The magazine addresses questions and problems I face."

Ariel: "The interviews with other teens let me know that there are others facing the same problems. It helps my faith to be stronger."

Daniel: "I find it is very informative. There are a lot of things in it that I hadn't thought about. I can understand it better than a sermon that is intended for adults. I find things in it that I can apply to my own life. It makes God seem friendly and it encourages me to study my Bible."

Gabriel: "VT helps me a lot. I've been praying about overcoming anger and God is helping me."