Acklins, Bahamas

Acklins is a 64 mile long, 5 mile wide island in the Atlantic Ocean next to Cuba in the Caribbean. There are approximately 500 people on the island. The island has three primary schools (elementary) and one high school; these schools are mainly one room schools. Once the children have reached sixth grade most of them go to Nassau schools, living with family and friends.

The Bahamian Government had electricity installed and put one paved road going around Acklins in 2000. Since that year a few homes have been built, along with 3-4 motels. There is a small landing strip with 2 flights per week coming onto the island. The islanders hope to develop tourism using bone fishing as a calling card to tourists in the U.S. and Europe. Their main economy depends on selling fish to people on the island and to hotels/restaurants in the Bahamas.

The island consists of eight settlements with small churches in these spread out areas. Active attendance in each church is approximately 8-10 adults/children. Most of the adults that attend and preach in the churches are women, due to lack of interest among the men. There is a desperate need for sound Biblical teaching in these churches and for true salvation that has a life changing affect in these people.

There are currently no missionaries living on the island. Last year JRBC was part of a Vacation Bible School, taught teens and adults and led worship services on the island. The hurricanes of 2004 caused significant roof damage to most of the houses on the island. Janda Taylor's parent's church in Lakeland, Florida is coordinating construction projects to repair the roofs this May. As we continue to pray for the people of Acklins, we are planning another mission trip(s) this summer to minister to the spiritual needs of the island. We are seeking to involve as many people as God leads in this ministry.

For more information contact Janda Taylor at 471-3109.