THE HISTORIC SABBATH AT SEA CRUISE sailed from New Orleans on August 24, 2003;, with a mission to provide rest, relaxation, and spiritual rejuvenation among family, friends, and loved ones; and to make new acquaintances.
The theme of the cruise was Health and Family, with workshops conducted by experienced family counselors Ron Smith, Michael and Gayle Tucker, and Willie and Elaine Oliver. The topics discussed included "The Power of Relaxation," "Managing Depression," "Becoming Intimate Allies," "Spirituality in Marriage," "Your Gift to Your Children," and Practical Points for Parents." A commitment service for couples concluded the Sabbath program.
To panel discussions were held, one on family and the other on health; both were moderated by Pastor Horatious Gittens. The panelists for the family life discussion included Barry Black, T. Marshal and Jean Kelly, Mike and Gayle Tucker, Willie and Elaine Olives; Schubert and Yolanda Innocent Palmer, and Ron and Yolanda Smith. The health panelists included Dr. Glenis Strachan-Bernjamin, Dr. Janice Emananuel-Bunn, Dr. Lisa Walke, Dr. Owen Carryl, Dr. Schubert Palmer, and Dr. Stephen Carryl.
The program included two gospel concerts by world-renowned artists Wintlev Phipps and Yolanda Innocent-Palrner, and a talent night laced with humor, drama, singing, poetry, and instrumental renditions.
The mission of Sabbath at Sea extended beyond its group and the Carnival super liner to an outreach effort on land in Jamaica. Barry- Black blessed the Jamaican population with in uplifting message on television and a motivational presentation to the staff of the West Jamaica Conference.
The Sabbath mission hour was taken by three charities, with presentations by the following:
- Evelyan Thomas, director of the TAPS Team, Inc.
- Stephen Carryl, president of the Overseas Medical Assistance Team (OMAT). Their surgeons have performed more than 200 surgeries overseas.
- Wintlev Phipps, president of U.S. Dream Academy, which was founded in 1998, with a mission to empower at-risk children and youth to maximize their potential by providing these with academic, social, and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. Funds were donated to these three charities so that they may continue to improve the lives of many.