Island Encounter
So, you are considering a possible mission trip to the Bahamas with Anchor Ministries but you would like additional information to help you select a destination! You are on the right page. This is the Island Encounter section and we are sure that you will gain a better understanding of the islands, where they are located, travel time, and most importantly what ministry opportunities await you and your group. After reviewing each section if you still have further questions contact us by phone or e-mail. We thank you for visiting with us and for your interest in ministry to the Bahamas.
"BIMINI" Map Location 1
Right: Aerial photo of Bimini from the south
Within a mere 50 miles Florida's coastline lies Bimini the gateway to the Bahamas and the most frequently visited island by Anchor Ministries. Bimini is actually made up of several small islands and cays (pronounced keys). The two main islands are North and South Bimini separated by a hundred yard stretch of bay. Bimini is about seven miles long by 300 yards at its widest point. Although Bimini is a small island it has lots to offer. Bimini has many myths that have lured travelers to the small island for hundreds of years. It is believed that the Fountain of Youth exists here and Ponce de Leon even visited the island in 1513. The most frequent discovery in Bimini is evidence of the Lost City of Atlantis and there are even large stone structures underwater to back the theory up. But perhaps the most common reason people come to Bimini is for the beauty of the island and the warmness of its people. There are several different churches on the island who are always open to our groups and are more that willing to work with groups that visit the island. The island has a large number of children and teens who are always glad to see what our groups have in store. Ministry opportunities are light construction, Vacation Bible School, street evangelism, adult leadership training, and Christian led sports camp.
The island is only about a five-hour boat ride from Florida, just across the Gulf Stream. So, if you are considering a mission trip but don't have much time, consider Bimini as your destination port. It's as tropical as you can get and it's is close to Florida’s east coast.
"NASSAU" Map location 2
Right: Aerial photo of Nassau from the west
Nassau/Paradise Island is the home of the Bahamian National Capital. Nassau, the bustling hub of the Bahamas is known for it's prized natural harbour, Victorian mansions, churches, forts, and of course pirates. Nassau is located on New Providence Island but if you speak of New Providence Island you will likely receive blank stares. Today when you speak of Nassau, you mean the whole island. The island is 27 miles long by 7 miles wide. Roughly 162,000 people live there. They own 85,000 motor vehicles and use them on road systems inherited from the British, 90 percent of which is still 1950's in form and barely adequate for 20 percent of the traffic load. Besides being a busy capital city, Nassau is a beautiful Caribbean Island located about 180 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale. The ministry opportunities are some of the best in the Bahamas. There are numerous rural and inner city churches offering plenty of opportunities for missions groups. There are also orphanages and learning centers for children. The city itself has a large population of young children who have needs that are not being met by their parents or guardians. Nassau is a great place for week long Vacation Bible Schools and sports camps.
"Freeport/Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island" Map Location 3
Left: Aerial photo of Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island seems to dominate any map of the Bahamas. It is however the fourth largest in land mass of all the Bahama Islands (after Andros, Eleuthra, and Great Abaco). Grand Bahama is about 80 miles long and around 7 miles wide. Port Lucaya is an ideal destination if your group plans on doing light to moderate construction. We have great contacts on the island that are always wiling to set up construction projects of all sorts. There might be a minimal, but it is well worth it. Once you decide on the mission project you like they will do the rest. If it involves supplies they will have the material placed at the work site for your group when they arrive. You are allowed to bring into the country up to one hundred dollars worth of supplies or goods for each person traveling on the vessel.
"Berry Islands" Map Location 4
Left: Aerial photo Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands
We would like to add the Berry's to our list of destinations. These islands are available for mission trips. If you would like to book your group on a trip there, call so we can schedule a survey trip. A representative from Anchor Ministries will accompany you while you visit the island to help with the arrangements of your mission trip.
Anchor Ministries
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2637 E. Atlantic Blvd, #157 Pompano Beach, FL 33062, USA |
Toll-free 888-230-9060 Tel 954 941 8520 Fax 954 941 9821 Email Us |
