Standing In The Gap Peoples Network

Hot topics discuss on everyday issues

This month April Oceans and the Law of the Sea (cf. Water) marine pollution, ocean governance

 

A theology of ocean care can sustain us, the creatures with whom we share the earth, and the sea itself. 

 

Covering more than two-thirds of Earth’s surface, the ocean holds some of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity and contributes to the vital cycles that keep our planet—and people—healthy. It provides important food sources and supports diverse ecosystems that are crucial to the livelihoods of communities worldwide.

 

Historically, there are four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, most countries - including the United States - now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as the fifth ocean. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian are the most commonly known. The Southern Ocean is the 'newest' named ocean.

 

The oceans had long been subject to the freedom of-the-seas doctrine - a principle put forth in the 17th century, essentially limiting national rights and jurisdiction over the oceans to a narrow sea belt surrounding a nation's coastline. 

 

Countries are responsible for conserving and sustainably using waterways within their national jurisdiction. However, the high seas, which are beyond national jurisdiction, now have additional protection from harmful practices such as pollution and unsustainable fishing activities.

 

Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms, and to economic structures worldwide. National Geographic Society. The world’s marine pollution comes in many forms – from toxic chemicals, sewage and fertilisers to plastics, discarded fishing nets and even the noise from shipping and drilling.

 

It threatens ocean health, the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change. 

 

International ocean governance is about managing the world's oceans and their resources together so that they are healthy and productive, for the benefit of current and future generations.

 

 Making changes in your life that you know will help our oceans

1. Pick Up Trash, and Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle Plastic

2. Conserve Water

3. Use Environmentally-Friendly Products

4. Know Where Your Food Comes From

5. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner

6. Get Involved, Go Outside!

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/help-our-ocean.html

https://mission.cmaquarium.org/news/six-ocean-friendly-habits-to-help-protect-marine-life/

 

 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.Genesis 1:21

 

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

 

As the sea receives all the dirt and purifies it, we should have a broad mind like the sea.

 

Educational Community Forum 

• Raise Awareness • Demand Action • Advocate for change

 

• Economic Development

• Health Care

• Advocacy and Leadership

• Empowering Youth Voice

• Connecting our Community with State resources

 

• Encouraging and enlisting the full participation of our community to improve the quality of life for better places to live, work and raise a family

Publications / Newsletters 

• Family Support Program Newsletter                          •  Single and Couples Network Newsletter

• Standing in Gap Publication                                       •  Spark For Youth Pageant Newsletter

• Summer Passion Publication                                      •  Rose of Sharon Publication

• Manpower Force Publication                                      • Quarterly Publication 

 

The choices we make now determine what rewards we receive in Heaven. Five crowns are mentioned in the Bible. The first crown is the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8) which is given to those who don’t allow earthly things to distract them to the point that they forget that their true citizenship is in Heaven. These victors look forward to Christ’s Second Coming and live holy lives in expectancy of His return. The second crown is the crown of victory (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). This crown is given to those who exercise self-discipline in their spiritual race and refuse to let their flesh dominate their life. The third crown is the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) given to those who persevere under trial and are faithful no matter the difficulties and persecutions they face in this life. The fourth crown is the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Philippians 4:1), often called the soul winner crown. This crown is awarded for bringing people to Christ. The fifth crown is the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:1, 4), often called the Pastor’s crown because it is a reward given to those who shepherd others.