examines the way in which St. George's' Richard Allen A.M.E. Church is hoping to help Bermudians, and especially women, deal with topics that affect their everyday lives.

*** The Richard Allen A.M.E Church in St. George's is striving towards "greater spritual growth in the community'' according to its Pastor, Reverend Wilbur Lowe Jr.

And with its three day "International Women's Conference'' coming up next month, Richard Allen A.M.E. Church members have pledged to "bring Christian women together'' by addressing several social issues that affect modern females in this day and age.

Organisers of the women's conference, taking place from November 18 to 20 at Sonesta Beach, expect attendance to go into the hundreds.

They described how nine speakers, including several from overseas, will be giving talks on "just about every problem that women face these days''.

The sessions will look at topics including single parenting, sexuality and will "basically give advice on how to face life's difficulties with an underlying spiritual message running throughout.'' Conference coordinator Carolla Lowe explained how the conference had been a "vision'' of her brother-in-law, Pastor Lowe and was intended to reach "a cross-section of Bermudian women, bringing them together with the breaking of denominational barriers''.

She said: "We want to give women support and advice on how to deal with pertinent issues, such as their children, their careers or their sexuality, in such a way that it doesn't compromise their beliefs.'' Ms Lowe explained how time at the three day conference will be layed out.

"There will be worship services at various times throughout the weekend. In between there will be the lectures hosted by the different speakers.'' She added that there will also be a special workshop for younger women which will deal with issues especially relevant to them.

"This section will be especially for girls between the age of 16 and 19,'' she said, "and I advise anyone who would like to take part in this to register now as there are only thirty places available.'' Asked why this was the case, Ms Lowe explained: "We want to make sure that each participant can be dealt with on an individual level. When numbers go higher than thirty, we find its much more difficult to do this.'' This workshop will take on four themes; In Pursuit of Purpose, Putting Your Individuality On Display, Sex and Sexuality and Life Management Skills.

One of the guest preachers in attendance will be Bermudian Dr. N. Cindy Trimm, who will fly in from her current home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Dr. Trimm holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Counselling and a Cultural Doctorate in Philosophy of Education.

She advised the Bermuda Government on issues concerning educational reforms and the drafting of a National Drug Strategy.

She also consulted with Harbour Light Drug Rehabilitation Center in the development of a Drug Rehabilitation Programme and spent time as a volunteer, counselling drug addicts and alcoholics.

Dr. Trimm is, according to public relations manager June Ann Furbert, "recognised for her expertise in children and youth issues and was appointed advisor to the National Alcohol and Drug Agency's Youth to Youth programme.'' Stating her theological beliefs, she said: "All these things that I once thought very worthwhile, now I've cast them aside so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone.'' "Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain in knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord.'' In next week's continuation of this story, The Royal Gazette will detail the background of another one of the conference's speakers and will present views on the subject that Pastor Lowe expressed during an exclusive interview.