PREAMBLE
We are in the information age. A period of widespread access to information characterized by widespread electronic access to information through the use of computer technology. At the formative stage of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Kingdom, prior to the advent of automation, the processing, storage and retrieval of information in the BCS Kingdom involved the use of paper-based methods or words of mouth, internal progress reports; and information were produced manually with typewriters and only periodically, as a by-product of the initial system of Departmental, Fellowship or individual accountability set up by The Holy Father, Great Leader Olumba Olumba Obu in the form of the three (3) Pentecostal periods (Easter or April, August and December Pentecostal periods) supported with some additional statistics from the various BCS Departments. Pentecostal season is a period for rendering of account, personal and collective assessment of the past works of BCS members.
This system of information management gave limited and delayed information on management performance. Much of the information was lost due to poor documentation and lack of database. In fact, data was organized manually. However, as computational technology developed, it became necessary for information of the BCS Kingdom to be distinguished from data and some systems needed to be developed which would produce and organize abstractions, summaries, relationships and generalizations based on the available data.
The introduction of new machines in telecommunication, radio and television, computers, micro-electronics, silicon chip technology, in the BCS ICT Department, etc., provided a major shift in information management. Information technology, computer literacy and access to information are now very vital in the BCS Kingdom. Computers can now be used to perform simple operations such as recording tithe proceeds or payroll data, although with little detail or structure. While there are also more complex applications today. But more data can be stored and linked, and reports can be created from raw or stored data. Consequently, the term Management Information System (MIS) has arisen within the New Kingdom to describe such applications providing information about tithe remittances, proceeds, inventories, personnel, membership, and other data that will help in managing the BCS Kingdom more effectively.
Thus, going by the growing data requirements, complexity, frequency, and volume of information generated in the BCS Kingdom due to the swelling membership, information management technology is now needed in the BCS Kingdom to help in creating databases and in the organization of our data management system. The use of Information Management Technology (IMT) therefore, becomes invaluable in building technology advancements in order to provide integrated and innovative solution that has real and measurable value to the BCS Kingdom.
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGIES
1. Information: Information refers to gathered facts: the collected facts and data about a specific subject. It is the act of making facts known; it is the communication of facts and knowledge in order to supply definite knowledge acquired about something or somebody. When data is converted into a more useful or intelligible form, then it is said to be processed into information.
2. Information Management: Information Management is the use of formal procedures to gather, integrate, compare, analyse and disperse appropriate information to mangers at all levels in all functions to enable them make timely effective decisions for planning, directing and controlling activities for which they are responsible. Information management are the actions taken by managers in an organization to provide the right information to the right people. It addresses all the managerial, organizational and technological components. Information management may therefore, be defined as the systematic collection of facts and data in an organization by manual or computerized methods for the purpose of planning or forecasting, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and budgeting.
3. Technology: Technology is the application of tools, devices, machines and technical knowledge for manufacturing and productive processes. Example includes computer technology; laser technology; seismographic technology; a new technology for accelerating incubation. Technology is the bedrock of modern society. Indeed, it is the crux of civilisation and development. No society can survive without technology. Technology could be in hardware or software and in various categories. There are Electronic devices such as computers, servers, mainframes, monitors, TVs and display services, telecommunications such as cellular phones and pagers, calculators, audio and video devices, printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines. Besides refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and microwave ovens, e-waste also covers recording devices such as DVDs, CDs, floppies, tapes, a 3.5-inch diskette, Zip disk or CD-ROM, printing cartridges, military electronic waste, electronic components such as, chips, processors, mother boards, printed circuit boards, industrial electronics such as sensors, alarms, sirens, security devices, and automobile electronic devices.
4. Media Technology: Media technology refers to the signal processing, data recording, data storage devices, art media technology, print media technology, data transmission, telecommunications, digital media technology, electronic media technology. It may include art materials, internet, printing, digital media, electronic publishing, film and video technology, media formats, multimedia software, music technology, musical instruments, storage media, printing press, office equipment. Others include analogue recording, holophonics, integrated media, internet, IPL information processing, art media, digital signage, network virtualization, channel tech watch, android smart phones and the business-friendly ultra-book, the mobile device revolution.
5. Information Technology: Information technology (IT) means processing of data via computer; it also means the use of technologies from computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms. Information technology involves the use of machines in which computer is one good example. In an organization that relies heavily on all forms of automation and on the automated handling of information, computers are bound to be very important. It refers to all the tools and technologies including various kinds of hardware, software and computing and communication technologies used for transforming material data, or raw facts to the creation, management and use of information. Information technology includes video recorders (CD), video conferencing, Tele-conferencing, Rom (compact disk read only memory), telephones, calculators and electronic cash tills as well as computers.
6. Information Technology Management: According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, “IT management is the discipline whereby all technology resources of a firm are managed in accordance with its needs and priorities. These resources may include tangible investments like computer hardware, software, data, networks and data centre facilities, as well as the staffs who are hired to maintain them. Managing this responsibility within a company entails many of the basic management functions like budgeting, staffing, and organizing and controlling, along with other aspects that are unique to technology like change management, software design, network planning, tech support, etc.”.
7. Management Information System: Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia states that, a Management Information System (MIS) provides information which is needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: (i) people; (ii) technology; and (iii) information. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that they are used to analyse operational activities in the organization. The term is used broadly in a number of contexts and includes (but is not limited to): (a) Decision Support Systems; (b) Resource and People Management Applications; (c) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP); (d) Enterprise Performance Management (EPM); (e) Supply Chain Management (SCM); (f) Customer Relationship Management (CRM); (g) Project Management and Database Retrieval Applications.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION IN THE BCS KINGDOM
There are various sources of information in the New Kingdom of God on earth, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. These are viz:
1. Scriptural Information: The greatest source of information in the New Kingdom of God for BCS members and the rest of the world is The Holy Father’s Everlasting Gospels. It is a unique source of superior wisdom. The Holy Bible is another great source of scriptural information. Children of God are encouraged to read the Everlasting Gospel and the Holy Bible regularly. You can gain accurate information and knowledge about God, His New Kingdom, and His wonderful purpose for creating mankind. The Everlasting Gospel and the Holy Bible are the supreme guides in the art of living. Scripture-based information can transform lives. It provides sound guidance on how to pursue what is good and to avoid what is bad. Our ideas, wisdom, philosophy, literature, art, and ideals come more from the Everlasting Gospel and the Holy Bible than from all other books put together. Everyone who has a thorough knowledge of the Bible may truly be called a well-informed person. Those who apply its principle become better citizens. No other learning or culture, no matter how extensive or elegant, can form a proper substitute. Other Scriptures like the Quran, the Lost Books of Eden, The Aquarian Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. are also good sources of scriptural information.
2. Verbal Information: Oral testimonies by BCS members, public notices and announcements by the BCS Information Secretary in the Hall or Fellowship or Bodies Public Relation Officers, prayers, recitations, testimonies, and revelations by BCS members and visionaries are essential sources of verbal information in the BCS Kingdom. Testimonies according to the Advanced Learners Dictionary are “written or spoken statements declaring that something is true”. While ‘Webster’ defined it as “evidence in support of a fact or statement, open declaration or profession of faith”. These statements, be they written or spoken, are always given to ensure the authenticity of particular occurrences. Through testimonies brethren announce to others what the Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords has done for them without any cost. “O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify…” (Micah 6: 3). Testimonies are used in building faith and revealing the glory of God. It is also used to edify and extol God’s name. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness” (John 3: 11). With words of testimony our Lord Jesus Christ testified and glorified His Father.
The Lord God has other ways of communicating His will to His children. Face-to-face interview (or speaking face-to-face or mouth-to-mouth) is an important scriptural source of verbal information. Apostle John says, “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full” (2 John 1: 12). There are other means of verbal information like general or one-on-one discussions or announcements are also sources of important information. Practical discussions or conversations during meetings and the sharing of experiences during seminars and symposiums, conferences, classrooms, retreats, interviews, etc. are means of verbal information. The religious symposiums by ecclesiastical scholars, scriptural readings, divine sermons by The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords or by the priests, etc. are usually good sources of verbal information, directions and guidance for the BCS members.
3. Musical Information: Music and songs are another source of information. The melodious songs sung by choirs from the BCS hymn book provide useful information. The lyrics of such songs give us vital information. “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works” (1 Chronicles 16: 9). “Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people His doings” (Psalm 9: 11). “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95: 1). So much information and messages can be derived from songs used in praise and worship. The role of songs in information dissemination in the BCS Kingdom cannot be overemphasized. Songs are the beginning and the end.
The Scriptures say that everything will cease except songs. There is no BCS occasion that songs are not being rendered for the listening pleasure of the members. When choirs sing, most people listen attentively to the lyrics as well as the melodies. They derive a lot of advices, lessons, guides, visions and instructions from the lyrics. The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords, and even many missionaries used songs to preach. To underscore the importance of songs in giving out information, whenever The Holy Father is preaching in the Great Hall, He uses songs as an introduction of the main gospel; in most cases when The Holy Father has sung songs, He might even end His sermon by saying: “That is what We have for you today”.
All the pews in the BCS fold have their various choirs. The 144,000 Virgins, all Priestly Bodies like the Universal Council of Christ Ambassadors, Divine Vanguards, Mansion of Blessedness, etc. have their choirs; the Sabbath Children, the All Ordained Ones, Men and Women Congregations, all have their various choirs. Even before babies acquire language, they exhibit a marked capacity for reacting to music, reports the Journal Scientific American. According to the report, babies are able to detect differences in musical tones and changes in both the tempo and the rhythm of the music. They are also able to recognize a melody even when it is played in a different key.
4. Non-vocal Information: We can pass vital information to one another either verbally or by non-vocal methods such as gestures, nodding, dancing, going on outing, flying and hoisting flags, posters, sign posts, banners, billboards, etc. Nonverbal expression like facial and body language, sign language and gesticulations can be used by deaf people to learn. And, the deaf actually think in their sign language.
Research shows that animals exchange information in intricate ways that baffle humans. Animals speak not with words, but through visual signals such as wagging tail, twisting ear or flapping wing. “They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city” (Psalm 59: 6). Other forms of communication may involve the use of voice such as barking, or roaring, or snarling, or the songs of a bird such as the cock crowing. “Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew” (Matthew 26: 74). Some of the animal languages are obvious to humans, while others require much scientific study to detect. Examples are the erratic dance, leaping and high jumps of the wildebeest to confuse the enemy; the grunting, snorting, and giggling of the hyenas while running after preys; elephants talk, ranging from low to high frequency rumblings, roars, bellows, barks, and snorts. They appear to mourn when calamity befalls a family member; the lion roars: “The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken” (Job 4: 10). “They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion” (Psalm 22: 13); honeybee’s dances to inform others in the hive of the location, type, and even quality of food found. Others include the melodies of the song birds. Their songs are methods of passing important messages. Although at times singing is a means of establishing territory, it is also used in a large way to attract potential mates.
Body language and dress code is also a source of information. Clothes are more than a covering for the body. Our clothing helps to send out information about who we are. Clothing tells much about our personality, status and character: the major reason why most people refuse to wear casual clothes like shorts, jeans, tights, off-shoulder blouses and skirts for women and other casuals to church. The traditional Korean costume called the hanbok was won in time passed by the Korean ruling class. These clothing were won with colours that had symbolic information. Peasants were dressed mostly in white, unmarried women were identified by wearing a combination of yellow and red. After marriage, the colour of her hanbok reflected her husband’s social status.
In BCS, the white soutane worn by BCS members inform members of the public about who they are. Because the soutane is the same, there is no difference between the members irrespective of their age, life stage, gender, family status, occupation, and income. The long wide ropes or turbans with different colours tied round the waist by the ordained brothers and sisters identify them as such. The colours of the turbans inform us about the position a person occupies: (i) purple turban signifies Bishops (1 Timothy 3: 1-7); (ii) red turban is for Evangelists (both Brothers and Sisters), Apostles (for Brothers), Deaconesses (for Sisters); (iii) black turban is for Pastors (for Brothers); (iv) yellow turban is for Senior Prophets and Prophetesses; (v) blue, green and brown turbans are for Prophets and Prophetesses; and (vi) maroon turban is for Archbishops. All ordained brethren sit together in the ordained pew. Red soutane or red garment is worn by the Holy Trinity and is sown in the same style like the white soutane (Revelation 19: 13; Isaiah 63: 1; Genesis 49: 11). The black garment is worn by the two witnesses (Revelation 11: 3-6). BCS also has her divine colours: (a) white symbolizes ‘righteousness’, ‘purity’ and ‘peace’; (b) red means ‘love’ and ‘the Word of God’, and (c) black means ‘judgment’.
5. Media Information: Media information is every information transmitted from TV, film, radio, the print, etc. to computers, internet, etc. such as YouTube for example. But media concentrates on the main ones like TV, radio, print, social, etc. This has to do with BCS journalism via Starcross TV, The New Kingdom Trumpet Newspaper (a monthly publication), Our Missionary Magazine (a quarterly magazine); Sparkling 92.3 MHZ FM, to mention just few. The New Kingdom Trumpet Newspaper is the official print media information dissemination organ of the BCS Kingdom; it is The Holy Father’s mobile pulpit. It is said: “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works” (Psalm 26: 7). The New Kingdom Trumpet was first launched in April 1984. The Third Covenant was launched on Saturday, 29th March, 1986 published by the Herald of the New Kingdom Press. The New Kingdom Trumpet publishes information in form of news reports, or chatting news in pictures, advertorials, commentaries, congratulatory messages, features, The Holy Father’s Everlasting Gospels, testimonies, revelations, etc. including press and face-to-face interviews: “And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?” (Jeremiah 36: 17).
TV and radio information in Starcross TV and Sparkling 92.3 MHZ FM is disseminated through TV interviews like the Brotherhood Hour (Forerunner); on NTA Channel 9, Calabar, which was held on Tuesdays by 5.00p.m.; NTA Channel 8, Enugu; NTA Channel 10, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Bayelsa FM; Father’s Radio Programme broadcast on K Great Gospel Radio (KGGR), Atlanta, Georgia, USA on 10:40a.m.; to mention just a few.
6. Internet Information: Electronic mails (or E-mail) provides a useful and fast means of correspondence in writing, internet provide access to public services, library service, e-commerce, e-banking, traffic information, booking tickets for theatre, flights, hotels; paying school fees, home keeping, etc. The BCS ICT Department provides web services, and portals. The use of internet via BCS ICT Department. The World Headquarters Café for internet surfing. Evidence shows that BCS members are now using the internet in greater number than was previously envisaged.
The BCS official website is increasingly becoming mainstream and is no longer just the domain of BCS organization, but to countless wings and units of the New Kingdom. For instance, many Fellowships, Establishments and Departments in the New Kingdom have launched websites and are currently surfing the web for information. The proliferation of computers has created a ready market for interconnecting networks and the popularisation of the internet. With the internet, there is no distance between BCS World Headquarters in Calabar with Spain, France, Washington or Canada with the use of the computer. With computer, everyone is living in a global village.
7. Telephone Information: BCS needs telephone information service: a telephone service that supplies telephone numbers to the members of the public or brethren on request. Officers at the BCS World Headquarters and members use the cell or mobile phone – a portable telephone operated through cellular radio network.
The use of mobile or smart phones is becoming ever more popular among many brethren. They have become convenient and portable means of communication in the New Kingdom. Some models allow you to exchange short text messages, connect you to Cyberspace, providing access to websites and e-mail. The use of text message via mobile phones may cost less money than voice conversation, but it costs more time to key in text messages via mobile phones. Telephone facilitates mobile commerce which is the use of mobile cell phone connected to the internet to facilitate business transaction, the provision of financial and travel information, and community site chatting or sending electronic postcards; it also boosts transaction of goods and services in the organization.
8. Graphical Information: This category is information preserved at the BCS Royal Museum and Monuments, which is without doubt a centre of information and knowledge in the BCS Kingdom. Information is stored in form of art galleries, the vast milestones in form of trophies, certificates, samples of bank notes, maps, pictures and pictorial albums of The Holy Father, Holy Mother, Bishops, etc. We scan pictures and texts, e.g. for errors or in poetic analysis or graphical designing.
9. Literary or Library Information: People go to the library to read, learn and carry out research. If you have taken the time to read wide, you probably realize reading is a source of information. This kind of information is stored in form of published information which includes different publications like Bible literatures, books, the New Kingdom Trumpet Newspaper, magazines, pamphlets, tracts and leaflets. Others include the BCS Hymnary and BCS calendar of event, diaries (desk, pocket, insignia diaries), desktop and memo calendars, BCS almanacs, memos, pocket guides, etc.
Research can be conducted to gather more information. We are advised in the Holy Bible to “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Revelation 1: 19). It also said: “Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation” (Joel 1: 3). At present a number of these publications about the New Kingdom can be found in the BCS Bookshop, Essential Shop and various book stands and kiosks littered around Ika-Ika Street.
Another form of library information may be in form of unpublished works like the Bible Class lectures, the termly Pentecostal reports and minutes of meetings by the Christ Universal Spiritual Council of Churches (CUSCC), the various Fellowships (Men, Women, All Ordained Ones, to mention a few), the Priestly Bodies (UCCA, DVs, CoB, MoB, CNP, CPS, SCSUNB, TCWUNB, 144,000 Virgins Body) and other BCS Departments. These unpublished works may be slide or spiral or paper bounded before storage. Other forms of unpublished works may include: accounting and financial source documents like worksheet, balance sheets, invoices, income statements, receipts, cheques, etc.
10. Digital Information: The world is becoming a digital world. Everything is digitalised. Volumes of information are being transmitted in form of recorded devices such as Digital Video Discs (DVDs), CDs, VCDs, floppies, tapes, electronic components such as chips, processors, mother boards, printed circuit boards, and other innumerable electronic devices by the Everlasting Gospel Centre and the BCS Browland Multi-Media Technologies, Calabar.
11. Manual Information: Mails or letters carry information to the recipients. Leader’s Office and Leader’s Correspondence Office receive quantum of information via letters and dispatch a lot of information in form of correspondences, parcels and other packages. Circular letters are distributed by members.
12. Visual and Mental Information: Our minds have eyes. A lot of data are created through the use of the human mind. When we imagine something, we form a visual image of that thing in our minds. We then create a vivid mental picture of that thing. We also see with our brains. The human brain operates like a computer; it processes the information that our five senses supply. The eyes gather information, that is visual data; but it is the cortex that evidently processes the information that the brain receives. The visual cortex of the brain operates like a post office in sorting, routing, integrating the variety of visual information that the neurons bring. Current research indicates that as many as 30 different brain areas process the visual information the eyes collect. Specialized areas of the brain known as language centres equip humans with remarkable skills of communication.
The brain consists of 100 billion brain cells or neurons, and trillions of connections between them. These connections act like telephone lines enabling neurons to talk to one another to create among other things memory. Studies have shown that older people have more information, and are wiser about any subject than do young people. “Experience is the best student” concords The Holy Father. As it is written: “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding” (Job 12: 12). Older people are more insightful, they have sound judgment, perspective and the ability to weigh conflicting ideas and generate good problem-solving strategies than young people.
13. Scientific Information: Medicine makes and produces images of internal organs or other parts of the body by using X-rays or other means such as magnetic resonance imaging. Scientists use technology and powerful telescopes to give us information about the planetary bodies, the solar system of nine planets, asteroids, stars, galaxies, and nebulas, and even what lies beyond the planets. Nearly a thousand comets have been spotted as well. Scanner is a device that puts something into digital form: it is an input device used to convert an image or text into digital form for storage or display. For example, data-scanning device is a device used for examining written or recorded data, e.g. for reading a product bar code for inventory and pricing purposes. The body-scanning device like the CAT scanner is a device used to obtain information about the internal parts of the body without the need for surgery, or the contents of something without the need for opening it. Scanning Electron Microscope uses a beam of electrons to scan an object and can produce the enlarged image of it on a cathode-ray tube.
14. Spiritual Information: This refers to the metaphysical, esoteric, psychic, intuitive information that flows within an individual from encapsulated wisdom. The other means are through visions, dreams and prophecies. True children of God attach great importance to good and genuine visions, dreams and prophecies. The will and purpose of God are revealed to the visioners and prophets of God who then relay them to the world. “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2: 2).
THE NEED FOR EFFICIENT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN BCS
1. Good reading culture and documentation: People have often said the reading culture in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Kingdom is poor. Not every BCS member with shelves full of books is an avid reader. Most brethren like to gather different books about the Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords and the New Kingdom, but seldom read them. Remember, reading increases knowledge, brings about wisdom and expands understanding. Reading broadens the mind and makes one an informed person in the Kingdom. Regular reading of BCS publications will increase the knowledge of members. Brotherhood members should apply themselves to the culture of reading and writing.
Research and documentation should also be conducted so that information can be available to all who care to read them. The Holy Father is “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last: and, what thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea” (Revelation 1: 11). To emphasize the importance of documentation, Great Leader Olumba Olumba Obu has this to say: “I thank Matthew and John and a few other Apostles, who were able to document the teachings and the crucial events during the missions and operations of Our Lord Jesus Christ. If these records were not kept, the enemies of Our Lord Jesus Christ could have succeeded in suppressing the truth, and of course the truth would not have been known. They would have permanently established their deceit and falsehood in the world for their own advantage” (EVG. Vol. 1, 2: 9)
2. BCS Information Ethics: While in 34 Ambo Great Hall, the Bethels, Pentecostal Centres or any BCS formation, members should observe the following information ethical code of conduct:
(i) Members must not shout “Alleluia” or say “Knock your head on the ground” while relaying their testimonies when The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords is in His Holy Altar or Temple. “Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!” (Isaiah 17: 12). But a visioner may (while giving revelations before The Father) be directed to ask brethren to knock their heads on the ground.
(ii) The Holy Spirit abhors noise. “And Joshua had commanded the people saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout” (Joshua 6: 10). No one must disturb or make noise inside 34 Ambo Great Hall or in other Bethels. There should be perfect silence always, especially when The Holy Father is physically present. “A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?” (Ecclesiastes 10: 14). Greetings and conversations, reading of novels, worldly newspaper and magazines inside 34 Ambo Great Hall should be discontinued. Brethren can wave to someone or nod, but reserve greetings and discussions for outside the Great Hall.
(iii) Greetings and conversations while going on blessing is wrong. Brethren should concentrate while on blessing. Those wishing to leave after the first blessing (on Sundays) should do so quietly. The noise that ensues after The Holy Father’s sermon and the first blessing (especially on Sundays) is shameful and disrespectful. Brethren all over the earth must be silent before The Holy Father. “But The Lord is in His Holy Temple: Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2: 20). Brethren should not talk to one another inside 34 Ambo Great Hall.
(iv) Ringing tones of mobile phones distract. BCS members who own mobile phones should determine to control them and not let such control them. Certainly, there should be time for our mobile phones “to keep quiet”. During divine services, meetings or worship, BCS members must not send trivial text messages to others. Banks, restaurants, filling stations and theatre managers often request that their clients refrain from using mobile phones. Surely, The Sole Spiritual Head of the Universe, Great Leader Olumba Olumba Obu deserves no less respect. “The Lord is in His Holy Temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men” (Psalm 11: 4). Therefore, BCS members must turn off their mobile phones or switch to a silent mode or put them out of reach completely during divine services, meetings or worship in BCS.
(v) When the Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords calls people out for testimony, they should testify. Testimony is different from confession of sins. When The Father calls for confession of sins, then you can do so. Members must not use testimonies to run down other brethren. Testimonies should not be used as a means of campaign of calumny, mudslinging, and character assassination. BCS members must not tell lies, misinterpret or misrepresent facts, or deliberately fabricate stories that have no bearing on the truth to suit their whims and caprices. “This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true” (John 21: 24). Thus, all BCS members who must testify, must follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ by giving testimonies that glorify the name of God, uplift the faith of others, and ensure the continuous expansion of the New Kingdom of God now on earth: “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true” (John 3: 33);
(vi) Brethren should not force themselves to pray in English. Pray in the language you know. Most often, it may be your native language. For our God is a multi-linguist: “For God is The King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding” (Psalm 47: 7). “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding” (Psalm 49: 3). “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (Job 32: 8).
(vii) Interpreters of The Holy Father’s Everlasting Gospels should learn to be precise, truthful, exact and straight-to-point. Interpretation means oral translation of what is being said in one language into another, so that speakers of different languages can communicate. “And they said unto him, we have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me them, I pray you” (Genesis 40: 8). Interpreters should make sure they understand the speaker and have accurate information.
BCS interpreters should learn to speak many languages from the relatively common such as Efik, Biakpan, Spanish, English language, etc. to other widely spoken languages such as German, French. Chinese, Russian, etc. “Not to many people a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee” (Ezekiel 3: 6). “Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (Daniel 3: 29). “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of The Lord, to serve him with one consent” (Zephaniah 3: 9).
(viii) Avoid information overload. Information overload is when an individual or organization has more information than it can handle. Information should be disseminated bit-by-bit.
3. Computer Training for BCS Members: Members should be trained on how to use the computer to perform various tasks such as using Microsoft Office packages, surfing the internet among others. Members should know how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Word Perfect or similar word-processing programs, PageMaker, Quark or other page-composition formats. Brethren should be trained in computer to qualify as computer operators, desktop publishers, graphic designers, lithographers, programmers, etc. by acquiring the following skills: pay rolling, nominal rolling, stock control, word processing, desktop publishing, basic programming, typesetting, Dbase programme, QBASIC programming, etc.
It is written in the Scripture: “Study to thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Titus 2: 15). Brethren should be trained to acquire the basic and necessary skills pertaining to data processing and information technology, especially on the use of spread sheet (microsoft excel), peach accounting, Dac Easy, Dbase, etc. BCS members should be taught on how to carryout preliminary survey, feasibility studies, investigation and fact recording, data analysis, designing and implementation, forecasting, etc. including training on data handling, merging, sorting, computing, etc. to achieve desired objectives; automatic data processing (ADP), conversion of raw facts into machine and use of information.
4. Creating Databases: How many BCS members do we have globally? How much receipt is generated from tithes and proceeds annually? What is the total workforce of the BCS World Headquarters? What is the amount of payments made by The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords to personnel, charity, overheads, utilities, what are the total number of graduates in BCS: Etc: These and many more questions can only be answered by accurate data and statistical records. Well Developed BCS database system and internet technology can be used to track any information in the New Kingdom. Data is the soul of the modern world. Therefore, every aspect of the BCS Kingdom should be run on accurate data and proper record-keeping. Professional data management software should be acquired for complete data storage and comprehensive corporate information management, high-quality data access, and exchange through desktop drowsing, editing, creating, managing, and transferring data from many repositories. Development of data model which allows for unprecedented data integration, accessibility, and interoperability. It also helps in data quality management.
5. Telephone Networking: The BCS Protocol and/or the Information unit in the World Headquarters should be well equipped with fax and multi-purpose telephone network for easy information accessibility. These facilities should be operated 24 hours daily. BCS telephone directory which should contain all the telephone numbers or Administrators, Fellowship Heads and their Secretaries, BCS Administrative Officers at the Headquarters and in Bethels as well as telephone numbers of all members. “And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou Lord art among this people…” (Numbers 14: 14).
6. Information Networking: As the complexity of technology is increasing, the need to share information within the Kingdom is also growing, giving rise to the need for client/server networks, in which computers can be connected on a common network, and various brethren can be able to access shared information on a server This allows for large amounts of data to be accessed by thousands of members simultaneously. What the BCS Kingdom need now is rich information access encompassing the whole organization. We need to employ networking technology to deliver applications as well as data storage independent of the configuration, location or nature of the hardware. This, along with high speed cellphone and with networks, will lead to new levels of mobility in which our members worldwide can access any of our data anywhere with laptops, tablet PCs, and smartphones.
The Kingdom needs Decision Support Systems (DSS), that is, computer programmes applications we will be using to compile information from a wide range of sources to support problem solving and decision making. Also needed Executive Information Systems (EIS) is a reporting tool that provides quick access to summarized reports coming from Departments such as the Everlasting Gospel Centre, Treasury Department, Transports, Security, etc. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems should be introduced. These will provide the BCS Kingdom with integrated software modules and a unified database which will enable efficient planning, managing, and controlling of all core processes across multiple locations.
Database development should include acquisition of statistical packages and statistical data analysis software such as cytel statistical software, minitab statistics software, SPSS statistical analysis software, analyst software statistical, statistical modeling software, Module of ERP systems may include finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, production, inventory management and distribution, Knowledge Management System (KMS) will help the BCS Kingdom to facilitate the collection, recording, organization, retrieval, and dissemination of knowledge. This may include documents, records, and unrecorded procedures, practices and skills. The implementation of Office Automation Systems (OAS) will support communication and productivity in the New Kingdom by automating work flow and eliminating bottlenecks.
7. Acquisition of Modern Information Management Equipment: Modern information management equipment should be acquired in most of the BCS Departments, Associations, Groups, Fellowships and Natural Bodies. These may include digital information processing machine, DSTvMobile to watch The Holy Father preaching live, on Nokia 5330. Some Departments and Fellowships should acquire small personal electronic devices (PED) such as laptops, mobile phones, CD player or game computer for their executives to make planning and information gathering easy. Equipment like InnerLogix is designed to access, analyze, correct, and synchronize data. The Meta Carta geographic search and referencing is a unique system that creates a searchable index of geographic locations and keyword contained within unstructured documents and displays them on a map. While e-search Physical Asset Management System enables you to locate and retrieve physical assets located in multi-site, multi-vendor repositories.
8. Digitization of BCS Information Unit: In the past, the efforts made by the Brotherhood News Network (BNN) International in providing online information could not be continued. Browland Technologies, Royal Connectivity and the Ambo Cafe assisted immensely in providing internet access to members and non-members. But BCS now needs the establishment of a full-fledged state-of-the-art ICT Unit headed by qualified software engineers.
It is urgently necessary for the Kingdom to utilize the internet facility as a veritable tool for building a database website or digital library. The database website will help to facilitate the conversion of all available texts and documents to soft copies. The benefits of achieving digitalization cannot be overemphasized as it will prevent physical deterioration of documents; ease retrieval, access and reach of documents; it saves time, space and energy; reduces the cost of storage of information; cuts down on waste in time and paper; reliable preservation of documents for a long time; can be access via the internet; preservation of old texts and manuscripts; multiple accessed to information; linking and networking possibilities, to mention just a few. Digitalization will encourage acquisition of laptops for BCS staff; connecting to the internet; acquisition of electronic library, etc.
9. Record and Documentation Management: In recent times emphasis is being placed on documentation of BCS events and activities for posterity. There should be deliberate efforts to train brethren on effective record-keeping practices. Trainees should be provided with a firm foundation in basic record management principles and practices. File Plan Development (FPD) and basic file classification for administrative records should form the foundation of such training. As a matter of fact, all staff working with BCS formations should be necessarily taught on how to generate and manage data.
10. BCS Library: It is regrettable that at the moment, BCS Kingdom does not have à well equipped standard library. Building of the BCS library will help the BCS members to embrace reading culture because people go to the library to read, learn and carry out research. Brethren should be sponsored to study library science or librarianship in order to qualify as librarian or library workers. An Ultra-Modern Building should be built for the storage of BCS literatures, collection of books, periodicals such as newspapers, journals, magazines and records, maps, tapes, unpublished works or other materials that are valuable for research. Equipping the library with all necessary books as well as providing it with the accompanying modern library automation solution or digital library. For “Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book” (Jeremiah 30: 2). “Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not…” (Jeremiah 50: 2). “And the Lord saith unto Moses, write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Exodus 17: 14).
11. Development of Listening Skills: Effective communication requires that information is sent by an encoder to a receiver or decoder. Brethren should learn to listen or listen and learn. Since much of our learning depends on effective listening, paying attention is something we must all continue to work on. The Bible states “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10: 19).
Give other people the chance to speak while you give them full attention. Turn off your music, set aside your books or magazines, and maintain eye contact. Just listen! Poor listening skills is the root of many problems in the New Kingdom. Poor listening is often a factor when there is a misunderstanding, quarrel, argumentation and violence, including infighting among brethren or family breakups. For good reason, our Lord Jesus Christ stressed the need for us to learn to hear what others are speaking. He said: “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have” (Matthew 8: 18). Listening is a vital part of a good conversation. Besides, good listening shows good manners.
12. Godliness is profitable in disseminating information: As we gather and send information via media and other means, priority should be given to Godliness and practicalizing The Father’s teachings instead of emphasizing solely on information technology. Apostle Paul wrote: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4: 8). Note that, science and technology cannot give eternal life. The Scriptures show that the only way to eternal life is the ransom paid by our Lord Jesus Christ. We must emulate and follow His ways and teachings in all things. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3: 11).
13. Professionalism of the BCS Pressmen: Spreading the Everlasting Gospel via TV, Radio and even Internet sources requires a mix-grill of professional style. TV and Radio presenters in the BCS should be determined by the following responsible practices:
(i) Small group discussion should be organized for BCS Radio/TV presenters for integrative discourse on the themes, facts, scriptures and illustrations. “…And speak one to another, everyone to his brother, saying, come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord” (Ezekiel 33: 30); (ii) preparation by discussants by reading the Everlasting Gospels of Great Leader Olumba Olumba Obu; (iii) too much time should not be spend on answering questions (Discussants must not preach but answer questions); (iv) use credible, precise, clear, motivating and brief statements; (v) every news report should reflect the Corporate philosophy, identity, character, and image of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) organization; (vi) for our brethren who give out information to the public about the New Kingdom via TV and radio channels, it is advisable you think seriously before you answer any questions. “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Proverbs 15: 28); (vii) there should be careful selection of the words to be spoken, avoiding harsh words, comparative assessment to personages, churches, organizations, to mention just a few; verbose or confusing terminologies, using simple and modest language instead of high-sounding set of platitudes, attempt to clarity the meaning of words spoken. Note that any information you give out represents the BCS Kingdom. Think before you respond and speak respectfully;
(viii) journalism in the BCS should be responsible, news reports or broadcast should not be slanderous, malicious or defamatory. The challenge of responsible journalism in the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) is that of how to depict scandalous or salacious details of public figures, the government, violence and sex, socially undesirable behaviours as well as checking the use of foul language.
14. Reporting the Truth: BCS news reporters should be able to perceive or describe things and events without being influenced by their personal emotions or prejudices. They must view things objectively. Information must be accurate, unbiased, and independent of individual perceptions. In BCS, news reports must be the absolute truth. “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God I lie not” (Galatians 1: 20). It is written: “And he that saw it bare record and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe” (John 19: 35).
Truth goes beyond objectivity. Telling the truth should be the most crucial virtue in media reporting in the New Kingdom of God. Any attempt to suppress the truth is considered as falsehood. No mixing of fantasy with the truth or the so called ‘shocking news’ which is fashioned to deceive the audience. Truth should be truth, while falsehood should be falsehood. Therefore, there should be no element of fantasy or falsehood in any news report in the BCS. Any element of deceit is satanic.
Information in BCS should be nothing else but the absolute truth; information should not be passed out of vanity, vain glory, curiosity, or indifference, but unto glorification and edification. God is Truth and His words are true. BCS journalist; must report the truth. There is reward for speaking the truth.
15. Reporting Pro-BCS Information: News and information passed in the BCS Kingdom should be what The Father says. Pro-BCS information reporting means that: (i) it should be The Holy Father’s pronouncements, published Father’s addresses, advice and Blessings, exhortations and pronouncements about nations, the world, mankind, and other creations, and the entire universe; (ii) information in the BCS should be anchored on what promotes The Father’s will and mission; (iii) a good news report should provide sufficient enlightenment to both insiders and outsiders on what the BCS Organization stands for; (iv) information in the BCS should be focused on what fulfills the Biblical prophecies. The timeliness of fulfilled Bible prophecies should excite any viewer or reader: like the time of the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth, the significance of prophecies, rapture and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; (v) information in the BCS should be what glorifies The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords, edifies the New Kingdom and the brethren. A news reporter or broadcaster in the BCS should ask himself or herself; does what I publish or broadcast bring glory to The Holy Father, edify the brethren and promote global peace and unity? (vi) news report should be able to showcase the facts of the Everlasting Gospel; unveiling heavenly mysteries; and the power of true faith in testimonies and revelations. The 12 Apostles of Christ were witnesses in proclaiming to the world the facts of the Gospel (Acts 1: 8, 22; 2: 32; 2 Peter 1: 12, 16-18); and our Lord Jesus Christ was a “Faithful Witness” in testifying to men of heavenly things (John 3: 12; Revelation 1: 5). Avoid as much as possible expositions that promote witches and wizards, superstitions, myths, elementary spirits, necromancers, sorcery, incantations, use of charms, amulets, modern mesmerism, magic and exorcism. Such follies and knaveries are all strictly forbidden by The Holy Father; (vii) What is news is the BCS? It is our believes, tenets and doctrines like the concept of the Trinity, The Holy Spirit Personified, Man as Temple of God, Reincarnation, Law of Retributive Justice, Leadership by Example, Benefits of Tithe Payment, the White Soutane, walking barefooted, Vegetarianism and Fruitarianism, Biakpan Pilgrimage and the Experiences in the Holy land, Biakpan.
16. Secrecy of Information: At times, it is good and beneficial to keep some certain information about The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords and the New Kingdom of God, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star undisclosed until a specific time. The Sovereign God Himself has sacred secrets. Our Lord “Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them” (Matthew 8: 4). “Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16: 20).
It is written in Matthew 17: 9 that: “And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead”. But there is an appointed time for information dissemination. The Bible Book of Amos 3: 7 tells us that God had appointed a time to reveal His confidential matters, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servantS the prophets”. So, knowing when information about any matter is supposed to be confidential or when it is supposed to be publicly disclosed is very important.
17. Avoidance of Information Abuse: Avoid information mismanagement and abuse of information technology. Information technology can create problems in the New Kingdom. BCS members should select the kind of music they listen to, and they should select the kind of movies or films they watch because many books, movies and music promote values that are contrary to BCS standard. Today movies contain significantly more violence, sex and profanity on average than movies of the same rating a decade ago, so says researches at Harvard School of Public Health, USA.
Therefore, choose appropriate films with messages that have a potential beneficial effect instead of films with messages that displease God. For example, media information from the TV corrupts the minds of the Sabbath children and promotes immorality. Doctors from Japan Paediatrics Association say that children who watch TV for extended periods are more likely to have difficulties communicating reports, the Mainichi Daily News. Another aspect is video games addiction. Many Sabbath children cannot spend a day of their life without playing PS (Play Station), video game generally refers to interactive entertainment programs that are projected onto television-type screens.
THE BENEFITS OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN BCS
The following are some of the benefits that can be attained by managing information efficiently in the BCS Kingdom.
1. Data Processing: Information management facilitates data processing in the BCS Kingdom. For example, in the Everlasting Gospel Centre, computers are now being used to process and store the Everlasting Gospels; in Browland Multi-Media Technologies, computers are used to edit films; computers are used in the Computer Unit of TripleStar Printing Press and the New Kingdom Trumpet Ltd for graphic designing; in BCS Treasury Department, computers are used to process and store accounts such as invoicing, sales ledger, purchase ledger, general ledger, Fellowship ledgers and payroll, etc.; in the BCS Transport and Security Departments, computers are used for desktop publishing, etc.
2. Decision Making: Information availability gives power to knowledge and provides managers with appropriate information to enable them make firm and effective decisions. Information management facilitates data processing by computer to produce current, accurate and informative reports for decision making. Various BCS Establishments, Departments, Bethels, Fellowships, etc. will be able to highlight their strengths and weaknesses due to the presence of reports, performance records, etc. The identification of these aspects can help the BCS Kingdom to improve her operations.
3. Planning: Information technology aids scenario planning and facilitates organizational control at relatively low cost. Information availability facilitates detection and correction of deviation from plans. The availability of data and feedback can help the Kingdom to make long range plans, provided reports on every aspect of the Kingdom based upon performance analysis in the areas critical to these plans are readily available for use as a base in giving an overall picture of the BCS Kingdom and acting as a communication and planning tool. Information technology helps to educate and develope managers to effectively manage the planning, design, selection, implementation, use, and administration of emerging and converging information and communications technologies.
4. Forecasting: The expected trends in tithe remittances and proceeds and other performance indicators can be predicted by the analysis of current and previous reports from each operating department, fellowship, state, region or country of the New Kingdom, or from the use of the BCS database.
5. Information Availability: Information satisfies our curiosity, entertainment, enlightenment, clears up misconception, promotes learning and brings about understanding. Media is the various means of mass communication considered as a whole including television, radio, magazınes, and newspapers, together with the people involved in their production. The media is important because it allows the people who utilize it to transmit information to a larger audience, over a greater length of time, than if they would have tried to communicate that information themselves. The media plays a very important role as a source of information, education and entertainment; and it helps to provide vital information to the people. The media helps us to know current affairs on the spot. A well-developed media information system promotes media education and research. Whilst media education will provide both the teachers and students easy access for information search, media research will help the BCS pressmen to know what kind of audience and their needs at that time. It is better for a radio presenter to know at what time he or she is supposed to play a certain type of music or say a particular thing.
6. Governance: Information is considered to be an important asset for any organization in the modern competitive world. It can be applied in the BCS Kingdom in the areas of: (i) governance and administration of the New Kingdom; (ii) financial management and accounting procedures; (iii) service management and communication; and (iv) configuration management and networking. Information management facilitates planning, directing and controlling of all activities in an organization. It helps to gather, integrate, compare, analyse and disperse information to different sectors of the management of the organization.
7. Data Management: Information management helps in professional data management in an organization. It helps managers to know what the information requirement will be. Professional data management suites of products are used to streamline essential workflows.
8. Computerization: Information technology helps to promote the acquisition of more computers. These should be provided to all BCS Departments. It also helps in providing their employees with access to computing power. Employees acquire personal computers or smaller, more affordable minicomputers like laptop and palmtop. Information management encourages the use of ground-breaking technology.
9. Marketing: The effective management of customer data can help the organization to perform direct marketing and promotion activities. Information management allows churches, organizations and business enterprises to get their applications up and running faster, with easier manageability and less maintenance, and enables IT to more rapidly adjust IT resources (such as servers, storage and networking) to meet fluctuating and unpredictable business demands.
10. Encourages Training: The training of all personnel that are required to use the system to perform their job.
11. Globalization: There is no distance between Calabar, Washington and Canada with the use of the computer. With computer, everyone lives in a global village.
Thank You Father.
