Referencing Job and Josephs as examples, Rev. Keith Bulgin, the father of Tavares and Tavaughn Bulgin says Christians are not exempt from afflictions.
The Bulgin brothers died in a drowning accident on Sunday, August 14 at Martha’s Vineyard in the United States. Their family, inclusive of father Keith, mother Jacqueline and two sisters are still in mourning, but the patriarch of the family is confident that something good will come from their demise.
“It’s not because one is a Christian, means that he or she is immune or exempt from certain occurrences. The bible says, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivered him out of them all. If we go to scripture, we would have discovered numerous occasions where bad things happened to people who were so committed and serving God,” he told reporters yesterday during a press conference at the Palmers Cross New Testament Church of God in Clarendon, which he pastors.
“Even Jesus Himself, He did no wrong, but yet [went] through struggles, to the extent that He was even crucified.”
Tavaghn, 21 and Tavares, 26, were active Christians and by all accounts seemed to have been destined for a bright future. Their death was a shock to many and drew international attention. The brothers and two others jumped from the American Legion Memorial Bridge more popular called the “Jaws Bridge” and got into difficulties. While their two friends were rescued, the brothers did not survive.
Rev. Bulgin said as the news of the brother’s death circulated, persons from the church and within the community started reaching out to the family to offer condolences and pledge support.
“I remember the Monday morning when the news broke that our two sons, were no more around…. I lie crossway on the bed and I said, ‘God I need answer’. I realized that the only place I could find answer was the Holy Scripture, and I pulled a bible and as I opened it, my eyes were fixed on Joel chapter 3.
The pastor took note of verse 10 in particular, “let the weak say I am strong.”
Rev. Bulgin has tried to remain strong for his family in the aftermath of the tragedy. His wife Jacqueline who was the boys’ confidente, was still too overwhelmed with grief to interact with the media. The positive response from Jamaicans, corporate entities, the boy’s former employer and colleagues, the police in the US, their church family and residents in the Palmer’s Cross community, have helped to soften the blow, but she is still struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved children.
“They both represent the embodiment of what is good, what is fine, what is righteous and what is admirable. They are multiple talented kids, young and gifted,” said their dad.
According to Rev. Bulgin, the brothers were avid footballers and often pursued the same passions. “No wonder the both of them went down together,” he said.
The family must now prepare for the funeral service which is slated for Saturday October 1 at the New Testament Church of God Convention Centre in Rhoden’s Pen, Old Harbour. The exact time is still being decided. There will be a tribute service at the Palmer’s Cross New Testament Church prior to this.
Meanwhile, the family along with the church have established a fund to honour the boys’ legacy. Persons can make a contribution at the Bank of Nova Scotia, May Pen branch. The account number is 805868 opened in the name of Keith Bulgin.