SDA CENTENARIAN CELEBRATES

Born in 1899, Sister Moncur accepted the Advent message in 1941 after attending meetings conducted by Brother Paul Ward in Knowles, Cat Island. In spite of vigorous opposition, she was baptized by Pastor O. P. Reid. She served for many years in all the major offices of her church and hosted all visiting SDA ministers to the island until migrating to Nassau in the late 1950.

For some time she worshiped at the Grant's Town Church, then moved to Johnson Park as a charter member following Elder McKinney's first big tent crusade.

Educational opportunities in the early 20^th century were extremely limited, but Sister Moncur excelled academically with the available tutelage and facilities. She was especially blessed with God-given wisdom, a strong character and a deep faith in God. Thus she instilled in all her children the importance of education, insisting, even when attendance was not compulsory, that they all stay in school and learn everything taught them.

Sister Moncur's children have given her opportunities that few, if any persons, of her generation have enjoyed. Her first overseas trip was to New York in 1953, and today she continues to travel. She also sews, and does a littler gardening in Cool Acres where she resides.

As an involved citizen, Sister Moncur served the Bahamian community through her personal efforts, and even today counsels Members of Parliament, physicians, and clergy who appreciate her words of wisdom and Godly advice. Her offspring serve the Bahamas and the world in many professions, giving quality leadership and preserving the influence of their matriarch for posterity.

The Johnson Park church cherishes her as the first SDA centenarian in New Providence, and as an outstanding example of church support. Every year she is the first to reach her Ingathering goal, having perfected the art of successful solicitation.

Today, an annual scholarship will be launched in her honour, one tenable at Bahamas Academy Elementary and Northern Caribbean University (formerly West Indies College). Applications are available at the Elementary School and the Conference office.

We join the Moncur family today in acknowledging God's abundant blessings through their matriarch, Sister Mary Moncur.

ABACO WELCOMES ADDITIONAL WORKER

Pastor Paul Scavella, Field Secretary for the Northern Region, was on hand to welcome Intern/Pastor Gary King on March 13, 1999, to the Abaco family. Pastor King, no stranger to the Abaco district, has spent several summers doing literature evangelism. I believe he will be a positive instrument in the growth of this region.

Pastor Paul Scavella also served us in the capacity of 'Marriage Officer' on March 14^th, when he joined Moni Joseph and Walter Fenelon in holy matrimony. Sister Peggy Sands, Health and Temperance Secretary, led out in the programme on March 13, 1999. The word was NEWSTART with our vibrant guest speaker, Miss Isamae Hanna. N=Nutrition, E=Exercise, W=Water, S=Sunshine, T=Temperance, A=Air, R=Rest, T=Trust in Divine Power.

The Adventist Youth hour was especially uplifting. A videotape about Dr. Lorraine Day was shown (She is a doctor from the United States with cancer who was healed through natural means using the eight laws of health plus benevolence, and a spirit of thankfulness).

Under the theme "Lift up your heads, redemption draweth nigh", Sister Curline Berry, led her team of young people in a spirit and content-filled revival. Two of the youth spoke nightly and each did a very good job. Pastor Gary King gave the grand finale on "Is Jesus coming soon?" Our young people are demonstrating that they are growing up to become the future leaders of our church and our community.

The weekend concluded with a meeting between, Pastor Scavella and the local elders, to discuss plans for the development of the northern region, with particular emphasis on the outreach programme for Cooper's Town in the fall of this year. -Dr. Elaine Lundy, Communications Secretary

PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATES 10^TH ANNIVERSARY

The Philadelphia S.D.A. Church, under the theme "Hither to hath the Lord brought us," celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a week of special services. We were inspired, motivated and challenged not only to complete the church building but also to reach out in brotherly love to those who live in Elizabeth Estate and the neighbouring communities.

Among the speakers were former pastors L. A. Johnson, W. T. Adderley, B. H. Brennen, P. A. Scavella and Dr. John Carey. The celebrations culminated on Sunday, March 28^th, with a grand concert and rally to raise fund to help with the completion of the church building. -Pastor R. I. Hanna

Sun sets today at 6:21 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:24 p.m.

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH PART II

Our Course of Action

1. Identity - Youth leadership's first obligation is to help youth realize and appreciate their identity in Jesus. The Adventist youth understands pure Christianity as not just what one gets (forgiveness, heaven, the Holy Spirit, etc.) Or what one does (mission work, community service, contributions, etc.) But who one is. A sense of identity as a Christian drives purpose and mission for all other life factors. Our first obligation then is to help youth confess with openness and joy their identity in Jesus. Jn 1:12 "I am a child of God"; Matt. 5:14 "I am the light of the world"; John 15:15 "I am Christ's friend"; Romans 8:17 "I am a co-heir with Christ"; Eph 2:6 "I am a citizen of heaven"; 1 Thess. 5:5 "I am a child of the light, not of darkness"; I Cor. 12:27 "I am part of Christ's body."

2. Purpose - Discovery of identity in Christ is the beginning of sensing life's purpose. Adventist youth is devoted to helping young people know that they have been created with a unique mission and distinctive life purpose. To sense inner worth and to feel indispensable are the intangible rewards of a servant life in harmony with God and humankind.

3. Direction - Identity and purpose breed a desire for discipline and direction. Adventist youth upholds ten qualities and their associated disciplines as integral in the growth and development of purposeful servants.

*Spiritual Interdependence - Part of a health friendship with God is spontaneity of individual worship and accountability of corporate worship. Prayer, scripture, service and testimony are the vehicles for this spiritual journey.

The Fruit of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. The Christian is to be alert to the Spirit's prompting and allow these qualities to be refined in his/her life.

*Sacrifice - The willing Surrender of personal ambition.

*Compassion - To act with compassion is the gospel come to life.

*Teamwork - Teamwork is the basis of a productive community life, as well as church unity.

*Innovation - For a young person to do something innovative in church, it means that he cares enough to think about it. The innovation may fail or flounder, but people only innovate where they are interested.

*Perseverance -The ability to commit and submit for the duration of a task is what pleases the Lord.

*Leadership- Many youth are natural leaders. They are decisive in action, strong of will, and have the innate ability to rally the support of peers.

*Faith- Faith is action impelled by a deep-seated belief that Christ is capable of accomplishing that which strikes counter to human logic or reason. Youthfulness by its very nature embraces risks.

*Wellness - As an instrument for Divine cause, a youth's body and mind become increasingly useful, as they are healthy and maintained.

4. Accomplishment - Because these ten qualities are esteemed by Youth as the ingredients to a happy Spirit actualized life, we will seek to nurture them in youth and, moreover, seek them out where the Holy Spirit has already been at work and reward them. E. D. Clarke

HEALTH MINISTRIES ALERT

During the period April 9-17, 1999, Dr. Agatha Thrash of Uchee Pines Institute, will be in Nassau to conduct a health seminar at the Hillview Church. The meetings will begin at 7:30 each evening. Every health-conscious member ought to attend these meetings. FREE Blood pressure screening, blood sugar & cholesterol testing - Sunday to Thursday, 6:45 - 7:25 p.m.

TIDBITS FROM AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Bethany S.D.A Church will celebrate its 2^nd anniversary during the week of April 9 - 12, 1999. During the weekend they will host the Band and Choir of Miami Union Academy of S.D.A.

In addition to regular Sabbath services, you and your congregation are invited to join Bethany in a special Vesper Service on Friday, April 9, 1999. The Band and Choir will be in concert in a special A. Y. Service on Sabbath. A soft offering will be collected on the group's behalf. The group is also scheduled to appear at the Pathfinder Concert on Sunday, April 11, 1999.

*SWF Masterguide classes continue tomorrow 7:00 a.m. at Hillview Church.

**SEF joint service April 11 at the Bethany Church.

**SEF Fun Day and Picnic tomorrow at Goodman's Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lunch will be on sale.

**NEF Masterguide programme continue tomorrow 7:00 a.m at the Bahamas Academy.

**NEF Masterguide/Pathfinder Camporee - Cat Island & Eleuthera, August 8 -15. For more information contact R. Johnson #323-4010.

**All Health & Temperance Leaders are requested to meet tomorrow, at the Better Living Health Centre, Cordeaux & St. Charles Vincent Street at 10:30 a.m.

May 2^nd, 1999 National Youth March & Rally

** Persons interested in the Bachelor's Degree programme from Nova University on Sundays are asked to contact Mrs. Senorita Strachan at 394-4846/7

*New Providence Adventist Men Sing-out and Recital --June 12.

*South Andros Adventist Home Coming --July 30 - August 2.

PATHFINDER BAND IN CONCERT

An open invitation to all to support the Pathfinder Band in their first concert on Sunday, April 11^th, at the Bahamas Academy Gymn, beginning at 7 o'clock. Guest Choir, Miami Union Academy

LAY ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY SERVICES

**A very important meeting will be held today at 4:00 o'clock for all Lay Activities and Community Services Leaders at the Centreville Church. Dr. Toote will provide updates on Festival of the Laity and the upcoming Community Services Congress to be held April 28 - May 1, 1999.