A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 5, Number 37, September 9, 2000
The services included one of celebration and thanksgiving September 02 at the Hillview Church, a National Memorial Service September 03 at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium, and the State Funeral September 04 at the Church of God of Prophecy East Street Tabernacle and subsequent interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, Nassau Street.
A torrent of national and international tributes poured in for Sir Lynden, who served as head of government for more than a quarter of a century and as a member of the House of Assembly for 41 years, resigning in 1997. During his tenure as Premier and then Prime Minister, his government was responsible for a number of historic legislative and policy initiatives. In a funeral tribute, Prime Minster the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham referred to some of them: Progressive labour laws, the National Insurance Board, The College of The Bahamas, the Archives Department, The Central Bank of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Development Bank, Bahamasair, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Water and Sewerage Corporation, and government-owned television.
Scores of memorials have been proposed for the former Prime Minister, including placing his image on a banknote, making his birth date (March 22) a public holiday, erecting a statue in his likeness, and naming an airport and major government building for him.
Four Adventist pastors were among a half dozen clergymen and family members gathered at Sir Lynden's bedside when he died. Nearly four years ago - on December 10, 1996 - he recommitted his life to Christ, and was baptized by Pastor H. A. Roach at the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Roach delivered the sermon at the State Funeral.
Pastor Michael A. Smith presented the message at the service of celebration and thanksgiving at Hillview Church.
The President of The Bahamas Conference, Pastor Keith D. Albury, delivered the sermon at the National Memorial Service, moderated by Pastors Smith and Eric Danny Clarke, and broadcast nationally on radio and television, as was the State Funeral. Also participating were pastors Michael D. Toote, Silas N. McKinney, Leon B. Wellington (President of the West Indies Union), Jeffrey K. Thompson (President of the Cayman Islands Mission), Leonard A. Johnson, Albury, Roach and Leo C. Rolle. Clergymen representing the Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians and other faiths brought condolences.
Having lain in state four days in the House of Assembly, Sir Lynden's body was taken to the Church of God of Prophecy East Street Tabernacle in a procession that included present and former lawmakers, members of the judiciary, and officers of the Police and Defense Forces as well as of the Customs, Prison, Immigration and Road Traffic Departments.
Those bringing tributes at the State Funeral included Sir Lynden's son and grandson, Obafemi and Lynden Oscar Pindling II; the Hon. Perry G. Christie, Leader of the Opposition; His Excellency Sir Orville Turnquest, Governor-General; and Mr. Sean McWeeney, Attorney-General in the Pindling administration, who credited the former Prime Minister with freeing the Bahamian spirit and allowing it to fly.
In his sermon, Pastor Roach explored central biblical themes, such as salvation through Christ and the enduring relevance of all of the 10 Commandments in the 21st century, but he leavened his presentation with personal touches, such as Sir Lynden's legally fixing an incorrect gender reference on student Hugh Roach's birth certificate. Pastor Roach also spoke of the maritime imagery evoked by Sir Lynden, grandson of a seaman, and the late Prime Minister's fondness for the number 10;
Pastor Roach produced biblical parallels for that number, citing the 10 Commandments, and Daniel's request to the Babylonian guard to allow him and his three colleagues to subsist on vegetables and water for 10 days (Daniel 1:12).
Among those in the audience were three members of the vanishing breed of Sir Lynden's contemporary Caribbean political leaders - Sir James Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Sir John Compton, former Prime Minster of St. Lucia; and Mr. Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica. Also present was Premier Jennifer M. Smith of Bermuda, whose party received a great deal of assistance from Sir Lynden.
Following the service, Sir Lynden was interred in a mausoleum in St. Agnes Cemetery, Adventists pastors again leading out in these final rites. C. Symmonett
Friday, September 8, Pastor Leon B. Wellington made his final visit, in his capacity as President of West Indies Union, to the Grand Bahama district. This morning he will preach in Nassau, at the Hillview Church, and at 7:00 p.m. he will give his final address during the closing session of the Super Sabbath and 70th anniversary of the Grant's Town Church. He will shortly take up his position as Vice President of the Inter-American Division in Coral Gables, Florida.
Over the last weekend, the Adventist community joined the entire nation in paying last respects to our brother in Christ, the Father of our nation, Sir Lynden Pindling, who was laid to rest on Monday during the largest State Funeral in the history of the Bahamas.
We praise God that in death Sir Lynden was able to witness even more powerfully for the Glory of God and His blessed fourth commandment.
We are also thankful to the Lord, the Pindling family and the Government of the Bahamas for the opportunity to share our faith with the entire Nation.
Calls have been pouring in from around the country and the Adventist Community in particular, expressing a sense of pride and joy for the way all three services were conducted. People are beginning to enquire about what we believe and teach. This may very well be our finest hour for witnessing to a section of our population that held distorted views of the Adventist church because of misconceptions. It is no coincidence that this week's Sabbath School Lesson enjoins us to pursue Sabbath School and Sabbath divine service evangelism.
I believe that now is the time to seize the moment and reach out to all of our brothers and sisters who have wandered away from the path of truth. Secondly, now is the time to reach out to our friends, neighbours, and working colleagues. Finally, let us seize the moment to reach out to the more affluent members of our society.
We can go forward from our respective churches with confidence that the word we preach is
truth, logical and practical. However, as we witness, let us do so in love and with Christian
courtesy. May God bless us all as we Seize The Moment.-Pastor K. D. Albury, President
CONGRATULATIONS!
The President, officers, staff and ministerial colleagues congratulate Pastor and Mrs. Lynden
Williams on the birth of their first son, Joshua Daniel Lynden Williams, on August 30th. Both
mother and son are well!
Sun sets today at 7:36 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:28 p.m.
HEALTH MINISTRIES
From September 13 to 17, Elder Milton Gregory, along with Dr and Mrs. Marshall and Gladys Hollingstead from Pacific Health Center, will conduct a seminar on Nutrition and Cancer.
From now through December the full health areas will be promoted by health directors in the
local churches: September -Nutrition and Health; October -Mental Health;
November-Men=s/women=s and children=s health issues; and December - Financial Health.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Catch the vision and grow with Bahamas Academy Continuing Education. Improve your communication skills by enrolling in one of the courses offered at the BACE center. Special Interest courses include Public Speaking, Auto Body Repair, Vegetarian Cooking, Introduction to Computers, Typing, and Reading.
BJ.C. Subjects: Mathematics, English, Religious Knowledge, Social Studies, Literature.
BGCSE Subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Accounts, Chemistry, R. K., Physics. For additional information, please call 393-9362 (Monday -Thursday, 9:00 a.m. B 4:30 p.m.) Don't delay; enroll in the course of your choice.
NCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Northern Caribbean University (formerly West Indies College) Alumni reformation meeting, will
be Monday, September 11, 7:30 p.m., at the Johnson Park Church in the basement. For further
information call Barry Saunders at 356-8367.
GRANT'S TOWN 70TH ANNIVERSARY
A special invitation is extended to all to join Pastor Clarke and the Grant=s Town Church family in their 70th Anniversary celebrations September 8-9, 2000 at the church on Wellington Street. This year we have extended preaching invitations to all former pastors of our congregation as follows:
Friday -September 8, 2000
7:00 p.m. Pastor J. K. Thompson
Sabbath - September 9, 2000
8:00 a.m. Pastor E. D. Clarke
11:00 a.m. Pastor L. V. McMillan
1:00 p.m. Pastor N. E. Scavella
2:00 p.m. Pastor S. N. McKinney
3:00 p.m. Pastor J. Duncombe
4:00 p.m. Pastor H. A. Roach
5:00 p.m. Old- Fashioned Singspiration
6:00 p.m. Pastor L. A.. Johnson
7:00 p.m. Pastor K. D. Albury (Special Guest)
During the Super Sabbath Celebrations 10 members of long-standing will be honored. These
members will be given plaques of appreciation for their contribution to the Grant's Town Church.
BETHANY WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
The Bethany Women's Ministries invite you to attend a seminar on Child Abuse. Topics to be
covered include: Sexual and physical abuse, Neglect, Psychological and physical aftermath of
abuse, etc. The seminar will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. at the
Bethany Church. For further details contact Allison Mason at 364-5426 or Dr. Stephanie
Hutchenson at 326-6219.
THANK YOU!
Youth Director Pastor Clarke says thank you to all who participated in the marches for the
memorial and funeral services for Sir Lynden.
YOUTH COUNSELING COURSE
All persons interested in the Youth Counseling Course should meet at JP Church on Sunday,
Sept. 10, at 9 a.m.
BAHAMAS ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Back-To-School Night 7 to 8 p.m., H.D. Colburn Gym
8 to 9 p.m., Child's Classroom
B. A. EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Space is still available in K2 and K4 programmes. Applications are available at the school on
Penny Bank Lane between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
THE PATHFINDER/COMMUNITY SERVICES EXHIBITION - will be held on October 8,
2000, at the R. M. Bailey Park. All churches participating are asked to begin making plans.
Churches needing tents are asked to call and register with Sis. Joan Duncombe at the Conference
Office.
ADVENTIST BOOK CENTER - will be closed until it reopens in its new location at the Harrold Road site. Thank you for your understanding.
BAHAMAS ACADEMY SECONDARY SCHOOL
A meeting for parents of students attending the Secondary School's 12th grade will be held on
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gym.
BAHAMAS CONFERENCE OF SDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
The regular meeting of the Bahamas Conference of SDA Executive Committee will be held on
Sunday, September 24, 2000, at the Bahamas Academy Auditorium at 9 a.m.
BAHAMAS CONFERENCE OFFICE RELOCATED
On Wednesday the President, officers and staff began the relocation process into the new conference building on Harrold Road. We trust that our transition will produce little or no inconvenience for our members. Further details will be posted regarding telephone numbers. However, 341-4087, 341-4021 and fax line 341-4088 can be utilized in the main time.
-Management
SOUTHWEST FEDERATION
Persons pursuing the Masterguide class in the Southwest Federation are advised that classes
resume on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 a.m. at the Hillview Church.
FAMILY LIFE WEEKEND IN GRAND BAHAMA
Pastor M. A. Smith, Family Life Director, will be accompanied this weekend in Grand Bahama
by Pastor and Mrs. Janseen Trotman, president of Caribbean Union Conference in Trinidad, as
Grand Bahama celebrates Family Life Weekend. Lets pray for all participants.
LIVE RADIO BROADCAST FROM GOOD NEWS CHURCH
On Sunday, September 10, at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. the Good News and Ephesus Churches will have live radio coverage on ZNS 1. Members from our sister churches are invited to attend or tune in to the broadcast.
CAMP ANDROS
As excitement built at the breaking of a new dawn, adventures, pathfinders, master guides, counselors and directors began boarding the Captain Moxey. As we waited for remaining supplies to be loaded, many eyes were cast ashore, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Grand Bahama contingent. Although behind schedule, the spirit of campers did not waver. One could hear the laughter, singing, and overall interaction of everyone, and without knowing it, life long friends were being made. Finally, with everyone aboard, available supplies loaded we were able to shove off waving goodbye to family members and other loved ones. For many of us this was to be the first time we would embark on such a journey. Yes, many had been exposed to at least one camp encounter, however Camp Andros would prove to be in a class by itself, and an experience one would never forget.
After six hours spent in song, games, conversation and sleep, we docked in Drakes Hill, Andros. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a group of taxi and bus drivers anxiously awaiting to transport us to the designated camp grounds, situated on Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller as well as Mr. Immanuel Rolle's property in Kemp's Bay Andros. As the luggage and supplies were unloaded, several tents were pitched and showers were built, we settled in to begin an experience of a lifetime. Although some supplies were left behind we made the best of the presented situation. That evening, after the campers were fed, they were re-registered, given camp booklets and temporarily assigned tents. At 10:15 p.m. lights went out for the campers.
That night we began what was to be a series of council meetings for all counselors. Leading out in these meeting each night was our Youth Director, Pastor E. D. Clarke. Also present were Director Jennings, Director Watson, male and female Superintendents, counselors, our head of Security, our kitchen staff, and our medical staff. Here issues of each day were presented, discussed and dealt with. As with all things obstacles arose that by God's grace were taken care of - in love my brethren.
Our kitchen staff headed by S. Lockhart and Sis. Laura Forbes, assisted by Sis. Sabrina, did an excellent job ensuring that we were fed three meals per day. It was throughout the constant nagging as to whether or not the meal was almost ready by campers that these ladies showed patience, and for that we thank them.
We were indeed blessed with the presence of an able body medical staff, who treated whatever illness surfaced, making sure that each and every one of us were well taken care of. Heading this team was Dr. Floyd Carter, assisted by Nurses Golda Maycock and Patrice Clarke. Present also was Guidance Counselor Denise Johnson.
As the week progressed, campers and counselors got into the routine of things. At 6:00 a.m. the wake-up horn sounded, 10 minutes later all were expected to report for line call, which was immediately followed by an exercise program. Afterwards, private devotions were held and the showers were made use of. Breakfast and then inspection followed this. Assignments such as kitchen, yard, toilet and shower duties were carried out. Campers participated in activities such as fishing, knot tying, various crafts, tent pitching, massage therapy etc. One afternoon that week was spent cheering a volleyball match between the campers and counselors. Each team showing variations in skill and having a wonderful time trying to "out maneuver" the next. There were moments of homesickness for some and the joy of being away from home for others.
Although we were unable to reach out to the community at large we were able to minister within ourselves. This was done through our chapel sessions, talk-back sessions and even through our etiquette course and talent shows. Those of our faith and not of our faith were able to see and for some experience the joy of excepting the love of Jesus.
As the end of the week drew nigh, preparation began for our Sabbath services. A choir was formed; Sabbath school program planned, divine worship laid out and A.Y. assignments were tended to. As we embraced the Sabbath watching and waiting for the continuance of God's wondrous works, we were in no way disappointed. The program went smoothly and volumes were spoken as God's manservant in the form of Pastor E. D. Clarke presented His Word.
The highlight of the week's events came in the form of a banquet that we will all have fond memories of.
Counselors placed new meaning to the word service as they waited hand and foot on our campers. Campers that made us all proud, as they transformed to princes and princesses, displaying not only proper home training but also what was taught in the etiquette course. As the night went on we shared laughter and tears, while participating in good, clean Christian entertainment.
However, as all things must come to an end, we returned to the campsite to pack our bags in preparation for our departure the following day. Tents were soon to be taken down and the campsite cleaned.
It was later that Sunday afternoon that we said good-bye to Camp Andros. Left with the memories of times past, the mixed emotions at present and hope for every aspect of our futures.
-Anastasia Celeste Forbes
PRAYER REQUEST
Bro Freddie Lightbourne of Hillview request the prayers of the saints for himself and his family,
as they continue to press forward to the mark of the High Calling in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
TWO "FIRSTS" FOR ADVENTIST NAVY CHAPLAIN
United States Navy chaplain Rear Admiral Barry C. Black took up responsibilities as Chief of Navy Chaplains on August 18, becoming the first Seventh-day Adventist and the first African American to hold the office. As head of the more than 1,000 U.S. navy chaplains around the world, Black says his mandate is to "ensure that the millions of people we serve have their constitutional religious free exercise, and that no one is placed in a position where their spiritual needs are not met." Black will also have the task of advising navy leadership on "ethical, moral, religious, and spiritual matters."
In his new position Black will serve navy personnel from more than 190 different religious traditions and backgrounds. In this "pluralistic milieu," says Black, there is always the challenge of maintaining unity, treating everyone fairly, and keeping a level playing field and it is vital to be "assiduous in guarding [religious] free exercise rights of Navy Service members."
"The moment equal accommodation is permitted to be jeopardized, it becomes an ethical slippery slope," says Black. He adds that the Adventist Church's emphasis on religious liberty and Sabbath-keeping has made him more sensitive to the religious accommodation needs of all naval personnel, no matter what their faith.
Black cites "the opportunity to serve" as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. "Leadership involves being a servant," says Black. "Jesus said that if you want to be great and lead, you have to serve. The opportunity to receive rank, to open doors for other people, and to empower them is exhilarating."
Friday's ceremony took place at the Washington Navy Yard. Referring to his upbringing as the child of a single parent family in the projects of Baltimore, Black told the audience "When you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he had some help getting there." He paid tribute to all those who helped him grow spiritually and in technical expertise over the years.
A graduate of Oakwood College and Andrews University, Black has been a Navy chaplain for more than 24 years. For the past three years he has served as Deputy Chief of Chaplains. According to Richard Stenbakken, director of chaplaincy ministries for the Adventist Church worldwide, Black has a "spectacular" service record. "In his new role, I'm sure that he will continue to serve with distinction," says Stenbakken, who attended the change of office ceremony. "He has the prayers and best wishes of his church family around the world."
Black is now responsible for U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corp chaplains, who represent
more than 100 different faith groups. He was nominated for the position by President Bill Clinton
and the Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig in April this year, and was confirmed by the U.S.
Senate. ANN
COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICE TO BE COMMISSIONED
The Grant's Town Church invites the conference membership to share next week Sabbath, September 16th, as they celebrate in their Community Services Guest day. During this service the Community Services office will be officially commissioned. Director Rose McMillan, Pastor E. D. Clarke and the Grant's Town family invites all to share the day with them.
As a part of our outreach program the old aged pension is disbursed by the National Insurance
Board on monthly from this community services centre.. -E. Johnson
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sister Cassandra Forbes of Grant's Town Church on her appointment as
principal of T. G. Glover Primary School and Brother Albert Clake of Maranatha Church as
principal of Naomi Blatch Primary School.
LIVING FAITH CHURCH HOST LAY REVIVAL
You are cordially invited to attend the one week "Wake up Call Gospel Revival," September 10 to 16, nightly at the church. on Old Trail Road. Speaker, Evangelist Ed Knowles.
Pastor Clarke expresses thanks to all the Campers, Counsellors, Parents and supporters of their help in making Camp 200 South Andros a success. Our theme, "Stay Connected" is the watchword for our youth.
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