Schools Off To A Good Start

Reports reaching the Office of Education indicate that each school has experienced an increase in enrollment. We are still unable to give the final figures, but by September 8 Bahamas Academy Secondary had registered about 432 excited students. Realizing that this was the largest enrollment the secondary division had seen in recent time, the administrators were also bubbling over with joy. By the end of the first week, 30 new desks and chairs had to be ordered to accommodate the additional students.

Twenty-three teachers, four of whom are new to the staff, motivated by this year's theme, "Empowered To Make A Difference," welcomed the students to the joys and challenges of the new school year. We are pleased that Eustacia Jennings, Gary Jones, Oscar Bailey and Winston Symonette are the four who have joined the teaching staff.

New to the support staff are Edna Russell and Iva Musgrove who are serving in the cafeteria and janitorial area, respectively. Already these ladies are making a difference on the campus.

We are excited about the expansion of our technical and vocational area. The new technical-vocational building will house woodwork and computer repair classes this school year. However, space has been provided to accommodate additional technical-vocational classes later.

Bahamas Academy Elementary and the ELC started with 551 and 52 energetic students, respectively. On the first day of school, accompanied by their parents, many of these eager learners hurried around the courtyard to find their new classrooms. After the students had settled in their classes, their teachers took time to explain the school's theme for this school year, "Success is a journey . . . not a destination."

Of the 38 teachers on staff, six are new. They are Latesha Frazier, Esmae Cox, Karen Burrows, Carol Jackman, Hazel Cleare and Jeremiah Duncombe, Jr. Along with other teachers, these six are optimistic about taking their students on the success journey this school year. The administration of BAE and ELC is committed to leading the way for the teachers and support staff to create a caring environment that will enhance a successful journey through the school year.

In Grand Bahama, the value of Adventist Christian education is being recognized more and more each year. By the end of the first week of this school year, 161 enthusiastic youngsters had enrolled as students of Grand Bahama Academy. In spite of the financial challenge with which some parents have to contend, it is clear that many of them still believe in Christian education. They realize that Adventist Christian education does pay more than it costs.

The addition of a Special Services Unit with two experienced and qualified school counselors at the disposal of the schools is a much-needed and significant step forward in our educational development. We welcome Mrs. Ann Albury and Mrs. Denise Johnson to our school family. They are already making a difference at BA Elementary and Secondary divisions. These ladies are working out of a temporary location in the BA Continuing Education Division office. Even though they have not been able to organize their office as they would like, they have been busy trying to help students with special needs. It is projected that their new office in the technical-vocational building will be ready at the end of this month.

Although some last-minute adjustments had to be made, all staff members have reported for duty. With all the personnel needed in place and the additional space for specialized programmes provided, our schools are off to a good start this school year. However, we must not forget that the success of our schools depends on the cooperation and support of all stake holders. The students, parents, teachers and administrators as well as the School Board must work together to achieve success. Let us pray that the Lord will direct our efforts to make this year the best year for Adventist education in the Bahamas. - J. Carey, Education Director

PATHFINDERS

COMMUNITY SERVICES EXHIBITION

The Pathfinders' Community Services Exhibition will be held on October 8, 2000, at the R. M. Bailey Park. All churches participating should be making final plans. Churches needing tents are asked to register with Sis. Joan Duncombe.

In conjunction with the Pathfinders Exhibition, six basic competition activities will take place. All clubs are required to:

1. Execute 1^st Aid requirements: Bandaging of arm, leg sphinter, head bandage, and carry off.

2. Know general Bible verses for memory drill

3. Be creative in Fancy Drill.

The following activities will take place as follows:

1 p.m. Flag-raising -3 to 5 minutes, 3 persons.

1:30 p.m. Knot-tying - 2 persons

2 p.m. Tent-pitching - 5 persons

2:30 p.m. First Aid - 4 persons

3 p.m. Memory Drill - 2 persons

3:30 p.m. Drilling (basic execution) 3 to 5 minutes, 5 to 10 persons

4 p.m. Pathfinders Band

4:30 p.m. Drill Down

5 p.m. Fancy Drill - Any number of persons

All events will be judged on execution, timing and creativity.

HOW-TO-WIN-AT- MARRIAGE SEMINAR

The Freeport Seventh-day Adventist Church came alive on the weekend of September 8-10 as members from all six churches on the island and their friends met together for a splendid and spirit-filled Family Life Seminar.

Out-of-town guests included the Family Life Director for the Bahamas Conference and former pastor of our region, Pastor Michael A. Smith, and Mrs. Smith, who joined the believers in welcoming the dynamic couple from the Northern Caribbean Conference, President and Mrs. Jansen Trotman.

Stating that marriage is under attack and divorce has become an epidemic, the Trotmans, in their own unique style of husband and wife team, took us on an enjoyable yet serious journey through the institution of marriage. Using these scriptures as the main source of information, we were given a fresh look at love and marriage from passages in Songs of Solomon, 1 Cor. 13, and others.

Our eyes opened wider to discussion on topics such as: Being appreciative of one's spouse, Good communication in marriage, Going the extra mile, Enlisting divine aid, Dating, Self-esteem, and the ABCs of sex.

The highlight was the ladies' effort to make the ideal man. This brought much laughter when the men explained that God is the only Creator.

The sessions were well worth the effort. The host and Field Secretary for the Northern Region was very impressed with the overwhelming support and attendance throughout the sessions.

The brethren expressed their desire to have the Trotmans return in the near future to continue their terrific presentations. Hats off to the Hanna family and other members of the Family-Life team for a job well done. Northern Region PR

Eight Mile Rock Conducts Ordination

The question is asked, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46) Well the Eight Mile Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church was happy to inform the community of Hanna Hill, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, on Sabbath September 9, 2000, that five young men have dedicated their lives in service to the Lord during an Ordination Service. Pastor and Executive Secretary of the Bahamas Conference Dr. L. A. Johnson gave the charge to the men and church; "settling for just enough to get by is not sufficient." Rather, we are to be like Rebekah in going the extra mile, focusing on the prize for your reward.

These five young men fully consecrated their lives, and in some instances their families to the service of the Lord. Elder Anthony Hylton is a devoted Christian who is wedded to Leona, they have two wonderful children, Dillon and Antoniea, with another on the way. Elder Brian Palmer, also a devoted Christian is wedded to Tonia with one beautiful daughter, Anthea. Deacon Kevin Higgs is married to Linda, they also have two lovely children, Zhavargo and Indira. Finally the younger men of the quintet were Deacon Leroy Clarke and Vito Patrick.

It is with much gratitude to God that we can say thank you for there are still young men who will not be bought or sold into the slavery of what the world offers. Instead, they are willing to give of themselves in service for the Master, and fix their eyes on the prize of seeing our Saviour, Jesus Christ. T. Palmer

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Catch the vision and grow with Bahamas Academy Continuing Education. Improve your communicative 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.

B.J.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. - 4:30 p.m.). Don't delay; enroll in the course of your choice.

BA SECONDARY

**BA Secondary is in urgent need of a substitute English teacher for grades 9 and 10 for the period November 27, 2000, to March 9, 2001. Interested person should contact Principal Rolle at the school or call 393-3381 during business hours.

BAHAMAS ADVENTISTS PROFESSIONAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION ELECTION

Pastor Milton Gregory will conduct the election of officers for the Bahamas Adventists Professional Health Association on Sunday, September 24, 2000, at 12:00 noon at the Hillview Church.

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, in the Board Room of the New Conference office at 9:00 a.m.

LAY ACTIVITIES EXPLOSION

The "Wake-up Call Gospel Revival" culminated Sabbath, Sept. 16, under the leadership of Bro. Ed Knowles. Three precious souls were baptized. To God be the glory!

DISCOVERY DAY WALK/RUN

The New Englerston Church will sponsor a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Discovery Day holiday, October 13. Trophies and breakfast will be provided. Contact J. Duncombe at 322-5110 or your A.Y. Leader for details.

SW YOUTH FEDERATION BOAT CRUISE - Sept. 30^th. Boat departs from behind the Straw Market at 8:30 p.m. Tickets available at the boat. Refreshments will be on sale.

BREATH OF LIFE BOAT CRUISE & FUN DAY- October 1^st. Tickets available from B.O.L. members.