Historic Dedication of Francophone SDA Church

After 16 years under construction, the first Francophone Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Bahamas was dedicated on Sunday afternoon, November 25, 2001, to the honour and glory of God. Standing as a beacon of light and hope on the corner of Balfour Avenue and Exuma Street, this house of worship is ideally located to serve the needs in one of the more densely populated areas on the island of New Providence.

     To begin the programme, Pastor Edward St. Fleur, Pastor of the church, gave general remarks stating the purpose of the gathering. Then Sister Ducamel Lauriston, the "mother " of the church, cut the ribbon, and as the angelic voices of the Grants Town SDA Church Sanctuary Choir sang, "Open The Gates of The Temple," the main door was opened, and the platform participants, ministers, and elders led the procession into the building.

     Pastor and Mrs. St. Fleur extended welcome to everyone attending the service. Recognition was given to those who contributed to the development of the church. Among them were the former pastors of Francophone, Ronnie Henry, V. C. Cargill, W. T. Adderley, J. Duncombe, and R. I. Hanna. Special tribute was paid to Pastor V. C. Cargill who worked hard to see that the Haitian brethren got a house of worship that would be a credit to the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and bring honour and glory to God.

     Although Pastor Cargill was unable to attend the Dedication Ceremony, he sent a congratulatory message to the church. He thanked brothers Paul Estima, Matthew Jean, Cecil Cartwright, Remmy and Jack for being "the pioneers of the Francophone Church building."

     Dr. Elie Henry, Vice-president of the Inter-American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, preached the sermon. He thanked the Bahamas Conference for treating the Haitian brethren so well. He further encouraged and challenged the members of the Francophone Church to make their new building a place of worship for all people.

     The President of the Bahamas Conference, Pastor K. D. Albury, led out in the Act of Dedication, and Dr. Henry laid the corner stone. Elder H. Ming represented West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at this service.

     Pastor St. Fleur and Elder Yvon Cherenfant did an excellent job as translators. Also, the Pastor and his congregation ought to be congratulated for properly planning and preparing for the service. Mention must be made of the caterer, Elder Davis, who provided the refreshment which was tastefully prepared and attractively displayed.

     Even though it was lengthy, the entire programme was an inspiration to all. We are proud of the monument that the Francophone Church has erected to the honour and glory of God. Indeed, to God be the glory! -J. Carey

      

Cuban President to Visit Bahamas December 19 to 26, 2001, will be historic in our conference owing to the first-time visit of Cuban President, Elder Daniel Fontaine. Accompanying Elder Fontaine will be Mrs. Fontaine, Coralia Jones-Chapman translator, and Efrain Hurtado Ballort. Services to be held will be announced. The General Conference has designated a portion of this fourth quarter’s mission offerings, to special projects in Cuba. We all have an opportunity to lend our financial support through Mission Offering to help our brothers and sisters. Let us use the Christmas holiday spirit of giving to support the work in Cuba. . . “for this gospel of the kingdom must be preached into all the world, then the end will come.” -Mary-Ellen Knott

 

Educators Prayer Breakfast Excellence and unfeigned commitment are the hallmarks of the Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators Association. Together, the association has resolved to unify time and talent for the holistic growth of its membership.

     The loyalty that undergirds the functions of the organization was undoubtedly confirmed on November 4, 2001, at 8 o’clock when the frightening threat of Hurricane Michelle challenged the months of preparation made for our first annual prayer breakfast, under the theme, “Prayer is The Key to Success.”

     However, the faithful and stalwart members came in numbers under umbrellas and raincoats determined that the occasion must be a success. Many husbands had to seek to the safety of home and property, but the wives rallied in fervour to the task, stating that nothing will deter the spiritual feast.

     Among our distinguished and special guests in a well decorated hall and colourfully draped tables, were our illustrious and dynamic visionary president of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Keith D. Albury, Dr. John Carey, advisor for the association, Dr. L. A. Johnson, Conference Secretary, and Dr. Leon Higgs, President for the College of the Bahamas and Dr. Pastor Silas McKinney. The audience was challenged to have a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. This experience will offer many keys to successfully unlock interventions for the daily concerns in the various roles of education.

     Indeed we were revived and felt armed with skills and approaches for the education and nurturing of students, and cordiality among staff and administrators. The seasons of prayer in which each participant could unlock and enter the mercy seat is a cherished experience.

     Dr. Leon Higgs made a presentation which reflected Spiritual Leadership in administration. The strategies shared are invaluable as he reinforced that God must be the center of all educational functions. Sis. Claranell Smith shared enthusiastically, the necessity of prayer from an educator’s point of view. With conviction she also stressed the importance of integrity in relationship with students’ performance.

     It was a delight that we were privileged to have Pastor K. D. Albury as our honoured guest speaker. As he highlighted the un-refutable fact, “Prayer is the Key to Success,” he encouraged the educators to live a daily prayerful life. Biblical references support the fact that God hears and answers prayers

 

Women of Mary Ingraham Home Feted To Dinner at the Market Place, Paradise Island Joy flooded the hearts of the female population of the Mary Ingraham Home for the aged, as their caretakers dressed them in their finest, for the trip they never thought they would live to see, as they were pampered and catered to by the Women’s Ministries Department of this our Bahamas Conference, on Sunday, November 25, at one of the finest restaurants in our Commonwealth, on Paradise Island, ‘The Market Place.’

     Sincerest thanks goes to Sister Eula Hamilton, who was instrumental in seeing to it that all arrangements were made, and that this special group of our Precious Pearls be pampered and treated with dignity and respect. So said, so done. The staff of the hotel treated them like Queens, and this brought lots of joy and fulfilment to my local church Women Ministries Leaders, as they watched our guests savour the kindness and love shown them. “Just watching these darlings eat was food for me,” says Sis. Scavella Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these. . . you did it to me.” This certainly, must be one of the ways where Women’s Ministries can make a marked difference. Thanks everyone! God bless you always! -A. Scavella, Director W.M.

 

Growing, Growing, Growing Growing, Growing, Growing was the theme of the 25^th Silver Anniversary celebrations of the New Providence Church, November 21 to 25. Guest Speakers were Pastor Ricardo Bain who preached the opening night of the celebrations, and Pastor Roger Moncur who concluded the services from Thursday night to Sabbath morning. These dymanic youth preachers of Righteousness, made themselves to the Holy Spirit, and the evidence was experienced in the members and visitors as they were blessed.

     As the sun lowered in the western sky on Sabbath, members from many of our sister churches gathered at New Providence for an evening of spiritual feast, as Brother Charles Haugabrooks, the guest artist for the evening service, took us higher and higher with each song rendered. Other gospel artists were the Sanctuary and Youth Choirs who thrilled the audience in their own style. The concert ended on an all time high with the song “He Will Come with the Sound of Trumpet,” by Bro. Haugabrooks. Members and guests were reminded that as we continue to grow, we must continue to keep focused because He that will come, will come and will not tarry. The celebrations concluded with a fun day at Goodman’s Bay on Sunday. -V. Kelly

 

Watch ‘Listen-Up’ Tomorrow Listen-up will be aired tomorrow on ZNS TV 13 at 10:30 a.m. Guest soloist will be Ronesha Barrett, drama and rap session with students of Bahamas Academy Secondary on current events. Tune in for an exciting half hour of youthful tidbits and points of view.

 

Devotionals Are On Sale Devotionals for 2002 are now available at the ABC.

 

Meistersingers Practice               A practice will be held today, at 6:00 p.m., at the Centreville Church for all members of the Meistersingers Chorale. -A.. Wright

 

Speaking Hands Speaking Hands, an international group that uses American sign language to interpret inspirational music, will be in concert Dec.15 at the Diplomat Center. They will also perform at several of our local churches.

**Master Guide, Pathfinder and Adventurer Investitures will be held at Berea, Dec. 1 at divine hour. The Pathfinder Band and newly invested persons will be performing.

 

Diabetic Educators Persons interested in being trained as Lay Diabetic Educators may contact Monique Mitchell at 362-1258 or 326-2254 before December 15, 2001. At least fifteen person are needed to make up a class.-M. Mitchell, Health Educator

 

SDA Burial Society The regular meeting of the SDA Burial Society will be held Monday, December 3, 2001, at 7 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Current records shows four deaths. Persons interested in becoming members of the society are invited to attend. - H. Moncur

 

BA Secondary presents A Christmas Concert ‘Heaven’s Child’ The Christmas season is right around the corner, and what better way to begin this festive season than by enjoying a night of Christmas music and drama presented by the students and teachers of Bahamas Academy Secondary School. Yes, the school and teachers have combined to present the cantata entitled “Heaven’s Child”. Special guests performance by Harmonious Praise and Allison Mason. Your invited to bring your family to the Hillview Church tomorrow, Sunday, December 2, 7:00 p.m. for a real treat.

 

Around Our Union The Breath of Life Church on Marshall Road, South Beach, is conducting a programme at its edifice, known as “Around Our Union.” The programme calls for members and descendants from the Cayman Island Mission, Central Jamaica Conference, East Jamaica Conference, West Jamaica Conference, Turks and Caicos Mission and the Haitian Union, to be in charge of the total service at the Breath of Life Church on their assigned Sabbath, including the sermon. The participants are requested to bring information regarding the geography, commencement of Adventists and its development, including uniqueness of the conference or mission. For further details, contact Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe at 322-5110 or 341-4022.

        Proposed Schedule: Sabbath, December 8, East Jamaica Conference; Sabbath December 15, West Jamaica Conference; Sabbath, December 22, Cayman Island Mission; and Sabbath, December 29,

 

 

BA Continuing Education Programme Through a convenient evening programme, Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division is helping many working adults achieve their educational goals. The BACE programme can help you move from where you are to where you would like to go. Centrally located, BACE provides residents of New Providence with the opportunity to receive individual attention in a friendly learning environment.

     For further details regarding fees and registration, please call 393-9362, or stop by the office at Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday).

 

BSADEA Trip The Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators Association is sponsoring an Adventist Heritage trip to Battle Creek , Michigan, February 21 to 25, 2002. All persons who are interested in taking this trip are requested to meet at Bahamas Academy on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 9:00 a.m.

 

Allison Mason In Concert Tonight Allison Mason will be hosting her annual gospel concert, “Be Still,” tonight, Saturday, Dec. 1, 8:00 p.m. at the Government House Ballroom. Special appearances by Christa Daviualt, Lifted Voices and Rev. Angelica Palacious. Tickets will be available at the door. Special reduce price for children aged 12 years and under. All are invited.

 

Children’s Ministries Musical Today The Children’s Ministries Department invites you to attend our joint Children’s musical which will be held at Hillview this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. A special offering for the Children’s department will be lifted. Please remember to pray for those who will be traveling to Jamaica next weekend for the Union’s Bible Challenge Quiz.

 

Children’s Ministries--Upcoming Events           December 2 Conference’s Children’s Banquet 1-5 p.m. H.G. Colburn Gym

December 7-10 Children’s Bible Bowl, Mandeville, Jamaica -R. Smith, CM Director

 

S.A.F.E. Seminar The next Sexual Abstinence Seminar is coming up on the weekend of December 8, 2001. Parents and youth leaders, be sure that your youth participate as we seek to impart godly values to participants.

 

Bachelor’s Degree Program Persons interested in making up a class to start the bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management or Business Administration Management through Nova University are invited to call 325-6173 after 6 p.m. to register

 

Cat Islanders SDA Advancement Society The Cat Islanders SDA Advancement Society will meet tomorrow, December 2^nd, at 10 a.m. at the Hillview Church.-N. Seymour

 

Sets today at 5:20 p.m. Sun Sets next Sabbath at 5:21 p.m.