THE LOGOS

A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 51, December 22, 2001

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”

As we come to another Christmas Season, and the end of another year, we are mindful of the fact that the year 2001, will certainly be recorded in the annals of the Bahamas as a year that truly challenged and tested us as a people.

Apart from the fact that we continue to be threatened and affected by the pervasive incidents of crime, and the fear of crime, the recent tragedies and disasters, locally and internationally, seem to have broken the morale of our people. It appears that many are giving up and have no hope for the future. The cynicism that exists among our young people, particularly, regarding leaders and the social system, is a cause for concern.

The Church is challenged as never before to boldly declare its message of hope in our Great God, who loved us so much that He condescended to dwell with us in human flesh. The babe in Bethlehem’s manger was the Savior who would pour out his life on the cross for fallen humanity. Because of his perfect life and death we can have peace with God. According to the Apostle Paul, “by whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience, experience and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” Romans 5:1-5.

Yes, amidst the turmoil and turbulence, divisions and hatred, we can experience the peace that the angels sang about on that wonderful night so many years ago: “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, to all men of goodwill.”

Furthermore, the Church and the Bahamas need us to be true peacemakers. I underscore this because much of what goes for peace isn’t really true peace. Peace is not simply co-existence or the absence of conflict, or a truce, or even “staged tranquility”(that we see paraded so often before us on political platforms). Real peace exists when the desire of every man, woman and child is to demonstrate the love of God. Maybe that's why the song writer wrote: “Let there be peace on earth, ...and let it begin with me.”

The one crucial element necessary for true peace is "joy." Two who peacefully co-exist as enemies may not clash, but the relationship has no joy. Enemies may pause during special truces but even though the fighting has stopped, there is no joy. People who go through the motions of tranquility like professional actors may fool the public for a while, but there is no peace because there is no joy.

If this season will bring us true peace, then it must by necessity introduce us to the source of true joy—and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ.

No Wonder the songwriter wrote: “Joy to the World, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king! Let every heart; prepare him room and heaven and nature sings!

On behalf of my family, the officers, departmental directors and staff at headquarters, we would like to wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas season. -K. D. Albury

The week end of December 7 to 9 was exciting for the Bahamian delegation of seven who made their way to the Northern Caribbean University campus for the Union’s first annual Children’s Challenge Quiz.

On Friday evening we participated in an interesting vespers conducted by the Bahamians and Caymanians. Regular Sabbath services were held in the chapel. At 8 p.m. on Saturday we attended the famous and traditional “Feast of Lights” production.

Sunday was a very hectic but enjoyable day for us. During the morning session, we were taken into the heavenly courts with the melodious singing of Lashan Carey. Indeed her a capella renditions brought persons to their feet. She was encouraged by many to continue to use her voice for the Lord.

Then it was time for our child preacher, seven-years-old Kevin Rolle from the Maranatha church to stand at the pulpit. Yes, he was small in stature but great in words as he allowed God’s spirit to flow from him to everyone seated. His topic, “Children of the Word,” was very well received by the audience. In fact, the content of his sermon was the source of the devotional message used at the Union’s office staff worship the following morning by Dr. Patrick L. Allen. If that were not enough, a copy of his message was collected from Sis. Smith to be printed in our ‘Visitor” in a future issue by Mrs. Iris Henry.

Sunday afternoon was the time for the children to match wits with each other. The Bible quiz was quite taxing and brain wrecking for our participants as they were faced with unseen questions in addition to those studied. This quiz was divided into gold, silver and bronze sections. When the results were announced both Daphne Adderley and Kenreah Brown of the Hillview Church achieved gold recognition. They were brave and made us all proud.

Special thanks to all those who helped to prepare these children to participate in their events. Also thanks to Jackie Brown and Desiree` Brown who accompanied me and were most helpful to the children. Both ladies are graduates of NCU.

The trip could not be complete without a day of sightseeing tours and shopping for the children. The scenery was just spectacular. Not forgetting the native foods and other goodies on which we feasted. Thanks also to all who supported us financially and with your prayers . Last of all, thanks to our God for sustaining us throughout our journey. May God be praised.-R. Smith, CM Director

Please be aware that Monday, December 24, the Treasury Department will not be open for business as was previously stated in a letter to you. However, all other dates remain in effect. - C. Melvin Lewis

Dr. M. D. Toote, pastor of the Centreville SDA Church in Nassau, has been awarded the LLB (Hons) degree from the Holborn School of Law at the University of Wolverhamption in the United Kingdom after four years of study. The exams, which were facilitated through the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports, covered a wide range of subjects ranging from Criminal, Constitutional, Land, Company and European Union Law to Contract, Tort, Family Law and Equity and Trusts, as well as Contemporary Issues in Jurisprudential Thought.

Pastor Toote views this major achievement as an opportunity to expand his ministry to the church, both on a local and global basis, and attributes his success in the programme to his wife, Brenda, the support of members and the Blessings of God.

Just as we take the time to get a medical check-up to see if we are physically healthy, we can also get a “marital check” to see how we are growing towards marital perfection. An annual medical check-up is a way of preventing greater problems in the future, or recognizing developing situations that you might not be aware of. Similarly, having a marital check-up can help a couple be aware of habits, behaviors, or attitudes that might be potentially destructive to the relationship. Or how mother, fathers, and children are relating to each other. Or it can help to affirm each other in their marital joys. Call this week and make an appointment with Adventist Counseling Services for your annual marital or family check-up. (Continued on p. 2)

A planning meeting is scheduled for all Women’s Ministries Leaders for 2002 on December 30, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Sister Alwhyne Scavella, Bahamas Conference Women’s Ministries Director. Please call 364-1460 for directions.

Special thanks and appreciation to the outgoing 2001 leaders and a big “Thank You” to the ladies who supported the Social on Saturday night, December 16.

The Centreville Sanctuary Choir will perform excerpts from Handle’s Messiah today during the 11:00 a.m. service at the Church, Fifth Terrace, Centreville. - A. Tinker Choir Director

an excellent marital inventory called ENRICH, that helps couples to know their strengths and weakness in their relationship. Call today at 361 6355 as speak to your counseling psychologist and marriage and family therapist. -Barrington H. Brennen.

All local Church Personal Ministries Leaders, Sabbath School Superintendents, Community Services Leaders from Ephesus, Centreville, Living Faith, Hillview, Good News, Berea and Adelaide are asked to attend a very important Joint Personal Ministries Council meeting today at 4:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church.

Leaders of these departments from Grant’s Town, Johnson Park, New Englerston, Maranatha, Philadelphia, New Providence and Bethany are to meet at New Englerston Church, East Street, tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock.

These meetings will lay plans for Convention 2002 and the upcoming joint church officers commitment service. - Dr. M. D. Toote, P.M. Director

From the Communications Department of Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

The next rehearsal for Meistersingers will be held Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Centreville Church.-Audrey Wright

All members of the SDA Art Club are reminded that art classes will resume, Sunday, January 13, at 3:00 p.m. the Bahamas Academy Secondary school.-A. Mason/Ian Antonio

The Breath of Life Church on Marshall Road, South Beach, is conducting a programme at its edifice, known as “Around Our Union. Sabbath, December 22, Cayman Island Mission. For further details, please contact Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe at 322-5110 or 341-4022.

Persons planning to travel with the group to Cat Island are asked to contact Bro. Norman Seymour at 324-6744 or Bro. Cephas Ward at 361-7428.

Philadelphia & Maranatha Pathfinder Investiture service will be held today, December 22, at 3:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estates.

An account in the name of The Long Islanders Association has been opened at the Bahamas Conference office. All Long Islanders and friends of Long Island are invited to contribute to the association’s fund.-D. Ritchie

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 -Beginning of Convention at Good News Church, Flamingo Gardens, at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17, Convention continues at Living Faith, Old Trail Road Ministers Meeting

Kindly be advised that the Conference headquarters will be officially closed for the holiday season as of Friday, Dec. 21. 2001. Regular Office business will resume on Thursday, December 27, at 8:30 a.m.

****The Adventist Book Centre will remain open for business as usual tomorrow and on Monday from 9 o'clock to 1:00 p.m.