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A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 03, January 20, 2001
| THE LOGOS
A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 03, January 20, 2001 |
Convention 2001 In North Andros
The message for the opening meeting of the convention was ably presented by the Children's Ministries Director of our Conference, Sister Rowena Smith. Using the Convention theme, "United by the Word of God," she challenged the listeners to be diligent in reading and studying the word of God.
In her introductory remarks, the Sabbath School Superintendent, Sister Vernola Russell, set the tone for the rest of the day and made every one of her listeners feel a part of the family of God. Co-ordinated by Elder C. Melvin Lewis, the Lesson Study was the main focus of the Sabbath School. The Sabbath School members agreed that even though in despair we may question what is happening to us, like Job, we ought to maintain faith and confidence in God.
During the Divine Service, music by the Children's Choir and Sister Valinda Rolle turned the hearts of the worshippers heavenward. The children and adults were fascinated as Sister Rowena Smith used a coconut, a sponge, and a hammer to illustrate various types of Christians. The worship service moved to another level as Elder T. Milton Lewis inspired the audience with a practical message that showed how Christ, the Living Word, can unite us and make us successful Christians.
During the Sabbath afternoon session, Sister Smith, Elder C. Melvin Lewis, and Pastor Carey highlighted the various departments. Members were thrilled by the manner in which the Evans triplets rendered a musical selection. One member of the Convention team is planning to bring them to Nassau so that members of the "city" churches might hear these nine-year-old children sing. The showing of the video clips of selected activities in the Conference last year was well received. Pastor Carey gave a brief vespers thought to conclude the day's activities.
On Sunday, the last day of Convention 2001 in North Andros, the Lewis twins visited the settlement of their roots, Red Bays. Of course they were accompanied by two other members of the team. Probably, in due course, they will tell about their visit to this historic place in North Andros.
The Convention concluded with an evangelistic service Sunday night. The pastor of the Lowe Sound Church, Dr. Carey, spoke on the theme "United By The Word of God." Using 1 Corinthians 1: 10 to 13 as the main text, he challenged the believers to study the Bible diligently so that they might draw closer to Christ and to one another. That way they can eliminate divisions and be united to finish the work of the Lord. Convention 2001 in North Andros was an inspiration to all who attended.
This weekend January 19 to 21 Convention moves into Grand Bahama.
Convention will be held in the following Family Islands as listed below:
January 24 to 27
Crooked Island-Pastors Adderley, Albury and Smith
January 26 to 28
Abaco,-Pastors Johnson, Scavella and Roach
Exuma- Pastors Carey, Toote and King
February 2 to 4
Cat Island-Pastors Albury and Rolle
South Andros- Pastors Clarke and St. Fleur
San Salvador-Pastors Smith, Scavella and Duncombe
February 9 to 10
Eleuthera-Pastors Albury and Sturrup
Long Island - Pastors Carey and Toote
February 16 to 19
Inagua - Pastors Albury, Brennen, and Burrows
SUNDAY EVENING EVANGELISTIC SERVICE
Recently, questions have arisen regarding the position of the Conference on Sunday Evening Evangelistic services. The Conference hereby restates that It has no intention of forcing the local church to conduct Sunday evening evangelistic services in the manner we have for years. Instead, we favour the local church having a degree of flexibility in deciding on this matter. We believe that the pastor and membership should look at outreach programmes such as Cell Meetings, Bible Studies and Seminars, etc that will strengthen members and draw new believers.
- Administration.
'THE CAUSE OF ONE IS
THE CONCERN OF ALL'
There's good news and there is bad news for faith groups in the former Soviet states, Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders learned on Thursday, January 4. During a visit to the world headquarters of the Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, Larry Uzzell reported on the December 31 compulsory deadline for
re-registration of religious congregations seeking recognition by their governments. He explained that if a hard line is enforced by the government, no proselytizing will be allowed and no literature can be distributed by a non-registered church."There can be no church-sponsored education," said Uzzell. "Even church papers may not be passed out within the congregation."
The good news for most religious groups is that they met the government requirement. "Only the Salvation Army has suffered so far," Uzzell said, and explained why he believes their problem affects all religious organizations. "If they can get away with doing this to the Salvation Army, it can be done to anyone. The cause of one religious minority is the cause of all religious minorities," he said.
Uzzell is considered a specialist in Russian studies and religious freedom in the Soviet Union. He is the director of Keston Institute, a "journalistic and scholarly" news and research organization targeting religious freedoms in Communist and former communist countries. Keston is based in Oxford, United Kingdom.
Uzzell says that he believes "it will get worse before it gets better" in the former Soviet Union and cites Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, where religious persecution has been most prevalent as "lawless societies." In those states, he said, "The Soviets are militant atheists, directing their aggression against Protestants and Islamics."
Uzzell tells a compelling story coming out of the tragedy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where the government destroyed the only Seventh-day Adventist house of worship in the country in November, 1999.
A Catholic priest stood in the ruins of the church with tears streaking his face. He picked up a stone from the rubble and said that he was taking it to his apartments, where he would keep it until his parish obtained permission to construct a new worship center. "This rock will become the cornerstone of our new church," the priest vowed.
Uzzell said that Keston's goal is to study and address religious causes in the countries of Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea and China. Meanwhile, Seventh-day Adventist leaders continue their commitment and activities in the cause of religious freedom for all peoples. ANN
ELDERS/CHURCH LEADERS' COURSE
The Elders/Church Leadership Certification Course sponsored by the Ministerial Department will commence February 4, 2001, at the Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division.
Registration will begin on Monday, February 15, between 9a.m. and 4p.m., at the Continuing Education Office. A small registration fee of $20. will be charged to cover materials The main text for this course will be the Elder's Handbook which may be purchased at the ABC.
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
There will be a special presentation on the Gift of Prophecy tomorrow, Sunday, January 21, beginning at 7:15 p.m. at the Living Faith SDA Church. Come, be a part of this edifying experience as we confirm the ministry of Ellen G. White to the SDA Church. - Pastor Sturrup
FULFILLING THE GOSPEL COMMISSION--MAKING FRIENDS
FOR GOD
Do you know your spiritual gifts? Have you discovered how to use these gifts for Christ and His Kingdom? Do you understand how to communicate the gospel to secular people? Can you lead a soul to Christ?
The answer to all the above questions will be yes when you attend the "Fulfilling The Gospel Commission" video seminar beginning 7 p.m. February 4, 2001, at the Living Faith SDA Church. Don't miss this outstanding opportunity. Be sure to attend, you'll be glad you did.
-Pastor T. Basil SturrupBAS TO HOLD PLACEMENT EXAM
Bahamas Academy Secondary School will hold a placement exam for new students desirous of attending the school in September, 2001, on Friday, February 23, rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the school.
Please collect the application documents from the secretary's office and return the completed application form before the examination date. Students currently attending Bahamas Academy Elementary School do not have to sit the placement exam, but they must complete the Transfer Form that will be sent to them.
We encourage parents to secure seats early, as space is limited for some classes, and the application process requires time for securing documents from previous schools, physicians, etc.
We look forward to the opportunity to provide quality Adventist education for your children. -Lynn C. Smith, Vice Principal, BAS
BA ELEMENTARY ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
For NEW STUDENTS entering grade One through Grades Six, an examination will be held on February 23, 2001, at the campus on Penny Bank Lane at 9 a.m. Application forms can be collected from the school during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. Registration is also in progress for the new School Term 2001 -2002 from Grades K2 - 6.
SDA EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
TO HOLD SEMINAR
Educators Seminar will be held January 21 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Philadelphia Church. Presenters are: Dr. Leon Higgs, Dr. Ruby Major, and Pansy Hamilton-Brown. All educators are especially invited to attend. For more details contact Dr. John Carey at #341-4021 Ext. 28
YOUTH FEDERATION PARTIAL ELECTION RESULTS
The following persons were elected to serve as Youth Federation Presidents for 2001:
**NORTHEAST MASTERGUIDES TRAINING CLASS continues tomorrow, Sunday, Jan 21, 2001 at Bahamas Academy Gym at 7 a.m. All are invited to join.CAT ISLAND SDA ADVANCEMENT SOCIETY
Persons who would like to travel with the group to Cat Island for the homecoming during the Easter weekend, April 13 to 16, 2001, and want to travel by Bahamasair may contact Bro. Norman Seymour at 324-6744. The deadline is February 28, 2001. Charter arrangements are being handled by Bro. Cephas Ward at 361-7428. The deadline is March 18, 2001.
SDA MASS CHOIR REHEARSAL
Persons interested in joining the SDA Mass Youth Choir along with regular members are to meet at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road, at 6 o'clock tonight to rehearse.
HEALTH MINISTRIES BOAT CRUISE
The Adventist Health Ministries will be hosting a seven-day Health Seminar Boat Cruise Sunday, July 29 to August 5, 2001 (Cancun, Mexico, Jamaica, US Virgin Island, Etc.).
CORPORATE FUN-RUN
The first annual Health Ministries Corporate Fun-Run (Nassau) previously scheduled for February 19 has been adjusted to the Easter Monday holiday. Each member is asked to exercise and prepare for this new day.
DEL ROSA STEEL BAND COMMITTEE TO MEET
All members of Del Rosa Steel Band Committee are requested to meet Tuesday, January 23, at 2 p.m. at the Conference Headquarters.
SOUTHWEST FEDERATION TO
HOLD RALLY
The officers and members of the Southwest Federation will hold a rally at the Good News SDA Church, Great Britain Street, Flamingo Gardens, on Sunday, January 28 at 7 p.m. All churches in the Federation are encouraged to attend. The Youth in the Southwest Federation are especially invited to attend. -C. Culmer, PRMEISTERSINGERS TO REHEARSE
Members of the Meistersingers are requested to meet at the Centreville Church's, choir room for rehearsal on Wednesday, January 24, at 6 p.m. -A. Wright
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION
OFFICERS TO MEET
All officers of the Southwest Federation are requested to meet at the Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estate on Sunday, January 21, at 1 p.m. Sun Sets today at 5:44 p.m.
Sun Sets next Sabbath at 5: 50 p.m.
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