Pathfinders Camporee at Paradise Park, Jamaica

Pathfinder Camporee 2001 was filled with excitement from the day it began to the day it ended. The theme for the week was: "Christian Youth Praising, Bonding, Learning and Serving." All who attended Praised God in all ways possible, everyone bonded even when personalities clashed, everyone learnt something new, and we all served especially in the community of Savanna-la-mar, West Jamaica.

Paradise Park, with a river running through, where people can bathe or beach, was the site of West Indies Union Pathfinder Camporee 2001. Over fifteen hundred Pathfinders and Masterguides took to the tents to camp for six days. Campers came from East, West and Central Jamaica, Cayman, Canada, The United States of America and, of course, the Bahamas. The Bahamian delegation was known from day one as the friendliest and most enthusiastic delegation. Our Youth Director was his usual self, taking charge and helping wherever he could and he encouraged all who came to do the same, and that we did.

On opening night, The Union President officially opened the Camporee and Larnelle Johnson, Alden Albury and Emmerick Mackey were the persons chosen to lower the flags of all the countries represented, and they did a good job smartly dressed in their uniforms. Pastor Balvin Braham, and all youth leaders from all conferences/missions represented, all in full dress, took to the platform and conferences went wild cheering on their Pastors as they spoke.

We did everything in nature. We really camped. The bathrooms were out toilets. The showers were the same, but we did the best we could with the resources we had, and no one complained.

Each morning and at worship time in the day, Pastor Bernardo Rodriquez, even though not fluent in English, with the help of translator Pastor Drackett from Cayman, brought soul-stirring messages. In a simple way he told life stories and brought home powerful messages.

Each day the different competitions were keen and we held our own. In the speech contest we placed second-Aqualonia Williamson-Berea, and fourth-Jasmaine Musgrove-Grant's Town, out of eleven. Each Camper at this camp earned at least one honor. In the drill contest we placed fifth, and for the preaching contest Larnell Johnson placed fourth. Indira Johnson, Leonardo Forbes and Deandra Meadows placed third in the Bible Bowl, under lots of pressure, especially after being told they could not enter the competition. Pastor Clarke and Monique Mitchell were presenters and spoke on the topics "Making your after school hours productive" and "Youth and AIDS, respectively."

On Friday, the Bahamian delegation got to know Pasor Rodriquez even better along with his secretary Hilda as they traveled with us to Dunns River. Pastor George, leader of the American delegation that came over also brought his delegation to the river falls with us, and my did we have a wonderful time, climbing to the top of the river falls. We had a four and a half hour drive back home, so we had worship and a Friday evening vesper thought with Pastor George and then sang songs for the rest of the way back home.

When we got back to the campsite we were happy to learn that Pastor Albury had visited and would return for the Sabbath Service. We also got the surprise of Sis. Patrice Clarke joining the camp. Pastor Clarke was happiest: it was like they were just dating all over again.

Sabbath, was a very high day and it started with a most lively song service and continued to be a lively service. Our President Pastor Keith D. Albury, brought greetings in the divine worship, and later came to our tents and had Sabbath dinner with us. The fifty-voice camp choir, which was conducted by a Bahamian, sang to a rousing applause and standing ovation. In the afternoon, we marched through the streets of Savanna-la-mar, and then had a rally in the town's square, which was addressed by the Minister of Youth in the Jamaican Government, and the Union Secretary Dr. W. R. McMillian.

Saturday night in my opinion the best social in years was held, with Pastor Clarke and Ray Jennings and the Bahamian delegation leading out and others joining later. On Sunday night the cultural show was like none I have ever seen young people do. You should have seen our Pathfinders doing Bahamian folk songs, with the rake and scrape, then the Jamaicans took the show with their true culture and song and dance; it was spectacular, no one wanted it to end. At the end of the show, Pastor Braham expressed thanks and allowed all Pastors to give a final word to Pastor Rodriquez who would not be there for the closing exercise. Pastor Clarke was also allowed to bring closing remarks as the Bahamian delegation was leaving at 7 a.m. the following day. Up until 1 a.m. we were still writing or signing camp books for campers, whom we had bonded.

The day none of us wanted to come, came and we had to leave. There were tears, hugs and much laughter, last minute signing of books and addresses and photos and plain old socializing. We can say 'To God be the glory great things he has done." We had safe travel, with no mishaps, and all thirty-five of us are back home and well.

Pastor Clarke and the youth department of the conference thank the following for making Camporee 2001, a success: Brothers Ray Jennings MaleSuperintendent, Rohan Creighton, Elvardo Perpall [Cook], Cousellors: Phillip Humes and Kirk Price. Sisters Anistacia Forbes Female Superintendent, Monique Mitchell [Seminar Presenter] Counsellors: Daphne Cooper, Estelle Cleare, Sherry Burrows, Erika Perpall, Marilyn Bonamy and Yamma St. Fleur. Also at this camp were junior counsellors: Benita Exalus, Shantell Humes and Lakera Higgs.

Camp was fun. We praised, we bonded, we learnt, and we served. All who came received a blessing, and now, Masterguides, the third quinquennial West Indies Union Camporee will be held in The Bahamas in the Easter of 2003. Begin planning from now to be there. You can see our Youth Director, pastor Clarke or our Masterguides Co-ordinator, Ray Jennings, with your ideas and suggestions. -Curtis Bryan

Men's Convention 2001The first all-Bahamian Seventh-day Adventist Men's Convention will be held October 19-21 at Clarion South Ocean Beach Hotel & resort. This convention will be attracting participants from our Adventist Church family through our commonwealth.

All Seventh-day Adventist men and boys are asked to register early. This convention will be on a first- come, first-confirmed basis...please register as soon as possible. Presenters are: Eric Allen, H.A. Roach, Richard O'Ffill, Joseph Evans, Alfred Sears and Isaac Collie. There will be 200 all-male voices in congregational singing. You don't want to miss this!

Congratulations, It's a Girl! On Thursday, August 23, 2001, a bouncing baby girl, weighing over 8 pounds, was born to Pastor Edward and Airlande St. Fleur. The president, officers and staff of Bahamas Conference of SDA congratulate the St. Fleurs and welcome baby Edwina Ruth St. Fleur.

Veteran Pastor Observes 40^th Wedding Anniversary Dr. and Mrs. H.A. Roach began the celebration of their 40^th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, August 29. A weekend of activities is planned beginning at Grant's Town Church, continuing at Centreville and Maranatha Churches. A reception is planned for Sunday afternoon, September 2, at the Radisson Hotel. Tickets are available from committee members: Bro. F. Duncanson, Sisters Miriam Knowles and Willsy Adderley.

Congratulations are extended to Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Roach from the members of the Maranatha S.D.A. Church on the occasion of their 40^th wedding anniversary.

Ingathering Fever Ingathering time is just around the corner! Personnel Ministries Leaders are encouraged to share their church's goal and prepare units to go for gold! Photos are still being solicited for the Ingathering booklet. The goal for each church is as follows:Berea.................................................1,236.00

Bethany............................................. 375.00

Bethel.................................................. 365.00

Bethesda............................................. 365.00

Bluff.................................................. 166.00

Breath of Life.................................... 488.00

Centreville.......................................10,595.00

Cockburn Town................................. 464.00

Devil's Point.................................... 132.00

Ebenezer........................................... 365.00

Eight Mile Rock............................... 1,408.00

Ephesus........................................... 671.00

Francophone.................................. .. 407.00

Freeport........................................... 4,200.00

Good News...................................... 486.00

Grant's Town..................................11,525.00

Gregory Town................................ 100.00

Hillview........................................... 9,550.00

James Cistern................................... 165.00

Johnson Park.....................................2,325.00

Kemp's Bay..........................................188.00

Landrail Point.......................................476.00

Living Faith..........................................953.00

Lowe Sound.........................................214.00

Maranatha..........................................4,200.00

Marsh Harbour..................................1,080.00

Millerton........................................................-

Moss Town..........................................100.00

Mount Thompson.................................475.00

New Englerston.................................1,088.00

New Macedonia...................................375.00

New Providence................................3,397.00

Philadelphia......................................1,243.00

Seaview................................................149.00

Shiloh................................................1,525.00

Sunrise..................................................616.00

Tarpum Bay..........................................206.00

West End..............................................486.00

Hurricane Preparedness 2001 The announcement of a hurricane warning indicates that your island is likely to be affected by a hurricane or storm within a 24- hour period. In this instance, take the following precautions:

1. Confirm that shutters to upper and ground- level floors and windows are readily available.

2. Secure garbage cans, garden furniture and dry or loose objects within premises if possible.

3. Clean and fill bathtubs and spare containers with drinking water.

4. Check that adequate supplies of food are on hand.

5. Ensure that your car is in working order and fill tank with gas.

6. Stock up on special medication required by family members.

7. Feed animals and move them indoors or loose them.

8. Secure your gas tanks and satellite dish.

9. Listen and follow advice on Radio Bahamas or other local radio stations via battery-operated transistor radio.

10. Stay calm! Your ability to handle emergencies will help others who may need your assistance.-Dr. M.D. Toote, ADRA Director

Elders' Meeting There will be a very important Elders meeting at the Good News church Sabbath evening, September 8, 2001, at 8:30. Important matters will be discussed. L. C. Rolle, Ministerial Director

Wanted: Talented Teens Are you a teen who loves to sing and wants to join a group of young people to sing contemporary gospel songs? Are you between the ages of 14 and 18 and would like to interact with teens from other SDA churches? If you have answered yes, then come to the Ephesus Church on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. for auditions and be prepared to blow us away.

Let's Save Our Families Summit Coming in September the Adventist Counseling Services and the Family Ministries of the Conference will hold a "Let's Save our Families Summit." It is a joint sharing meeting with all Adventist married couples, singles, teen-agers, widows, widowers, single parents, divorcees. Come, let's talk about how to save our families. Share your concerns. Hear about the upcoming plans for family restoration. Stay tuned for a date to be announced.

Office of Education The Grand Bahama Academy needs an elementary schoolteacher for the 2001/2002 school year. Interested persons should call the Office of Education at 341-4021/2 or Grand Bahama Academy at 242-373-7494 as soon as possible. - John Carey, Director

All teachers for the Continuing Education program are requested to meet at Bahamas Academy at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 2, 2001.

The Bahamas SDA Educators Association is in the process of organizing an educational trip to Battle Creek, Michigan, during the Easter vacation of 2002. This will be an SDA Heritage experience of a life-time. All are invited to travel with the Association for this amazing and spiritual delight. All Masterguides are especially invited. Follow the Logos for further insights. -Pansy Hamilton Brown, President

Expression of Thanks The family of Helen Hall would like to thank all of those persons who remembered her in prayer during her recent illness. Your phone calls, visits, gifts and thoughts of concern were a tremendous blessing. May God continue to keep you in his grace. -The Family

All alumni of NCU formerly West Indies College are asked to meet for an urgent meeting at Hillview church, Thursday, Sept.6, 2001, at 7:30 p.m. You may contact Tameka Thompson at 361-3645 or Sean Palmer at 325-3387 for further information.

Youth Ministries Announcements On Sunday mornings for the next five weeks, the Northeast Federation Masterguides are sponsoring a Church Heritage program at 7:30 at the Bahamas Academy Gymnatorium. Speaker will be Pastor T. Basil Sturrup. All are invited.

Camp Bamivoca Block drive is underway. Contact your youth leader for details.

Northeast Youth Federation head south where they will soar the skies on the weekend of October 19-21. They are taking the everlasting gospel to Long Island. All are invited to share in this time of fellowship. For more information, you may contact Phyllis Woodside at 361-5401.

Southwest Masterguides classes resume at Good News September 2, 2001 at 7 a.m.

SDA Mass Youth Choir to Rehearse

SDA Mass Youth Choir rehearsal at Living Faith church this afternoon at 4:30.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Owing to some unforeseen circumstances and lack of support, the short softball season has come to an end. Therefore, if any church or group of individuals wish to play a game anytime, contact Tyrrell Miller (President) 361-8306. Thank you.

Southwest Youth Federation There will be a very important meeting on Thursday, September 6, 2001, at 8 p.m. at the Hillview Church for all Southwest Youth Federation officers.

SDA Burial Society The Burial Society will meet at Grant's Town Church on Monday, September 3, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. There are four deaths recorded. -H. Moncur

Upcoming Events

September 5- Departmental Directors' meeting 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

September 6 - Conference Committee meeting at 10 a.m. at Conference headquarters.

September 16- Workers' Meeting at New Providence beginning at 10 a.m.

September 19- Ministers' Meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Conference office

September 23- Workers' meeting in Grand Bahama at the Freeport church at 10 a.m.

Health Ministry to Meet A meeting for all Health Ministries Leaders and Federation Presidents with Pastor Paul Scavella will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference office.

Sun Sets today at 7:31 p.m. Sun Sets next Sabbath at 7:23 p.m.