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Compassion: The Road to Retention
We have just completed a
number of crusades as part of the Pentecost and More 2008 evangelism
initiative. Hundreds of souls have been baptized and joined the Adventist
Church family. The powerful and clear presentation of the gospel, the
demonstration of love and concern by Bible workers, the fervent prayers of
the prayer warriors, and the converting power of the Holy Spirit convinced
the new believers to commit themselves to Christ. However, the question that
always
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Keeping Our Men for Jesus |
jumps out at us after such successful evangelistic efforts is: What
can we do to retain these new members?
It seems to me that what was
done to win them must also be done to maintain their interest and keep them
actively involved in the church. The persons who invited and worked with the
prospective members showed a great deal of compassion toward them.
Therefore, I believe that the road to the retention of these new converts is
paved with compassion.
Many years ago, Ellen White
stated that Christ’s method alone will yield true success in evangelism.
Jesus who was full of compassion related to the people as one who desired
what was best for them. He sympathized with them, ministered to their needs,
and won their confidence. Then He invited them to follow Him (Ministry of
Healing, p. 143).
We need to employ Christ’s
method to win persons for Him as well as to keep them in the church. He
mingled with them, or He was involved in their social activities. We, too,
must interact with these members on a social level, sympathize with them, do
all we can to meet their needs. For example, those of us who have cars
should be prepared to assist the members who may need transportation. There
may be other areas of need that may come to our attention. We should be
willing to help as much as possible.
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Every member of the church
ought to pray for the new members and encourage them to study the Word of
God and pray daily. That way they will grow in knowledge of the Bible and
become spiritually strong to witness for Christ. As they share with others
what God did for them, they will grow stronger in the faith.
Finally, we cannot
underestimate the importance and effectiveness of friendship in keeping
members in the church. Studies have shown that members do not leave the
church because they do not understand or believe the doctrines. The main
reason they leave is poor relationship. They don’t have any friends, or they
did not develop any strong positive relationships in the church. This means
that, as Jesus did, we must show compassion and demonstrate the love of God
toward old and new members to build relationships.
Let us do everything possible
to retain those who have become members of the body of Christ. May we truly
represent Jesus to these trusting souls. Then they will follow us as we
follow Christ. - Editor
Child Preacher’s Workshop
Under the theme “Faith that Grows,” sixty plus energetic children from
the various churches gathered at the Berea Church, on Friday, March 28, 2008
for the opening of another spirit-filled Child Preacher’s Workshop. Despite
what is happening in our community today, there is still hope for our
children. At the opening of the workshop, the children displayed a
determination to be the best that they can be. Pastor Paul Scavella was
able to connect with the crowd and keep the attention of the boys and
girls. Our Children’s Ministries Leader, Sister Diane Jones, gave the
welcome and devotion. Then Pastor Paul began teaching. The children
listened with enthusiasm. Among the topics presented on Friday evening were
“Life Moments,” “What it means to be a Preacher,” and “Tools in Preaching”.
On Sunday morning, there was
a spirit of optimism and joy in anticipation of what the day would bring
forth. Pastor Paul Scavella again inspired the group as he demonstrated a
‘gripping’ story in an effort to bring across his message. “Voice Culture,”
“Literary Devises,” and Putting a Sermon Together” were topics that were
presented in the Sunday morning session. The boys and girls were given the
opportunity to write, design and present their sermons. Sermons were also
demonstrated in short skits. This was the highlight of the morning and the
leaders got a chance to really see and hear what the children had learnt in
two days. They also enjoyed a scrumptious lunch prepared just for them.
Special thanks to those who prepared the meal. At the end of the session,
each child received a Certificate of Participation. As Talia Burrows went
up to receive her certificate, the expression on her face informed us that
she was proud to be associated with the Child Preacher’s Workshop. At the
end of the session, the boys and girls were encouraged to go back to their
churches and ask their leaders to allow them to present sermons in their
churches. The Bible states that “a little child will lead them”. The time
is NOW!
Special thanks to Pastor Paul
Scavella for presenting such a moving and motivating session. The
Children’s Ministries Leaders from the various churches are to be commended
for supporting this successful event. Also special thanks to the Pastor,
officers and members of the Berea Church for opening their church to us.
Congratulations to our Children’s Ministries Director, Sister Diane Jones
for a well organized program. I am sure the boys and girls are looking
forward for the next workshop. - Cindy Stuart, Children’s Ministries Leader,
Hillview Church
The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 5 to 6 p.m.
Today, the Johnson Park Church is expected. Next Sabbath, the Johnson
Road Company is scheduled.
Investiture Service at
Philadelphia The Warriors for Christ Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs
will celebrate their achievements during an Investiture Service today at
5:30 p.m. at the church.
The Bahamas Adventist
Educators Association will conduct its monthly meeting tonight at 7:30
p.m. at the ELC building, Old Trail Road. The Guest speaker, Mark Barrett,
will speak on the topic “Pornography & Cyber Crime” relating to child
offenders.
All parents and guardians are
urged to attend.
Early Morning Prayer
Meeting at the New Englerston Church - For Women Only- tomorrow at 6
a.m.- The New Englerston & Redemption Churches Women’s Ministry Departments
will host a special Prayer Meeting this week. Ms. Anastacia Ferguson is the
guest speaker. Mrs. Rose Sands, Women’s Ministry Co-ordinator.
All Stewardship Directors
are reminded of their monthly meeting tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Conference
office. Your attendance will be appreciated as we continue to prepare for
our upcoming Seminar on May 23 - 25, 2008.
The Adventist Men Chorale
will meet for practice tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Living Faith Church
Sabbath School Workshop
Tomorrow, Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 9 a.m – 12 noon at the Hillview
Church, all Sabbath School & Personal Ministries directors, assistant
directors and secretaries are kindly asked to attend this very important
Workshop. - Pastor W. T. Adderley
Communication Workshop
All communication secretaries in the churches on the island of New
Providence are requested to attend a seminar tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the
Conference office. Please bring a report for the first quarter of 2008.
Burial Society Meeting
The regular scheduled meeting of the S.D.A Burial Society will be held on
Monday, April 7, 2008 in the Annex of the Grants Town Seventh-day Adventist
church at 7 p.m. All members and those wishing to become members are asked
to attend. - Romanoff Bethel
Children’s Crusade at the
Living Faith Church, tomorrow, April 6 – Sabbath, April 12, 2008.
Nightly meetings begin at 7 p.m. - Mrs. Diane Jones, Children’s Ministries
Director
Christian Education
Emphasis Special emphasis will be given to the promotion of Christian
education in the Bahamas Conference, April 23 - 27, 2008. Dr. Robert
Cruise, an outstanding education researcher from North America will be our
guest presenter for the meetings. Dr. Cruise will give a special
presentation for all members on Sabbath, April 26, at 5 p.m. at the Hillview
Church. You cannot afford to miss this meeting.
Teachers Needed
Qualified persons are invited to apply for teaching positions (all subjects,
K-12) at Bahamas Academy for the 2008-2009 school year. For information
regarding application, please call the Principal at 394-0094, or apply
online @ www.bahamasconference.org/education/index.htm#forms
Special thanks to all members
of the Sweet Redemptive Crusade Youth Choir. We are grateful for your
dedication to the ministry of music. Please watch for further
announcements. Directors: Anthony Russell, Anthony Burnside, Monique
McKenzie, Voneil Smith, Allison M. Rolle.
Youth & the Spirit of
Prophecy: Do you want to find out more about the Spirit of Prophecy and
the role of Sis. Ellen White? There will be a special afternoon session on
these topics at the Maranatha church on Sabbath April 26th at 6:00 p.m. As
this is a special A.Y. program all A.Y. clubs and Spirit of Prophecy
coordinators form the local churches are requested to be there. There will
be a guest presenter from the General Conference Ellen G. White Estate.
Youth Ministries Weekend
Under the theme “Year of Sacrifice” the youth ministries department will
host an inspirational, informative, and innovative youth weekend from
Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 5. Special guest will be Pastor Charles Blythe,
Youth Director for West Indies Union.
Bahamas Conference Youth
Choir A special thank you is extended to all the young people and
directors who participated in the recent Sweet Redemptive crusade. All
young persons who sang in the choir at the crusade and other young persons
who are interested in the Conference Youth Choir are asked to meet this
Sabbath, April 5, 2008, at 5 p.m. at the Bahamas Academy Gym. Please be on
time, so that you are able to leave on time to be at your AYS on time.
W.I.U.
Masterguide/Pathfinder Camporee Update and Meeting Plans are moving
forward for the WIU camporee scheduled for July 2008. Pathfinders and
Masterguides who have not registered as yet are reminded to do so URGENTLY
as travel plans are in the final stages. There will be a meeting for all
persons attending the camporee on Monday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at the Grant’s
Town Church. If you have not brought in your passports as yet, please do so
at this meeting.
Youth Council Meeting Following
the WIU camporee meeting there will be an important youth council meeting
for all youth leaders at 7 p.m. at Grant’s Town. The summer months are here
and you need be updated on plans for the department for the conference.
Adventurers Meeting
All Adventurers Leaders (Conference-wide) are asked to please contact
Marilyn Bonamy at 393-8507. This is in regards to the up-coming Field Trip
planned for Sunday, April 20. Thank you for your corporation in this matter.
SDA Youth Sports
Committee All sports committee members are invited to meet this
Saturday evening at 8:15pm at BA Gym. If you do not have a representative
on the committee, please send someone out on Saturday night. Volley-Ball,
Softball, Track & Field, & Basketball
Looking for Office Space
to Rent The Pathfinder Corporation is seeking an affordable office
space to house our office. Anyone with information or persons who may have
a space that they can assist with, are asked to please contact Barry Shane
Saunders at 356-8466 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pathfinder Leadership
Award (PLA) Class P.L.A. classes begin Sunday, April 13, at 7 a.m. at
the Good News Church. The course is designed for all invested Masterguides.
- Sun Sets
Today at 7:28 p.m.
- Sun Sets next
Sabbath at 7:31 p.m.
