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It’s
Back to School Again
The
long hot summer is just about to end, and it's time for teachers and
students to go back to school. Every year around this time, the movement
of human and vehicular traffic around the shopping centers and the
advertisement in the print and electronic media remind us that the summer
holidays are over, and it's back to school again. From kindergarten to
university level, thousands of students and teachers throughout the
Commonwealth of the Bahamas are prepared or are preparing to go back to
school.
What does preparation for school
involve? Preparation for school includes getting the school grounds,
classrooms and other facilities ready for the students and teachers. The
school administrators, teachers and other school personnel should work
together to ensure that the school environment can accommodate the
students adequately and safely. Children learn best in a comfortable and
safe school environment.
From the teacher's perspective,
time spent reviewing the curriculum and planning for the students that
he/she will teach is very important. Teachers should know in advance who
they will be teaching. This will enhance the appropriateness of their
lesson planning. As they identify the various teaching strategies that
they will utilize - teachers ought to bear in mind that they will be
teaching individuals and not just a subject. This awareness should
influence their attitude toward the students they will teach.
The most important person in the
whole process of preparation for school is the student. It is to
facilitate the education of the student that school administrators,
teachers and parents do their best to provide adequate facilities,
programs, strategies, financial and emotional support. But the student
himself/herself must also be directly involved in the preparation for
school. Parents may provide the uniform, books and all the other school
supplies the student might need; however, it is the student who has to
purpose in his mind to be diligent in his/her studies and honest in all
his/her dealings. As Daniel did, the Christian student will pray to God
for moral strength and spiritual discernment to keep focused on the goal
of being all that God wants him/her to be. Ellen White says: "Higher than
the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children.
Godliness - godlikeness - is the goal to be reached." Education, p. 18.
As returning students go to school and as new students enter the classroom
this school year, may they allow the Holy Spirit to direct them in all
their ways, so that they may have a successful school year.
The Cost of Being a Christian
Part I By Sung Kwon "And when Jesus saw great multitudes
about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain
scribe came and said to Him, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.'
And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head'" (Matt. 8:18-20).*
OR THOSE WHO believe there's no God, only two things matter in life: "to
maximize their pleasure and minimize their pain," as John Stuart Mill
said. They don't care about people who are naked, sick, behind prison
bars, or are dying in hunger. Their only concerns are that their own wants
and self-gratifications are fulfilled.
But those who believe that there is a God have (or should have) a
different perspective on life. In their attitude toward people, they put
others before themselves and are as concerned about others as they are
about themselves. This is what it means to be a Christian--to share your
life with others, as Christ has shared His life with us.
For many, however, Christianity
is only skin-deep--external and superficial. Too often Christ is taken out
of Christianity, and it becomes a lifestyle rather than life itself, a
habit rather than a purpose. Too many drive to and from church without
having made any connections with their community. Far too many are
satisfied with a self-fulfilling, self-gratifying worship service that
they attend systematically and mechanically once a week.
But here are questions we each need to ponder: Am I still a Christian when
I leave the church building? Do I live as a Christian should? Why am I a
Christian at all?
Things to Ponder When we look at the life of the scribe in Matthew 8, we
see someone who was highly educated and a part of the scholarly class of
the Jewish society. This man was attracted to Jesus and wanted to become
His disciple, but his motives were not pure. He wanted to be a part of the
inner circle that he thought might give him more power, recognition, and
influence in society.
However, this man did not acknowledge Christ as the Son of God, but saw
Him, rather, as an honored teacher--wise, influential, popular. "Teacher,"
he said, "I will follow You wherever You go."
He failed to realize that Jesus
is not just a good teacher or a good man. He is the Savior, the Lord of
our life, the Son of God, the King of kings.
"Foxes have holes," Jesus responded to the scribe, "and birds of the air
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
What did Jesus mean? I think He
is saying, if you will allow Me: "I am homeless."
Can you imagine how people would have reacted to the thought that Jesus
was homeless? I imagine that some would have said, "Wait a minute, Jesus,
how could You be homeless? You are to be the king--the one who will
conquer the Roman Empire and give us political freedom for our nation and
our people. You are the Christ, aren't You?" And I imagine that others
would have said,
"Well, I guess we picked the
wrong guy. I won't follow Him anymore."
Because human nature has natural tendencies to be fickle, unstable, and
self-centered, someone may become a Christian for the excitement, the
glamour, the hope of personal benefits. Certainly the scribe was one such
individual. His intention was self-glorification.
When We Think We're Perfect Do you remember the rich young ruler who came
to Jesus seeking eternal life (Matt. 19:16-22)? When Jesus told him to
keep the commandments, the young man answered without any hesitation, "All
these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (verse 20).
I say he was too confident of
his law-keeping life. We might think that his observance of the law was
perfect, but how was his spirituality? According to the eyes of human
flesh, he might appear to have had an unblemished character and perfect
life. However, he did not understand the true meaning of faith and what it
means to be a Christian. He did not understand the social responsibility
and duty of a Christian.
Many people think like the rich
young ruler. I'm not guilty of murder, stealing, or adultery, they may
think. But the question is What have you done to save others? Have you
shared a pint of blood with someone in need? When was the last time you
made a visit and shared the gospel with someone on their deathbed? What
have you done to help someone who is naked and hungry? Have you shared the
message of God's mercy and grace with someone living in darkness?
Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you
gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you
clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to
Me" (Matt. 25:35, 36).
What are you doing for your
community? God commissions us to supply our community's needs. As
Christians, we must minister to the poor, the needy, the ignorant. Christ
"mingled" with people, said Ellen White. "He showed His sympathy for them,
[and] ministered to their needs" (Christian Service, p. 119). When we
follow Christ's example, then can we hear Him say, "Assuredly, I say to
you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you
did it to Me" (Matt. 25:40.
Paying the Price But most of us
have a problem. We want to secure our eternal salvation without paying the
price. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said somewhere: "The Christian life is not
adding Jesus to one's own way of life but renouncing that personal way of
life for His and being willing to pay whatever cost that may require." If
there is no cross in our current life, how can we expect a golden crown in
heaven?
Plans, programs, and organizations cannot substitute the individual
responsibility each of us has to fulfill the mission of reaching out to
others. However, in most congregations across North America the tendency
to isolate and separate from the community is pervasive. With no
relationship with the community, it's nearly impossible for us to have an
influence on it. (Continue in Next week’s Logos)
Bahamas Conference of
Seventh-day Adventist Workers’ Meeting Worker’s Meeting will be held
for all employees of Bahamas Conference of SDA at the Casuarinas of Cable
Beach on Monday, August 29, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bahamas
Academy Reunion Banquet October 23, 2005
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary
Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home
continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The schedule for
today, August 27, will be the Message of Hope SDA Francophone Church. Next
week, September 3 music will be provided by the Gambier Mission Church.
Back to School Parenting
Seminar Attend the Back to School Parenting Seminar on Sunday, August
28, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., at the Maranatha Church. All Adventist parents and
parents of all faiths with children in grades K-12 are encouraged to
attend.
Youth Announcement The general Youth Council meeting which was
postponed will now be held on Monday, August 29th, at 7:00 p.m. at Berea
Church. All AY, Pathfinder and Adventurer Leaders and assistants are asked
to attend. -Pas. A. Burrows
Work Day at Bahamas Academy
There will be a work day at Bahamas Academy on Sunday, August 28, from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help paint the outside of
the school. Please come by with your paint brushes, roller pans, and
ladders and lend us a helping hand as we spruce up our school for the new
school year. Thanks a lot! Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle
Bahamas Academy Notice
As Bahamas Academy prepares for the new school year, kindly take note of
the following information:
Orientation for parents of new Early Learning Center Students - Sunday,
August 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Early Learning Center on Old Trail Road.
Orientation for parents of new elementary and secondary students -
Thursday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the school's gymnatorium on Wulff
Road.
Reopening of School - Yes, school reopens for ALL students (new and
returning) on Friday, September 2, 2005 (It is not a typo) at 8:50 a.m. to
12 noon. We urge all parents to send their children to school on this day.
You do not want your child to miss the very first day of school.
Principal Needed for Bahamas Academy
Applications from qualified persons are being accepted for the
position of Principal at Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day Adventists.
The person selected for this positiol should possess the following
qualifications:
1. Be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2. Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree,
but a Master’s Degree is preferred
3. Have at least five years teaching
experience in the elementary/secondary school.
4. Have at least three years of administrative experience.
5. Possess effective communication skills with the ability to work
collaboratively with students, staff, parents and the school board.
6. Have the ability to create a safe, orderly school with discipline and
security.
7. Posses educational leadership and supervisory skills.
The principal will be expected to perform the following duties:
1. Plan, implement and evaluate instructional programs.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments and
modification of the instructional program based on formative and summative
assessment data.
3. Assume spiritual leadership in the school.
4. Exhibit positive exemplary interpersonal.
5 Inform staff of policies and procedures so that expectations for
performance are understood.
6. Encourage professional growth for staff development.
7. Communicate the vision and mission of the school to staff, parents,
students, community and church members.
8. Organize, manage and evaluate the school as it relates to staffing,
school plant facilities and equipment within budgetary constraints.
9. Implement performance evaluation process of all staff members.
10. Promote administrative procedures that are consistent with the union,
conference, and school board policy.
The application should be accompanied by the following:
a. Cover letter describing your present position.
b. Updated resume.
c. Three references (include one from your recent employer).
d. Police record.
e. Proof of credentials.
f. Recent photo of self (2" x 2").
g. Medical certificate (completed by a Physician).
NB: All applications or nominations (locally) should be submitted to:
The Chairman, Search Committee, P.O.Box N 356, Nassau, Bahamas. Fax:
1-242-341-4088. The deadline for receipt of application is August 31,
2005, or until the position is filled.
Application forms may be picked up at the Bahamas Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists Office on Harrold Road, or on our website at (sdaeducation@coralwave.com).
The Committee reserves the right to reject the application of any or all
applicants. -Search Committee
Registration in Progess at BA Early Learning Centre Registration for the
2005/2006 school year is in progress for the Bahamas Academy Early
Learning Centre for students ages 2 to 5 years old. Application forms are
available at the offices of BA Elementary and Secondary divisions. Please
call 393-8898 or 393-3381 for more information.
SDA Educators’ Association The Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist
Educators' Association will be holding its annual Prayer Breakfast on
Sunday, 4th September at 8:00 a.m. The proposed venue is the Tourism
Restaurant. Our theme is “Educators... Empowered and Inspired To Reveal
Christ." All are invited to come. We all need to sit again at the feet of
Jesus, The Master Teacher, before we go into our individual classrooms.
Plan to be there!
Our regular association meeting will be held on Saturday 17th September at
8:00p.m.at Doctors' Hospital. All Seventh -day Adventist Teachers in the
public school system, the private school system and the Seventh-day
Adventist Church school system are a part of this association. All other
persons related to education( counsellors, social workers, etc.) are also
a part. We cordially invite all of you to come and make a meaningful
contribution to our community, churches and schools.
Women’s Ministries Retreat Registration Continues at the local
Churches Big Back to School Beach Picnic A mammoth beach picnic and
cookout will be held at Goodman's Bay on Sunday (tomorrow), beginning with
a health walk at 7:00 a.m. and continuing with all day fun, food and
games. Come fellowship with friends. Sample Jamaican breakfast, Guyana's
National dish, Andros "dubbie". Cat Island Potato Bread, Nassau Macaroni
and Cheese, delicacy from Kenya, East Africa, and so much more. Proceeds
to aid students assistance fund. Bring the entire family. Look for
the "Big White Tent" at Goodman's Bay. Time: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Maranatha Adventist Men's
Meetings Under the theme "Christian Men Committed in Service to
Christ," the Maranatha Church Adventist Men will be hosting a series of
meetings Wednesday, September 7, Friday, September 9, Sabbath, September
10 and Sunday, September 11, 2005, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00pm, at the
church, Prince Charles Drive . The Sabbath evening service will be a very
infomative presentation with a question and answer period with Dr Joseph
Evans. The weekend closes on Sunday with a musical concert. All are
invited to these services, especially men and boys. Host Pastor is Eric D.
Clarke.
SDA Cat Island Association The regular meeting of the SDA Cat
Island Association will be held on Sunday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the
Hillview Church. All members and friends of Cat Islanders are invited to
attend.
Men's Prayer Retreat - South Andros October 13 - 15, 2005
Registration for the Men's Prayer Retreat to be held in South Andros
October 13 to 15, 2005, has commenced. Register now, as space is limited.
For more details see your Pastor or Adventist Men Leader. At the
Conference Office 341-4021, ask for Sis.Joan Duncombe. Don't
procrastinate! - Pastor J. Duncombe
All Adventist Men Leaders are invited to attend a special meeting
at the Living Faith Church on Sunday, September 4, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.
All Health Leaders are invited to attend a special Health meeting at the
Conference Office, on Thursday, September 1, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
Short Hot Summer Marriage Seminar All married and engaged couples
are invited to attend the "Keeping The Fires Alive" Summer Forums
beginning Sunday night, Sabbath, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. the Maranatha
Adventist Church, Prince Charles Drive. Special guest will be Dr. David
Allen. This will be the first in a series of one night forums designed to
provide an opportunity for couples to enrich their relationship and for
healing of marital wounds.
Sun sets today at 7:49 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:42 p.m.
