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From the
Office of the President
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Pastor Leonard
Johnson, President |
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Today, as we celebrate this first Sabbath in the month of August, we can
praise God for His loving kindness toward us. In spite of the economic and
social challenges we face in our little country, we can still count our
blessings; for God wants us to make use of the opportunities He gives us to
be of service to Him. Here are some of the situations that provide
opportunities for unselfish service.
- Goodbye to
Pastor Clarke and Family
- On Monday, July
28, goodbyes were said to Pastor Dannie, Patrice, Daran, Dannia and
Deneisha at a farewell luncheon held on the grounds of the Conference
headquarters. Family, colleagues and church elders came together to
express appreciation and offer tokens of love to the Clarkes. Pastor
Dannie who served the Conference as District Pastor, Youth Director and
Executive Secretary departs the Bahamas shortly for his new assignment
in the Cayman Islands. As pointed out in a news release, Pastor Dannie
was recently elected president of the Cayman Islands Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists. I ask that we pray much for the Clarkes as they
become the chief missionary family for the Adventist Church in the
Cayman Islands.
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- Executive
Committee to Meet
- Because Pastor
Clarke has accepted the call to the Cayman Islands, a vacancy has been
created at both Conference and Church levels. Thus the Executive
Committee of Bahamas Conference will convene a special meeting on
Wednesday, August 6, to vote replacements for the Secretary of the
Conference and Pastor of the Centreville Church, respectively. As the
Committee attempts to fill these vacancies, it is possible that there
could be some district adjustments. Accordingly, your prayers are
solicited for the process to go according to the will of the Lord.
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- Pathfinder and
Masterguide Comporee
- I take this
opportunity to welcome back our 93 youth ambassadors who camped out in
nature at Camp Verley in Clarendon, Jamaica. As I participated in the
opening exercises on Thursday, July 24, I was most impressed with the
breath-taking assembly of some 2000 campers from Jamaica, Cayman, Turks
and Caicos, The United States, and of course from the Bahamas. Standing
out in the crowd were the young people in our Pathfinder Ensemble who
played to the delight of all. Kudos to Band Leader Kirk Price! Even more
impressive was a drama depicting the return of Christ put on by our
youth. Hats off to Youth Directors, Pastor Andrew Burrows and Elder
Curtis Bryan as well as the other youth leaders!
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- Health Crusade
& ACTS 7 Days
- Today marks a day
of decision for the Health Crusade and some of the ACTS 7 Days
initiatives. For the past two weeks, under the enabling of the Holy
Spirit, Brother Delthony Gordon and others have been sharing the health
and spiritual aspects of the gospel with the aid of colorful slides, at
the New Providence Church. Also, Pastor Roach at the Living Faith Church
and Brother Claval Hunter at Peardale have been giving the trumpet a
certain sound in the ACTS 7 Days evangelistic outreach at those
locations. Let's pray that the Holy Spirit will influence many to make
decisions for Christ at these meetings.
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- Vacation Bible
School
- Thanks to the
many Vacation Bible School coordinators and personnel who provided
wholesome activities for our boys and girls and hundreds from various
local communities. Only time will tell the positive impact made on the
young minds! Thanks especially to our Children's Ministries Director,
Dianne Jones, who demonstrated our commitment to the entire Conference
by leading a team into South Andros.
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- Hope TV
- Last weekend,
Hope TV was finally introduced and included in the offerings of Cable
Bahamas, our local cable company. Yes, Hope TV can now be seen on
channel #653. For me, this is welcome news! When I reflect on the many
years as Communication Director I tried to have 3 ABN included in the
basic package, the reality of having Hope TV available on Cable Bahamas
is most gratifying. Today many of our family islanders enjoy 3ABN, and
now those subscribers of cable who own a black box or digital box will
now receive Hope TV. This means access to all official programming of
the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This also includes training seminars
and the upcoming General Conference Session in 2010. For us locally, it
also means that we will get the opportunity to provide Hope TV with some
of our local tapes for international showing. Also, we plan to
eventually arrange with Cable Bahamas to provide local programming as a
part of Hope TV for a few hours each day. Brothers and Sisters, the
future for the technological advancement of the gospel in our conference
is very promising.
The
signs of the times tell us that the coming of the Lord is very near. Let us
do everything that is possible to prepare ourselves and others for that
great day. Have a Happy Sabbath! -Leonard A. Johnson, President
Philadelphia to Dedicate Church Organ
The Philadelphia Church
will be dedicating its church organ on Sunday, August 3, at 5:00 p.m. at the
church in Elizabeth Estates. A freewill offering will be lifted.
Refreshments will be served following the service. All are invited to
attend. -Pastor L. Williams
WIU Pathfinder/Masterguides Camporee Report
Next Sabbath, August 9,
2008, at 6:00 o’clock the campers who recently attended the WIU Pathfinder/Masterguides
Camporee in Jamaica will present their report. All of our churches are
asked to come and support our young people during this time as they give an
account of their experience. -Pastor A. Burrows, Youth Director, BC
Vacation Bible School Goes to South Andros
School's long out and the summer months are fleeting away. As you know,
summer means three things to us kids: Fun, relaxation and… VBS?! Yes,
Vacation Bible School. As the boys and girls of the various churches in New
Providence experienced VBS during the month of July, the boys and girls of
South Andros also experienced their share of Vacation Bible School this
year.
On
Sunday July 20th, a team which consisted of the Children's Ministry
Director, Diane Jones and family, Elder Earl Thomas and family, and Sister
Yvonne Fowler went down to South Andros to conduct a one-week Vacation
Bible School.
The
theme of Vacation Bible School for this year was Power Lab, where we were
Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power. We featured Bible stories, treats, art
and craft, sing and play, science experiments and more, all emphasizing the
miraculous power of Vacation Bible School Goes to South Andros Jesus.
Thirty plus children eagerly and excitedly joined in the activities of VBS
for the week. Each morning the lively and dynamic songs from the Sonic Sing
and Play segment energized the boys and girls and set the pace for the other
various stations awaiting them for the remaining part of the day. We divided
into three different groups for our distinctive stations, each child
arousing a great amount of curiosity in their eyes wondering what would
happen next.
Our
first station was Bible Blast where we learned our Bible lessons in the most
interesting and demonstrative ways. Instead of hearing a story, usually we
would be "in" the story capturing the feelings of that particular Bible
character.
Next, we hopped on over to Hyperspeed Games. Those energetic and exciting
games we played on different days had our heart thumping for more. After all
the excitement, we headed over to Test Tube Treats for snack-time. Each day,
we made a delicious, tasty snack that reminded us of each day's Bible point
and lesson. My personal favorite was on day three when we made Sink or
floats. Ice cream on grape soda with a cherry on top. Do you think the
cherry sank or float?
Afterwards, we jumped along to Wacky Crafts where we did our arts and
crafts. The children enjoyed making and decorating their various crafts in
their own unique way.
But the fun wasn't over just yet… Finally, everyone headed over to Faith
Fusion Finale where we reviewed the day's lesson and watched an awesome
science experiment. The "Oohing" and "Ahhing" sure left them enthusiastic
for the next day where the fun started all over again.
Overall, the VBS was a success, and coming from someone who attended, I
must say VBS was a blast. Something that will keep me saying, up to this
day, "AHA!"
*Special thanks to The Millers', Forbes', and Rahmings' for assisting us in
Vacation Bible School and hosting the group during our duration in South
Andros. Your support and generosity were greatly appreciated. -Ree-Anne
Jones
The Online Fellowship Hall and Da Dillie Tree Last week, Internet Ministries created two web sites
for church members to chat, share ideas, photos, documents, church news, and
lots more. First, there is "Da Dillie Tree," an online chat room for
Adventist Youth in The Bahamas Conference to share and dialogue. Second,
there is the "Fellowship Hall," an online chat room for all church members
to share and dialogue. The beauty about these sites is that anyone can see
everything at anytime, but only members can add comments, open profiles,
etc. These site are great places to start a discussion of the Sabbath
School Lesson, theological points, or any social issue. Already on
"Fellowship Hall" we have Dr. Martin Hanna, Bahamian professor at Andrews
University, Michigan, leading a discussion group called "Pow Wow with Dr.
Martin Hanna" where you can ask any theological questions. We would like
every member of the church to go online and create a profile. That is, join
the website of your choice, use both first and last names (required), answer
the profile questions, and add a photo of yourself. It is there that your
friends can leave messages and share ideas. You can also start your own
friendship group. Your church group can make its own exciting announcements
of births, marriages, social events and lots more. All you have to do is go
on the site and click "Join" on the right hand side and wait a few hours or
a day or so for approval by the site moderator. Then you are ready to
chat. Join so you can be a part of the chat on "Da Dillie Tree" or the
"Fellowship Hall." Let's create an online fellowship that can change our
church forever. -Internet Ministries, Barrington Brennen
Stewardship Directors to Meet
All Stewardship Directors
are reminded of their monthly meeting on August 3, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. at the
Conference Office. Important matters will be discussed.-K. Deveaux
Women’s Ministries Leaders to meet on Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the
Conference Office. Women’s
Ministries Conference-/Workshop 2008 will be held October 10 and 11, at the
Wyndham Hotel. Plan now to participate and experience the fellowship.
-Miriam Knowles, WM Director, BC
Eagle Music Ministry Network Core Choir to Meet All
members of the EMMN core choir are asked to meet on Saturday night, August
2, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. at the New Englerston Church, East Street. Important
matters will be discussed and choir to rehearse. Dues can be paid at this
time.-A. Rolle
Men Getting Real One Day Retreat
The Adventist Men's Ministries, a service of the Family Ministries
Department, will be having a "Men Getting Real" one day retreat on Sunday,
August 24, 2008, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.
Men, plan your day to be involved.
Living Faith Church will Sponsor a Gospel Concert for The All Saints Camp
On August 9, during the AY Hour the Living Faith Church will sponsor a
gospel concert at the All Saints Camp grounds. All of our sister churches
are encouraged to support this event. A number of youth choirs and guest
soloists will be featured.
Abuse Prevention Sabbath. Sabbath, August 23, 2008,
will be Abuse Prevention Sabbath in the Adventist Church around the world.
The theme for the Sabbath morning service is "Abuse of Power." The day is
sponsored by Family Ministries and Women's Ministries. All churches are
encouraged to participate. . -Family Ministries, Barrington Brennen
Bahamas Academy Notice
A Spanish, Physical Education and two subsitute teachers are needed at the
Bahamas Academy Elementary for September 2008.
The
secondary division of the academy is in need of a General Science/Health
Science and a Physical Education Teacher. Persons interested may call
394-0094, 393-8898 or 393-3381 -Principal
Brothers Love Gospel Band
Brothers Love Gospel Band invite you to another of its fantastic fun-filled
family outings, aboard Tiki Island Ferry, August 16th at 7:30pm. GOD'S
PEOPLE JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN! Call 364-0774 for Randy Forbes of the Bethany
church for more information.
Youth Announcements
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The Annual August Monday Sports Day and Family Celebrations will be held
this Monday at the Sports Center. Come Let's celebrate and give God
thanks for life, health, freedom and family.
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All persons interested in setting up a concession stand on August Monday
at the Sports Centre are asked to contact Barry Saunders at 356-8466
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Softball Jamboree will begin August 3, 2008. All Adventst churches are
invited to send a team.
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Adventurer Talent Explosion August 23, at 8 p.m. for more details call
Marilyn Bonamy at 393-8507 -Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director
Celebration of Praise Gospel Concert
August 3, 2008, at 8:00
p.m. at the Philadelphia SDA Church in Elizabeth Estates, Bro. Claval Hunter
will be hosting his third annual gospel fundraiser concert in support of his
education. Currently he is completing his last year in the Masters of
Divinity program at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berren
Springs, MI., and is in need of some financial assistance.
Special guests will be our very own Bahamian artist Tamika Smith, Brothers
Love, Hillview Youth Choir, Prophetic Voices, and much more. Admission is
free. A love offering will be collected. So come and let us celebrate the
name of our Lord together.
The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home
continues weekly on Sabbaths from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Today, the Bethell
Church is expected. Next Sabbath, the Breath of Life Church is scheduled.
No
Adventist National Chorale practice on Sunday. Resumes on Sunday, August 7,
at 5 p.m.
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Sun Sets Today at 7:54 p.m.
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Sun Sets next Sabbath at 7:49 p.m.
