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Souls Culture and
the Influence of One
So often we hear the saying
“I am only one among many, what can I do to change situations?" I am
grateful that Cassandra Lewis, a member of the local Johnson Park
Seventh-day Adventist Church, did not take that position.
Cassandra was given the
opportunity to sit on one of the committees to plan events for the Bahamas
35th Independence (July 10, 2008). While committee members were making
plans, Cassandra observed that she felt uneasy in planning activities that
did not take into consideration Adventists. In other words, plans for a Fun
Walk/Run and Cycle were being made for Saturday, July 5. It was at this
point that she lobbied for accommodations for Sabbath worshipers such as
Seventh-day Adventists and other Sabbath worshippers. The remark was made
that such accommodations were not made before. Well, Cassandra did not dwell
on that matter, but simply insisted that "If I am going to be a part of this
committee, I need to plan with my church in mind." The committee agreed, and
thereafter Cassandra telephoned me asking for support for a Sunday Fun
Walk/Run and Cycle. Said Cassandra, "Pastor Johnson, it would
not look good if our people did not show up on Sunday, July 6, at 6 am in
good numbers!" I assured Cassandra that we would not let her down, and thus
conference administrators, directors and pastors promoted. In fact, the
local PARL Director, Pastor Paul Scavella, had flyers prepared and
distributed; and the result was most encouraging on Sunday, July 6, at the
Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. In excess of 300 persons showed up donned in
the colors of Independence --black, gold and aqua. Yes, we walked, ran,
pushed babies (in their carriage) and cycled from the Queen Elizabeth Sports
Centre on J. F. K Drive, on to Prospect Ridge, to West Bay Street and
finished at the Fort Charlotte site.
At the end of the walk, I
remarked, when questioned by a local reporter, that we, the members of the
Adventist community, were happy to participate for several reasons. One -we
are patriotic and thus wanted to celebrate our nation's 35th birthday.
Secondly, we saw the occasion as an opportunity to encourage a sense of
community, given the unacceptable level of violent crime- pointing to 34
murders at the time. Thirdly, we as Adventists believe in healthful living
and welcome the opportunity to participate as it lends to the promotion of
the same through our participation. I touted the other laws of health such
as rest, drinking adequate water, sunshine and trust in God, etc. Finally, I
invited Cassandra to stand next to me and explained that we wanted to
commend her for her insistence that accommodations be made for non-Sunday
worshipers; and that we are proud of her for her stance. Next year, I
anticipate that there will be a greater showing for this event.
To me, this action by
Cassandra underscores what I talked about a few weeks ago -Souls Culture.
Souls Culture does not wait for someone else to do what I can do. It takes
the position that "I must demonstrate who I am and what I believe." Look at
the initial impact of Cassandra's decision. She witnessed to her fellow
committee members and others; and on behalf of her church, she witnessed to
the nation. Thereby, she demonstrated that she understands the mission of
her church which is to uplift Christ. She made a difference.
Another person who has made a
difference is Pretta Gibbs of the Philadelphia Adventist Church. She has
shown that "Souls Culture" is all about one person influencing others to
develop a closer relationship with Christ. Sister Gibbs, currently serving
as Sabbath School Superintendent of the Philadelphia Church, wrote a
practical guide for local Sabbath School leaders called, Treasured Tools For
Sabbath School: Progress Reports & Welcomes. This is a useful guide for the
new or busy superintendent or secretary of the Sabbath school.
Cassandra and Pretta are just
two examples of what can be done when one person gets serious about sharing
his/her faith and helping others. You and I, too, can make a difference!
-Leonard A. Johnson, President, Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Health Crusade Commences Tomorrow
The Health Ministries Department will launch A Health Crusade tomorrow,
Sunday, July 20, until August 2, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. at the New Providence
Church. All are especially invited to attend, pray, and bring a friend to
learn how you can live a fuller, richer and better quality way of life.
-Dr. Idamae Hanna, Director Health Ministries Department
Eagle Music Ministry
Network Workshop Concert Tomorrow, Sunday, July 20, 2008 beginning at
6:00 p.m. at the New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, Blue Hill Road, the Eagle
Music Ministry Network will host a grand gospel concert to culminate its 3rd
Annual Music Workshop and Conference. Tickets are available at the
Conference Office and in your local churches. We anticipate that this event
will be a rich musical experience!
Acts 7 Days Acts 7
Days is a pulpit exchange among the Pastors of New Providence and the Family
Islands, for the purpose of winning one hundred souls cumulatively in
several one week series. We are pleased to announce that this program has
began at the Good News Church with Pastor Kent Price being the speaker.
Join Bethany Church at
Delaporte Park, this evening at 5:00 p.m. for a fun-filled musical
outreach. May God be glorified. - Dillette
Lay Preachers Pulpit
Exchange Conference-wide Lay Pulpit Exchange to be held on Sabbath,
August 2, 2008
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.
Summer Kids "Summer
Kids" is a wonderful place for children to be during the summer and all year
round. It is a web page designed by web master Barrington Brennen for
Children ages 3 to 15 and those young at heart. "Summer Kids" provides lots
of online games, videos, stories and other activities that can keep children
active and happy and teach them at the same time. Go online now at
www.bahamasconference.org/summerkids . It is an excellent site for the
Sabbath hours and during the entire week. Children who love to write poetry
and stories and encouraged to submit them to be published on the site.
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. A 20-page-
documents in available online with suggestive service outline, sermon,
activities, etc. Go to www.bahamasconference.org/family or come to the
conference to pick up your copy. -Family Ministries, Barrington Brennen
Adventist National Chorale
Practice on Sundays Continues for the Messiah All bases and tenors
for all the choirs are to meet at Hillview Church at 5 p.m. every Sunday.
All sopranos and altos are to meet at Living Faith Church at 5 p.m.
La Escuela Sabática en
español ¿Está interesado en ayudar a organizar una escuela sabática en
español o le gustaría asistir a ella? ¡Sea lo que sea, háganoslo saber! Así
que por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros. ¡Recuerde, todo se puede
lograr con la fortaleza de Cristo!
Spanish Sabbath School
Are you interested in helping to organize a Sabbath School in Spanish or
would you like to attend? Whichever category you are in, we need to hear
from you! So please contact us. And remember, we can do all things through
Christ who strengthens us! Alareece Collie ph. 392-5404/ email:redskies_7@hotmail.com.
Noon Prayer Meeting At
Philadelphia Church The doors of Philadelphia will be opened for prayer
on Tuesdays at noon for one hour. You are invited to join in this time of
special prayer and praise. Come and be blessed. New Englerston Early
Morning Prayer Hour - will be held Sunday, July 20 at 6:00 a.m. An
invitation is extended to each of you to join us as we pray! Roger &
Allison Rolle
Colporteur Symposium
You are invited to attend a big Colporteur Symposium on Sunday, July 26,
2008, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church, Wellington Street. Come and
hear our college and academy students share their experiences. Plan to be
there!
Bahamas Academy Notice
A Spanish teacher and two subsitute teachers are needed at the Bahamas
Academy Elementary for September 2008. Persons interested may call 394-0094,
393-8898 or 393-3381 -Principal
Brothers Love Gospel Band
Brother's 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 more information.
ABNC The ABNC has
just received a new shipment of canned and frozen vegetarian food. A large
variety of Spirit of Prophecy books in paper back and Church Hymnals are
available . Come in and make your purchases while supplies last. -
Management
MBA at Nova Southeastern
University All persons interested in registering for the MBA program at
Nova Southeastern University are asked to contact Charlisa Cash at 364-1864
(H) 341-4021 (W), or email at cedelancy@yahoo.com
Prayer Breakfast The
annual Prayer Breakfast and Workshop of the Adventist Educators Association
will be held Sunday, September 7, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Living
Faith Church Hall. All teachers and school administrators are invited to
attend.
Youth
Announcements
-
Softball begins Sunday,
July 20th. Teams are asked to begin preparing. Please contact Larry
Miller, Horatio Sullivan or Lester Stuart.
-
Conference Sports Day
August Monday at Q E Sports Centre
-
All Youth Directors and
church coaches for all sports are asked to contact Bobby Romer at
361-0692 or 433-9242, or 636-9509, or at email address romer42@msn.com
-Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director
-
A group of 91 persons
headed by Pastor Andrew Burrows, Youth Director of our Conference will
travel on Sunday, July 20, 2008 for one week to Jamaica to attend the
West Indies Union Camporee. Your prayers are solicited for safe
keeping.
-
Special Thanks to all
persons who assisted with the picnic held for the Youth Choir on Sunday
past. It was a successful outting. Young people wishing to join the
Bahamas Conference Youth Chorale should watch the Logos for future
details.
-
Championship Basketball
Tonight
-
Seniors: Centreville vs.
Philadelphia
-
Juniors: New
Providence vs. Grant’s Town
-
Community Services and
Masterguides Uniform Material (green) is available at the Conference
Office.
-
IAD Bible Bowl
-
The Bahamas Conference
run-offs for the Inter- American Division Bible Bowl will be held on
September 12th. The top young person at this level will represent the
Bahamas conference at the West Indies Union Level in November of this
year. Each local church A.Y. club is asked to have their run-offs by
the end of July and submit the name of one young person to represent
their church to the youth department. The book of study is Isaiah (N.I.V.).
Upcoming Events
Nov. 28 - 30 -Spirit of
Prophecy Weekend
Dec. 13
Masterguide Investiture
Presentation Night at
Admiral’s Craft You are invited to the Presentation service tonight at
the Admiral’s Craft and Miniture Boat Building Camp, at 8:30 at the Breath
of Life Church, Marshall Road. The Mini Regatta will be held on Sunday
afternoon. Further information will be made available at the service
tonight.
Adventist Lawyers to Meet
A meeting for all Seventh-day Adventist Lawyers will be held on
Thursday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Conference Office.
- Sun Sets
Today at 8:03 p.m.
- Sun Sets next
Sabbath at 8:01 p.m.
