PDF Format
Reflections on Thirty-five Years After Independence
On
July 10 just 35 years ago, the Bahamas became an independent nation, and we
enthusiastically embraced all the freedoms that our new status provided. But
as we review the last 35 years, what do we see? How have we used the
freedoms that were made available to us? Are we better off socially,
economically, educationally, spiritually? I think it is appropriate for us
to take a look at ourselves to see what progress we have made over the past
three and a half decades.
Social Development
Are we better off socially? While some of us have improved in the way we
relate to one another and in our appreciation for and proper use of the
structures and systems that have been established for the benefit of
society, too many of us have not acted responsibly. The promiscuous behavior
of young and old has contributed to the large number of single parent
families that dominate our neighborhoods. This has had an adverse effect on
discipline in the home and in the school. Also, I strongly
believe that the unruly behavior of some parliamentarians, the poor attitude
some workers display, and the unchristian conduct of some religious leaders
have heightened the lack of respect that children show toward one another,
older people and to persons in authority.
Additionally, there has been
a significant increase in lewd and violent behavior in our society. And
armed robbery and murder are no longer rare occurrences. These evils are
almost a daily reality; and we seem to be unable to do anything to stop the
trend. The inability or unwillingness to resolve conflict, especially among
the youth of our society, has resulted in many untimely deaths.
Economic Development
There is no doubt that economically
we have moved ahead by leaps
and bounds. This
is evident in the significant increase in the middle class, the material
possessions that we own, our ability to travel, and the frequency with which
we are able to purchase "things."
It is also evident in the
shift in the tourist industry from a seasonal event to a year-round
business. Also, there are a growing number of enterprisers who have been
successful in opening their own businesses. However, the concern is that too
many of us are not saving at all, and others are not saving enough for "Mr.
Rainy Day." It's not too late for the younger people to start saving at
least 10 percent of their income at every pay period. This calls for careful
planning and self-discipline. Yes, it can be done!
Educational Development
Significant strides have been made i
n
making education available to those who desire to improve their lot. Schools
have been built to accommodate the growing student population. The school
leaving age has increased from 14 to 16 years, and in recent times
consideration has been given to caring for preschoolers. In addition to the
College of the Bahamas, the national tertiary level institution, several
private institutions offer college and university level courses locally.
Then the computer and other electronic media have brought the classroom into
our homes. Also, our Government and many corporate citizens provide
scholarships for students to study at home or abroad. Anyone who wants a
good education can get it.
Spiritual
Development We hear a lot of talk
about the Bahamas being a "Christian Nation."
But just saying
that we are Christians does not mean that we are really following Christ.
While the majority of our people may profess to be Christians, there is a
glaring lack of spiritual fervor. The majority of us have only a form of
Christianity, but the Spirit of Christ is not evident. Selfishness, the core
sin, has complete control of the hearts of the vast majority of professed
Christians. There is no regard for the Apostle Paul's counsel that followers
of Christ ought to esteem others better than themselves. The neighborliness
that once characterized our Bahamian society hardly exists. And this is a
result of the lack of spiritual development. My brothers and sisters in
Christ, unless we take a spiritual inventory and ask the good Lord to fill
us with His Holy Spirit, we will all perish.
It is high time that we live
what we preach. Of course, the kind of life that will reflect Christ is
possible only through the power of the Holy Ghost. Like the disciples, we
have to fast and pray to be filled with His Spirit. And it's not going to
happen in church at the early Morning Prayer meeting alone. We have to get
it on our knees in our prayer center at home. May God help us to make room
for the Holy Spirit in our hearts, so that we might experience significant
spiritual growth and become more like Christ each day and every year of our
lives. -- Happy Independence! President, Leonard Johnson
Sabbath School
Superintendents & Interest Coordinators to Meet
There will be a very important meeting for ALL
Sabbath School Superintendents and Interest Coordinators tomorrow morning at
ten o'clock at the Conference Office. Please try to attend. Churches who
have not yet turned in their report for 2nd quarter are asked to bring them
along to the meeting.
Summer Family
Tips. Here are a few guidelines for summer supervision:
-
Plan. At the
beginning of the summer vacation (it's not too late to do this now),
parents should sit down and plan with all of their children. Ask these
questions: Who will be going to summer jobs? Who will stay home? Who
will go to a relative? Discuss safety issues related to fire,
strangers, and sexual molestation and provide guidelines for dealing
with emergencies.
-
Leave no time period
uncovered. If the teenagers are going to work, discuss when they
will be leaving home each morning and when they will return. Do not
hesitate to call on
the job to find out how they are doing Do this about two to three times
during the summer break. At the beginning, the middle, and the end of
the work experience.
-
Provide suggestions
and opportunities about what your teenagers can do each day after
their working hours. Do not allow vagrancy, loitering, and just
wondering.
-
Set time limits
for engaging in social activities and establish night curfews.
-
If teenagers are not
working, discussing what will happen during the very long hours of
"home alone" is greatly important. Create a schedule of home chores
that could include painting, yard work, house cleaning, etc. Better
yet, purchase crafts and other artwork they can create with their
hands. Call at home just to see how everything is going with your
"home-alone children."
-
Although teenagers'
time should be well structured, allow a time window each day for
"free time" or "personal choices," of course under your parental
guidance.
-
Do not allow your
children to spend all of the 2016 summer hours watching television or
playing video games. Set time limits for daily television viewing. It
is best not to allow any of your children to sit longer than three hours
in front of the television. It is not healthy for the mind and the
body. It creates laziness and mental lethargy.
-
Let your children
participate in organized summer programs in your community; for
example: basketball camps, summer camps, summer computer schools,
vacation Bible schools, etc.
-
Plan to spend some
of your daytime with your children, no matter their ages.
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. Sunday and
every Sunday after that.
All sopranos and altos
are to meet at Living Faith Church at 5 p.m. on Sunday and every Sunday
after that. We apologize for the inconvenience last Sunday.
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 this Sabbath, July 12 at 8:15 a.m.
An invitation is extended to each of you to join us as we pray! Roger &
Allison Rolle
Eagle Music Ministry 3rd
Annual Conference/Workshop begins tomorrow, July 13 - 19, 2008 under
the theme, "The Mind And The Power For Ministry". Registration forms are
available at the Bahamas Conference, New Destiny Baptist Cathedral and at
your local church. You may also initiate your registration online at
bahamasconference.org All Music Ministers, Choir Members, Praise Teams,
Musicians are invited to join in this great learning experience as we share
our gifts with our community. A. Rolle, EMMN Team
EMMN Workshop Concert
- Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the New Destiny Baptist Cathedral,
Blue Hill Road. Tickets are available at the Conference Office and in your
local churches. We anticipate that this event will be a rich musical
experience!
Jeff Rodgers 21st
Basketball Camp The 21st Annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp will
commence its final week on Monday, July 14. The Fun night and NBA Games
will be on Thursday, July, 17 beginning at 6:00 p.m. All campers are asked
to be at the Sir. Kendal Isaac Gym by 5:00 p.m. in uniform. The 21st JR
Basketball camp will end on Friday, July 18. Special thanks is extended to
all campers and their family for their support and commitment to the annual
Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp. -Jeff Rodgers, Founder
Hillview Church Power Lab
Vacation Bible School, will culminate today, July12, at 6:30 p.m. with
its graduation exercises. Students are asked to be at the church by 6:00
p.m. Come join us as we celebrate with our children Jesus' miraculous power.
Colporteur Symposium
You are invited to attend a big Colporteur Symposium on Sunday, July 27,
2008, at 7:00 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!
ABNC The ABNC has just
received a new shipment of canned and frozen vegetarian food. Come in and
make your purchases while supplies last. - Management
Vacation Bible School Fun
Day The Children’s Ministries Department will be hosting Vacation Bible
School (VBS) Fun Day for all children tomorrow, July 13, 2008, at the
Botanical Garden from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Parents are invited and
encouraged to bring their children out for a time of fun, food,
entertainment and activities. -Diane Jones, CM & Seanray Jennings
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
There will
be a very important meeting for ALL persons traveling to Jamaica for camp on
Monday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church. The only persons who
will be excused are those coming from the Family Islands, ALL others must
be in attendance.
-
Softball begins Sunday,
July 19th. 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
-
Basketball tonight, July
12, at the Bahamas Academy Gym.
-
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
Health
Crusade The Health Program You Must Not Miss! At the New Providence
SDA Church July 20 - August 2, 2008 Help Needed for Health Crusade. A
very important meeting will be held today at 5:00 p.m. at the New Providence
Church for all Health Professionals and interested persons who would like
to be apart of the working team for the Health Crusade Special Prayer
Meeting for the Upcoming Health Crusade. Join the Health team for a
special Prayer Meeting for the upcoming Health Crusade tomorrow, Sunday,
July 13 at 6:00 a.m. at the New Providence Church, Soldier Road. - Dr.
Idamae Hanna, Director Health Ministries
- Sun Sets
Today at 8:03 p.m.
- Sun Sets next
Sabbath at 8:01 p.m.
