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A Word From The
President’s Office
Today
ends the first quarter of 2007. Beginning with church elections, Convention
and the consecration service, we have come through a most impressive quarter
with lots of outreach activities that resulted in church growth. But the end
of this quarter places us in the height of a national political season.
Nevertheless, as you will see from this article, it places us in the midst
of our first major evangelistic reaping season.
Pentecost and More
Nearly 100 persons were baptized last weekend throughout our conference,
and over 1000 in West Indies Union together with thousands throughout the
Inter-American Division, resulting in our Division membership exceeding
three million. Indeed it was an historic moment for Inter-America as more
than 44,700 new Seventh-day Adventist believers were added to the church on
Saturday, March 24. The good news is that it continues today as more persons
will surrender their lives to Jesus and be baptized. I enjoy seeing persons
respond to the Gospel call.
To explain, it does something for the church, the individual, his family and
friends and by no way least, it reassures the pastor or evangelist that
God's "word will not return void." It has power to arrest, convict and
change for the better. This, no doubt, is helping to stem crime. To some,
that will be hard to explain, given 60 homicides for 2006 and over 20 for
this year. Have you ever considered that had it not been for the prayers,
the involvement and the outreach of churches there might have been 120
murders or possibly 200? It is hard to measure the impact that Christians
and churches have on the country; for many little and miraculous stories do
not make the headline. It is just the opposite that makes it and sells.
However, Jesus takes note of each kind act and conversion. Nevertheless,
this is not to say that there is no room for improvement. More and better
ways must be sought to advance the cause of God. Members, let us live each
day what we profess on Sabbath. That is a most powerful sermon!
A Political Season
It is clear that the country is in a politically-charged season. Hardly
does an hour pass before another ad is heard promoting a given party and/or
discrediting another. From the looks of things, it is likely to get worse,
although political organizers claim to have respect for the period that some
churches observe known as Lent. If the airwaves are flooded now, one can
only imagine what will result following the Lent season going into national
elections. Given the atmosphere, some ask what position Adventists should
take.
Over the years, it has been our
position to stay clear of endorsing a political party and /or a candidate.
This position has not changed. An official statement of the Church clearly
states that the pulpit and church's publications ought not to be used for
promoting politics. Pastors and members must guard carefully the sacred
desk. They must not engage in any form of partisan politics or publicly
state their preferences.
On the other hand, this statement
does not prevent us from addressing and sensitizing members to national
issues such as crime, morality, domestic violence, family values,
immigration and religious tolerance, etc. Within the next few weeks, the
administrators and pastors of the Bahamas Conference will meet with all
political parties to discuss some relevant issues. Yet, in discussing
national issues, we must not appear to be favoring one party over another.
In each congregation, there are members of different political persuasions;
so to promote one can easily divide the church. Our church is about
proclaiming the gospel which is a must for all men.
By now it is hoped that all eligible members have registered to vote.
Thereby one can have his or her say when Election Day comes. Additionally,
and above all, I call for prayers that we will have a peaceful election and
that the will of God will be realized.
Other Notes of Interest
The long awaited new Telecast, "Adventists Speak," is nearing its debut.
You can expect to see it on ZNS shortly. Also, as construction continues on
the new Bahamas Academy, we are seeking the ongoing financial support from
each member to assist with this project. Additionally, it is the intention
of the administrations of the Conference and the Bahamas Academy, along with
the Education Director, to engage members in discussing issues related to
our school with the view of improving it. -Dr. Leonard A. Johnson
Centreville Church Voice of Hope Gospel Crusade
For the past three weeks we have enjoyed inspirational singing, feature
presentations called My Ten Cents , health tips and dynamic preaching, with
Evangelist Leonard A. Johnson and his vibrant team. Last Sabbath we were
able to witness the Holy Spirit move upon His people with the baptism of 11
precious souls. We say to God be the glory. As the Spirit continues to move,
we are looking forward to another high day in Zion. Tomorrow night we
conclude these meetings with a full night of inspiring singing from our
crusade choir and others. We invite the Adventist community to come, bring a
friend, and be blessed.-Shandle Campbell
Personal Ministries & Sabbath School Workshop
On Sunday, March 25, 2007, some forty Lay members of our Personal Ministries
and Sabbath School departments attended a very successful Workshop at the
Hillview Church. The presenters were Pastor Wilfred T. Adderley, Associate
Director and Pastor Peter Joseph, Director of the Department. A total of
five pastors were in attendance. Pastor Adderley dealt with (i) The Sabbath
School Class weekly reports. It was emphasized that the report should be
taken at the end of the Lay Activities period to ensure all of the members
at church were able to report. The report should be signed by the Pastoral
Head Elder and is due into the conference by the 10th day of each month
following the end of the quarter (e.g. April 10th, July 10th, October 10th
and January 10th). (ii) Branch Sabbath Schools are encouraged at least one
per church for the year. Daily Lesson Study and weekly Teachers Meetings
were also encouraged. (iii) Sabbath School Council Meetings were encouraged
to be held Monthly in order to plan effectively for the Sabbath School and
Evangelism programs. (iv) The Sabbath School Training Seminar should be held
annually or as the need arises in each local church congregation.
Pastor Peter Joseph dealt with: (i) the Personal Ministries Report and
emphasized the need for more Lay involvement and accurate reporting. Weekly
reports of Evangelism must be taken. (ii) Personal Ministries training
should be conducted at least once per year to train Lay Bible Instructors,
Lay Preachers and Lay Instructors. (iii) It was strongly recommended that
each church should hold Personal Ministries Council Meetings, once per month
to plan effectively and stay focused on Evangelism. (iv) A Local Festival of
the Laity is planned for November 16th, 2007. (v) The goals and objectives
for the West Indies Union were presented, and May 13 - 16 was indicated as
the week-end for the Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Conference.
Eighteen churches were represented at this special workshop which has
brought "New Energy and a united spirit into this department of our local
churches and conference.Pastor Wilfred T. Adderley, Associate Director,
Personal Ministries, and Sabbath School.
Bahamas Academy Shines Again! At the National
Arts Festival Competition Bahamas Academy Stars were awarded top marks in in
Verse Speaking and Music. On March 12, 2007 Aaron Davis, Kizzia Delva and
Jo'Paul Scavella competed in Verse Speaking. Scores ranged from 72 - 95.
Bahamas Academy earned 93 points which placed them in second place in New
Providence in the Individual Verse - Grade 4 - 6 Class.
In Music, our students entered the recorder ensemble and individual
categories. For each category entered, the Stars earned the highest marks.
Ree-Anne Jones, Alvin Burrows and Anithio Miller were the individual
entrants for Recorder Playing.
In addition to the students, we wish to congratulate the hard working
coaches: Ms. Chloe Weir, Mrs. Pamela Sullivan, Ms. Tamara Burrows, Mrs. Joan
Scavella and Mr. Reginald Forbes.
We are proud of our students as they continue to shine not only for their
country and school but also for Jesus! -Joan M. Scavella, Vice Principal
VBA Field Day Tomorrow Volunteers are needed to
help pour columns at the New Bahamas Academy site on Marshall road, tomorrow
at 8:00 a.m.
Publishing Ministry Weekend The dates for the
Colporteur Rally and seminar have been changed. The new dates aere April 20
to 23, 2007. It will be the first conference-wide emphasis for the
Publishing Ministry this year. Pastors and local church leaders are
requested to promote the Publishing Ministry in all their services during
this weekend. Dr. Joseph Barrett, Publishing Director of West Indies
Union, will be the guest speaker for the weekend. Services will be held
Friday night, Sabbath and Sunday night at the New Englerston Church. Friday
and Sunday night services will begin at 7:30. Persons who are interested in
participating in the Publishing Ministry are invited to contact Pastor Carey
at 341-4021 or 324-0470.
Evangelism School Evangelism School will resume
on Sunday, April 1, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church. Pastor Peter
Joseph will teach on Discipleship, Spiritual Growth and Spiritual Formation.
All persons who began the class are encouraged to be present.
Cookout and Fun Day The Hillview Church
Adventurers and Pathfinders Clubs invite you to support their cookout and
fun day on Monday, April 9, 2007 at Fort Charlotte from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are available in advance for lunches from Club counsellors and
officers.-Latisha Smith/Camille Butler
Path To Life Revelation Series The Living Faith
Seventh-day Adventist Church invites you to support their Path to Life
Revelation series going on at the church on Old Trail Road. Meetings are
held on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and Sabbaths
(Saturdays) at 11a.m. and 7p.m. until April 8, 2007. Speaker is Pastor Paul
Scavella PARL/Community Services Director. There will be great music,
special features and special prayer sessions. Don t miss it!! All are
invited. It is Going To be EXPLOSIVE!!
New Englerston Grand Concert Today The New
Englerston Church will host a gospel concert today at 5:30 at the church on
East Street. You are invited to join in the fellowship as the brethren there
give thanks to God for those who have been added to the Kingdom of God
through baptism during the Pentecost weekend. Appearing will be the Youth
and Sanctuary Choirs of the Church, Dr. Marvin smith and others. Testimonies
will be shared. The afternoon s offering will support the church s Hymnal
Drive . -Allison M. Rolle
New Providence Church Sanctuary Choir In
Concert A benefit concert in aid of our beloved Elder Arthur Maycock will be
held on Sabbath afternoon, April 7, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the New Providence
Church on Soldier Road. Bring your shouting shoes and come expecting a grand
time in the Lord. Admission is FREE, but a generous offering would be
greatly appreciated. Be A Friend! Tell A Friend! Bring A Friend! -E. Pintard
Stewardship Directors to Meet All Stewardship
directors of all Adventist Churches are asked to meet on Sunday, April 1,
from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Conference Office. -K. Deveaux, Director
Stewardship Director
Women s Ministries Boat Cruise and Luncheon A
fun afternoon is planned for all family members with the Women s Ministries
Pre-Mothers Day Boat Cruise. Tickets are available from your local WM Leader
for the cruise on April 29, 2007, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Dinners will be
available for a small donation. There will be lots of fun, laughter, food
and fellowship. Don t let the boat leave you! -Miriam Knowles, Women s
Ministries Director, BC
Children's Ministries Upcoming Events
Launching of Children's Stewardship Classes - April 1.
Children's Ministries Leaders meeting - Thursday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at
the Conference Office.
Vacation Bible School workshop(VBS workshop) - Sunday, April 29 at Hillview
church from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Youth Ministries
Please take note of the following events/activities:
Listen Up goes to the big screen soon. Watch the Logos for the new day
airing time.
There will be a very important meeting on Sunday, April 1 at the Grant's
Town Church at 9:00 a.m. for all persons going to Colombia. Funds are now
due and should be paid at the meeting on Sunday or at the Conference Office.
Pathfinders Camp - (August 14-21) -Persons interested in working as
counselors or volunteers in the up-coming camp are asked to register their
names at the Conference Office Youth Department.
Listen Up Fun Day will be held on April 8th at Nirvana Beach from 8a.m. to
8p.m. Bring the whole family and especially your volleyball team. Please see
the Listen Up website by going to bahamasconference.org.-Dillette
Adventist Volleyball Season begins on April 22nd. Teams can begin
registration for volleyball by contacting their local AYS Leaders for the
registration form or coming to the Office. All teams should be registered by
April 6th. Games begin Saturday, April 22nd at the Bahamas Academy Gym.
All persons interested in entering our Listen Up Jingles competition on
April 1st, please call 393-1493 or 356-3085 to enter on or before March
26th.
The Listen Up Jingles & Logo Competetion will be postponed to Sunday, May
27th, 2007 at Nirvana Beach, when we will be having our grand Listen UP Fun
Day!
The new deadline to have your submissions in is Thursday, May 17th, 2007.
Complete the appropriate form found on the Listen Up website by going to
www.bahamasconference.org Listen Up page and check out the prizes! Send your
names in to listenupyouthministries @gmail.com. Be sure to watch Listen Up
at 6:30pm on Sunday, April
fools day! -Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director, BC
Adventist Book Centre The ABNC has in stock a
new supply of canned and frozen Vegetarian meats. Come check us. Open on
Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Sundays.-C. Blackmore, ABNC Manager
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Today, March 31, Grant s Town Church is expected. Next week Sabbath, April
7, the Hillview Church is scheduled.
Cat Island Easter Homecoming The Cat Island
Advancement Society is hosting their annual Cat Island Homecoming April 6 to
9, 2007. Persons interested in attending this homecoming are invited to call
and register with Elder Norman Seymour at 324-6744.
Second Anti-Crime Meeting The second anti-crime
meeting will be held on Sunday, April 8, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the New
Englerston Church. All Family Ministries directors, school counselors,
psychologist, social workers, trained lay counselors and law enforcement
officers are asked to attend. We are discussing the Adventist response to
crime and healing in The Bahamas.
Sun sets today at 7:26 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:29 p.m.
