PDF FORMAT
The
Adventist Church Baptizes Over 500 In First Quarter ‘08
The
words "To God be the glory, great things He has done!" express the
sentiments of the membership of the Adventist Church in the Bahamas after
the recent Pentecost and More initiative. Among the evidences of the
outpouring of God's Holy Spirit is the number of persons who were baptized
thus far in 2008. It is historic to note that 505 persons have already been
baptized.
The Bahamas territory was
divided in 2003 to effect growth, development and leadership opportunities,
and since then the field has experienced tremendous increases. It is still
true that we can divide to multiply. In 2004, for the first time in history,
the conference baptized over 1000 persons in one calendar year. This miracle
was repeated in 2006. The territory of the Bahamas is divided into 2 fields,
The North Bahamas Mission (Abaco, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama),
and the Bahamas Conference (New Providence and the rest of the family of
islands).
For the past two years, the
West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has promoted
"Pentecost and More," which is an attempt to repeat the Biblical day of
Pentecost (Acts 2). On March 15, 2008, more than 3,000 were baptized in the
Union territory, which includes Cayman, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and the
Bahamas. On that date, over 350 of the 3,000 persons were baptized in the
Bahamas.
Under the leadership of Dr.
Leonard A. Johnson, Bahamas Conference President and Pastor E. Bryan Tinker,
North Bahamas Mission President, the pastors confirmed that more than 500
persons were baptized and received into their various churches. There are 44
churches and companies in the Bahamas Conference and 11 in the North Bahamas
Mission.
The leadership is
excited about what God is doing through the laity and the pastors; and we
praise God for the privilege of being co-labourers with Him. The work can
only be finished when lay brethren and ministers join forces together with
the Holy Spirit (Zach.4:6). Ministerial directors, Pastors Peter Joseph and
Michael Smith, departmental directors, pastors, Bible workers, and laymen
are saluted for their sterling efforts.
The Administration
congratulates all those who were baptized and those who shared their faith
for the saving of souls. Be reminded that the Word that became flesh and
dwelt among us will never return void. In this year of
sacrifice, the journey continues. Eric D. Clarke, Executive
Secretary, Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Bahamas
Conference Youth Weekend It was an act of commitment and
dedication.
It was a display of the God given talents of the youth of the Bahamas
conference. It was the Bahamas Conference Youth Ministries weekend. It
started on Friday afternoon with an inspirational communion service. Our
two youthful hosts, Ramone Gardiner and Teneil Gibbs led us through service
as they ably explained the purpose of the foot-washing service and the
communion service. Then our pastors led by our president and the union's
youth director officiated at communion. The entire service was punctuated
with music and drama. The messages portrayed in the song “Via Delarosa” and
the scene from Calvary's Cross spoke to the theme of "Sacrifice and Love."
At the conclusion of the communion service, pastor Charles Blythe in his
charge, remarked that the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church do
appreciate the sacredness of the communion service and understand its
impact.
Sabbath morning scores of
young people and youth leaders from the various churches in Nassau, as well
as from the island of Eleuthra, converged at the Grant’s Town church for the
divine hour service. The items presented by our young people were more than
just items on a program. Each one was a ministry to all present. The youth
corner which featured "the Cloud of Witnesses" highlighted the importance of
learning to share our faith, with others. Pastor Leonard A. Johnson, our
president, brought remarks and greetings. The message by Pastor Charles
Blythe focused on principles from the life of Joseph. At the conclusion of
the service, many persons came to the altar for prayer and commitment. In
addition, three young people surrendered their lives to Christ and were
baptized.
Sabbath afternoon Curtis
Bryan, assistant youth director, set the tone for the evening forum. He
then passed over the moderation of the program to Bro.Terry Tanis,
ministerial intern and Valencia Newton. They took us through a series of
concerns and questions, which were addressed by the six panelists, Valencia
Edwards, a youth, Barry Saunders, a youth leader, and pastors Leonard A.
Johnson, Charles Blythe, Andrew Burrows, and Leonard Ramming. The question
and the answers were all aimed at making youth ministries more effective and
relevant to the times in which we live. The musical items by Journey, the
Hillview Youth Choir, and the Pathfinder Band were magnificent.
On Sunday morning, pastor
Blythe spoke during a seminar for the Masterguide and PLA classes. This was
followed by an open session with our youth leaders. He addressed some
issues with the youth leaders and also brought us up-to-date on the upcoming
the master guide camporee. It was a weekend of sacrifice and love.
Thank you choirs, musicians,
youth leaders, and young people for your participation. Thanks to the
Grant’s Town, Hillview, and Good News churches for hosting the various
services
Vacation
Bible School Workshop Report On Sunday, April 27, 2008, members
from many of the churches came to the Hillview Church to participate in the
Vacation Bible School Workshop. The purpose of the workshop was for the
leaders and assistants of VBS from the various churches to get an idea of
the VBS program for the year.
The theme this year for VBS
is Power Lab, so science takes the lead. As the participants became
children for the day, they sang, clapped, and jumped to the songs at Sonic
sing and Play. The lively songs placed a smile on everyone's face.
After Sonic Sing and Play
came Cinema Science. The adults all laughed as they watched one of the
children's favorite characters, Chadder, and like kids, were left in
suspense as the continuation wouldn't be played until "Day Two."
It was at this point that the
"children" were placed into four separate groups - A, B, C, and D - to go to
the different stations. The Test Tube Treats is where simple, appetizing
treats were made with a Biblical meaning. Each group made crosses out of
crackers and cheese; certainly a unique example.
At Wacky Work, Craft and
Mission, each group made a person out of poster paper and clothes from
fabric. With each imperfection or squiggly drawn hair there was laughter.
At Hyper Speed Games, it was
hilarious watching everyone attempt to fit into a very small make shift hut;
which eventually fell apart, reminding us of the large mansions God is
preparing in heaven for us.
If you were to take a peek in
the Bible Blast, you'd see adults with stickers all over their faces being
"quarantined." Clearly the illustration of the ten leapers was a hit.
Finally, everyone met up for
Faith Fusion Finale to tie everything together. As the leader held up
different objects above a gallon bottle full of water, one main question was
asked: "Do you think this will sink or float?"
Overall, I believe the VBS
Workshop was a success. The participants were entertained and I believe
that the children who will attend in Vacation Bible School this summer will
truly enjoy themselves. Make sure your child joins Power Lab this year.
They can't miss it! -Kenreah Brown
Journey In Concert Tonight, May 10, 2008, at 8 p.m., at the National Center
for the Performing Arts.
Sabbath
Morning Prayer - Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 8:15 - 9:10 a.m. at
New Englerston - EACH 3rd weekend of the month, Prayer Meeting will be held
on Sabbath and not on Sunday. Join us as we meet to pray with and and for
each other! Roger & Allison Rolle, N. E. Prayer Co-ordinators.
IAD Bible
Bowl Each church/ A.Y. club is asked to hold their Bible Bowl
run-offs at the local church level. Then churches are asked to submit the
name of one youth to represent their church at the Bahamas Conference
level. This will take place during the month of September 2008. The
winner will then represent the Bahamas conference at the West Indies Union
level competition to be held in November 2008. This year the questions will
come from the book of Isaiah (New International Version).
Adventist
Church Heritage Class The Masterguide class of 2008 will host
the Church Heritage course beginning next Sabbath, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. at
the Good News Church. All are invited to attend. Come and learn more about
the history of the Adventist church.
Bahamas
Conference Youth Choir Youth choir practice continues today at
4:30 at the Message of Hope/ Bahamas Academy Gym. All young persons who are
interested in being in the Conference Youth Choir are asked to meet today at
this time.
Pathfinder
Council meeting/ WIU Pathfinder Camporee Meeting.
There will be an important meeting for all Pathfinders and Masterguides
registered to attend the upcoming camporee on Monday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m.
at the Grant’s Town Church.
This will be followed by a
Pathfinder Council meeting for all Pathfinder directors, and deputy
directors at 7:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Berea's Fit
Club Berea's Fit Club invite you to its 5K Fun Run/Walk on
Monday May 12, 2008 at Goodman's Bay. Registration begins at 6 a.m., and
the race starts promptly at 6:30 a.m. Let's get in shape in 2008. -Agatha
Moncur
Attention
all Health Ministries directors and Assistants.
There will be a very important meeting on this coming Tuesday at the
New Englerston Church at 6:30 pm. Hope to see you there! Idamae Hanna
Health
&Wellness Summit 2008 If you wanted to attend the health summit
in
Orlando
and couldn't because of financial constraints, this is your chance to attend
our very own Health and Wellness Summit 2008 from May 28th - June 1st at a
very affordable price. The Health Summit is sponsored by Health Ministries
& Community Services Departments featuring both local and international
presenters. Each participant will choose two seminars, one from each
session.
Session I
Session II
Seminar cost is $75.00.
Early-bird registration fee: 20% discount if registered by May 16th 2008.
There is a limit on class size. Register now at the conference office.
Each local church is
encouraged to sponsor at least one person from Health Ministries & Community
Services Departments.
Hillview
Health Ministries Department presents Healthy Women, Healthy
Families on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. at the church. There will
be dynamic presentations, prizes and surprises, soul-stirring music, eats
and treats and blood pressure and BMI checks. Screenings begin at 4:30 p.m.
sharp. This is vital information you can't afford to miss. Plan to be
there.
Adventist
Men's Choir Performs at the Kirk. The
Adventist Men's Choir will be in concert at St Andrew Presbyterian Kirk, May
24, 8 p.m. All are invited to attend and bring a friend. An offering will
be taken. Part proceeds to assist in establishing a scholarship fund for
boys at Bahamas Academy and the new school building. All Adventist Men
Chorale members are reminded that rehearsal will be held tomorrow, Sunday,
May 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Living Faith Church. Please be on time. -
Anthony Roach, Choir Director
The Hour of
Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home
continues today from 6 to 7 p.m.with the New Providence church. The
Philadelphia is scheduled for next Sabbath, May 17.
Special
Mothers’ Day Banquet. We invite you to our grand Mothers’ Day
Appreciation Banquet May 25 at 7 p.m., seating time at the British Colonial
Hilton. Please see your Women’s Ministry Leader for further details. The
banquet is sponsored by Prizims Ministries
Pathfinder
Leadership Award Class The PLA classes began on Sunday, April
13, at the Good News Church. Classes continue each Sunday at 6:00 a.m. at
Good News Church. All invested Masterguides are urged to register and be a
part of this advanced training course.
Advertisement for Teachers Bahamas
Academy is seeking full-time and substitute/part-time teachers for the
2007-08 school year. Persons wishing to assist in the Early Learning,
Elementary or Secondary divisions can contact the Principal at the school
during regular working hours. Phone: 394-0094, 393-3381, 393-8898 or
394-8838-9
All Church Clerks are asked
to submit to the Secretariat Office their church’s directory of officers for
2008.
Upcoming Events
-
May 23 - 25 -Finance
Seminar
-
May 28 - June 1 -Health &
Wellness Seminar
-
June 21 Youth
Issues
-
June 25 -29 Midyear
Convention
-
July 26 Men’s Conference
-
Nov. 28 - 30 -Spirit of
Prophecy Weekend
-
Dec. 13
Masterguide Investiture
-
Sun Sets Today at 7:45 p.m.
-
Sun Sets next Sabbath at 7:44 p.m.
