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Given the preceding, the question arises "what role should our church --The Adventist denomination- play in this exercise?" The question, though relevant, does evoke other questions and implications. To explain, the current General Conference president, Elder Jan Paulsen, has signaled the need for our church to become more involved in our community. However, he also appealed to church members "to resist the pull of secular values, which reflect individualism and 'selfish ambition'." While we can partnership on matters of health, family life and religious liberty etc., we are cautioned to examine all events for some initiatives that appear good intentioned on the surface may have underlying motives contrary to our beliefs. In I John 4:1-4 we are admonished to "test" or examine all persons or events to determine whether they are of God or not. A clear sign is that they will confess Jesus Christ and by that it is implied not only the name but adhere to the practices of Christ. In addition, Isaiah 8:20 warns that "to the law and testimony" persons connected to God must speak to or in accordance with. Another sign is recorded in Matthew 7:16 which implies that a person's lifestyle and behaviour will comport with one who is directed by the Spirit of God.
In the light of the aforementioned, I call for us to examine this revival and all other related exercises. Consider the questions: What prompted the coming together of certain churches? What about the organizers? How do they match up to the three signs given? What about the speaker, Prophetess Juanita Bynum? I need not remind you that some legitimate questions have been raised about her and the alleged fees expected for her to minister. Are the accusations true as cited by the Nassau Guardian on Monday of this week that Prophetess Bynum received large sums of monies for previous appointments? Of a substantive nature, it is to be noted that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a prophetic movement brought into existence by God for this period "to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." In addition, this remnant "announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth." I remind us that each member "is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness." As it relates to revival isn't this something that we should be seeking daily and sincerely? Ellen White, an inspired writer, penned many years ago, "A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing." {YRP 283.1}Therefore, I encourage support for prayer bands (only ensure that the focus is not lost and they do not become outlets to lash out against church leadership or the church etc., or destructive critical exercises), periodic fasting, and our mid-week Prayer and Praise services. What a golden opportunity for God's people when folks are actually searching and desirous of knowing God's will and the Headquarters family. I encourage all members to commit to a revival of daily lesson study, church attendance, healthful living, tithe returning, offering giving, and neighborhood involvement, sincerely seeking the will of God and a life of joy as we adhere to God's covenant law. Thereby we shall have an even greater impact upon our country for good. Finally on a sad note I concur that a former Church pastor/administrator and his son were convicted of genocide as reported over ZNS. Let’s pray for the victims’ families as well as these men and their families. For a full story visit www.adventist.org Happy Sabbath on behalf of my administrative colleagues. -President The Office of the President
A Weekend of Spiritual Renewal The Women's and Children's Ministries joined hands together as they presented one of the most successful weekends under the theme "empowered to Lead." A large crowd of our ladies poured into the Grant's Town church on Friday for a communion Service which set the tone for the whole weekend. Music was of the highest praise as Janis Gibson conducted an enthusiastic song service and Allison Mason ministered mightily in song.Sis Iris Henry, our guest speaker and Director of Women's and Children's Ministries from West Indies Union addressed the World Wide Theme "United in the Wonder of His grace" Sister Henry demonstrated that the Bible is a record of God extending His grace towards our forefathers and now unto this present generation. In her presentation she magnified and emphasized the generosity of God's provision for us sinful men. Five of our women elders who participated in this special service were: Isabella Miller (Johnson Park), Marva Farquharson (Breath Of Life), Annick Brennen (New Englerston), Geneva Oliver (Maranatha) and Brenda Johnson (New Englerston). Truly God's spirit was present as the women testified of God's grace and mercy being manifested in their lives. On Sabbath morning again a large crowd gathered in Berea for the Divine Worship Hour. Music by Brandon Morrison and the women from the Francophone church brought our hearts and minds together in worship unto the Lord. The women's choir, directed by carol Williams, stirred our faith and brought us even closer into the presence of God. Again our Union Director took us a notch higher as she took us into "The Potter's House," where broken tires had the opportunity to be mended, reshaped, remolded and transformed. Many came to the altar surrendering, renewing and recommitting their lives to service. Several Workshops were held. The first in the series was held at the Good News church on Sabbath Afternoon. Topic discussed were "Effective Leadership" and "Golden Keys to Success." In her presentation Sister Henry stressed the importance of a leader living a Christ centered life supported by a consistent prayer life. In discussing the various styles of leadership she pointed out that it is important for all to share the same vision for ministry. We closed the Sabbath with Vespers conducted by Sharisse Gardiner. Sunday Morning Workshops were held at New Providence church. The topics discussed were "Mentoring and Evangelism Outreach." Also sharing in the second segment was Dr. Stephanie Hutcheson. Her presentation, "Many Members-One Body," was well received. Valuable information was shared in these sessions which we will attempt to implement as the year progresses. The closing exercises involved presentation of certificates and gifts for the former Women's and Children's Directors, Mrs. Alwayne Scavella and Mrs. Rowena Smith. Sister Henry spoke very highly of, and expressed her love and appreciation for the work done and sent well wishes to them. Bon voyage" to Women's Ministries groups from Bethany, Johnson Park, Grant's Town and Hillview churches as they take off for Camp Kalaqua this weekend for a "Women's Conference." - Miriam Knowles
Volunteer Bahamas Adventists Is on The Move Referred to as VBA, Volunteer Bahamas Adventist is a non-profit initiative designed to address all capital development needs within the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Headed by Mr. Winston Ash, Volunteer Bahamas is in its second month of operation as an organization. Already, nearly one hundred men and women have enlisted by paying a monthly dues of $5 or $60 per year which goes to defray cost of travel or related expenses in deploying volunteers to various project sites. According to Brother Ash, VBA is sponsoring a team of volunteers to Crooked Island to complete the extension to the Landrail Point SDA Church. This group travels on Wednesday, February 26, and returns a week later. It is expected that the building will be completed within a week. Additionally, VBA will dispatch another team of volunteers to Long Island as of Friday, February 28, to resume work on the Stephens SDA Church edifice. Speaking about the immediate plans for VBA, Bro. Ash says "the material for the Stephen’s Church is on the site and an advance team headed by Bro. Cecil Cartwright will travel the week of February 24, 2003, with the main team travelling on February 28, 2003. Expectation is that we will be able to worship in this new edifice the first Sabbath in March. This project will require nine carpenters and nine helpers. Six carpenters have already signed up. However, we still need three more carpenters and the nine helpers. Carpenters and helpers who are desirous of assisting in this project are asked to contact Bro. Ash at 394-1063 by February 24, 2003, so that the necessary arrangements for travel and accommodation can be made. Additionally, Bro. Ash said " a VBA team, spearheaded mainly by descendant members from Crooked Island, are ready to complete the work required on the church. Although we do not require any more physical labours for this project, we request your prayers and financial support." Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) is desirous of all Adventists becoming a part of this organization. You may join by completing one of the forms available at your local church and returning it to your pastor or the Conference Office -Editor
Joint Youth Leaders Commitment Service Today Special invitations are extended to all youth leaders (AY, Pathfinders, and Adventurers ) to attend a service of dedication and commitment in full uniform today at 4 p.m. at the Berea Church. The speaker will be youth director Pastor Andrew E. Burrows
Parents of toddlers often ask: "how can I best help my child at home and teach him/her skills that he/she will need in order to develop?" Children at this age learn about the world through their senses-seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, and smelling. Let's look at some practical activities that will help them explore their senses: ! Water-related activities provide much fun for small children-though they can get very messy. They like to help wash their own dishes standing on a sturdy chair by you at the sink (but don't leave them alone at this activity!). Washing windows or the car together can be a lot of fun, too, and don't forget watering the plants.! To help your child explore his sense of taste, prepare a tray with bits of food he can taste. Have him close his eyes, then taste one food. See if he can correctly identify the food he tasted. Talk to him about the different foods and flavours.! Listening games are fun to play almost anywhere, at any time. Help your child get quiet for a moment while he listens to the sounds around him and tries to guess what they are. You can have him sit looking the other way while you do something behind him that makes a distinct sound. Ask him to tell you from the sound what you are doing. He'll soon want to do something himself and have you guess what is doing. Try it! You can play the listening game while out on a walk. Help him identify all the different sounds he hears.! Find a bag that you cannot see through, and put into it an assortment of safe-to-handle objects from all around the house. Invite your child to reach into the bag and identify each item before pulling it out of the bag. Teach him each item's name and purpose, or help him learn how to describe the item in terms of size, weight, color, use, what it is made from, etc.! Try some simple sight tests. Cover one eye and have the child read a letter or word, identify a picture, or indicate the direction in which an object is moving.! The "I Spy" game is an all-time favourite with toddlers, and a great way to teach all sorts of listening and visual discrimination and classification skills. For example, "I spy with my little eye something in this room that is blue and has a square shape."
Upcoming Events At Bahamas Academy: ! February 27: Sports Day for the elementary division on the school's play field! February 27: Sports Day for the secondary division at the Q. E. Sports Centre.! February 28 - March 3: Mid-term Break for both divisions.! March 10 - 14: Final exams for Grades K5 - 6; Final Assessment for Grades 7 - 11.
Video Series on Homosexual Roots & Recovery Tonight at 7:15 a video on "Counseling the Male Homosexual" will be shown at the New Englerston Church. The final segment of a three-part special video presentations dealing with homosexuality will be shown March 1 at the New Englerston Church beginning at 7:30 p.m. This video promises to be informative, and spiritually and intellectually stimulating.
Convention Praise Reunion Concert Singers Requested to Meet A very important meet will be held today at the Grant’s Town Church at 3:30 p.m. for all persons who sang in the Convention Praise Reunion Concert. -Harrold Dorsett, Coordinator
Harmonious Praise to host Boat Cruise Harmonious Praise presents "The Best Is Yet To Come" Boat cruise Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. on board the Glass Bottom Party Boat. The Boat departs Prince George Dock at 8 p.m. sharp! Part proceeds in aid of the SDA Youth Campsite Development. Tickets are available from group members and the following persons: Ray Jennings - Hillivew, Marilyn Bonamy - Breath of Life (394-3432), Barry Saunders - Johnson Park, Daphne Cooper - New Providence, Andrea Musgrove - Living Faith and Tony Russell - Maranatha (364-1715)
Andrews University Singers Grand Concert in Nassau. There will be a grand concert by the Andrews University Singers (AU) on Sabbath afternoon, March 15, at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church. AU Singers is a multi-national choir of some of AU’s best voices with South African-born, Stephen Zork as director. Bahamian Marguerite Brennen, a physical education and music major at Andrews, will be singing in the choir. Bring an offering.
New Adventist Business Newsletter Publication of a be a new monthly Adventist Business Newsletter to complement the Sabbath Logos began Wednesday, February 28. This newsletter is designed to share secular and business news that is not published in the Logos. It will only be distributed at the third Wednesday or Sunday night service of each month. You can send all your business news to sdalogos@coralwave.com or call 341 4021. If you are selling property, car, need a job, job vacancy, promoting your new business, or requesting information of any kind, then send your information to Adventist Business Newsletter.
Housing Needed for Singers. Volunteers are needed to house members of the Andrews University Singer in their homes from Thursday night, March 13, to Tuesday morning, March 18. Please call Barrington Brennen at 361 6355 or 393 2818 to assist. The singers will provide their own transportation and meals.
! Persons interested in attending the 2003 United Pathfinder Camporee on Agape Farm Campgrounds in Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania, August 6 to 9, 2003, are asked to contact the youth department office at 341-4021 ext. 235.! Masterguides Training sessions will be held at Berea on Sundays at 7 a.m. Interested persons are asked to be on time.! Persons who have signed up and other persons interested in attending the Cayman Island Adventurers’ camp are asked to contact Rohan Creighton at 362-2360, or Sherry Burrows at 322-1041.
Certified Professional Secretaries Certification Program Persons interested in signing up for the Certified Professional Secretaries’ certification program through the College of The Bahamas are asked to call A. Miller at 323-6543.
Francophone to Resume Classes in Creole The Francophone Church will resume its Creole classes on Monday, February 24, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. Persons interested may call 362-1031. -Pastor Edward St. Fleur
Adelaide Invites you to Come on Down Do you want to get out of the city for a day, but cannot afford to go to a Family Island? Don’t be discouraged! Just come to the Adelaide SDA Church and enjoy a Family Island experience for the day. Oh yes, a day filled with activities. We will provide your spiritual and physical food. Come worship with us! Enjoy the warmth of the friendly folks just praising God and having a Holy Ghost time. - D. Fenton Johnson, Communications Secretary
! All Health Ministries Directors and other interested persons are invited to attend a very special meeting at the Living Faith Church on Sunday, March 2, 2003, at 1:00 p.m..! Adventist business houses are invited once again t o assist in sponsoring the yearly Health Supplement. Please call the office and speak to Joan Duncombe for details.! The 3rd Annual "Be Healthy, Be Happy" Fun run/Walk will be held, April 21, 2003. Be wise and begin to exercise today. Plan to get involved.
ABC Alert The Adventist Book Center is changing right before your eyes! Come by and take a look; you won’t be disappointed! Store hours are: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 to 1:00 p.m. We are here to serve you! We will be coming to your Church soon!
Cat Island Homecoming 2003 The annual Cat Island SDA Homecoming will be held during the Easter weekend. Persons interested in attending are asked to contact Bro. Norman Seymour or Bro. Cephas Ward at 324-6744 or 361-7428 on or before Feb. 3, 2003.
Adventist Educators Association to Meet Tonight There will be an urgent meeting of the Bahamas Conference Educators Association this evening at 7:00 o’clock at the Bahamas Academy Secondary School. All officers, members and those wishing to become members are invited to attend. -Pansy Hamilton Brown
Sun sets today at 6:06 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:10 p.m. |
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