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A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 08, February 24, 2001

What We Can Learn From Nehemiah in 2001 Pastor K. D. Albury, President of The Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, drew lessons from the Old Testament work of Nehemiah in a sermon at a Law Enforcement and Civil Servants' Thanksgiving Service Feb. 17 at Berea Adventist Church, Blue Hill Road South. Pastor Albury titled his sermon "Making a difference through service."

Nehemiah was an influential exiled Hebrew in the Persian court who spearheaded the rebuilding of the wall and gates of Jerusalem.

Also speaking at the service were the Hon. Frank H. Watson, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security; and Mr. John Rolle, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police. Participating elders included W. T. Adderley, H. A. Roach, L. A. Johnson, L. C. Rolle, C. Melvin Lewis and M. A. Smith. The Royal Bahamas Defence and Police Forces, and the Customs, Prison and Immigration Departments were also represented

Discovering that Jerusalem's wall had been broken down and the city's gates burned, Nehemiah wept, Pastor Albury said. The Bahamas, he continued, needs persons with that kind of active concern. God, he said, is looking for people sorrowing over the many walls that are broken down in the Bahamian society - "walls of our spiritual lives, the walls of the family unit and family values, walls of respect for the sanctity of marriage, walls of respect for law and order…"

One lesson to be learned from Nehemiah's experience was that making a difference through service required personal sacrifices. Nehemiah left the comfort of the Persian capital to take a 51-day, 1,600-kilometre camel ride to Jerusalem.

"The church and nation," Pastor Albury said, "need people who will help with the work of rebuilding the walls of this nation, people who will sacrifice some personal comfort, some personal pleasure for the sake of making a difference."

Deputy Prime Minister Watson said he believes that the number of officers in uniform who are inclined to trade their high office for monetary gain or "favour" is relatively small. He also said nothing "sets us back more - nothing distracts us more from our mandated purpose than when …public trust is betrayed by one among our ranks. He added, "And I must say that far too frequently, officers in uniform are being brought before the courts on criminal charges and despicable acts of corruption."

The good thing about this, however, he said, is that it demonstrates to the public

that "we are determined to stamp out corruption wherever it exists." The public expects and demands this zero-tolerance approach towards corruption of people whose job it is to uphold and enforce the law, Minister Watson said

He commended Adventists, noting that in every sector of Bahamian society they continue to distinguish themselves by their integrity, hard work, commitment and discipline. "The Adventist family," he said, "ought to be proud of its many achievements and contributions to the overall growth and development of our Bahamaland".-C. Symmonett



One Week To Go

All systems are just about ready for the anticipated official opening of our local Adventist Headquarters slated for Sunday, March 4, at 2:30 p.m. The past years and months of prayers, sacrificial giving and labours are all coming together in this finished product of our new Conference Complex.

As already noted church and civil dignitaries will be among those in attendance for this grand and historic occasion. During this final week we continue to solicit your prayers for safe travels on behalf of our oversees guests and for a meaningful opening redounding to the honour and glory of God.

Because we are expecting nearly 500 persons it will be impossible to accommodate all persons on tours on March 4th. However, tours will continue following March 4th's opening. In fact some have capitalized on the pre-guided tours during the week. It was a pleasure for our office staff to receive each one. Refreshments were also provided.

In addition, we wish to clarify that lounge suit on the invitation refers to church attire. Also we remind each individual to bring their invitation as this will assist the ushers with seating arrangement. Persons who leave their invitations may not be seated as the centre can only house a prescribed amount of persons.

On March 4th tours will be limited given the amount of persons expected to attend. However, we remind you that tours will continue following this date.

We request all Meistersingers, honour guards for this occasion, Pathfinder Band members and platform participants to attend an important rehearsal on Tuesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. Finally, we request all persons to be seated by 2 p.m. Administration



THE STARS ARE SHINING NOW!

The Bahamas Academy Stars won the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (B.A.I.S.S.) junior boys basketball title this past Monday in the third and deciding game against the Giants of St. John's College. The Stars overcame a 19- point deficit after three quarters to gain a 66-64 victory in double overtime. Literally hundreds of students, along with administrators, teachers, parents, pastors and alumni packed the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gym to cheer the Stars to the school's first basketball title.

The game marked the fourth time these teams met this season. The Giants edged out the Stars in their only meeting during the regular season, spoiling a perfect, undefeated record. That win gave the Giants the regular season pennant, and set up the rematch for the championship.

The Giants won the first game of the championship series, played on Valentine's Day, by a score of 54-53, after a keenly contested match. The Stars dominated the inside game, however, the Giant's kept themselves in the match by hitting key free throws down the stretch.

Not letting this setback get them down, the Stars recharged their lights and came back the following day with a victory, evening the series at one game each, and setting up the third and deciding game.

In game three, the Giants came out of the blocks and scored the first points. The Stars were able to match them down the courts, however, and trailed by only two points when the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter. Capitalizing on numerous turnovers by the Stars, the Giants were able to take a commanding 22-13 lead at halftime.

The Giants continued their run during the third quarter, bringing an intermittent silence to the cheering B.A. fans. By the end of the third quarter, the Giants led 40-21, causing many minds to begin looking forward to next season. Neither team had built more than an eleven-point lead during the previous games, and the largest margin of victory by either team was three points. Surely this nineteen-point deficit was too much to overcome.

But Coach Winston Symonette said a few words to his troops before the fourth quarter began: Steal the ball eight times and convert. The players took Coach Symonette at his word, and tightened their defensive belts. The students, now enthusiastically joined by parents, alumni, administrators, teachers, and even the pastors, intensified their cheers, which echoed across the gym and provided a much-needed adrenaline shot for the Stars. They pressed the St. John's ball handlers and dominated the boards, unbelievably outscoring the Giants 27-8 down the stretch to tie the score at 48, led by Anthony Whylly and Michigan Bain, and sent the game into overtime. Continued on page 2

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN UNIVERSITY EXPO BAHAMAS

One of the events leading up to the opening will be a special visit by a team of persons from Northern Caribbean University located in Mandeville, Jamaica. Arriving on Thursday, March 1, Dr. Herbert Thompson, University president, and other officials will be featured in a series of public events. On Friday morning, March 2, at Bahamas Academy the University will sponsor an exhibition in the H. D. Colburn Gym from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Also an interview will be held with the local media during this time. On Sabbath during the divine service University leaders and other Field leaders within West Indies Union will be dispatched to various churches in New Providence and in Freeport, Grand Bahama, to preach. At 4 p.m. a Joint Adventist Youth (AY) Hour will be held at the Grant's Town Church, Wellington Street. Again personnel from Northern Caribbean University will be featured. All members are encouraged to pray and prepare for these events. -Administration

THE STARS ARE SHINING NOW

Continued from page 1

The Stars hit the scoreboard first during the extra period, but St. John's kept it close, with near-perfect free throws. With the score tied at 56, Anthony had a chance to win the game,

however, his last-second shot rolled off the rim, forcing a second overtime period.

The Giants took the lead, and for a time, appeared to have gained the momentum. But it was not to be. Torrin Ferguson hit a shot off the backboard, which tied the score at 64. The Stars' defense forced a St. John's miss at their basket, and the Stars called a time-out with 10.8 seconds left. Anthony took the inbound pass, and with several crossover dribbles, took the ball straight to the hoop and scored the winning basket with a little over three seconds left. The Giants made an attempt to take the ball down the court, but only got as far as half court when time expired. That was the signal for the B.A. fans, which never said die, to take to the court and shower their praise on the team.

Special tribute must be paid to Coach Symonette, who in his first year at Bahamas Academy coached the Stars to victory. Anthony and Michigan, who combined to score 50 points, along with the other team members are to be congratulated for their determined spirits and fine sportsmanship. You have truly made us all proud! -R. P. Antonio

ATTENTION, ATTENTION!

All Pathfinder's Band Members, Masterguides Honour Guard, Harmonious Praise, and Meistersingers, your requested to attend dress rehearsal Tuesday, February 27, 2001, at 7 p.m. at the new Conference Headquarters, in preparation for dedication service.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Bro. Brian and Sis. Elmore Jacques (BA Elementary School) who welcomed a baby girl on Friday, February 16, 2001.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Elder and Sister Albert L. Clarke, Sr. of the Mouth Thompson Church, Exuma, who celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary this past weekend.GOOD NEWS PATHFINDERS' CARWASH

The Pathfinders of the Good News Church will host a carwash 25th February, 2001, at the Church's Community Centre from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited to come and support this effort. Light refreshments will be available.

**NORTHWEST FEDERATION OFFICERS are requested to meet at 3:30 p.m. today at the Grant's Town Church.*** Youth Basketball League begins Saturday night May 5, 2001. Each church is asked to send a representative to a planning meeting on Sunday morning at 11:30 at Bahamas Academy Gymnatorium.

***An initial meeting for all persons attending the United youth Congress in Indianapolis will be held at Grant's Town Church on Tuesday from 8 to 8:30 p.m. All deposits are now overdue.

SENIOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM UP-COMING

Pastor Balvin Braham, Union Youth Director will be in the Bahamas as follow: New Providence March 15 to 17 and Grand Bahama March 17 to 19, 2001 (p.m.) He will conduct an intensive Senior Youth Leadership programme. All Youth officers and others are invited.

**Youth Finance Seminar

Pastor Clarke thanks the Johnson Park Church for co-sponsoring the Youth Finance Seminar on Thursday past. Special thanks to all participants and attendees.

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

The New Providence Adventist Men's Association invites all Adventist Men to part 2 of it's Financial Empowerment Seminars: Increasing Your income by Starting Your Own Small/Home-based Business, on Sunday, February 25 at the Church from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Get business ideas, learn how to start a business on a shoestring and increase your take-home pay! -Vernal Rolle, Sr.

SOFTBALL COMING SOON

There will be a softball meeting for all churches' coach, at the H. D. Colburn Gym 9 a. m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Please call 323-5892 for more details.

MUSIC WORKSHOP

Excellence in Music Ministry workshop got off to an exciting beginning on Feb. 9 at the Bethany Church. Bimonthly sessions will be held through June 23rd. It's not too late to register. Contact Allison Mason 364-5426

*B.A. SENIOR CLASS is sponsoring a "New Millennium Gospel Explosion" March 10, 7 p.m. at the H.D. Colburn Gymnatorium on campus. Some Artists: Harmonious Praise, Seniors of B.A., Teachers, Vanessa Rolle and many more. Tickets: Adults are $10.00; Children (12 & under) are $5.00. Come out and support our little darlings of tomorrow.

** 2000 B.A. Graduates are being asked to come in and pick up their B.G.C.S.E. Certificates which are now ready.

**DELEGATES traveling to the upcoming Health Professionals Convention at Northern Caribbean University on April 12, 2001, need to make a deposit of $50. All deposits are now overdue. - Joan Duncombe.

LONG BAY SCHOOL, ABACO

The following teaching positions are available for the school year beginning September, 2001.

Applicants should submit resume to Long Bay School, P.O. BOX AB-20377, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, or call 367-2377.

I. Collie, Chairman

Sun Sets today at 6:09 p.m.

Sun Sets next Sabbath at 6: 13 p.m.

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