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A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 26, June 30, 2001



Mid-year Convention 2001 -A Certain Sound
H undreds converged at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road, and the Hillview SDA Church June 22 to June 24, 2001, with eager anticipation of the spiritual repast that was awaiting them. With the general theme of "United By the Word of God," we were transported to the portals of heaven by our dynamic guest speaker, Pastor James Doggette from Huntsville, Alabama.

He reminded us of:

That "Certain Sound" as Seventh-day Adventists we ought to be giving to a needy world. We need to keep at the forefront our mandate given in Revelation 14:6 to 12. We should avoid compromising our beliefs with the world's. Whatever we do should be done to God's glory. We should get back to what makes us a peculiar people - family worship, our way of dress, speech and lifestyle.

That certain sound of God's Credit to us through grace. From time to time we are faced with situations and challenges in our lives that put us on a bad credit rating spiritually. But we have a Creditor we can call on that has already paid our debts.

That certain sound to our young people that they should not be afraid to go after their goals. There may be Scarecrows- obstacles in the way that may prevent them from facing their challenges. If they step out in faith, they would be surprised at what they could accomplish.

That certain sound to Have Faith In God. We are not to put our trust in people or material things because the arm of flesh will fail us The exercise of faith in God is the key to our existence. Proverbs says that . . .strong tower the righteous run into it and is safe.

That certain sound of Heavenly Music also punctuated the weekend. Harmonious Praise, Voices of Hope, Ms. Allison Mason, The Sentinels, BA Teachers' Choir, The Meistersingers and the Combined Federation, led by Bro. Nelson Bain, and many more watered our hearts and transported us heavenward.

Indeed, we were taken on a higher plane of practical living this weekend. Saddened to have these spiritual repasts come to an end, we were all, however, energized to go out and continue to do our part for our Master, until He comes.

Thanks so much to our conference officials for a Mid-year Convention well spent. May God continue to bless Pastor Doggette in his ministry. -Marie Rolle, Teacher BA Secondary Thank You!

Note of special thank you is extended to all Deacons and Deaconesses who helped to make this Mid-year Convention a success. May the Lord bless you as you continue to ser for his cause. -Pastor M. A. Smith

Special Constituency Meeting Supports Recommendation

Sunday, June 24, 2001, was another historic day in the life of our Conference. A formal Special Constituency meeting was called, outside of the regular Session, to deal with an issue that has the potential of changing the structure of the Church in the Bahamas for years to come if the Lord delays His coming.

Delegates representing all of our church districts met at the Hillview Church to discuss and vote upon the recommendation to adjust this field by creating a Northern Bahamas Mission ( Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini and the Berry Islands), and a Southern Bahamas Conference (the rest of the Bahamas). In attendance were also officers of the Union: Dr. Patrick Allen and Dr. Wendell McMillan.

After the delegates were seated and the meeting was declared open by our Conference president, Pastor Albury, a strongly worded endorsement and encouragement were given by Dr. Allen in his opening remarks to the delegates. He drew reference to the fact that all over Inter-America, new organizations are being formed to achieve greater efficiency in the management and growth of the Work. He felt that the time had come for the members of the Bahamas Conference to accept the challenge of moving the work in the Bahamas to a whole new level. Dr. Allen also indicated that the Cayman Islands Mission will be assessed in August with the view of becoming a Conference and that Jamaica is now beginning the process of looking into the feasibility of creating a fourth conference.

Encouraged by these words from our Union President, delegates began the discussion, in earnest, utilizing as their reference point the recommendations of the Inter-American Division's Survey Commission when they last visited the Bahamas in 1992. Pastor Albury explained that even though the Bahamas Conference did not achieve all of the recommendations set out by the Commission within the stipulated time, most of them have been achieved to date. However, he cautioned delegates not to assume that the creation of a new field will be automatic. In fact, he emphasized that a new survey commission will have to come down and do a reassessment of our readiness based on today's realities.

Quite a number of delegates spoke on the issue and heartily endorsed the recommendation. They included the delegates from the northern region who were most vocal in declaring their support for the field adjustment. At the end of a rigorous period of discussion punctuated by humor and enlightening anecdotes, a resounding vote in favor of the recommendation capped the historic occasion.

It is expected that the formal recommendation will be forwarded to the Division, which will set up a new Commission to assess, at the beginning of the New Year, we hope, our request for field adjustment. Let us continue to pray for the continued growth of God's work in this portion of His vineyard.-K. D. Albury, President

Happy Summer, Youth!

All aboard! Happy summer from the desk of Pastor Eric D. Clarke, Youth Director I wish to inform you of the following summer lineup. First up, we have the Adventurer Camp, coordinated by Bro. Rohan Creighton, kicking off tomorrow, July 1 and running through July 8. A week of fun filled activities including hikes, drills, swimming, arts /crafts and much more will be available.

July 15 to 22 the Pathfinder Camp, under the leadership of Bro. Barry Saunders, where there will be many games, water sports, honour making and a whole lot more. So come out, tell a friend and enjoy your summer the youthful way.

The 14th Annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp will be held from Monday, July 2, to 27th. This camp is billed as exciting. All die hard Basketball fans and those not sure of what to do this summer, come out and participate in good wholesome games of Basketball, played in a safe environment at the H. D. Colburn Gym and meet the N.B.A. players attending this year's camp.

July 29 to August 5, will give way to the most anticipated Youth camp-meeting and revival at the Hillview Church. Guest speaker will be Pastor Balvin Braham, West Indies Union's Youth Leader who knows the syntax of how to inter-act with young people, and their mind-set. Continued on page 2



Lay Counseling Training

Begins Today

A new era begins in our Conference today. Today marks the beginning of training of persons to serve as first responders in family and emotional crises within our churches. We call them "Lay Counselors."

Our goal is to have two certified lay counselors in each church in Nassau and Grand Bahama, and one on each Family Island.

All persons who volunteered to become lay counselor, or group facilitator, are asked to attend the first training session today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Johnson Park Seventh-day Adventist Church basement. Please bring a notepad and pen. Those who have volunteered and have not yet been interviewed or those who have not volunteered yet, but are interested in becoming a lay counselor, are also asked to attend this session.

Note carefully that a lay counselor is not a professional psychologist and is not expected to be so. Lay counselors in local churches will have a trained eye and mind to be ready to provide initial assistance for families and individuals in crisis. Lay counselors are not to provide a professional diagnosis or give treatment. However, the lay counselor will be knowledgeable of the basics of counseling skills and how best to provide support, advice, and information that may be needed. In addition a lay counselor will lend a listening ear. (with understanding) to someone in emotional or physical pain due to a family or personal crisis.-Pastor Barrington H. Brennen,

Personal Ministries Pulpit Exchange

August 4, 2001, is designated Lay Pulpit Exchange Sabbath. Pastors are requested to submit names of local Personal Ministries Leaders for the purpose of coordinating this year's Lay exchange programme.



Ingathering Campaign 2001 plans are underway. All Community Services Leaders are requested to submit photos for the Ingathering campaign booklet. Include a brief description of the captioned event. Deadline for submission of photos is July 13, 2001.Dr. M. D. Toote, Director, Personal Ministries

Prayer Request

The family of Bro. Ed Knowles of the Living Faith SDA Church is requesting the prayers of the faithful on his behalf during his illness.

Breath of Life Family Island Highlight

Throughout the months of July and August, the Breath of Life Church on Marshall Road will pay tribute to the various Family Islands by highlighting one or more island each Sabbath. July Schedule: Sabbath, July 7, Andros and Acklins; Sabbath, July 14, Abaco and Bimini; Sabbath, July 21, Cat Island and Crooked Island; Sabbath, July 28, Eleuthera and Exuma. The schedule for August will be released later. Persons from these respective islands are especially invited to share with us on these Sabbaths. -Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe



Centreville SDA Church

to Host VBS

From Monday, July 2, to Sabbath, July 14, 2001, the Centreville Church will host Vacation Bible School 2001, from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Friday at the Church, 5th Terrace, Centreville. A donation of $10. is requested per child. Adults are invited to join the teaching staff and render other services. Please contact Sis. Pansy Hamilton-Brown at 393-1493 to volunteer.



Happy Summer, Youth Continued

from page 1

August, the high point of the summer months, is busting with activities. August Monday, the 6th, Inter-Church Sports Day will be celebrated. All of the aspiring Troy Kemp, Chandra Sturrup, Eldese Lewis, Debbie Ferguson and Pauline Davis will be represented . Gear up now for this event.

To end the summer of activities, Pathfinders will gather in Camporee in Westmoreland, Jamaica, from all over West Indies Union. Plans are made to climb the Blue Mountains peak of 7,400 ft. above sea level in Kingston, Jamaica. We in youth ministries want you to be actively involved in wholesome activities. Let's all plan, pray and commit ourselves to keep safe this summer. Other youth activities are planned throughout the Family Islands. Please support! God bless!-Youth Ministries

SDA Educators Association

to Meet

The executive members of the Bahamas SDA Educators Association will meet tonight at 8:15 at the B A Continuing Education office. All members are requested to attend.

Announcement For The Position of Principal

Earlier this year, Mrs. Estherlean Ash, Principal of Bahamas Academy Elementary division, informed the School Board of her intention to relinquish her post as principal of the Academy as of July, 2002, in order to pursue other interests. The Conference Committee and School Board appreciate the contribution Mrs. Ash has made to the development of the school during her principalship and wish her success in her future plans.

Accordingly, applications from, and nominations of, qualified persons for the position are being accepted. The person selected for the position should have the following qualifications:

1. Be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Each application should be accompanied by (a) a cover letter describing your present position, and (b) an updated resume. All applications or nominations should be submitted to: The Chairman, Search Committee, P.O. BOX N-356, Nassau, Bahamas. Fax:341-4088. The deadline for the receipt of applications is June 29, 2001, or until the position is filled.

Application forms may be picked up at the Conference Office or at Bahamas Academy Elementary Division. The Committee reserves the right to reject the applications of any or all applicants.



14th Annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp July 2nd to 27th, 2001

Jeff Rodgers' 14th annual Basketball Camp will be held at the B A Gym from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Application forms are available at the Youth Dept. of the Conference and B A Secondary during regular office hours. Boys and girls aged 5 to 18 are welcomed.

Youth Ministries Announcements

** All Pathfinder Directors are asked to send the names of their campers to the Conference Youth department on Monday by noon.

**Application forms for the Adventurer Camp will be available from local church leaders.

**The Pathfinder Camporee to be held August 22 to 27 will soon be here. The approximate cost is $600. Kindly call Kerry at 341-4021 for further details.

**Youth Leaders are reminded that the names of all Adventurers, Pathfinders, Masterguides are to be turned into the Youth Department Office.

**Masterguides Club Meeting. The first monthly Masterguides Club meeting will be held on Monday, July 9th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillview SDA Church.

All invested and in-training Masterguides are eligible to join. The evening is promises to be fulfilling and exciting.

** All Pathfinder delegates, personnel and directors traveling to Jamaica are asked to meet Monday, July 2, 2001, at the Hillview Church at 7 p.m.

***Rewind! Let's jump start and try that again! SDA Softball launches tomorrow (July 1,) 12:00 noon sharp at the Blue Hill Playing Fields. All persons interested in joining a team, come out and sign up. Hillview vs. Berea 12:00 noon, Grant's Town vs. Johnson Park 1:30 p.m. It's Fer true this time! -L. Stuart

Mid-year Convention Sermons Available

Mid-year Convention Sermons tapes are available at the front desk at the Conference office.Adventists Health Professionals Association

The AHPA will host a trip to Uchee Pines, Seals, Alabama, September 23 to 30, 2001. See your local Health Leader or contact Marlene McKinney at 364-0085 after 6 p.m. Deposit required by July 30th.



Vacation Bible School

July, 2001 is designated Vacation Bible School month. All churches are encouraged to utilize this avenue of the church to lead children to Christ.- Personal Ministries Dept.



Bahamas Academy Elementary Summer School

BA Elementary summer school will be held June 25 to July 20, 2001, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Regular Summer School package $200 (Mathematics, Reading/Phonics, Language, Art/Craft, Music, Computer, Movies).

Congratulations

Congratulations are extended to Dr. Deon Dames, daughter of Sis. Terri and Bro. Roy Dames of the Centreville Church, who recently graduated from the University of the West Indies with her Medical Degree.



Sabbath School Teachers' Certification

Sabbath School Superintendents are requested to submit names of persons taking part in the upcoming Sabbath School Teachers Training Programme, July 22 to August 25. Deadline for submission of names is July 11th, 2001. School Teachers' Training Sessions will be held July 22nd, August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26 and 29th .

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Funeral service for Bro. Ralph Maxwell Rahming will be held at the Grant's Town Church, Wellington Street, on Sunday, July 1st, 2001, at 10 o'clock in the morning. Viewing at Demeritte's Funeral Home and at the church to service time..

SDA BURIAL SOCIETY TO MEET

The regular meeting of the SDA Burial Society will be held Monday, July 2nd, 2001, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant's Town Church Annex. Three deaths have been recorded. Passbook can be updated.



New Providence SDA Church

The Community Services department of the New Providence Church will be hosting a seminar on Diabetes at the church on Soldier Road, beginning Sunday, July 1st, from 3 to 5 p.m. Free sugar testing. All are invited to attend. -Beverley Hepburn



Sun Sets today at 8:04 p.m.

Sun Sets next Sabbath at 8:04p.m.

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