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- The War
Against The Forces of Evil Continues!
 Four
weeks have passed since the forces of the Bahamas Conference launched a
blistering attack on the enemy forces of evil. Our reporters who are
embedded with the troops on the front line tell us that the battle is
going well. The Grant’s Town, Hillview, and Johnson Park battalions have
completed the first phase of the current offensive and have convinced
dozens of soldiers from the enemy’s camp to surrender. They are now
rejoicing in the new freedom that they have found in the camp of Jesus
Christ.
Although our forces are making steady progress toward their
goal, they will encounter some problems along the way. Yes, there are some
real hazards that our soldiers have to face as they move deeper into the enemy’s
territory. Unable to stand up against our superior forces, the enemy will
resort to various tactics in their attempt to frustrate our plan. Therefore,
our troops must be vigilant and watch out for signs of ambush, fake surrender,
and enemy missiles. The enemy of our souls is so shrewd that he will direct
the fight to cause our soldiers to be disabled by friendly fire.
In spite of the tough resistance we will encounter, we are
assured that our forces will win the battle and the war; for Jesus, the source
of our power and strength, said, "I am with you always, even unto the end
of the world" (Matt. 28:20). And if Jesus is on our side, how can we
fail? There is no doubt that we can and will be victorious in the conflict, if
we read our war manual, the Bible, daily. We must also utilize the prayer
channel to communicate with our Commander without ceasing, and ask for the
fire power of the Holy Spirit needed to overwhelm the enemy. Jesus said that
if we ask, we will receive whatever we request in His powerful name. He has
unlimited resources that are available for the asking. Let us not hesitate to
make our requests known to Him. And true to His word, He will supply all our
needs according to our faith.
As we continue the fight against the forces of evil, ponder
the following words of inspiration:
"The storm is coming, the storm that will try every
man’s faith, of what sort it is. Believers must now be firmly rooted in
Christ, or else they will be led astray by some phase of error. Let your faith
be substantiated by the Word of God. Grasp firmly the living testimony of
truth. Have faith in Christ as a personal Saviour. He has been and ever will
be our Rock of Ages."(Evangelism, pp. 361-362)
Fight on, fellow soldiers; the battle will soon be over,
and Christ will come to put an end to all wars. Then we shall enjoy peace and
happiness forever.
The following is an update on the baptisms to date as
compared to the year’s goals for the various districts:
|
Church |
Baptisms |
Goal |
|
Adelaide |
|
10 |
|
Berea |
21 |
35 |
|
Bethany |
|
25 |
|
Breath of Life |
21 |
35 |
|
Cat Island |
|
20 |
|
Centreville |
|
100 |
|
Eleuthera |
1 |
23 |
|
Exuma |
|
30 |
|
Good News |
7 |
25 |
|
Grant’s Town |
44 |
100 |
|
Haitian Churches |
27 |
70 |
|
Hillview |
8 |
100 |
|
Inagua |
|
5 |
|
Johnson Park |
12 |
50 |
|
Landrail Point |
|
6 |
|
Long Island |
|
15 |
|
Maranatha |
|
45 |
|
New Englerston |
|
25 |
|
New Providence |
|
100 |
|
Philadelphia |
|
35 |
|
San Salvador |
|
15 |
|
South Andros |
1 |
50 |
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- Combined Goal = 1,134 Baptisms to date=153 = 13% of Goal
- Conference Goal = 1,000 Baptisms to date = 15% of Conference Goal
- It should be noted that most of the districts are still in crusades, or
they will be starting soon.
- We must give God the glory for what has been accomplished thus far for the
quarter. - Dr. John Carey, Editor
- Publishing Director To Visit Bahamas Pastor Joseph Barrett, Publishing
Director of West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will be in
the Bahamas April 11 - 21, 2003 to promote the Publishing Ministry and conduct
a Publishing Institute. His visit will include at least two Family Island
districts. All persons interested in the growth of the Publishing Ministry in
the Bahamas are invited to take note of the following schedule of activities
planned:
-
- Sabbath, April 12: Divine Service at Philadelphia
- Sunday, April 13: Training for colporteurs at Philadelphia (9:00 a.m. -
2:00 p.m.)
- Colporteur Rally at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m.)
- Monday, April 14: Continue Training at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday, April 15: Visit Eleuthera District
- Wednesday, April 16:Visit South Andros District
- Thursday & Friday, April 17 & 18: Campers - Nassau
- Sabbath, April 19: Divine Worship at Philadelphia
- Sunday, April 20: Final Meeting at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m.)
ALL COLPORTEURS, students and part-timers, are urged to
attend ALL services and TRAINING SESSIONS. Let us pray for a revival of the
Publishing Ministry in the Bahamas.- J. Carey, Departmental Director
Children’s Ministries Seminar On Sunday, March
23, Children’s Ministries leaders attended a 2-hour seminar sponsored by the
Children’s Ministries Department. Special guest presenter was Dr. Clara McPhee
who shared insights on the development of young children. Using an interactive
format. Dr. McPhee sought to sensitize each leader/teacher to the importance of
being knowledgeable about the physical, mental and social development of the
Cradle Roll child and suggested practical ways in which these principles
of development could effectively be applied in the Cradle Roll Sabbath School.
Assisting Dr. McPhee was Ms. Kate Gardiner, Cradle Roll teacher from the Living
Faith Church.
Ms. Gardiner’s Cradle Roll lesson demonstration facilitated
a lively discussion on the "dos and don’ts" of teaching the Cradle
Roll child. A special thank you is extended to our facilitators, Dr.
McPhee and Ms. Gardiner and to all who attended. We look forward to seeing you
at Session II when the needs of the Kindergarten child will be addressed. - Cheryl
Rolle, Departmental Director
VBA On The Move Long
Island: Last weekend, the little church in Stevens, Long Island, was full to
capacity when eight persons from Nassau joined the members and guests of that
church for Sabbath services. Elder Herman Ming, West Indies Union Conference
Treasurer, preached a powerful sermon that stirred the hearts of the people.
After the service, Elder Ming, Pastor L. A. Johnson, Elder C.M. Lewis, and the
rest of the VBA team joined the members for a sumptuous fellowship meal. With
the encouragement of the brethren, the team was able to complete the ceiling,
install all windows and the door frames, and put up the petitions. Another team
of five carpenters and five helpers will be needed for April 11 - 13, 2003, to
continue work on the project.
Ephesus: Masons and helpers are needed
to continue the work on the Ephesus Church building.
Be good stewards and help where your contribution will make a
difference.
Lowe Sound: A VBA team will be going to North Andros to
work on the Lowe Sound Church during the weekend of April 18 - 22. Masons and,
roof carpenters and helpers are needed to complete this project. Interested
person may enquire and contact their church’s VBA representative or call the
secretary, D. Ritchie at 341-0550
Crooked Island: On Wednesday, April 2, Pastor N.E.
Scavella, a retired pastor, went to Landrail Point to conduct services at the
church. He along with Brother Whitney Scavella, a faithful member of the VBA
Team, will be working on the new addition to the church. Another mason and a
carpenter are also needed for this project.
The Camp Site: Work continues at our camp site. Many more
loads of fill are needed, but we are grateful to donors for their contribution
to the development of the site.
If you are willing to volunteer to lend a helping hand to any
of the projects mentioned, please contact Brother Winston Ash at 394-1063, or
Brother Howard Barr at 361-3202. Many thanks for your continued prayers and
support.
Education Corner Administrative Complex- 394-0094 (This
is a weekly column sponsored by Bahamas Academy of SDA) Last
week we outlined a problem that many schools are facing, including ours-many
children do not know how to control their anger. This week we will further
explore this topic of anger and how to manage it.
Ephesians 4:26 says: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not
the sun go down upon your wrath." Is it really possible to be angry and not
be guilty of sinning? Anger is a basic human emotion, just like love, grief, and
happiness. It serves an important survival function by communicating to
ourselves and to others that something is wrong. The problem is not that we
become angry. The problem comes, however, with the way we EXPRESS our anger.
Anger is something we learn. As children, we may have learned
from one or both parents that anger can be used to get attention or to get one's
way. Because we learn how to express anger, we also can learn how to manage it.
This is particularly important for anyone who handles anger inappropriately-by
hurting others or themselves or by making poor decisions in a fit of rage.
When we are angry we should NOT:
! Deny that we're angry. This
only increases stress and may lead to such stress-related illnesses as headaches
and depression.
! Keep anger inside. Bottling
up anger only delays its expression. Eventually, anger may lead to stress, an
angry outburst, or a violent encounter.
! Displace our anger. This
occurs when we take our anger out on something other than the object of our
anger. A angry wife who gives away her husband's favourite CDs is an example of
displacement.
! Blame our anger on
something else. We may be angry at our teenaged son for his poor study habits,
but instead of addressing his study habits as the source of our anger, we pick
fights over his use of the telephone.
Let's look at some ways we can control our anger:
1. Identify our 'anger triggers'. Knowing specifically what
makes us angry is a first step in controlling our response. Make a list of your
anger triggers and keep the list in a place where you can refer to it.
2. Try thought checking. When you feel your anger building,
stop and think about what upset you.
3. Take a time-out. You should not stay in a situation that
makes you angry. The situation may be beyond your control, but your RESPONSE is
completely within your control. A time-out shouldn't be used to avoid the
situation altogether. Return when you feel calm enough to express yourself
appropriately.
4. Seek professional help. Many times we are too close to a
situation to objectively handle our own problems. Professionals who are trained
in these areas can provide us with techniques that are very helpful.
5. Make this a matter of prayer. God is willing to help, but
we have to be willing to admit our need of Him.
Upcoming Events at Bahamas Academy:
! March 31 - April 4: Week of
Prayer (secondary)
! April 7: PTA Meeting
(elementary)
! April 7-11: Exams (Grade
12)
! April 12: Easter Production
(elementary)- Lynn C. Smith, Principal
Listen-up Listen-up will be aired April 6, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. on ZNS 13
and Cable 11. War! War! War! Yeah, its what the whole world is talking about.
Tune in and hear what guests Abigail Penn, Pastor Danny Major and Kendra Miller
has to say on the topic. Abigail and Keson will be sending up the praise in
song, while Pastor Andrew makes his Listen-up debuts with the message. Tune in
and be blessed! Go One Million Rally A Success
Last Saturday evening Elder Herman Ming assisted by Dr.
Leonard Johnson and Pastor Sturrup conducted a successful traingin session with
the Go One Million electronic Kits.
All remaining training session will be done by Pastors in the
local churches. Members interested in using electronic kits to conduct crusades,
seminars or workshops should contact your pastor for the equipment. -T. Basil
Sturrup, Departmental Director
Health Ministries
! All Health Ministries
Directors are asked to meet at the Living Faith Church, 2:00 p.m. on Sunday,
April 6 with Pastor P. A. Scavella.
! "The 3rd Annual Be
Healthy, Be Happy Fun Run" will take place this Easter Monday, beginning at
the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium’s entrance, and ending at the
Bahamas Youth Camp as a part of the Camporee Activities. Registration is now in
progress.
! May 22 to 24, 2003, the
Health Ministries Department of the West Indies Union will be conducting an
HIV/AIDS Awareness training seminar. This training will take place at NCU in
Mandeville Jamaica. Cost excluding travel is approximately $100, for
accommodation and food.
Each Church District is requested by the Union to sponsor at
least one person to attend. Interested persons can contact the Health Ministries
office on or before April 18. -Pastor P. A. Scavella, Departmental Director
Bahamas SDA Educators Association Seminar All
SDA educators are invited to attend an informative education seminar on Sunday,
April 6, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Philadelphia SDA Church, Elizabeth
Estates. The topic to be presented is "Effective Methods of Teaching in a
World of Change."
ABC On The Move The ABC will be at the coming to the Centreville Church
soon, for your convenient shopping. 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 -K.
Deveaux, ABNC Manager
Youth Corner
!All
Masterguides invested and in training are requested to meet Sunday, April 6, at
the Hillview church for the first rehearsal. More than 400 campers will be in
New Providence from abroad. This Camporee is billed as exciting and informative.
This is the final week to register for the Youth Camporee. The opportunity is
ours to host these young people, so come on, youth of the Bahamas, and let us be
good hosts.
! All Bus Drivers interested in providing
transportation for the Masterguides Camporee are asked to meet on Sunday morning
at 9 o’clock at the Hillview Church.
! All persons traveling to the Cayman Island
for camporee are asked to meet with Rohan Creighton on Sunday at noon at the
Good News Church.
Attention, All Members The survey for all SDA members is now out at all
churches. We solicit your participation in completing and turning it in to your
head elder or pastor.
SDA Burial Society to Meet The SDA Burial Society meeting will be held on
Monday, April 7th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church Annex.
Members can become financial. Persons interested in joining are especially
invited. -H. Moncur
Communicators Meeting All Church Communications Directors and Adventist
media professionals (Newspaper, Radio and Television) please attend an important
meeting on Sabbath Afternoon, April 12, 2003, at 4:00 o’clock at the New
Englerston Church. Pastor Brennen will discuss the role and function of the
church communications director and internet ministries.
Conference-Wide Pre-Marriage Seminar A pre-marriage seminar will be held
May 30 to June 1, 2003. This seminar is for all engaged and to-be-engaged
couples. The exciting seminar will be conducted by Barrington Brennen and
Michael A. Smith.
The Strachan Family Says Thanks Mrs. Eunice Strachan and family of the
late Roy Strachan expresses profound thanks and appreciation to the pastors and
members for their support during their time of bereavement.
Funeral Announcements Funeral service for Mr. Charles Rahming, husband of
Florence Rahming of New Providence Church and father of Pastor Wilfred and Mrs.
Shelia Adderley, and Mrs. Ingrid and Freddie Brooks; will be held at St Matthews
Anglican Church, Shirley Street on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. A pre-funeral
service for Bro. A. Wycliffe Miller and former member of the Maranatha SDA
Church will commence Sunday, April 6, at 12:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church,
Harrold Road. Actual service will begin at 1:00 p.m.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the Rahming, Adderley, Brooks, Millers,
Dawes, and Cleare families. Please be assured of our prayerful support.-Administration,
Officers and Staff of Bahamas Conference of SDA
MBA Weekend Program For further information call
394-7907(day) or 325-6173 (night)
Cat Island SDA Advancement Society to Meet A meeting for members and
friends of the Cat Island Advancement Society will be held tomorrow, Sunday,
April 6, at 10 a.m. at the Hillview Church. - N. Seymour
- Advance Your Clocks Ahead One Hour This Weekend
- Daylight Saving Time in the Bahamas
- Sun sets today at
6:21 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:31 p.m.
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