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Stewardship Bible Institute in Bahamas
In collaboration with the Inter-American Division, the
Stewardship Department of West Indies Union conducted a Stewardship Bible
Institute in Nassau, Bahamas, April 15 – 17, 2005. This was the first
Stewardship Bible Institute held in the Bahamas for local church leaders,
elders and pastors of the Bahamas Conference and the North Bahamas Mission of
Seventh-day Adventists. The main purpose of the institute was to provide
training that would enhance the leadership capabilities of the local church
leaders for the benefit of the church.
Coordinator of the Institute, Pastor Ronnie Henry,
Stewardship Director of West Indies Union, worked closely with Elder C. Melvin
Lewis, Stewardship Director of the Bahamas Conference and host for the
Institute. The team of lecturers included Pastor Jean – Luc Lezeau, Acting
Stewardship Director of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Dr.
Herman Ming, Treasurer of West Indies Union, Pastor Ronnie Henry, Stewardship
Director of West Indies Union; Dr. Vassell Ker, Dean of the School of Religion
and Theology at NCU, and Dr. Leonard Johnson, President of Bahamas Conference.
From its beginning on Friday morning with the devotional
presented by Pastor Eric Dannie Clarke, Executive Secretary of Bahamas
Conference, to the culminating activities on Sunday afternoon, the institute
was inspirational, informative and relevant to the needs of the participants.
The six topics covered were "How to Study the Bible," "Fundamentals of
Stewardship," "The Power of Preaching," "History of Systematic Benevolence,"
"How to Promote Stewardship," and "Personal Finances Seminar."
Time and space will not permit the recounting of all the
details of the Institute, but some areas could be highlighted. For example,
Dr. Kerr used the nemonic AIDCAR (Attention, Interest, Desire, Conviction,
Action, Result), to illustrate Jesus’s method of witnessing. Based on the
story of His encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4: 7-
42), Jesus got her attention by asking her for a drink of water. Then
He stimulated her interest by saying that if she knew who He was, she
would ask Him for a drink, and He would give her living water. Next, Jesus
created in her a desire for something better when He offered her water
that would quench her thirst. She was convicted that Jesus was no
ordinary man when He told her about herself. And when He revealed that
He was Christ, she took action in witnessing to the men in the city.
Her witnessing resulted in the men coming to Jesus.
Another interesting presentation on the Fundamentals of
Stewardship was given by Dr. Leonard Johnson. He discussed Justification and
Sanctification as important concepts in our recognition of the lordship of
Christ and the acceptance of His grace. We discovered that we are justified
daily through faith in Christ, and Sanctification involves self-crucifixion,
being born again, repentance, and adoption into the family of God, daily.
It was noted that both Sanctification and Justification are
the work of a moment and the work of a lifetime. Both are also available to us
by Gods’s grace.
In his presentation on Personal Finance, Dr. Herman Ming
stressed that if we wish to avoid the "Pleasure and Pain Cycle," we must
control our money and not let it control us. We will be in control if we
recognize that God is the owner and we are His servants. With this mindset we
will be diligent earners, generous givers, cautious about debt, prudent
consumers, and wise savers. If we follow the Biblical principles of
Stewardship and put God first, we will be blessed.
As a result of their participation in the Stewardship Bible
Institute, the local church leaders returned to their churches rejuvenated and
ready to spread the message of Biblical stewardship.
Stewardship Focus Stewardship is the human side of the
lordship of Jesus Christ. Making disciples is the natural focus of this new
approach. Disciples follow, walk with, and submit every part of their lives to
the lordship of Jesus Christ. They live in a relationship based on love and
growing intimacy with God. Thus , stewardship ministry must explore discipling
resources. We must discover and create tools to make disciples.
See
Photos
Effective discipleship requires spiritual leadership.
Spiritual leaders seek to lift people to a closer walk with God, helping them
discover their gifts and ministry, and empowering them as they become part of
God’s mission, reaching for His vision for the church. Thus development of
spiritual leadership training materials and resources becomes a necessary
component of a biblical stewardship ministry.
We cannot ignore the financial side of life. Jesus
repeatedly spoke of material possessions. A majority of His parables were
about how we relate to possessions. He declared that possessions were in
direct competition with God and that we must choose to serve one or the other
(Matt. 6: 24). Thus our stewardship ministry must present a biblical approach
to financial discipleship – ways of integrating Christ’s lordship into how we
manage the material blessings God has placed in our hands. -Stewardship
Bible Institute Brochure
Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) is on the Move VBA has started
construction at the Marshall Road Secondary School site! All licensed
electricians, plumbers and contractors are invited to join the team.
See Map
Registered VBA members and unregistered persons are requested to plan to
help out on special call days. Watch the Logos for details -Winston Ash,
President, VBA
Farewell Concert in Honor of Audrey Dean-Wright Tonight The
Meistersingers will host two
evenings of farewell concert in
honor of Mrs.
Audrey Dean-Wright, President and Choir Director emeritus of the group, on the
occasion of her leave for overseas mission to Cuba. The concerts will be held
at Government House Ballroom on April 23 and 24, 2005. Special guest artist
(doctoral candidate) Angelique Clay from Oakwood College will be featured.
See Web Page
Additionally, the Meistersingers will pay special tribute to Eurydice
Osterman, professor at Oakwood College, on the final night’s concert.
Tickets will be available from the Bahamas Conference headquarters and
group members. Proceeds from these concerts will help to defray the group’s
travel to the General Conference and Bahamas Academy New Building.
Prison Ministries Volunteers Needed A special meeting will be held
today at 5:30 at the HD Colburn Gymnatorium for all Personal Ministries
Directors and persons who would like to volunteer to help Prison Ministires.
- Pastor Leo C. Rolle, Prison Ministries Coordiantor
The Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road, will celebrate its
17th anniversary and Community Guests Day under the theme "Pack A
Pew" on April 30th. Come celebrate with us!
Pre-Mother’s Day Luncheon
The Hillview
SDA Men are sponsoring a Pre-Mother’s Day Luncheon at Breezes Hotel at 1:00
p.m. on May 1st. Tickets are available from all Hillview Church
Unit Leaders and Sis. Mary-Ellen Knott at the Conference office.
Pre-mother’s Day Women’s Ministries Boat Cruise Coming Soon Coming May
7, 2005, the Women’s Ministries department will host a pre-mother’s day boat
cruise on board the largest of the Calypaso boats. Plan now to get your
tickets from your local WM Leader. The boat will depart Prince George Wharf at
8:30 p.m.
Messengers of Hope Needed The Home Health Education Service needs some
committed positive representatives. The successful applicants will be rewarded
according to their diligence and faithfulness. Unlimited opportunities for
growth and development of a business can provide benefits on various levels.
You have to get involved to believe it. Call 341-4021 to arrange for an
interview. Only serious Christians need apply.
World Church: Plan to Distribute Ellen White Books to Every Adventist
Family Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church unanimously voted April
14 to put into action a plan to distribute globally 2 million copies of books
written by Ellen G. White, one of the church's founders.
Almost immediately, Dr. Robert O. Ford, an Adventist church member, said he
would donate U.S. $50,000 towards the cost of the project. Dr. Ford is an
ophthalmologist, cataract and LASIK surgeon who owns the Pacific Cataract and
Laser Institute in Centralia, Washington, United States.
"I am pleased for the opportunity to have given the first donation to this
most important project," Dr. Ford wrote in an e-mail to church administrators.
"I completely agree with [the] rationale for it."
Called "Connecting With Jesus," the book distribution project was initially
presented at the 2004 Annual Council, the fall business meeting of the
church's leaders.
"We need to get these beautiful messages ... into the hands of thousands of
believers who do not have access to them," Ted N.C. Wilson, a vice president
of the world church, told meeting attendees.
At the 2004 meeting, a document outlining the project said the need arises
out of an apparent decline in Adventist readership of these volumes, despite a
belief in their relevance to the church and its members today. Seventh-day
Adventists refer to the writings of Ellen G. White as the "Spirit of
Prophecy," and her work continues to be a prophetic voice among Adventists.
Wilson stressed at the 2004 meeting that getting the 10 books, a small
cross section of White's writings, to believers was "crucial."
The books, which will include study guides, will be distributed over a
five-year period and financed by the church's world headquarters, regional and
local administrative offices around the world. The goal is for each Adventist
family to have a set of the books. It was also suggested that each family who
receives a set of these books would pay a fraction of the cost.
Youth Corner
A Message from Listen Up and Listen Up Youth Ministries (LYM) We
join in praise to God and celebration with all those who have accepted the
gift of salvation in our recent evangelistic campaigns, and especially all
youth who were baptized. Welcome!
We extend a special invitation for all persons ages 16 - 30 yrs. To join us
at LYM, where youth find new avenues to share the gospel and build
friendships. Upcoming Events: (Places & times TBA)
Sat. April 23 Old School 70's Social (LYM Club Recruitment)
Fri. April 29 LYM Club Forum
Sat. April 30 Butterfly Babes Ladies Night (for young women 16 - 25 yrs)
*All Masterguides-in-training are asked to meet tomorrow, Sunday, April
24 at 7 o’clock the Hillview Church. - Pastor A. Burrows, Youth
Director
Pathfinder Leadership Course All Masterguides in training, Pathfinder
Directors, Assistant Directors and all other interested persons are requested
to attend the Pathfinder Staff Training Course beginning Sunday, May 1st
from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Hillview S.D.A. Church. The course is in
conjunction with the Masterguide Training Classes/A.Y. Leadership Training
Classes of 2005.
Youth Parade and Summer Camp The Annual Youth Parade will take place on
Sunday, May 1st at Fort Charlotte. Our goal this year is to have 1000 young
people in this parade.
In addition, the final practice session for this parade will take place on
Thursday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot on the top of Fort
Charlotte.
Further, the Pathfinder/Adventurer Camp is being planned for North Andros
from August 7th - 14th. Each church will receive a poster to place on their
bulletin boards. The cost and details will be forwarded to you shortly.
Publishing Department Seminar A seminar for literature evangelists
(full-time and part-time) will be conducted April 29 and 30, 2005, at the
Maranatha Church, Prince Charles Drive. The main presenter will be Dr. Joseph
Barrett, Publishing Director of West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists. The time schedule will be:
Friday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 30, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Students who plan to engage in the literature ministry this summer are
requested to attend.
In preparation for the seminar, all Colporteurs and persons interested in
the colporteur ministry are invited to attend a meeting on Monday, April 25,
at 6:30 p.m. at the Maranatha Church.
Bahamas Academy Early Learning Centre Sport Day and Cookout The Early
Learning Centre will host its sports day and cookout at the centre on Old
Trail Road, on Thursday, April 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entire SDA
community is asked to support this worthy project as they seek to raise fund
to land scape the yard.
BA Early Learning
Center Now Registering children ages 2 to 5 years-old at the campus on Old
Trail Road. - Mrs.
Hermia Brown, Coordinator, BAELC
Adventist Men Chorale to Meet All Adventist men Leaders are asked to
Meet At Living Faith Church Next thursday Evening for e very inportnat
Meeting.
Plans will be discussed for the Up coming men's retreat and Visit of the
Men from the Kencot church Jamaica. Some seventy men will be visiting. A
special concert is being planned.
Assistance with accomdations is needed. IF your home is available please
contact sister Joan Duncombe at the conference office. 3414021
Vegetarian Cooking Class at Centreville Tomorrow, April 24th
from 8:00 a.m. to noon the Centreville Church will host a vegetarian cooking
class on how to prepare quick, nutritious and delicious dishes. Press for
time? Then this cooking class is for you! Call 341-3229 for more information -Dawnette
Been
SDA Educators' Association Meeting All Adventist educational
professionals (teachers, counselors, and administrators) are asked to attend
the final meeting for the 2004-2005 school year on Saturday, April 30 at
Doctors Hospital at 8:30 P.M. Come and celebrate the miracles God performed
just for you in your classrooms and offices. At this time we will also share
the names of the persons for whom we have been praying this school year. Don't
miss this time of THANKSGIVING, PRAISE, and FELLOWSHIP! -Public Relations
Department
Wholestic Lifestyle Center Opened Wholestic Lifestyle a clinic
specializing in Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics) is now opened for business. Call
325-6173 or 323-0610 for additional information on how you can benefit from
this highly recommended health program.
Youth Weekend at Living Faith Church Living Faith Youth
Department invites you to attend its youth weekend under the theme "Reunited
And It's So Good" April 22 - April 23 at Living Faith SDA Church. Guest
speaker Pastor Dr. Rupert Bushner of Ft. Lauderdale Florida. The meetings got
of to a good start last night it continues today, at 9:15, 11:00 a.m. and at
6:30 p.m.. - T. Roberts
Maranatha Celebrates Women’s Ministries Month Under the theme
Inspired by the Past, Called to Shape the Future in Hope and Love" the women
of Maranatha got off to a great start by having their 1st Women’s
month. The speakers included Sisters Miriam Knowles, Barbara Carey, Nora
McCalla, Edith Roach, Ursula Rolle, Patrice Clarke, Dr. Idamae Hanna and Dr.
Cheryl Rolle.
During the month visitors included, the Cancer Society, The women of Kelly
Ward of Sandilands; Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Cynthia Pratt, Hon.. Melanie
Griffin, Hon. Janet Bostwick and Mrs. Sabrina Pinder.
Services continue today, at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and on
Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Come, bring your family and be blessed. -Gia
Stubbs
Layman to Conduct Crusade in Exuma Lay Evangelist Dave Williams
will be leading out in the Amazing Grace Gospel Crusade in George Town, Exuma,
May 15 to 28, 2005. Volunteers are solicited to be part-time or full-timehelpers.
For details contact Bro. Dave at 322-4914 to be a part of this lay mission
effort.
Church Membership Directory Software Training Workshop The above
training workshop for pastors, church clerks, communication leaders and
persons interested will be held Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Conference
Headquarters from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a laptop.
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 5:00 p.m. The schedule
for today, April 16, will be the New Englerston Church, and next week, the New
Providence Church.
Sun sets today at 7:35 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:38 p.m.
