Two Deaths in the
Past Eight Days
On Thursday, March 31, 41-year-old Terri Schiavo who suffered severe
brain damage in 1990, and
who
had been in a persistent vegetative state for the last 15 years, kept alive by
a feeding tube, passed. As is commonly known Terri's husband and legal
guardian, Michael, fought to have her feeding tube removed, insisting his wife
would not want to live artificially. On the other side, Terri's parents, Bob
and Mary Schindler, battled to keep Terri alive, holding on to the hope that
she would recover. With the passing of Terri, the dispute and court wrangling
may not end. In fact, they could get even more intense. Nonetheless, there is
an issue here for consideration. Should the state determine whether one should
live or die, or should not that be a family matter? Then there is the Biblical
side: What does the Bible teach about the dignity of human life? Is it ethical
to end one's life? Is it ethical to allow one to live in a vegetative state?
These are all questions that warrant answers. The truth is that these issues
are not that simple. As noted in an article in The Review which forms the
basis for this story, Arthur Caplan, chairman of the department of medical
ethics at the University of Pennsylvania, stated, "If there is one single
lesson to take out of [Terri Schiavo's case], it is to fill out a living will,
and discuss it with your family." Think about it, Who's to say what would
happen to you or me? While we are alive and well, we need to do what is
necessary to make life less complicated for those weleave behind.
It may be of interest to note, in 1981, Neil C. Wilson, then General
Conference president, in an address at Loma Linda University called upon The
Seventh-day Adventist Church to offer leadership in bioethics. Based on his
understanding of Ellen White’s counsel, Wilson explained that we would face
increasingly difficult questions about bioethics as we approach the end of the
great controversy (When Is Enough Enough? Special Issue Review).
Two days after Terri passed away, another death
occurred, though not in the same manner as Terri's, but it (the passing of
Pope John Paul II) has eclipsed just about everything else.
Notwithstanding our theological views on Roman Catholicism based on the books
of Daniel and Revelation, it is undeniable that Pope John II has made some
significant contributions worldwide. Walter B. Beach, a retired director of
the General Conference for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, observed that
"Seventh-day Adventists will have reason to remember his strong advocacy in
many statements regarding human rights, religious liberty, and the rights of
religious minorities. He also vigorously supported family values and marriage,
and was an inveterate promoter of life, including the embryonic state, and the
lives of even the worse criminals by condemning the death penalty."
Nevertheless, with such wide attention and focus by the media, interruption of
scheduled television programmes and special news reports, even within the
Bahamas, the text of Revelation 13:3 stimulates our curiosity.
Having considered the foregoing, let us not overlook
what else has transpired over the past five weeks. Hundreds of persons
experienced a death to willful sinning referred to as spiritual conversion.
Additionally, many redicated themselves to God's church and service. These
facts are reasons enough for much rejoicing in our various congregations as we
welcome our newly baptized members into church fellowship. It is my prayer
that the Lord will strengthen their faith and establish them as candidates for
His kingdom above.
Again, I offer special commendations to evangelists St. Fleur, Sturrup and
Joseph and their teams for a job well done. Certainly all heaven is rejoicing
with us over the more than 300 precious souls who were born into the kingdom
of grace during the campaigns.
I also take this opportunity to update you on the Bahamas Academy Building
programme. You will be pleased to know that the main building of the
secondary division of Bahamas Academy has been plotted and excavation for the
foundation should begin next week. Thanks to Elder Winston Ash, Mark
Hanna, Godfrey Humes, Thomas Hanna and others. Please continue to do your part
to make this project a success. Remember to turn in your pledges, for your
contributions are needed as the work on the building intensifies. May the Lord
bless you as you support the various dimensions of His work.-L. A. Johnson,
President, BC
Western Region Real Harvest Campaign The tent is down. The land is
vacant. The reaping phase of Real Harvest Campaign concluded on Sunday night.
We praise God for the 212 precious souls that were baptized. As we are now
back in our churches, we must endeavor to keep every single soul that was
baptized. We must allow them to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Savior." We must go the extra mile, in loving, accepting and
supporting our new members.
I wish to commend our Evangelist, Pastor Peter Joseph for allowing the Holy
Spirit to use him each night. To all of our team leaders, pastors at the
conference and members from the churches, your sacrifice and team-spirit are
greatly appreciated.
Let us once more pray for the evangelist, Pastor Joseph and Brother Vernal
Rolle who travel to Jamaica this week as they keep the flames of evangelism
buring. -Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Coordinator
National Youth Parade It's almost here! Sunday, May 1st begins National
Youth Month with the much anticipated National Youth March. Once again, we
expect the Pathfinders, Adventurers, Masterguides and A.Y. Leaders to show up
in full numbers.
In preparation for the parade, there will be two practice sessions at Fort
Charlotte on Thursday, April 21st and Thursday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m.
Farewell Concert in Honour of Audery Dean-Wright The Mesistersingers
will host two evenings of
farewell
concert in honour of Mrs. Audery Dean-Wright, President and Choir Director
emeritus of the group, on the ocassion of her leave for overseas mission to
Cuba. The concerts will be held at Government House Ballroon on April 23 and
24, 2005. Special guest artist (doctoral canadidate) Angelique Clay from
Oakwood College will be featured.
Additionally, the Mesistersingers 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.
Special Prayer Service Pastor J. Duncombe, Prayer Coordinator of the
Conference would like to meet with all Pastors, Elders, and Prayer Ministry
Leaders and Prayer Band members of all SDA Churches, in New Providence, at an
important prayer service on Sunday, April 10, 2005, at 6:00 a.m. at the Breath
of LifeChurch.
Pre-Mothers Day Luncheon The Hillview Adventist Men are sponsoring a
Pre-Mothers 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-mothers Day Women’s Ministries Boat Cruise Coming Soon Coming May
7, 2005, the Women’s Ministries department will host a pre-mothers 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.
Health Ministries The Health Ministries Department presents "A Child
Abuse Seminar" during Child
Protection
Month, April 2005, under the theme "Safe Children, Healthy Family are a Shared
Responsibility." at the Parkgate SDA Church, Parkgate Road (between Village
and Kemp Roads), at 4:30 p.m. April 16. Guest speakers are Dr. Homer
Bloomfield, Obsetetrican, Gynecologist, Public Hospital Authority, Dr. Novea
Carter-Higgs, Psycologist, Ministry of Education and Mr. Edmond Turner, Legal
Counsel, Attorney, Attorney General Office and other members of the scan team.
All churches are invited to attend.
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. Friday night 7:00pm, Sabbath 9:15,
11:00am and 6:30pm. - T. Roberts
Maranatha’s Children Ministries Drama Club The Children's Ministries
Drama Club of the Maranatha SDA Church will be dramatizing "The Death and
Resurrection of Jesus," under the patronage of Pastor and Mrs. E. D. Clarke at
the Maranatha SDA Church, Prince Charles Drive 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9,
2005. -Tomkio Davis
Adventist Men’s Chorale to Meet All Adventist men are invited to
Chorale practice on Sunday, April 10, at 9:00 a.m. at the Living Faith Church.
An Evening of Sacred Music An evening of sacred music featuring Allison
Mason, guest artists Keson Tinker and Friends-4-Life will be held
Saturday, April 16 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 8:00 p.m.
Artists Ian Antiono and Kendly Darling will host an art display prior to the
concert from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. For tickets kindly call R Smith at 324-6997 and
Mable Mason at 341-6637. - A. Mason
Hillveiw Church to Host Harmonious Living Seminar The Hillivew SDA
Church presents Harmonious Living Seminar. A seminar designed to teach problem
solving skills, conflict management skills and stregthen family ties. Meetings
will be held nightly at 7:00 o’clock. Dr. Rubert Ryan will be the guest
presenter.
Family Life Certification Part two of the Family Life Certification
Series with Pastor Gordon Martinborough for all pastors and departmental
directors will be held on Sunday, April 10, 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Monday,
April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hillview Church.
Free Married Couples Seminar Pastor Errol Thomas, Family Life Director
for West Indies Union will be in Nassau, April 8 to 10 and will be hosting
free Married Couples Seminars as follows:
Friday evening 7:00 to 8:30
Sabbath afternoon 3:45 to 6:00
Sunday evening 7:00 to 8:30
All of these meetings will be held in the Bahamas Academy Auditorium (not
the Gym).
Stewardship Bible Institute The West Indies Union and the
Inter-American Division are excited at
collaborating to conduct
the Stewardship Bible Institute jointly with Bahamas Conference and the North
Bahamas Mission, April 15 to 17, 2005, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Nassau at
Workers House. Melvin Lewis is the Stewardship Director for the Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Wholestic Lifestyle Coming soon to New Providence is Wholestic
Lifestyle a clinic specializing in Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics). Call
325-6173 or 323-0610 for additional information on how you can benefit from
this highly recommended health program.
Bahamas Academy Announcements The ENTRANCE EXAM for new students
desirous of entering grades 1 – 10 of Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day
Adventists for the 2005 – 2006 school year will be held on Thursday, March 24
from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon at the elementary and secondary campuses
respectively.
Application Forms for K2 to grade 6 can be collected from the elementary
campus (Penny Savings Bank Lane) during regular school hours. Application
Forms for grades 7 – 10 can be collected from the secondary campus (Wulff
Road) during regular school hours.
The Application Form and registration fee must be turned in immediately.
Enquires can be made at 393-8898 (Elementary) or 393-3381 (Secondary). -Lynn
C. Smith, Principal, BA
Youth Corner All Masterguides-in-training are asked to meet tomorrow,
Sunday, April 10 at 7 o’clock the Hillview Church. There will be a General
Youth Council meeting for all Adventist Youth, Pathfinder and Adventiturer
Leaders on Monday, April 4th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Berea Church.
- Pastor A. Burrows, Youth Director
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 and call
361-6355 regarding fee.
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 2, will be the Living
Faith Church, and next week, the Maranathas Church.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre is pleased to announce
that the large SDA Hymnals with notes are available in various colours. For
your complete health food needs, come and visit us. Devotionals for 2005 are
still available. Thank you for your patronage. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC
Manager
Publishing Seminar Publishing leaders from the Inter-American Division
and West Indies Union will be conducting a Publishing seminar April 29 to 30.
All persons interested in the literature ministry are especially invited to
attend. Prospective summer students are encouraged to register. Watch the
Logos for further details and venue.
Cancer News From John Hopkins John Hopkins Hospital has recently sent
this out in their newsletters, it is worth noting: No plastics in microwave,
No plastic water bottles in freezer, No plastic wrap in microwave. This
information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Dioxin Carcinogens cause cancer, especially breast cancer, so don't freeze
your plastic water bottles with water as this also releases dioxins in the
plastic. Dr. Edward Fujimoto from Castle hospital was on a TV program
explaining this is a health hazard. (He is the manager of the Wellness Program
at the hospital.) He was talking about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He
said that we should NOT be heating our food in the microwave using plastic
containers. This applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the
combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxins into the food and
ultimately into the cells of the body. Dioxins are carcinogens and highly
toxic to the cells of our bodies. Instead, he recommends using glass, Corning
Ware, or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results,
without the dioxins. So such things as TV dinners, instant
ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in
something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.
It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He said we might
remember when some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam
containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. To add to this,
Saran wrap placed over foods as they are nuked, with the high heat, actually
drips poisonous toxins into the food, use paper towels.
Sun sets today at 7:30 p.m. Sun sets
next Sabbath at 7:33 p.m.
