The devotional speaker for the week, Pastor William Winston from Atlanta, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, encouraged the teachers to hold fast despite the challenges as "the students who discourage them, need them the most." The practical sermons he served each morning uplifted and energized the teachers for the school year 2002/2003.

On Monday the elementary teachers were enlightened on various language arts skills and ways of effectively imparting them to the students, while the secondary teachers were given tips on how to integrate Reading in all subject areas.

On Tuesday, the elementary staff continued their sessions on Reading and Language Arts. At the same time the secondary teachers were guided into how to help the student gain further success in the BJC and BGCSE examinations.

Wednesday morning saw the Special Services Unit in action. Mrs. Denise Johnson and Mrs. Ann Albury informed the staff on how to assist students with learning disabilities in our classrooms, and utilize programs to help students make wise career choices and prepare for the world of work.

On Thursday presentations were conducted by the Principal, Mrs. Lynn Smith and Mrs. M. Hanna.

The final day’s presentation on discipline in our schools was conducted by Dr. Novia Higgs, a representative from the Ministry of Education.

This week will long linger in the minds of our educators. We are now refreshed, rejuvenated and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our students and the upcoming school year.

Thanks to our educational leaders and administrators for a well-planned and successful week.-Diane Jones and Chloe Weir, Teacher, Bahamas Academy of SDA

The Summer Camps were different this year with many new faces and a new attitude. The Pathfinder Camp was coordinated by Barry Saunders and Sean Ray Jennings and the Adventurer Camp was coordinated by Sister Marilyn Bonomy and Brother Rohan Creighton. Both camps were affected by weather conditions, but this could not dampen the spirit of the campers nor the counselors. The spirit of oneness and togetherness was evident. Special thanks to all.

The youth Camp Meeting held July 28 - August 4, 2002 saw 7 persons baptized on Sabbath August 3rd. We thank God for the ministry of Pastor Pete Palmer and all of the youth leaders who did more than their part to the glory of God. Thanks to Brother Audley Mitchell and his team of youth workers.

The August Monday Family Fun Day was a day of laughter, joy, fun and family togetherness for all who participated. We commend Brothers Lester Stuart and Barry Saunders and their teams for coordinating a successful program and a wonderful day.

Approximately 150 of the members of the Grant's Town church accompanied Pastor Clarke to Columbus, Ohio, August 15-19, 2002, in an unforgettable trip. Our folk took an active part in the Sabbath School program and the Divine worship Service. Pastor Clarke preached a powerful sermon that was a rich blessing to all. Representatives from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism were assigned to cover the group for the duration of their stay. Brother Philip Humes recorded the services.

Gifts, Plaques, tokens and souvenirs were exchanged on Sabbath at the close of the concert. Special thanks was expressed to Pastor Donald Burden, Youth Director, for arranging the trip on that side, along with host Pastor of the Ephesus Church, Pastor William Cox. Pastor Clarke expresses gratitude to all who traveled. Brothers Nelson Bain and Harold Dorsett deserve special mention. To God be the glory.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2002, Pastor and Sister Clarke will travel to London, England where Pastor Clarke will conduct a week of revival at the Bromley S. D. A. Church as the guests of Pastor Wilfred Blake. The meetings are from Sabbath August 24 - 31, 2002. Pastor Clarke will preach each night with emphases on church doctrines. He request the prayers of the believers.

Successful Surgery Leading Seventh-day Adventist neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson, underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer August 7, at his own place of work, the internationally known Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

"The surgery was very successful," reports Carson from his home in Upperco, Maryland. "The cancer was contained, but within one millimeter of breaking through. The nodes were all negative, and the nerves were spared. I am going to continue."

Carson first learned of the diagnosis during an operation he was performing. "A nurse held the phone to my ear and I was told it was cancer, and a high-grade cancer too. That kind of threw me for a loop," Carson admits. "I said thank you, and tried not to think about it during the operation." "On my way home the thought weighed heavily on me,"

Carson continues. "The cancer could possibly have already metastasized--after all I was almost two decades younger than those usually diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer was also high-grade. I had something that could kill me. It wasn't the thought of dying, but of leaving family, patients, staff -the myriad people that were depending on me. I felt like I would be betraying them, and as I say, this weighed heavily on me. My wife, Candy, and I talked about it- we were not 100 percent sure what this all meant. While it was kind of frightening, Candy reminded me that the Lord would take care of it, because He always does."

However throughout the ordeal, Carson says he kept his confident faith in God. "Even in the bleakest moments--thinking that I may have had metastatic disease to the spine--my faith was strong. As I've said before, I believe God never makes mistakes. This gives me great confidence. Even if I die, it will be for a reason, and God will make the best of it. To my dying breath I will have confidence in God, and be sure that He will take care of everything. By the same token I didn't think God would let me die, even if I did have metastatic disease to the spine--He could solve the problem and cure me. It wasn't going to happen."

Carson is now convalescing but is looking forward to returning shortly to both his professional activities and his many speaking engagements. He is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, the author of over 90 professional medical articles, the recipient of 27 honorary doctorates, and the writer of three books: Gifted Hands, Think Big, and The Big Picture.

Bahamas Conference of SDA Headquarters Closed on August 26 The SDA Headquarters and ABC will be closed on Monday, August 26, 2002, owing to its bi-annual Workers’ Meeting.

All pastors, interns, teachers, office personnel (including those on vacation and on the island), auxiliary workers and teachers aides are asked to report to the Hillview Church, Harrold Road at 8:30 a.m. The Office will re-open August 27, at 9:00 a.m. -Administration

Kemp’s Bay SDA Concert Kemp’s Bay SDA will host a gospel concert in aid of the development of the work in Kemp’s Bay the 5th of Oct. at H.D.  Colburn Gym, Bahamas Academy, on Wulff Road at 8:00 p.m. Family Island style musical renditions, recitals and more will be included.

Guest emcees : Mr. Picewell Forbes and Mr. Wycliffe Miller, both of ZNS. Come and show your support for South Andros. -C. Miller

South Andros Adventist Development Association Aim: To Win All of South Andros for Christ with our presence and support. Membership: Open to Anyone, Group or Church interested in the proclamation of the message in South Andros. Election of officers and chapter leaders will be held on 2nd Nov. in Nassau. Listen for more information.

Accomplished Vocalist, Pianist and Guitarist will be featured at Hillview’s AY Hour Neville Peter, Marlin Awards Winner (2002) will appear in concert on August 24, at 6 p.m. at the Hillview Church during its Adventist Youth Hour. Other participants will include the SDA Youth Chorale, the Sentinels and others. You are invited to bring a love offering in support of Neville’s ministry. CD’s available at sun set.

Vacation Bible School at Philadelphia Months of anticipation came to a culmination on July 15, 2002, at the Philadelphia Church. The grand occasion- Vacation Bible School 2002. The melodious voices of almost 50 children resounded through every curve and corner of Elizabeth Estates.

For two weeks, the minds of these children were stimulated as they escaped the busy city life and enjoyed the natural effects of being on a bug safari. Through God’s guidance, we encountered no turbulence that our ‘army of young helpers’ could not stabilize.

During the two weeks, activities ranged from memory verse drills and crafts to movies and a day at Tropikids.

However, as all good things must come to an end, so must Vacation Bible School. Consequently, on Saturday, July 27, 2002, our graduation ceremony was held and we said good-bye to all of our little darlings. There, our story was reluctantly suspended until Summer 2003. We are indeed looking forward to another exciting, innovative and spirit-filled Vacation Bible School. - L. Munroe/A. Dorsett

Ephesus Church To Host Women’s Ministries Weekend   The Ephesus Church Women’s Ministries department invites you to its Women’s Weekend August 24 to 25, 2002, under the theme "Abuse, Prevention: Breaking the Silence."

Sabbath services beginning at 9:15 a.m. will highlight various forms of abuse and how our women can receive help. Sunday, August 25, our women will re-discover the beauty within by participating in a very special spa treatment, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Ephesus upper-room. Bring your pillow and a sheet . . . Come and rejuvenate with us. -P. Woodside

Remember to pick up your Bank Deposit Slip (if you have not already done so), return the yellow copy to the school, then collect your child’s Class Admission Slip to complete your registration process.

At elementary division, books can be paid for and collected from the school. At the secondary division, the majority of books can be purchased at Nassau Stationers, and those indicated on the Book List can be purchased from the school.

Orientation meeting for parents of students attending Bahamas Academy for the first time are as follows:

ELC - Sunday, August 25, at 4:00 p.m. at the New Providence Church, Soldier Road.

Elementary - Tuesday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym.

Secondary - Thursday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym.

Orientation for NEW STUDENTS attending both elementary and secondary divisions are asked to report to the respective divisions on Friday, August 30^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon IN FULL UNIFORM.

Monday, August 26, schools closed for bi-annual Workers’ Meeting -Lynn C. Smith, Principal, Bahamas Academy

Blowout Sale at the ABC Continues   The Adventist Book Centre is having a phenomenal back to school sale for the remainder of August, tomorrow, August 25, 2002, from 9 o’clock to noon the ABC will open it’s door to accommodate customers. Week days sale continues during regular business hours. Catch the savings on:

50% off on selected books

20% off on selected canned foods/goods, dry vegetarian meats, other books except the New Study Bible and Colporteur Books

50% off on all Musical items -  Kenny V. A. Deveaux, Manager ABC

‘Adventist Spotlight’ "Adventist Spotlight," which is seen on Cable Bahamas, Channel 12, from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, features this week our youth speaker for our camp meetings, Pastor Pete A. Palmer, from the Allegheny East Conference. A rebroadcast wi ll be aired on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Youth Ministries Department Persons interested in attending Masterguides classes are asked to submit their name to the youth secretary at 341-4021 Ext. 245

Youth Forum resumes Friday, August 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Young people are especially invited.

Camp Meeting Tapes Available – Video and Audio tapes from the Camp Meeting are now available at the Conference Office. CD’s can be made available upon request.

Material available – Masterguides and Pathfinders materials are now in stock at the Conference Office

The National Pathfinder March – will be held September 22. GET READY!

If you have special programs in your church send us a short note so we would know what is happening in your area.

Health Extravaganza 2002 The 5^th Annual Health Extravaganza for Better Living will be held at the Mall at Marathon, Thursday, October 10^th from 5 o’clock to 8:00 p.m. Bring your children to the Puppet show to learn all about Smoking Joe. Come and get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screened. Test taste delicious vegetarian dishes and drinks. Participate in aerobics and relax with a soothing chair massage after watching the cooking and hydrotherapy demonstrations. You will never be the same! Don’t forget to tune in at 8 o’clock on Monday, October 7^th to ‘You and Your Money on ZNS T.V. 11

Masterguides Needed! Masterguides are especially invited to learn how to do chair massage. To participate call Ida at 323-5473

Vegetarian Dishes Needed In conjunction with the Health Extravaganza a test taste of vegetarian dishes will be available, persons are invited to participate in this community project. Call Marlene at 364-0085 to volunteer. -Idamae Hanna

Children’s Ministries All Children’s Ministries Leaders and their assistants are required to attend a very important meeting on August 31, 2002, at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church.

Basketball Game Tonight at The Gym Beginning at 8:30 the final Basketball game for this season will be held tonight at the H. D. Colburn Gym, Centreville will face Living Faith.