Following the devotion, a welcome was extended to all workers allowing for 10 minutes of greetings and fellowship. Additionally, recognition was given to each new worker which included Asharie Johson, Alicia Ava Bernard, Marcia Smith, Beryl Little, Carla Georgia McGarvey, Sheryl Powell, Stephanie A. Dawkins, new teachers and one pastor, Peter Joseph who assumes responsibility for the New Providence SDA Church as of tomorrow replacing Pastor Leonard A. Johnson, Executive secretary of the Conference.

Once this formality was concluded it was down to business of reviewing evangelistic, financial and educational reports. From all indications these were most encouraging. The statistical report showed that we are within striking distance of 400 baptisms for 2002. Financially, while tithes figures for August were down workers were reminded by the Chairman, President Keith D. Albury, "that God is still in control and owing to proper budgeting by the treasurer of the conference there is no need to panic". However, he did challenge workers to continued faithfulness and explicit trust in God.

Also discussed were matters pertaining to amalgamation, the curriculum of Bahamas Academy and the educational system of the conference, respectively.

Finally, a lively discussion ensued on recommendations relating to issues within the West Indies Union territory voted at the mid-year Executive Committee of West Indies Union. These will be presented and discussed in a joint forum on Sabbath, September 28, 2002, at the Hillview SDA Church at 4 p.m. Special prayer is solicited on behalf of all school personnel and students as schools reopen on Monday, September 2, 2002. - Editor

New Macedonia Celebrates 21 Years As a result of the skillful work and willingness of Pastor Victor C. Cargill, as well as the support and cooperation of the leaders and members, the New Macedonia Church was dedicated to the Lord twenty-one years ago.

On the weekend of August 23 to 24, members from Kemp’s Bay SDA Church and Driggs Hill Company joined with the New Macedonians to "Celebrate the past, Appreciate the present and Prepare for the future." This momentous occasion was highlighted by the presence of Pastor Leonard Johnson, Sis Denise Johnson and Sister Rowena Smith.

Commencing on Friday evening, our hearts were rejuvenated by his dynamic and thorough presentation on the "The Ideal Church." This message was complimented by two thrilling solos.

On Sabbath we were blessed by the presence of ministers of other denominations and persons from the community. It must be noted that one of the key individuals who assisted Pastor Cargill, Mr. Sweeting (.B.Q.), gave an interesting overview of his contribution to the construction. Once again Pastor Johnson gave the excited congregation much food for thought, delving deeply into 1 Thessalonians. The weekend was capped with an inspirational AY programme that reinforced the importance of walking in God’s way and knowing our church history.

A Children’s Ministries workshop was conducted on Sunday, August 25, by Sister Rowena Smith, the Children’s Ministries Director of the Bahamas Conference, at the New Macedonia Church. In attendance were Sabbath School teachers from the district.

This long awaited session was dynamic and practical. The teachers listened attentively and participated in the discussions. We were graciously given activities and other relevant materials, including treats for the children of the three congregations.

We are confident that as a result of this exchange, our Sabbath School will be even more vibrant and spirit-filled!-M. Boateng

Listen-Up Bahamas Listen-up handles a heavy topic this month - HOMOSEXUALITY! What is it? Is it a sin? What is the solution? Meet a homosexual who came out of the closet at 18 and hear his story. You will be sorry if you miss this one! Tune in September 1, at 10:30 a.m. On ZNS TV 13 and Cable 11.

Advent Health Message Shared at Administrative Conclave On August 19, 2002, the Ministry of Education Freeport District, held its first annual Administrative Conclave. Led by Minister of Education, The Hon. Alfred Sears, and the Director of Education Mrs. Iris Pinder, a 40 plus delegation of principals and vice-principals had the opportunity to hear key elements of the health message, "The right arm" of the Advent message presented in a most acceptable, lucent and understanding manner. The presentation by Sister Violet Stewart was one of the highlights of the conclave. Truly the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. To God be the glory.

South Androsian Couple Opens Health Food Store Under the theme "Prosper and Be in Health," REMS NATURAL HEALTH FOODS ENTERPRISES, owned by Ed and Emily Rahming, was officially opened and dedicated July 10, 2002. Officiating at the service was Pastor K. O. Boateng, district pastor of the SDA Churches, Norward Rahming, Chief Councilor of the Local Government Administration and other Ministers of Religion in the district.

Located in Congo Town, South Andros, this business ministry is the first of its kind in South Andros. It seeks to cater to the needs of the total person of all in the district. The reality of this venture and its further growth and development has always been the dream of this husband and wife team who are returning to the land of their birth.

The couple has become associated with the newly formed Driggs Hill SDA Company and hopes to make a meaningful contribution in the area. -E. Rahming

Breath of Life Celebrates Sabbath, August 24 was celebrated as Family Back to School Day at the Breath of Life Church. Excitement pervaded the sanctuary as numerous members and visitors, including the Deputy Prime Minister, "Mother" Pratt fellowshipped and worshipped the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

The sermon which was preached by Pastor Duncombe concluded with an appeal for personal and family recommitment. A sumptuous and nutritious meal followed.

Other celebration events on the calendar:

1. Sabbath, September 28 - Youth Super Sabbath

2. Sunday, September 29 - Launching of Bible Reader-A-Ton (Annual Bible Marathon)

3. October 4-6 Prayer Retreat

4. October 18 - Launching of Church Crusade -Joan Duncombe

Women's Ministries Department All Women Ministries Leaders and their assistants are asked to meet at the home of Alwhyne Scavella for an urgent meeting at 4 p.m. today, August 31. Phone 364-1460 -Please be prompt.

Berea SDA Church to Hold Rally Tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. the Berea Church will hold a fund raising rally in aide of its air-condition installation. Special choirs and groups will be appearing. You are invited to attend and bring a love offering.- Pastor W. T. Adderley

Good News Family Life Crusade The Good News Church invites you to be a part of its Family Life Crusade which meets every night except Thursday and Saturday nights. Come and hear provocative topics on the family. It will improve your relationship with God and your family.

Kemp’s Bay SDA Concert Kemp’s Bay SDA Church 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 Nov. 2^nd in Nassau. Listen for more information.

Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre cordially invite you to visit the ABC on a regular basis. A wide variety of books, Bibles, and an assortment of vegetarian products are available during regular business hours. Call us at 341-2429 -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 will be Pastor Leonard A. Johnson of Bahamas Conference. Topic "The Faithfulness of God. A rebroadcast will be aired on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Health Wellness Seminar Coming in November A Health Wellness Seminar will be conducted in New Providence by Dr. Donald R. Hall, November 14 to 16, 2002 at the Radisson Hotel.

Registration for this seminar begins Monday, Sept. 2 at the Conference office, Ext. 247 and at the Better Living Health Centre, East Street. Cost of seminar will cover training manual, certification, one session of Vegetarian Cuisine Cooking Lessons and Sabbath meal. Deadline for registration is October 31, 2002.

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 continues Friday, September 6, 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!

Projections for the remainder of the year –

Bible Bowl

Speech Contest

Week of Prayer

Visit from World Youth Director, Dr. Baraka Mugande

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 today, August 31, 2002, at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church.

Education Corner   Go to Web Page

This week marks the beginning of a weekly column entitled Education Corner sponsored by Bahamas Academy. Through this column, we will endeavor to keep you informed of events and activities happening at Bahamas Academy, and share information to help your children succeed in school.

September. What comes to your mind as you think of the month of September? Many kids think of a new year in school - a new grade, new friends and new teachers. What do September and January have in common? Many kids thing of new things - new shoes, new uniforms, new books, and new supplies. For many parents, it’s a relief that the long summer months have ended. For teachers, it is a time to implement the new ideas and strategies they have learnt in workshops, summer classes, and by reading.

Whatever your viewpoint, September is an exciting time, a time of fresh beginnings for teachers, students, and parents. All parents want their children to be successful in school. Here are some tips for parents to remember as we begin a new school year:

Children of all ages need sufficient sleep in order to perform well in school. Children in elementary school should be in bed between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.; students in secondary school should be in bed between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Parents, not children, should set the time for bed and enforce it.

Children should eat a healthy breakfast along with nutritious lunches and snacks throughout the day. Avoid junk food such as chips and candy. Remember, the brain needs good food in order to function well.

Limit TV viewing on school days. Some parents find it best to turn TV off all together on school nights. Children should not have a TV in their rooms. Believe it or not, children watch TV when you thing they’re asleep.

Check exercise books and workbooks each night. If you are not available, arrange with another family member to do so. Check with teacher whenever you have questions. Don’t accept lame excuses from kids for poor work.

Talk to your child everyday about school - in the car to and from school Don’t accept "fine" as an answer to "How was school today?" Ask more specific questions like: "Did you make any new friends today?" "What new concepts did you learn today?" Or, "Who was the guest speaker for assembly?"

It’s a challenging, yet exciting, time to be a parent. Children are a gift from God. This year, let’s pledge to ‘be there’ for our children, in spite of the pressures we have at church or at work.

Our prayer is that you will have a great school year!

Important Information and Dates from Bahamas Academy

Registration for old and new students continues each day at the respective divisions during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 o’clock and noon on Fridays.

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 the 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. -Lynn C. Smith, Principal, BAS

BA Early Learning Centre The Bahamas Academy Early Learning Centre is still accepting enrollment applications for K2 to K4 at the Elementary division on Penny Bank Lane. Applications may be collected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -Desiree Brown, Coordinator

Community Services/Pathfinder Expo 2002 Plans are underway for the Community Services/Pathfinder Expo October 13, 2002. Churches are encouraged to call in their orders for tents, tables, etc. as soon as possible at 341-4021 Ext. 245.

SDA Burial Society to Meet The regular monthly meeting of the SDA Burial Society will be held Monday, September 2, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Members can become financial. Persons interested in securing interment arrangement are invited to join now. -H. Moncur

Executive Committee Meeting - September 8, at 9 o’clock at headquarters.

Departmental Meeting - Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m at headquarters.

Ministers’ Meeting (New Providence only) - Sept. 18, at 8:30 a.m. at headquarters.

Joint Forum on Church Issues will be held Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. at the Hillview Church

Tower 104.5, With B-Man and Marlene McKinney, Monday mornings 6:30 to 7:00 a.m.

Turning Point Ministries, 1540 A.M., Sundays 2 o’clock to 2:30 p.m.

Alvira Higgs, 1240 A.M., Wednesday mornings at 9:15 a.m.