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From The Office of The President Part II      The boating tragedy last Sabbath has disrupted life for many of our people in the Bahamas. What started out as a normal holiday weekend excursion resulted in the loss of 4 lives and injuries to 25 persons. As one privy to have seen rare photo footage of the tragedy, I am even more grateful that there were not more casualties or injuries. However, I was gratified by the proactive efforts of Pastor Barrington Brennen, our Counselor, who liaisoned with the Police Chaplain in arranging a series of counseling initiatives involving the country’s best professionals in the field. Numerous persons were assisted. Thanks to Police officer Elaine Sands and all pastors and members who assisted.

Unfortunately, the news of this tragedy came on the heels of the disappearance of a fourth youngster in Grand Bahama. And, if that were not enough, Wednesday’s night television news out of Grand Bahama indicated an attempt to abduct a ten-year-old child at the entrance of her home in Pindale. I appeal to parents to monitor closely the whereabouts of their children. We must continue to pray for the parents of those missing.

Appointment of a declared gay Bishop in North America in the Episcopalian Church has once again fueled the fires of gays and their rights. I wish to state that The Adventist Church is opposed to the practice of homosexuality in any form or practice. We are also opposed to marital infidelity or any sin for that matter. We believe that homosexuality should be confronted as other sins with the view of causing its victims or those with the inclination to recognize any sin, habit or tendency can be overcome through a relation with Christ. Persons known to be deviating from God’s will, should not be accommodated in any church office.

At a ministers’ meeting held Friday, August 1, 2003, the consensus was that we need not replace the term "Christian values" in the preamble of The Constitution as long as Christianity is understood in a broad sense resulting in tolerance for all religious groups. As noted at our recent Religious Liberty weekend, while Seventh-day Adventists believe in obeying the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with the laws of God, we oppose any law, policy, or activity which discriminates against religious minorities. The Seventh-day Adventist Church stands for religious freedom for everyone, as well as for the separation of church and state. 

Working with VBA on Monday of this week I was blessed with the fellowship and sense of camaraderie experienced during our work. For those who have not visited the site of the new Early Learning Center, I would encourage you to stop by in the back of Living Faith. The building is blocked up. Tomorrow, volunteers are needed for the pouring of the belt course. Also, during the week work continues daily under the supervision of Brother Howard Barr who led a successful and vibrant team to Lowe Sound, Andros, last week.

Finally, I wish to note that I will be off the island until Sunday, August 24. During this period I will enjoy a bit of vacation with my family as well as meet with church officials in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and attend an ASI convention in Santo Domingo.

Lay Pulpit Exchange Throughout the island of New Providence the word of God will be preached by laymen/women filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Pray for a mountaintop experience in all of our churches. Exchanges are as follows:

Centreville TO Maranatha

New Englerston TO Johnson Park

Living Faith TO Ephesus

Johnson Park TO Good News

Philadelphia TO Bethany

Grant’s Town TO Centreville

Good News TO Living Faith

Youth Crusade Committed & Connected Every Christian at some point in his spiritual walk may wonder whether God is truly listening to the desires of his heart. Young people, especially those seeking Christ for the first time may wonder things like is He truly there, has He heard my prayers, Has He truly set a course for my life? No person can answer these questions for us. It is only through prayer, Bible study and wise counsel, will we truly begin to understand what God’s plan is. Some may even wonder, Will I ever understand? In his popular devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers states, "We have no idea what God’s goal may be; as we continue, His purpose becomes even more vague… We have not yet understood all there is to know of the compelling purpose of God." Yet when we are truly committed to God we will follow his purpose because no matter the situation, we can sigh with relief and say, "Calm down, the father has got this one." As we navigate the sometimes muddy waters of life we encounter many types of people. These relationships contribute much to our path in life. Young people must especially guard against various types of friendships yet we must be available to minister to all people. This can be tricky and confusing. Have you ever wondered how you can create this type of relationship with God? Do you need help navigating through relationships with neighbours, co-workers and friends? Camp Meeting 2003 is definitely for you. Committed & Connected is where God is inviting you to be. This is the theme of Camp Meeting 2003, held this year at the Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our Youth Director, Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, will show us how God reaches out to you and me, and works with us to be committed to Him while at the same time being connected to our friends and co-workers, our brothers and sisters. This is a blessing waiting to happen. Persons of all ages will be blessed by God speaking through Pastor Burrows. The SDA Mega Ministries choir, with its usual dynamism, dedication and professionalism, will also be there. If you are seeking answers to questions about relationships with others and Christ, join us at Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church, August 10^th – 23^rd at 7:15 nightly (except Thursday). God has something for you. Come get some Jesus. - Tamara Burrows

Dress Rehearsal A dress rehearsal will be held for all youth crusade workers/participants this evening at 6:00, at Berea. For further information, you may contact Audley Mitchell at 362-1258.

Camp Bamivoca 2003     Camp Bamivoca was an excellent experience for me and all my fellow campers. Our theme was "Courage to Conquer" and that is precisely what we did this year - conquer many obstacles. On Sunday we started by pitching tents and cleaning up the grounds. It was so much fun.

On Monday we woke up to the sounds of whistles at 6:00 a.m. for "line call" - this is where we executed our flag raising service and devotions. Later on in the day we cleaned up the surrounding area some more in preparation of the official opening where The Hon. Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt was the guest speaker. That night came as a shock to everyone because we had a thunderstorm! Everyone was instructed to put his sleeping bags in garbage bags but some didn’t listen so the counselors and some of the older campers had to take everything out of all the tents and put them in the "house". There was a lot of pandemonium that night and a lot of the adventurers were afraid, but with the help of God and our good camping and survival skills we made it through the night just fine.

Deuteronomy 31:6 states, ‘Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he is the one who goes with you; he will never leave you, nor forsake you.’ That is our main text for camp and that is exactly what got us through the night.

On Tuesday, we got up and were called for line call again, but this time everyone was tired from the night before, so we were given exercises that were not so hard but they woke us up. Tuesday we were split up in different groups to clean up after the storm and then we went into the sea. The water felt better than usual because the sun was so hot. After we came out of the water everyone was eager to shower and go to bed but it wasn’t bedtime yet. Every night, each tent had to do an activity, whether it be singing, skit, poetry, etc. anything that you had you could do.

On Wednesday, we were divided into grounds and did certain classes for honors. Being a female Pathfinder, I was in a class on hygiene with Mrs. Gibbs. We learned a few new things and went further into areas we already knew.

On Thursday, our class was addressed by the Police Department and canine unit. We were told about drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and methamphetamine. We also met one of the dogs by the name of ‘Rusty’. Also, Mr. Louis Cleare taught us about kites and he brought big, beautiful ones that he allowed us to try and fly. It was so much fun!

Thursday night was our "secular night" for the tent activities. Some persons did different kinds of skits and poems.

Friday we were assigned by tents to clean different areas of the camp grounds in preparation for Sabbath.

Every morning we were delighted to have a Pastor bring us a devotional. On Sabbath, we were treated by Mrs. Cherese Nembhard who spoke about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Sabbath evening we attended a youth rally at Berea in conjuction with the upcoming Youth Crusade. It was an uplifting program with a lot of good singing. That night we had a social during which we played games and then roasted marshmallows over a bonfire. We then watched a slide show of pictures taken over our week at camp.

Sunday, the day we went home, we packed our bags and sadly said our good-byes to some friends we wouldn’t see again until next year and some we run into at our various churches. All in all, camp was a fun-filled experience and I personally can’t wait until next year. See Photos -Nicole Hepburn

Attention, Parents   Parents are being asked to come to the Camp Site tomorrow between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. to retrieve their children’s clothing.

Teacher Needed   We are in urgent need of a teacher of English language for the Secondary School for September-November, 2003. Please contact the principal or Education Director as soon as possible. -Education Department

ASI   Are you unemployed? ASI is inviting ALL unemployed members to sign up with its new program, which is designed to assist persons with job placements, training, empowerment and encouragement. Persons wishing to be a part of this database may leave their names and number with Kimberly Bryan at the conference office, or contact us at asibahamaschapter@hotmail.com. Also, there will be a very important meeting on Aug. 18^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Better Living Health Centre, Balfour Ave and Palm Beach St. All are invited to attend.

Ephesus Is Moving "Moving to Higher Ground" is the theme for the moving activities of the Ephesus Church. Services will be held at the church on Parkgate Road Sept. 3-7 at 7:30 each evening. Guest speakers will be Pastors M.A. Smith, E.D. Clarke and Dr. L.A. Johnson. In preparation for the move, work will continue at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow at the Parkgate Road site. Masons, carpenters and Hard coat Specialists are needed. We also need tools. Food items for lunch will also be accepted. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks for Album Support    Many thanks to the Grant’s Town choir, Nadia King, Wendell Albury, Tony Russell of Harmonious Praise and the Good News Choir for the support they gave during the launch of Pastor W.T. Adderley’s album, "Jesus & Me". There will also be a repeat performance Nov. 24^th, 7:30 p.m., at the New Providence Church. Thanks to all!

Women’s Ministries   All women going to the South Ocean Retreat October 17-19 are asked to collect applications from the Women’s Ministries Leader in your church to be filled out and returned to her with your deposit as early as possible. All leaders are asked to please report persons going to retreat as names come in.

Let God Speak Crusade Choir Rehearsal All church choir members and others who are interested in singing in the crusade choir are requested to attend a Mega Choir practice next Sabbath afternoon at 4:30 at the Living Faith Church

Creole, Spanish & French Classes Attention Parents...are you tired of your kids going home from school and not having anything productive to do? Well the Orion Academy has the solution for you. Why not have them learn a new language? Enroll your child in one of the after-school language programs Monday - Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. There are also adult classes from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Orion Academy, Brennen Building, East St. For more information you may contact Betty Augusta at 393-3658 or Addly Cadet at 356-2401.

Youth Corner  Persons planning to attend the International Youth Congress in Thailand at the end of the year or the "Faith on Fire" Pathfinder Camporee in Osh Kosh in 2004 are asked to register with the Youth Department urgently.

August 31^st a Youth Service will be held at Berea.

Adventist Educators’ Prayer Breakfast All Adventist Educators are invited to attend a special back-to-school prayer breakfast on Sunday, August 31 at 8:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Church. Come and receive a special blessing as Dr. Leonard Johnson presents the charge and empowers us to be effective witnesses in the classroom this school year. We look forward to seeing you as we prepare to continue prayerfully molding the minds of the children and youth of this our Bahamaland.  Adventist Educators’ Association

Bible Workers Meeting All Bible workers are requested to meet tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. at the Centreville Church.

Andros Adventist Development Association We are inviting all the citizens of North & South Andros to come to Grant’s Town Church this evening at 8:00 for the first general meeting of this association. Pastor O. Boteng

Vegetarian Cooking Classes Vegetarian Cooking Classes are beginning tomorrow afternoon. Interested persons, please contact Marlene McKinney at 364-0085.

Important Meetings Coming Up Workers meeting will be held Aug. 26^th at 8:30 a.m. at the Living Faith Church.

 Conference Executive Meeting will be held on Aug. 27^th at 10:00 a.m. at the Conference.

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P.O. Box N-356, Harrold Road, Nassau, Bahamas.   Tel:  242-341 4021    Fax: 242-341 4088

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