Online Logos for August 13, 2005 - Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Basketball, Vacation Bible School, General Conference, and the list can go on and on with activities that are planned each year for the young people of the Adventist church and of our Nation. Taking on a different approach this year, the Youth Camp Meeting had many a new face in the choir and on the podium. In keeping with the theme, 'Alive in Christ', many a youth of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists came alive at Youth Camp Meeting 2005. The crusade Public Relations team of sisters Darell and Clarice Taylor did a wonderful job of going around the Conference promoting the camp meeting, which they dubbed 'The passing of the baton'. The prayer rallies leading up to the crusade were spirit-filled and got us all geared up and ready for battle for the Lord. The Youth Department thanks all of the speakers who spoke leading up to the actual crusade: Valentino Campbell, Nakita Thompson and Anistacia Ferguson. These young religion majors at Northern Caribbean University, prepared the way for the speaker for the week, Pastor Leo C. Rolle.

Pastor Rolle, a veteran Pastor and former Administrator with the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, used Daniel to bring a clear word to all who attended; and we praise the Lord for the four precious souls that were added to the kingdom of God. Pastor Andrew Burrows and his team of Youth Leaders would like to thank all of the persons who assisted in any way to make the crusade a success. Each night before the services, seminars dealing with issues that our young people face daily were discussed.. We especially would like to thank Dr. Marvin Smith [drugs and alcohol], Mrs. Pansy Hamilton-Brown [Christian Deportment], Ms. Marcia Musgrove [HIV and AIDS] and Mr. Milton Lewis [How to Approach Young People], who did a distinguished job in presenting their topics to the persons who attended. Thanks also to Sisters Leoni Wilson and Evelina Musgrove for assisting with the food preparation each night for the seminars. The concerts in both parks were well attended, and we are certain that the neighborhoods of Yellow Elder and Flamingo Gardens are the better for the presence of the Adventist Youth.

Bryan Curtis Writer

On Sunday morning, more than one hundred and twenty young persons and counselors boarded the Seaward for camp in Central Andros. This week long Summer Camp will close out the summer activities for the young people. - Curtis Bryan

From Victim to Victor
By Joy Swift Review Article
I USED TO BE A MURDER VICTIM. Some of you are already asking, "How can you be a murder victim and still be alive?" It's because the killers didn't kill me. They killed my children. Two young men entered my house one evening and gunned them down. Like so many other crimes that leave victims behind, the perpetrators of this crime had no real motive for their actions. One of the murderers was my 12-year-old son's best friend. His accomplice didn't even know the children's names. Yet he was willing to help kill four innocent children, ranging in age from 7 months to 14 years, who were sitting in their own living room watching television.
When the carnage was over, four victims lay dead. But many more victims were left alive to cope with the tragedy and to deal with indescribable grief. Being a victim changed me. I could no longer walk naively through life. I couldn't trust anyone. Every thought, every movement, was motivated by self-preservation. Though my heart finally healed from its damage, it was left terribly scarred.

Those of you who have been victims understand what I'm saying. Whether you are a victim of incest, rape, robbery, assault, or even murder, you never forget the details, and you relive them again and again in your mind. Being a victim becomes a part of who you are. It influences your own perception of your self-worth and affects your response to everyday events for the rest of your life. But I am no longer a victim. Today I am a victor!

The change did not come quickly, nor did it come easily. The process took years to accomplish. And it could not have happened at all if it weren't for the man from Nazareth. Jesus Christ was a victim. And like me, He carries the scars to prove it. His scars are in His hands and feet. But it was sin that left the biggest scar--right in the middle of His heart. The Bible says that He will carry these scars forever, to remind us that He too was a victim. But there's something different about Jesus. While we avoid being victimized, He willingly came to this earth for the express purpose of being a victim. And those who loved Him most were also victims. They watched helplessly as the man they believed to be the Promised One surrendered His last breath on a cross. All their hopes were murdered with Jesus. They were so sure that He was the Messiah. Now He lay in a tomb.

How could everything they believed in fall apart so quickly, so violently?
If the story were to end there, we victims would have no hope. Like Him, we would remain victims--some of us in graves, others walking witnesses to the tragedies in our own lives. People covered in scars with little chance of recovery, and no chance to overcome our circumstances. But the story doesn't end there. On the third day Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave. In that moment He won the victory over sin. Since the wages of sin is death, He also won the victory over death. And just as He was willing to come to this earth to experience our pain and our anguish, our death and our grave, He is willing to share His victory with us!

Ten Ways to Think Like a Victor
Once we realize that we don't have to remain a victim, our focus changes. We cling to His victory, and claim it as our own. The scars remain, and they continue to influence our actions and responses, but we need something to remind us that we are victors, and can remain victors in any situation. Below are several things I've learned to do over the years that have helped me to think as a victor does.

1. Don't Be a Victim.
The first step is to make a conscientious decision not to be a victim. Avoid any situation that might set you up to be victimized, either by another human being or sheer circumstance. That doesn't mean you have to go live in a cave. Even in a cave, trouble will find you! And too often it gets help from someone bigger than you and me.

The Bible says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12, NIV). We are not battling against mere humans. We're fighting against forces we don't even see. Our only protection against such a formidable foe is Christ. He is the difference between us being a victim and being a victor.

2. Practice With Everyday Events.
In elementary school we had fire drills to prepare us for real emergencies. Everyday life is filled with opportunities to help us prepare for the real emergencies in our lives. I'm not suggesting that we spend all of our sunny days braced against tragedy, waiting for something bad to happen. But we can use minor inconveniences and small tragedies to practice putting things in their proper perspective, and rolling with the punches. We have to keep our hand tightly in Christ's, and trust that He will see us through every circumstance. Practice truly does make perfect. ( Continues next week)

Youth Camp Announcement Parents are asked to collect their children from Potter’s Cay dock tomorrow, Sunday, August 14th at 2:30 p.m.

Congratulations Heartiest congratulations are extended to our co-workers, Gary and Diane Jones on the birth of their 7lbs 15 oz daughter, Deyonelle Evanthe` Jones, born on August 10 at 4:30 p.m. Best wishes!-Conference family

Women’s Ministry Retreat Applications are now available for Women’s Ministry Retreat. Please contact your local Women’s Ministry Leader.

Work Day at Bahamas Academy There will be a work day at Bahamas Academy on Sunday, August 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help paint the outside of the school. Please come by and lend a helping hand as we spruce up our school for the new school year. Thanks a lot! Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle

Adventist Educators’ Association Meeting All elected officers of the Educators’ Association are asked to meet at 6:00p.m. on the 15th August, 2005, at the Conference Office on Harrold Road. Please be prompt. Bring your ideas and your suggestions that will enhance the growth of this association. skills. Attention other members! Our first official meeting for the new school year will be held at Doctor's Hospital. You will be informed of any change of location.

Principal Needed for Bahamas Academy
Applications from qualified persons are being accepted for the position of Principal at Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day Adventists. The person selected for this position should possess the following qualifications:

1. Be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2. Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree,
but a Master’s Degree is preferred
3. Have at least five years teaching
experience in the elementary/secondary school.
4. Have at least three years of administrative experience.
5. Possess effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, parents and the school board.
6. Have the ability to create a safe, orderly school with discipline and security.
7. Posses educational leadership and supervisory skills.

The principal will be expected to perform the following duties:
1. Plan, implement and evaluate instructional programs.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments and
modification of the instructional program based on formative and summative assessment data.
3. Assume spiritual leadership in the school.
4. Exhibit positive exemplary interpersonal.
5 Inform staff of policies and procedures so that expectations for performance are understood.
6. Encourage professional growth for staff development.
7. Communicate the vision and mission of the school to staff, parents, students, community and church members.
8. Organize, manage and evaluate the school as it relates to staffing, school plant facilities and equipment within budgetary constraints.
9. Implement performance evaluation process of all staff members.
10. Promote administrative procedures that are consistent with the union, conference, and school board policy.

The application should be accompanied by the following:
a. Cover letter describing your present position.
b. Updated resume.
c. Three references (include one from your recent employer).
d. Police record.
e. Proof of credentials.
f. Recent photo of self (2" x 2").
g. Medical certificate (completed by a Physician).

NB: All applications or nominations (locally) should be submitted to:
The Chairman, Search Committee, P.O.Box N 356, Nassau, Bahamas. Fax: 1-242-341-4088. The deadline for receipt of application is August 31, 2005, or until the position is filled.
Application forms may be picked up at the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Office on Harrold Road, or on our website at (sdaeducation@coralwave.com ). The Committee reserves the right to reject the application of any or all applicants. -Search Committee

Registration in Progess at BA Early Learning Centre Registration for the 2005/2006 school year is in progress for the Bahamas Academy Early Learning Centre for students ages 2 to 5 years old. Application forms are available at the offices of BA Elementary and Secondary divisions. Please call 393-8898 or 393-3381 for more information.

Grant’s Town Adventist Men The Grant’s Town Adventist Men invite all Adventist Men from the SDA community to special services they are hosting. A Service of commitment and renewal was held last night August 12th. Today, all Adventist Men and Adventist Men’s Leaders are asked to support the men of Grant’s Town for Adventist Men’s Day, starting with Sabbath School. A special communion service will be held during the Divine Hour.

Note of Thanks Special thanks is extended to the SDA community for your calls and prayers on behalf of Bro. Stanley McCalla who was recently hospitalized. He is at home recuperating and giving thanks to God for His divine intervention. Your continued prayers is solicited. -Stanley Jr., Joy, Barbara and Sis. Nora McCalla

Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The schedule for today, August 13 , will be the Ebenezer SDA Church.. Next week, August 13 music will be provided by the Message of Hope Church.

Nadia King Featured at Hillview’s Adventist Youth Hour Today The AY Department of the Hillview Church will feature soloist Nadia King during its AY hour today, August 13th, at 6:30 p.m. Other guest artists will, include Unity. Come to be blessed and bring a Love offering in aid of her Christian education fund.

West Indies Union, Inter-American Division Bible Bowl Each A.Y. Leader is asked to select one young person between the ages of 16 and 30 to participate in the Inter-American Division, West Indies Union Bible Bowl. Out of those persons, one (1) person will be chosen to represent the Bahamas Conference at the West Indies Union level in November, 2005. The book of study for this year's Bible Bowl is "Messages to Young People". Contact your A.Y. Leader or Youth Dept. at the Conference for details.

Bahamas Academy
Reunion Banquet October 23, 2005

Tickets on sale as of August 17, 2005, at the Conference Headquarters and the School. Place: Sandals Hotel, Cable Beach, Nassau, at 7:00 p.m. Ticket: $100. For more information or to reserve a table, call Nathlyn LaCroix at 242-325 6173 or Kenny Deveaux at 242-341 2429 or you can email schoolproject@bahamasconference.org

Bahamas Academy Website

Coming to Nassau
The Renown Heritage Singers
October 11-13, 2005
Plan now to attend a benefit concert in aid of Christian Education

When Lucy and I started Heritage Singers ministry in 1971 out of Portland, Oregon, we had no idea that we would still be going strong today. We had planned to commit to this ministry for one or two years, then go back to our "real" jobs. Well, the Lord had a different plan and I'm so glad He did! We've tried to listen and obey His will. Oh, I've made plenty of mistakes, but God's grace is amazing and He has been by our side every step of the way. Heritage has traveled to more than 50 foreign countries and every state in the USA. It doesn't seem possible that it's been more than 30 years already! What a journey we've been allowed to experience. One thing I have learned over the years is that when God calls you to do His work, you don't have to worry about the details...you just obey and He takes care of the rest. It really is that simple...but it's not always that easy. See their Website