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Adventurer/Pathfinder Camp -Making An Impact in Andros
It
was Saturday night, August 6th, after the conclusion of the youth crusade. The
air was a buzz with excitement as many of the campers rushed home from the
park in Flamingo Gardens to do last minute shopping and packing. With just a
few hours sleep, Sunday morning we arrived at the Potter's Cay dock early to
board the MV Seawind for the two and half hour boat ride to Fresh Creek,
Central Andros. We were so excited that many arrived long before the check- in
office opened.
After making sure all the hundreds of pieces of
luggage were checked in, we said good-bye to our parents. The boat ride was
enjoyable and smooth. We sailed around the coast of New Providence for almost
one hour, and before we knew it, the "Big Yard" was in sight. For the next
seven days, we would be without television, computers, MP3 players, and many
of the other gadgets that we thought we could not be without.
The sun was the first to welcome us to Andros. I
guess the sun was smiling as over 130 campers disembarked the boat. After
making sure that all of our stuff was secured, we boarded the buses for the
twenty five minute drive to Staniard Creek. We were now in the community
called the "Garden of Andros." After we cooled off a bit, we unpacked our
bags, and transformed the Camp MakePeace into a tent city and camp 2005 was on
the way.
Other than sleeping in tents, we knew we were at
camp when the whistle blew each day at 6: 00 a.m. We started with personal
devotions in our tents and then line call at exactly 6:30 a.m. Each morning,
we gave reports to make sure all members of the units made it through the
night. We then repeated the memory watch text for the day. As the week
progressed, we got more creative in repeating the text. We did choral
speaking, sang it out, or dramatized it. For the devotional thought, each
morning Pastor Anson Albury, our chaplain, shared with us the characteristics
of a champion. We then raised the flags and sang the National Anthem and
Pathfinder song.
After putting God first, it was off to the day's activities. We began with
morning exercises, breakfast, camp duties, and inspections. The counselors and
directors who inspected the tents were tough. Points were deducted for shoes
being out of place, or dirt in the tents, etc. But some of the units did
manage to get perfect scores. They even checked that our fingernails were
cleaned and hair combed. Units tried to win each day, so that they could raise
the flag each morning or get to eat first during the day.
During the day, we did craft and honor sessions.
There were lots of crafts from which to choose. Some of the campers built
model wooden aircraft, with propellers that actually spun in the wind. Others
did log cabins, picture frames, decorations, scrapbooks, decoupage, tree
drying, etc. We also did honors and various sessions on grooming and
deportment.
Each day, just before lunch, we took the time out
for a few spiritual nuggets. At the first chapel session, Pastor Andrew
Burrows, our camp director, reminded us in the story of Daniel, that though no
one expects you to win, or you may be an underdog, through Christ you can
defeat the giants and be a champion.
On Monday evening, we had an impressive opening
ceremony, our Adventurers and Pathfinders were really outstanding. We had the
administrator, for Central Andros, Mr. Cephas Cooper, and other members of the
local council, along with our host, Pastor Mark Ewen, and Pastor Andrea
Darville from the Methodist church bring brief remarks. The Pathfinders camp
drill team executed with precision, as they raised the flags. Pastor Eric D.
Clarke, the executive secretary of the Bahamas conference of Seventh-day
Adventists gave the charge and declared the camp officially open.
We opened up our homes, (our tents off course)
for the official inspection by our guest. They were so impressed, and remarked
that they have never seen a community of young people living in tents,
especially in this part of Andros.
Each day, we went into the sea to “cool off”. On
Thursday, we went to the park in the community, which was a few minutes walk,
to play games of basketball and volleyball. Some of us sat on the benches we
enjoyed watching some of the counselors and coordinators trying to be young
again. It was fun. But it was hot, so we were off to the beach again.
There was a special program each night. The
campers got an opportunity to display their talents. On Wednesday night, we
packed the Methodist Church on the camp grounds for Prayer and Praise service.
The members of the church along with the campers were really spiritually
uplifted.
On Friday morning we went on a tour, which was sponsored by the local
government council.
Because Andros is considered a giant or the "Biggggggg
Yard", we could only go to one section of Andros. Like good Pathfinders we
decided to go north. It seemed like it took all day to get there from
Standiard Creek. We stopped by the Lowe Sound Church to see where our brothers
and sisters worship. We now see the commitment of the two families that live
in central Andros and how they have to drive a long distance each Sabbath
morning to attend church.
It was now time for the Sabbath. We had an evening singspiration and Vesper
thought by counselor Ian Greene from San Salvador. Some of us sang for the
very first time in front of an audience. Sabbath school was short and sweet.
For the mission story, we gave the highlights of the events for each day. We
then divided into two classes for the lesson study. Pastor Leonard Johnson,
President of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh- day Adventists presented a
message on the life of Joseph, encouraging all present to overcome the many
obstacles that are in the way of achieving our goals. The music for this camp
was off-the-chains! The San Salvador group, the combined Pathfinder choir, and
others really inspired us. After the service, we had a scrumptious, hearty
lunch. It was a special meal, for a special day. We thank God for the cooks,
and also the cool breeze, and the trees on the beach. We were tempted to stay
under the trees being sheltered from the sun.
However, as there is one Adventist family living
the community of Stanaird Creek we decided to share our faith in the
community. Approximately twenty Pathfinders in full uniform went from house to
house, giving out magazines and sharing our faith with the residents. It was a
rewarding experience. It was now A.Y. time. Each unit enacted some story from
the Bible and identified who they thought was the champions. We then closed
off the Sabbath on the beach.
The big night, Saturday night, finally arrived. Not because it was the last
night at camp, but it was banquet night. The spot where we did line call each
morning was transformed into a banquet hall suitable for princes and
princesses. Under the stars of the night the campers were served by the
counselors. Awards were given to best campers in both the Adventurer and
Pathfinder categories. That was the last function for the camp. Afterwards, we
went to pack our stuff and await the morning. There are no physical
signs left at Camp MakePeace to let you know that we were there, except the
parched grounds where our tents were pitched. In a few weeks, that too will
vanish and disappear. However, what will linger in the hearts of the community
is the impact that a group of young people called Adventurers and Pathfinders
left on the "Garden of Andros."
What will linger in the hearts of the campers, are the memories of new
friends, skills learned, and the message that come what may, we can be
"Champions in Christ."
On behalf of Youth Ministries I thank our young
people and all persons who sacrificed to work at camp this year: our
coordinators, superintendents, chaplains, kitchen staff, security, nurse,
musicians, counselors, and others. The campers appreciated your service!
Special thank you to the administrators and secretaries at the office, and
other office staff for the part they played to make the camp successful. Also
special thanks also to my wife, Karen, for her support at camp along with the
girls.
To the Adventist community in central Andros and
north Andros, thank you for the part you played in making the camp possible.
You were an integral part of the camp as some of you drove the many miles each
day to be at camp.- Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director, BC
Important and Urgent Youth Council Meeting
An important council meeting for all Adventurers, Pathfinder, Adventist
Youth Leaders and others involved in Youth ministry will be held on Monday,
August 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Berea Church. Information will be presented and
plans will be discussed for events for the remainder of the year. You can't
afford to miss this meeting.
From Victim to Victor Part II
(Continued from Last week’s Logos)
By Joy Swift, from Online Review
3. Think Positively
One of my favorite sayings is: "I hope this is the worst thing that
happens to me today." I've used this simple statement to help me look at
circumstances more positively. No day will be as dark as the night we lost the
kids. In comparison, everything else is spilled milk. And that's a good
attitude, because if you see very bad things happening in your life as merely
spilled milk, you're going to cope with them a lot better. Make this your
motto: "I shall live each day knowing that nothing could possibly happen to me
today that God and I can't handle together."
4. This Too Shall Pass
Sometimes, no matter how much we've prepared ourselves to stand with
Christ and keep a positive outlook, something happens to throw us completely
over the edge. Even the disciples felt doomed when a storm came upon them at
sea. And Jesus was right there in the boat with them! Four simple words have
given me courage in situations such as these: "This too shall pass." No matter
how bleak circumstances may seem right now, if I can just hang on a little
longer and remain calm while the storm rages around me, I will get through
this. Jesus is right here in the boat with me.
5. Believe God Will Do What He Says
The adversary is out to destroy us. He will use the most drastic means
imaginable to make us believe that God is not there. But if we believe the
Bible and if we have faith that God will do what He says He will do, then
nothing in life can defeat us. We have to make the decision in every situation
to lean on Him. He has more courage, more strength, more common sense, and
more problem-solving skills than any of us could ever muster ourselves. We can
put the greatest minds and the mightiest men together in one room, and they
cannot hold a candle to what God can do in the wink of an eye. Instead of
telling God how big your problems are, start telling your problems just how
big your God is! And start watching your victories multiply.
6. Don't Ask Why
Too often when tragedy strikes, we get so lost in the why questions that
we struggle to remember that God is in control. Why did this happen to me?
What did I do to deserve this? If God loves me, why didn't He stop this from
happening? We get so lost in the circumstances, so lost in trying to make
sense of the senseless, that we lose sight of the One who knows what's going
on from beginning to end. We become victims to every circumstance we
encounter. Instead of asking God why, ask, "Now that it has happened, what
should I do to become a victor?"
7. Only I Can Make Me Mad
My husband taught me a long time ago that,"Only I can make me mad." No
matter what happens, (Continued on p. 2)
From Victim to Victor Part II (Continued from p. 1)
I'm the one responsible for my emotions. As a teacher in a small Christian
school, I've used this with my students. When a fifth grader whines, "Mrs.
Swift, so-and-so is making faces at me and he called me a squirt," I tell him
to just let it go in one ear and out the other. "He's just trying to get to
you. If you don't let him get to you, you win! Only I can make me mad."
Several students have come back to me and said, "Mrs. Swift, I did what you
told me and it works! Only I can make me mad."
8. Widen Your Coping Range
We cope with life on three levels. Everyday life keeps us in the middle,
where we cope on a normal level. When something bad happens, we are either
thrown into a state of hysteria or down into a state of depression, neither of
which is healthy for us. Our goal, then, is to widen our normal coping range
so that fewer situations throw us into hysteria or depression; the range of
what we can endure broadens. It has nothing to do with how physically strong
we are. It has everything to do with inner strengths and weaknesses. The best
part is that when our own strength fails us, God's strength sustains us. I
have always been a strong-willed person. But when the kids were killed, I told
God I wasn't strong enough to live without them. When I gave up, He gave me
His strength to get through it, and He continues to get me through it on a
daily basis. I'm still a strong-willed person. But now I claim His strength,
and I know His strength won't let me down.
9. Meet Every Challenge with Enthusiasm
I don't care if it's climbing Mount Everest or cleaning the dirtiest
bathroom you've ever seen in your life! Rise to the challenge, put your whole
heart into it, and meet the challenge with enthusiasm! "I can do all things
through Christ which strengthens me."
10. Forgive Your Trespassers
OK. This is the tough one--especially for victims. And I'm not going to
pretend that it's easy. In fact, in many cases it's downright impossible, if
we try to do it on our own. I have every right in the world to hate the two
young men who murdered my children. But if I am to be counted among the sons
and daughters of God, I must be willing to love all of God's children as much
as He loves each of us. I must be willing to love the sinner and hate the sin.
As a parent, I can understand this. There is nothing my children could ever do
to make me stop loving them, and longing for their salvation. And that's
exactly how God feels about His kids too.
If we rise above the tragedy, and genuinely
forgive the perpetrators, we turn the whole ordeal into a victory for us. We
are no longer their victims; we become victors. The same holds true for the
victims they killed. If Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to save my children,
then the grave has no hold on them. The victory is already theirs. The only
victims in this situation now are the perpetrators themselves, because they
fell victim to the great deceiver. But God loves all His children
unconditionally, as I love mine. That means that even the perpetrators are
welcome in the kingdom--if they turn away from their sins and cling to Jesus
Christ.
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 20, will be the
Message of Hope SDA Church. Next week, August 27 music will be provided by the
Francophone Church.
Lay Crusade at Centreville Church
Lay Evangelist Harvey Braithwaite is leading out in an evangelistic effort
“Believers Revival Series for Christ” at the Centreville Church, nightly at
7:30. The meeting started August 14 and will run every night, except Thursday
and Saturday nights, to August 28. Come, bring the whole family and your
friends. There is Hope in all of the apparent hopelessness.
Back to School Parenting Seminar
Attend the Back to School Parenting Seminar on Sunday,
August
28, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., at the Maranatha Church. All Adventist parents and
parents of all faiths with children in grades K-12 are encouraged to attend.
We will help you start the school year right. Some of the topics being
presented are Homework Strategies, Discipline, Television Management, Meal
Time, Recreation, Curfew, and much more.
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
Bahamas Academy Notice
As Bahamas Academy prepares for the new school year, kindly take note of the
following information:
●Orientation for parents of new Early Learning Center Students - Sunday,
August 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Early Learning Center on Old Trail Road.
●Orientation for parents of new elementary and secondary students - Thursday,
September 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the school's gymnatorium on Wulff Road.
●Reopening of School - Yes, school reopens for ALL students (new and
returning) on Friday, September 2, 2005 (It is not a typo) at 8:50 a.m. to 12
noon. We urge all parents to send their children to school on this day. You do
not want your child to miss the very first day of school.
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 positiol 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.
SDA Educators’ Association
●The Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators'
Association will be holding its annual Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, 4th
September at 8:00 a.m. The proposed venue is the Tourism Restaurant. Our theme
is “Educators... Empowered and Inspired To Reveal Christ." All are invited to
come and experience the fullnes of the unction of the Holy Spirit, as we
venture into this new school year to educate and mold the future leaders of
this country. We all need to sit again at the feet of Jesus, The Master
Teacher, before we go into our individual classrooms. Plan to be there!
●Our regular association meeting will be held on Saturday 17th September at
8:00p.m.at Doctors' Hospital. All Seventh -day Adventist Teachers in the
public school system, the private school system and the Seventh-day Adventist
Church school system are a part of this association. All other persons related
to education( counsellors, social workers, etc.) are also a part. We cordially
invite all of you to come and make a meaningful contribution to our community,
churches and schools.
Nadia King Says Thank You!
Nadia King and her family extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the SDA
community for their tremendous support of her recent concert at the Hillview
Church on August 13, in aid of her Christian education fund. Special thanks to
Unity, Harmonious Praise, Divine Inspriation, The Sentinels, Hillivew’s Youth
Choir and the “Expression of Praise.” Coordinators Allison Mason and Etosha
Rahming; the dynamic duo mistress of ceremonies, Clarice and Darrell, are
especially thanked for their labour of love.
The Carey Family say Thank You!
For all your kindness shown to us during the demise of our beloved Ellen L.
Carey, we say Thank you! Your calls, flowers, cards, special dishes and
donations helped us during our time of breveament. We pray your continued
strength in the Lord. -Ralph Carey, Sr and family from Tarpum Bay SDA Church,
EleutheraCondolences
Heartfelt condolences are extended to our colleagues in ministry Pastor Eric
D. Clarke and T. Basil Sturrup on the lost of their loved ones. Be assured of
our continued prayerful support.
Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist
Workers’ Meeting
Worker’s Meeting will be held for all employees of Bahamas Conference of SDA
at the Casuarinas of Cable Beach on Monday, August 29, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m.
Women’s Ministries Retreat Registration Continues at the local Churches
Bahamas Academy Reunion Banquet
October 23, 2005
Sun sets today at
7:42 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:35 p.m.
