- Online Logos August
14, 2004
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FORMAT WORDPERFECT
FORMAT
From The Office of
the President
Dear Saints of God it is fitting that we again
pause to reflect on the blessings of the first 7 months of  2004. I recall many
areas of accomplishments and blessings for which we can give God thanks:
academic success, evangelism, marriage, child birth, employment, job
promotion, protection, miracles, etc. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it
could also be said that the opposite took place as well; for there have been
deaths, sicknesses, marital separation, academic and investment failures, job
redundancies and other disappointments. These do tend to make us wonder if God
is in control and, perhaps –does He care? May I suggest that even with such
happenings, God cares and is very much in control. No doubt it is convenient
to exclaim that "all things work together for good" when everything
appears to be going well, but it is challenging when confronted with the
opposite. I implore that we all remain firm and resolute in our trust in and
walk with The Lord, for ultimately "we will understand it better by and
by."
Bahamas Academy By
now, you would have heard of some of our challenges at Bahamas Academy.
Regrettably, we had to release six (6) workers owing to financial constraints.
It was a most painful exercise, but in each instance we offered what is
required by our labor laws to help ameliorate the discomfit. Additionally, we
have made internal adjustments to comport with a new budget for the period
June to November, 2004. Even with the "shaving," in our attempt to
balance the budget, we are still faced with a possible deficit. Owing to the
fact that tuition accounts for just 63% of our budget, Bahamas Academy relies
on Government Grant and conference subsidies. This situation is further
compounded when parents and guardians are delinquent in paying tuition and
fees, for salaries and monthly expenses must be paid. In recent meetings with
the School Board, the Conference Executive Committee, pastors, elders and the
staff of Bahamas Academy, it was suggested that we increase our enrollment and
tighten our spending (among other measures) in order to operate efficiently.
For this to be realized, your commitment to help is crucial. My door remains
open to you, and you may call me for further clarification and to give
meaningful suggestions.
Bahamas Academy’s Reconstruction
On a positive note, many of you continue to give
financially to the rebuilding of Bahamas Academy which we anticipate will
commence in January 2005. It was only this week that a member and parent gave
$10,000 toward the construction of the library for the new school. We are
grateful for this significant contribution to the rebuilding of our school. In
addition, a committee headed by alumnus Keith Major has commenced its work to
raise funds for this needed project. You can expect regular updates and
accounting of this building fund.
Global Mission You
are to be commended for your support and understanding during the recent
meetings. Though we did not have the typical evangelistic speakers to whom you
are accustomed, -you demonstrated patience and maturity and made each guest
presenter welcome. Because of your faithfulness, the Lord blessed with nearly
60 baptisms. Commendations to our guests as well as our local presenters and
all who participated in the meetings! The effort at the New Providence center
with Message of Hope, Real Harvest and Bethany concludes this weekend. To God
be the glory for what has been done.
Lay Pulpit Exchange Sabbath
Prayers are solicited for each lay preacher
as the word is presented. There is so much that we receive when we hear the
word of God. Not only do we receive information and encouragement, but we are
also blessed in so many ways. As we listen to the Lord speaking through our
laymen today, let us claim the blessings He offers us.
Ministerial Council & Festival of The Laity
Many of us, your pastors, and a number of laypersons
will travel to Jamaica for the Ministerial Council and the Festival of The
Laity. These meetings provide for exchange of information and experiences.
Pray much for us!
3ABN Many
of you have been inquiring about 3ABN and, in particular, Linda and Danny
Shelton. Yes, they are experiencing serious marital difficulties, but God is
able to reunite and mend. Only pray for both to yield to His will and for the
continued success of 3ABN amidst the onslaughts of the enemy of truth. Some of
us will have the opportunity to meet Danny in Jamaica next week and offer
encouragement. Hopefully, we will also have a similar opportunity to encourage
Linda. Remember, saints, the devil targets any organization, institution,
family or anyone that is of positive influence. This is a time to give much
attention to prayer and personal devotion. The application of a message sent
to us through Pastor Duncombe at the recent convention is vitally needed. I
need not remind you that the Sabbath School guide is an excellent tool to use
daily, particularly the current lesson which ought to be studied, shared with
friends, and kept for reference.
Everything that is happening in the world and in the church points to the
soon return of our Lord. Let us be ready for His appearance. God bless you
always. -Dr. Leonard A. Johnson
Festival of the Laity Countdown During the period August 18 to 21, over
sixty lay persons from the Bahamas Conference will travel to Montego Bay,
Jamaica, to attend the Festival of the Laity. The theme for the conference
will be "Fan the Flame, Rekindle the Passion, Share the Joy." Presentations
will include:
- !
Prayer Ministry conducted
by Pastor Samuel Telemaque of the Caribbean Union Conference.
!Small Group Ministries
by Pastor David Cox of the British Union Conference.
!Leading God’s Church
by Pastor Keith Albury, president of the North Bahamas Mission.
!Successful Lay Preaching
by Dr. Enell Hall, School of Religion and Theology of Northern Caribbean
University.
!Conducting Successful Community Services
Outreach by Mrs. Joan Wint, Principal-Denbigh
High School, Jamaica.
!Youth Evangelism
by Pastor Baraka Muganda, World Youth Leader of the Adventist Church.
!Stable Family Life In A Chaotic World
by Pastor Gordon Martinborough, Inter-American Division.
!Evangeliving - Living the Gospel
by Pastors Carlyle Bayne and Bernardo Rodriguez, Inter-American Division.
!Restorative Justice-Promoting Healing in
Broken Communities by Mrs. Carol Palmer,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Jamaica.
!Prison Ministry-Unlocking The Bars Of
The Heart Behind Prison Bars by Richard
Bland, North American Division.
!Combating The Devastation Of
HIV/AIDS-Caring For The Wounded by Dr.
Mutel Kerr, British Union Conference. (Continued on p. 2)
- !
Retaining God’s Harvest
by Pastor Basil Reid, Personal Ministries Director of the West Indies Union
Conference.
There will be a final meeting for all persons traveling to the Festival of
The Laity, tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Centreville Church. -Pastor
T. Basil Sturrup, Personal Ministries Director
Bahamas Conference Workers’ Meeting All
workers of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are requested to
attend Workers’ meeting on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. at the
Hillview Church.
Recognition Service and Banquet For
Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Olga Roach During the
weekend of September 3 to 5, 2004, Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Roach will be recognized
for giving 50 years of service in education and the gospel ministry. The
schedule for the weekend will be as follows:
- Friday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Joint service at the Hillview SDA Church, Harrold Road
Sabbath, September 4, at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Special services at Maranatha.
Friends from the community are invited to attend.
Sunday, September 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Formal Banquet at the Radisson Cable Beach Hotel
Tickets for the Banquet are now available. Please contact one of the
following persons to get your tickets and/or to place an ad in the
Commemorative Booklet.
Listing of point persons in the churches:
- Adelaide Eric Bain
- Berea Nelson Moncur
- Bethany Allison Mason
- Bethel Pastor Edward St. Fleur
- Breath of Life Sharon Robinson
- Centreville Betty Tinker
- Ebenezer Pastor Edward St. Fleur
- Francophone Pastor Edward St. Fleur
- Gambier Pastor Gary King
- Good News Peter Scavella
- Grant’s Town Christine Brown
- Hillview Donnalee Bowe
- Johnson Park Barry Saunders
- Living Faith Andria Musgrove
- Maranatha Katrina Mitchell
- Message of Hope Marva Farquharson
- New Englerston Rose Sands
- New Providence Vernal Rolle
- Parkgate Cheryl Forbes
- Philadelphia Annette Dorsette
- Real Harvest Preston Johnson
Youth Announcements
! The Pathfinder Band will be hosting a
grand concert on August 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bahamas Academy Gym. See band
members for tickets.
! Pathfinder’s Supplies Available.
Churches that ordered Pathfinders/Adventurers A.Y. flags, Law and Pledge
banners from the Conference are asked to collect them. Full payment is
expected.
An Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The
ministry of music plays a pivotal role on Sabbath evenings at the Mary
Ingraham Home in ministering to the seniors and neighbours in the area.
Continuing today from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is the Ebenezer SDA Choir. The
ministry features next Saturday evening the Message of Hope Church.
All persons scheduled are requested to please contact Mr. Admiral Forbes at
the home at 341-0094/5 in advance if they are unable to keep their
appointments. - J. Admiral Forbes, Co-ordinator
New Providence SDA Church The
following functions will be hosted by the New Providence SDA Church: Friday
Evening Vesper Service - August 27th; Ole School Night - Saturday,
September 18th; Singles Conference - November 8th - 14th, 2004.
Educators’ Association Activities
Please remember the following up-coming events:
September 12: Prayer Breakfast/Seminar
November. 6: Boat Cruise -Mrs. Elmore Jacques, Public Relations
Cafeteria Matron Needed Cafeteria
Matron needed for September, 2004. Interested persons should call 341-4162 on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
National Women’s Retreat Persons
interested in attending the upcoming "Women United In Spirit and Purpose
Through Prayer " Retreat are reminded that the deposit is now due.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist
Book Centre invites you to come by and shop for all your health food needs. A
full-time colporteur is now available to come to your home or office. Should
you need this service please call 341-2429. Additionally, delicious, hot
vegetarian lunches are available daily. Just another service we provide to
meet your needs. - Ask about the Gold Card. -Kenny V.A.
Deveaux, ABC Manager
VBA NEEDS YOU
Carpenters, masons and
helpers are needed at the Early Learning Centre. Come at 8 a.m. tomorrow and
help us finish the roof and plaster the walls.
Ghana, Africa Trip Lay Evangelist,
David Williams, will be in Ghana, Africa, August 23 to September 11, 2004.
Persons willing to help him defray travel expenses may contact him at
#357-9410. Please pray for his success as he takes part in Global Evangelism.
Teacher’s Assistant Needed A Teacher’s
assistant is needed for September 2004. For information please call 341-4162,
Tuesdays and Thursdays (8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Adventist Men’s Ministry Do you have
a skill or trade that you would like to exchange with others? Then register
that talent or trade today with the Adventist Men’s Ministry coordinator no
later than August 15, 2004.
! Adventist Men’s Ministry Weekend will
be held December 9 to 12 at the Nassau Beach Hotel. Two exciting concerts will
be conducted by the Men’s Choir at Government House and at one of our
churches to be announced. Further details are forth coming about our speakers.
! The Adventist Men will be traveling to
the Island of Inagua to participate in the erection of the church building.
All persons planning on traveling with the group are asked to make a $50
deposit at the Conference Office. We anticipate your cooperation.
! Be Healthy, Be Happy Club members
and interested persons are asked to meet at R. M. Bailey Park tomorrow morning
at 6 o'clock for our weekly walk. -Pastor P. A. Scavella, Health Ministries
Director
Christian-Based Professional Counseling Available Adventist
Counseling Services is an agency of the Bahamas Conference which provides
professional counseling for Adventist members. You need not carry your burdens
alone. Call 361-6355 today. Couples, singles, teenagers, single parents, those
coping with depression, loneliness, anxiety, and fears, call today for help.
Barrington H. Brennen is a professional counseling psychologist, marriage and
family therapist and a nationally certified psychologist in the USA. He will
provide private confidential service. Call today.
Bahamas Conference Calendar of Events for August and September 2004
- 13-15 Northern Caribbean University Graduation
- 14 Lay Pulpit Exchange
- 14-17 WIU Ministerial Family Retreat - Starfish Hotel, Trelawney,
Jamaica
- 18-22 WIU Festival of the Laity
- 21 WIU Praise Reunion Concert
- 22 Adventist Business and Professional Leaders Convention
- 28 Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day
- September, 2004
- Ingathering Alert
- Family Ministries Evangelism
- 6 Bahamas Academy reopens
- 11 Family Togetherness
- 18 World Pathfinder Day
- 19 Annual Pathfinder Parade
Conference/Church crusades
! West Indies Union/Inter American
Division Bible Bowl.
West Indies Union/Inter American Division will be conducting a Bible Bowl
for young persons between the ages of 15 - 30. The questions will be taken
from the book of Daniel
Business Logos
The Communication department is looking into the possibility of printing a
Business edition of the Logos to accommodate the many "secular"
announcements and ads. We are trying to eliminate the more "secular
materials from the Sabbath edition. Let us have your views on the need for the
Business Logos.
Sun sets today at 7:45 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:42 p.m.
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