Pastor Johnson and his team say "thanks" to Alfred Watkins, Bro Warren and Carla Rogers, and the Strachans for planning a very enjoyable and inspiring weekend.

Another team--Pastor Barrington Brennen, Communication and Counseling Director, and Miriam Knowles, Women’s Ministries Director carried the spirit and enthusiasm of "Convention 2003" to the Eleuthera district. This convention began with a dynamic presentation by Sister Knowles on Friday evening. She encouraged the brethren to unite in Christ. On Sabbath morning the convention moved north to the James Cistern Church. A video presentation of Pastor Albury’s Report inspired the members during the Sabbath School time. As speaker for the divine service, Pastor Brennen explained how poor family relationships can affect our concept of God’s grace. After a delicious dinner, the team promoted the Volunteer Bahamas Adventists plan and other departmental plans. This spirit-filled convention concluded with a lively discussion of the video "Sex, Lies, and the Truth."

The pastor and members of the Exuma district welcomed the Youth Director, Pastor Andrew Burrows, and Mrs. Cheryl Rolle, Education and Children’s Ministries Director, and Elder Pedro Rolle. On Friday evening, Elder Rolle delivered a message on unity based on Ephesians 2:17-21. Members were led into a truly spiritual experience during the Sabbath services. Emphasizing that the gospel of Christ should be lived and seen in the life of the Christian, Pastor Burrows preached a dynamic message entitled "Faded Glory." The convention ended in the afternoon with a training session for the departments. In spite of the chilly weather on Friday night and Sabbath the brethren in North Andros greeted Pastor Eric D. Clarke and Pastor John Carey warmly. They were pleased to see several visitors from the Lowe Sound Community and Central Andros in attendance. Pastor Carey served as the moderator of the weekend’s program and led out in the review of the Sabbath School lesson.

The featured speaker of the weekend, Pastor Clarke, the Executive Secretary of the Conference, kept his audience in a jovial mood with his spirited and humorous presentations. During the divine service on Sabbath, the Children’s Choir, directed by Mrs. Verlinda Rolle, set the tone for the preaching of the Word. Using 1 Chronicles 5: 1, 2 as the key text, Pastor Clarke stressed the importance of commitment and faithfulness to God. Both members and visitors received the message gladly.

At the conclusion of the extended Sabbath service, the Carey and Clarke team visited a sick member. Before leaving for the airport, they were served a delicious meal.

The importance of taking convention to the Family Islands was highlighted by the warm reception and sincere hospitality all the teams received. Let us continue the spirit of "Convention 2003."

Using a powerpoint presentation, Pastor L. A. Johnson, the President of the Conference, argued that the current approach to building churches in the conference demanded too much of members time and resources. To solve this problem, the VBA programme was proposed. This non-profit organization will work in cooperation with the conference and ASI to address the building needs of the churches and other institutions in the Conference. VBA will also generate funds by encouraging local churches and members to invest in the Capital Development Fund that will be a source of funding for the various projects.

All the elders at the meeting eagerly supported the VBA program, and expressed their desire to get started immediately. Elder Winston Ash from the Grant’s Town Church was chosen to coordinate the program. Among the first projects targeted are the Ephesus, Stevens, and Lowe Sound Churches and the Bethel Church property.

With the enthusiasm that has already been generated, we are confident that the VBA program is going to be a great success. Every member is encouraged to support the VBA. - Editor

The Hon Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, and Commissioner of Police, Paul Farquharson have been invited to speak.

Pastor Basil Sturrup is expected to bring welcome remarks , and Pastor Michael A. Smith is expected to say the opening prayer. Corporal Donna Humes has been asked to read a passage of scripture. Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe will offer the prayer of consecration, Officer Levi Lloyd of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will give the vote of thanks, and Pastor Michael Toote will offer the Benediction.

Special music is expected to be provided by the Sentinels, the Pathfinders’ Band and the Centreville Choir. Do attend this special service.-  Chris Symmonett, Public Relations

The senior girls and boys went to the playoffs in 1st place-the girls winning nine games and losing one, and the boys winning all twelve games with O losses! Both teams dominated the games, never allowing their opponents to gain many points ahead of them. As I promised last week, let me introduce the other teams --Junior Boys: Antoine Arnett,

Demetrius Kemp - New Prov., Kenneth Woodside - Hillview, Lasalle Thompson - Hillview, Melvin Lewis - Johnson Park, Anthony Porter - Grant’s Town, Ryan Heastie - Centreville, Damathio Forbes, Nico Scavella - Good News, Jeremy Hanna - Hillview, Craig Woodside - Grant’s Town, Antwan Forbes - New Prov., Shelton Minott - Hillview, Lee Burrows - Philadelphia

Senior Girls: April Haven, Stevanette Rollins,

Latoya Forbes, Lathara Burrows - Philadelphia,

Stanneka Delancy, Shantra Bell, Kendra Miller - Bethany, Laquita Braynen - Berea, Chevonne Kelly - Hillview, Melisa Wilson, Lynell Thurston - Centreville, Imani Bethel - Hillview, Shadia Major, Shaniqua Carroll.

This article goes to press before the first championship game on Thursday, January 30. We know our teams will do well, and we want them to know, win or lose, we are very proud of them. We are especially proud of the senior girls' team because last year they lost every game they played! But they hung in there, continued practising, listened to their coaches, and now they are surprising all of us! Special mention should be made of Stanneka Delancy who scored 28 points in their game on Monday.

Bahamas Academy is planning a grand celebration for our teams. Thursday, February 6, will be known as BAHAMAS ACADEMY STARS DAY! We are planning a massive float parade which will involve all of our students (elementary and secondary), staff members, conference officials, and old scholars. Make sure you get your T-shirt from the school or the Conference office as of Monday, February 3, 2003. -Lynn C. Smith, Principal

Community Forum Pastor Barrington Brennen will be the guest presenter at Community Forum on February 11, 2003, from 9 :00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Topic will be related to issues of "intimate relationships." Venue to be announced. -B. Bridgewater

Help Wanted The Publishing Ministry has opening for honest, faithful members of the SDA Church who are willing to work. You will determine your income. Call 341-4021 for more details.

Conference Calendar of Events for February, 2003

February - Counseling and Publishing Awareness Month

1-- Installation of Northern Bahamas Mission Officers and Interim Committee

2--End of Northern Bahamas Mission Convention 2– Go One Million Joint Promotional Service

8--SDA Law Enforcement/Civil Servants Service at Centreville

10-14--Teachers' Appreciation Week (Bahamas Academy Secondary Division)

14 - 16--Women's Ministries Director's Visit

22-- Youth Commitment Service at AY time

Spanish Classes Resume at Living Faith Spanish classes will resume at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road, on Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. - Tamika Roberts

Women’s and Children’s Ministries Leaders to Meet There will be a very important meeting for all Women’s and Children’s Ministries Leaders on Sunday, February 2, 2003, at 5 p.m. at Bahamas Academy. -Mrs. C. Rolle and Mrs. M. Knowles, Departmental Directors

Masterguides Camporee Registration forms for the Masterguides Camporee are available through your local church youth leader. Names and funds are needed urgently. - A. Burrows, Departmental Director

Cat Island SDA Advancement Society to Meet A meeting will be held tomorrow, Sunday, February 2, 2003, at 10 a.m. at the Hillview Church for all members and interested friends of the Cat Island SDA Advancement Society. - Norman Seymour

Women’s Ministries Get ready! Get ready! Get ready! February 14 to 16, 2003, Women’s and Children’s Ministries workshops with Sister Iris Henry from West Indies Union will be conducted. You can’t afford to miss this. Be there! - M. Knowles, Departmental Director

‘ACTS’ ACTS will be visiting The Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home today, February 1st. If you would like to bring canned good, and other non-perishable food items for this visit, please join us at Hillview Church at 3:00 p.m. Thank you in advance for your generosity. -Tamara Burrows

Vegetarian Cooking and Lifestyle Education Program Beginning February 2, 2003, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., a vegetarian cooking and lifestyle education program will be held. Interested persons may call Marlene McKinney at #364-0085 for further details.

Cat Island Homecoming 2003 The annual Cat Island SDA Homecoming will be held during the Easter weekend. Persons interested in attending are asked to contact Bro. Norman Seymour or Bro. Cephas Ward at 324-6744 or 361-7428 on or before Feb. 3, 2003.

Sandilands Holds Meetings for Churches The Pastoral Care Unit at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre is inviting each Church to have a representative attend a meeting on Thursday, February 20^th, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the Patients’ Activities Room, Geriatric Hospital.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the calendar for 2003 as well as to solicit support for the various programmes. For additional information, kindly contact Mrs. Betsy Duvalier at 364-8891 or pager 340-1348.

Long Island Alert! Descendants and friends of Long Island are encouraged to make contributions to the church building fund for the New Stevens SDA Church in Long Island. Payments are being received at the Conference Office and receipts issued. Many thanks are extended to the eight persons thus far who have given sacrificially to help the brethren in Long Island. - D. Ritchie

Ephesus Women’s Ministry to Host Tea Party The Ephesus Women’s Ministry Department invites you to its annual Tea Party Sunday, February 9, 2003, in the Victoria Room, British Colonial Hilton Hotel. Dress, elegantly casual.

A time of sharing, bonding and spiritual upliftment awaits all. Contact Phyllis Woodside at 392-9257 or 341-2845 and Lindell Hanna at 322-2341 or 364-8253 for tickets.

SDA Burial Society to Meet The SDA Burial Society meeting be held on Monday, February 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church Annex. Members can become financial. Persons interested in joining are especially invited.