Before turning to passages from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Johnson quoted the following from the National Commission Report on Crime: "We are convinced that Bahamian society is more threatened by a pervasive culture of dishonesty, greed and a casual disregard for social norms and formal regulation than it is by crimes in the narrow sense…" Then he quoted Jesus’ remarks in the Sermon on the Mount relating to His prohibition of murder and causeless anger, and noted that "if we as a nation would subscribe to and practise these principles enunciated in Matthew chapter

five, there would be a greater sense of appreciation for life. I also suspect that there would be a greater willingness to resolve problems and differences by reason and dialogue as opposed to resorting to knives and guns…"

Pastor Johnson also quoted New Testament scholar Sinclair Ferguson as having

said in his book The Sermon on the Mount: "Animosity is a time bomb; we do not know when it will go off. We must deal with it quickly before the consequences of our bitterness get completely out of control. Most human relationships that are destroyed could have been preserved if there had been communication and action at the right time. Jesus says that the right time is as soon as we are conscious that we are at enmity with our brother."

Referring to Jesus’ remarks on adultery, Pastor Johnson said, "that when we disregard God’s command in this regard to sexual purity, we expose ourselves to disease, unwanted pregnancies and unprepared or forced responsibility. Not being ready and equipped to deal with the responsibility of a child, one may yield to the temptation of compromising means in order to secure child or self-support.

"The situation may further be compounded by such children having to fend for themselves, which could prove ideal for gang recruitment where such persons are made to feel wanted and appreciated." In a reference to Jesus’ remarks on divorce, Pastor Johnson said Jesus calls for persons to have respect for the institution of marriage, and presses for commitment. Strong families encourage strong communities. He also said " respect for God’s command regarding divorce should prevent us from considering or giving attention to the idea of taking a man’s wife or a woman’s husband."

Turning to Jesus’ condemnation of swearing, Pastor Johnson said it is clear Jesus makes the argument for integrity. At the beginning of February The Bahamas went on a 40-hour work week, he said, adding that while the government should be applauded, it is up to employees to give quality service. Employees

should give a day’s work for a day’s pay – more so persons who are in law enforcement and, most of all, those in the body of Christ. He said, "Dishonesty could be taken to another level as there would seem to be disregard for one’s property. Stealing and the accompanying black market to purchase these ill-gotten goods are unacceptable." Pastor Johnson also referred to Jesus’ remarks on forgiveness and love, and applied them to everyday living in The Bahamas.

Deputy Prime Minister Pratt appealed for law enforcement agencies to work as one in an attempt to resolve the problems confronting the nation. Saying that the government recognized the contribution the officers were making, she expressed appreciation for all they were doing for the country, and admonished them to live what they believed.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ferguson, standing in for Commissioner Paul

Farquharson, said the family, which is the bedrock of civil society and on which a major thrust of Adventist doctrine is centered, is under attack, and there is a pervasive spirit of blame permeating society. People sought to blame the government, the Church, the police and single-family situations. "And while all of the above may in some way contribute to our present dilemma, I am convinced that the answer to the problems confronting us as a people is found in the word of God, which admonishes those of us who profess to be people of God to humble ourselves and pray, seek God’s face and desist from evil," he said. "Then, and only then, will God bring healing to our beloved Bahamaland."

Sabbath morning members came from as far as Devil’s Point to participate in a sprit-filled service. One of the highlights of the Sabbath School conducted by Margaret Cleare was special Music by the " Nassau Group." Led by Sis Farquharson, a lively lesson study included participation of the police Sergeant of the district.

During the Divine Service, Pastor and Mrs. Duncombe were formally introduced to the brethren who warmly and enthusiastically accepted them. Pastor Duncombe then gave a powerful charge from Isaiah 6: 1-8. Pastor Carey further challenged the brethren to live holy lives as indicated in 1 Peter 1: 1, 5, 16, and as he outlined in the "Seven Habits of Holy People."

Special thanks to Sisters Cleare, Palacious and McCoy; Elder C. King, Bro. B. Johnson and the entire SDA community in Cat Island for a wonderful stay. We are looking forward to the next visit. To God be the Glory! - M. Farquharson

Education Corner

The competitions are over for a while (even though track and field competitions are right around the corner), and life at Bahamas Academy is back to normal.

The positive publicity the story of the Penn sisters has brought to the school has been amazing. As a matter of fact, the Nursing Association of Princess Margaret Hospital made another presentation to the sisters during the elementary chapel period yesterday. In addition, the General Conference picked up the story and had a news clip on ATN last Sunday. Calls have been coming in to congratulate the girls on their bravery, and strangers are approaching us with nothing but positive comments, at this time when the country is focused on the crime situation, and the world is focused on war.

The positive publicity the coverage of the basketball games has brought to the school has also been amazing. People we don't even know are saying that they were pulling for our teams and were disappointed they did not win. Old scholars from all over the Bahamas made calls of congratulations and pride beaming in their voices for their alma mater. Of course, since the championships, the teams have received numerous requests to play in other tournaments here and abroad. The school is also being "encouraged" by outsiders to send the boys to the Hugh Campbell tournament. However, we can state categorically that we will not be sending our boys there.

The topic of competitive sports evokes mixed opinions from different people. Let me highlight a few points that hopefully will answer some of the questions in the minds of some members:

During a meeting of the principals association held this past week, the comment was made that this was one of the best seasons they had-in terms of support (the gym has never been that packed), and no fights or unbecoming behaviour occurred. I felt proud because I believe that the influence of our presence in the games had a lot to do with that. Contrary to the implication that was made by the press, winning is NOT everything to us-it's how you play the game! And this is a valuable principle that we try to instill in our students about life in general. Our students are encouraged to do the best in everything they do, whether or not they receive recognition or money, whether or not they are doing homework or participating in on-the-job work experience.

We look forward to next year for basketball and next month for track and field. T-SHIRTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE SCHOOL. PLEASE STOP BY AND GET YOURS.

February 28 - March 3: Mid-term Break

Philadelphia Dedicates Choir Robes and Bids Farewell to Senior Pastor Sabbath, February 8^th, was a memorable day for the members of the Philadelphia Church. During the Divine Service, Pastor Hugh A. Roach dedicated the ‘New Choir Robes’ and delivered his final sermon as senior pastor of the Church.

Following the service, Pastors Roach and Carey, along with members, participated in a fellowship meal.

The Pastor, officers and members of the Philadelphia Church extend sincere gratitude to Pastor and Mrs. Roach for their ministry during the last two years. May God’s riches blessings remain with them as they continue in His work. - A. Dorsett, Communications Secretary

Video Series on Homosexual Roots & Recovery There will be three special video presentations dealing with homosexuality on Wednesday night, February 19 and 22, and Saturday night, March 1, at the New Englerston Church beginning at 7:30. The first video, "Understanding Homosexuality: Roots and Recovery," is presented by Sy Rogers, a former homosexual and one of the United States’ foremost speakers on the subject. He will help you understand the causes of homosexuality and the recovery process. The second video, "Counseling the Male Homosexual," is presented by Joe Dallas. The third is "Answering the Pro-Gay Theology," also by Joe Dallas. These videos will be informative, and spiritually and intellectually stimulating.

Harmonious Praise to host Boat Cruise Members of Harmonious Praise invite both young and old, fit and unfit to a night of thanksgiving and praise on a boat cruise March 1, 2003, at 8 p.m. Please plan to attend and be blessed. For further information continue to read the Logos.

Andrews University Singers Grand Concert in Nassau. There will be a grand concert by the Andrews University Singers (AU) on Sabbath afternoon, March 15, at 4:30 P.M. at the Hillview Church. AU Singers is a multi-national choir of some of AU’s best voices with South African-born, Stephen Zork as director. Bahamian Marguerite Brennen, a physical education and music major at Andrews, will be singing in the choir. Bring an offering.

New Adventist Business Newsletter There will be a new monthly Adventist Business Newsletter to complement the Sabbath Logos beginning Wednesday, February 19. This newsletter is designed to share secular and business news that is not published in the Logos. It will only be distributed at the third Wednesday or Sunday night service of each month. You can send all your business news to sdalogos@coralwave.com or call 341 4021. If you are selling property, car, need a job, job vacancy, promoting your new business, or requesting information of any kind, then send your information to Adventist Business Newsletter. Persons are asked to pick up the Newsletter from the conference office between Tuesday, February 18, and Wednesday morning, February 19, to be distributed in the churches.

Housing Needed for Singers. Volunteers are needed to house members of the Andrews University Singer in their homes from Thursday night, March 13, to Tuesday morning, March 18. Please call Barrington Brennen at 361 6355 or 393 2818 to assist. The singers will provide their own transportation and meals.

Women’s & Children’s Ministries Under the theme "Empowered by God to Lead," The Women’s and Children’s Ministries Departments will host a weekend of spiritual renewal Feb. 14 to 16, with special guest Mrs. Iris Henry, Women’s and Children’s Ministry Director for West Indies Union. The schedule for services is as follows: Friday, February 14, Communion Service at Grant’s Town Church at 7:30 p.m. Sabbath, Feb. 15, Divine hour at Berea Church. Sabbath afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. a Leadership seminar at Good News Church. Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at the New Providence Church. -Audrey Dean-Wright, President

Certified Professional Secretary Certification Program   Persons interested in signing up for the Certified Professional Secretaries’ certification program through the College of The Bahamas are asked to call A. Miller at 323-6543.

Adelaide Invites you to Come on Down Do you want to get out of the city for a day, but cannot afford to go to a Family Island? Don’t be discouraged! Just come to the Adelaide SDA Church and enjoy a Family Island experience for the day. Oh yes, a day filled with activities. We will provide for your spiritual and physical food. Come worship with us! Enjoy the warmth of the friendly folks just praising God and having a Holy Ghost time. - D. Fenton Johnson, Communications Secretary

ABC Alert The Adventist Book Center is changing right before your eyes! Come by take a look; you won’t be disappointed! Store hours are: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 to 1:00 p.m. We are here to serve you! We will be coming to your Church soon!

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.

ACTS ACTS will be having a planning meeting Saturday, February 15^th, at Maranatha SDA church at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is in anticipation of our clothing drive and soup kitchen to take place in the near future. If you are between the ages of 15 and 25 and interested in becoming a part ACTS, join us this Sabbath. Also, if you would like to donate clothing for the drive, please contact Tamara Burrows at 364-1725, or leave clothing items at your respective churches for collection. Thank you in advance.- Tamara Burrows

Important Health Ministries Meeting All Health Ministries Coordinators in the New Providence Churches are requested to meet at the Living Faith Church tomorrow, February 16, at 2 p.m. - Pastor Paul Scavella, Departmental Director

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 programs. For additional information, kindly contact Mrs. Betsy Duvalier at 364-8891 or pager 340-1348.