As I sit to write a summary regarding the second month of 2004 in our Conference, there is much talk about the release of the movie "The Passion of The Christ" and the political unrest in Haiti. Probably, many of you are interested in knowing what views we have regarding these and the upsurge in "same sex marriages" in San Francisco. What impact are these likely to have upon us? As this medium of The Logos does not allow for much explanation, I refer you to our local webpage at www.bahamasconference.org, or our General Conference webpage at www.adventist.org . for a detailed report regarding the issues alluded to. Be sure to read the review of "The Passion of The Christ."

Haiti: Given our concern for the people of Haiti in general and our church brethren there, I wish to assure our Haitian members that reports reaching our headquarters here as of this article indicate that, "while there are rebels in Haiti who threaten to overtake the capital city of Port-of-Prince, the 260,000 Seventh-day Adventist in Haiti continues to worship God. Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, said that although communication in some areas has been scarce, he is in touch with church leaders in Haiti. "There are no casualties among members, and our properties have been spared thus far," said Leito. "Communication with the rebel-held territory is impossible, therefore we don’t know much of what is happening in Gonaives. "Churches throughout the country are holding services during the daytime on Sabbaths only, and Sunday and Wednesday evening services have been cancelled, particularly in Gonaives and Cap-Haitien, which are the most politically violent cities right now," Leito said. We continue to pray for peace and a sense of reason to prevail.  A Church in Haiti

Evangelism: On the local front, we praise God for a good report in evangelism. Already for this year, we have baptized nearly one hundred souls, and it is quite likely that we will exceed the one hundred mark today. Hats off to all our pastors and members for this initial accomplishment! Special commendations go to Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe and the Breath of Life members for a successful Family crusade. Breath of Life is rejoicing because of the 35 new brothers and sisters that have been added to the Church. We continue to pray for Pastor Peter Joseph and the New Providence and Real Harvest members are they celebrate God’s Sabbath under the tent in Nassau Village today. Also, we remember Pastor Wilfred Adderley and the Good News members as they continue with their revival. Culminating this first quarter will be "The Footprints of Jesus Crusade" commencing March 20th with Evangelist Glen Samuels. We are encouraging every member to support and follow the countdown plans to ensure a successful campaign. Pastor Samuels travels to The Bahamas on Wednesday, March 3, for a rally commencing that evening at Maranatha and continuing through Sabbath, March 6.

Marriage Maintenance Seminar: Another significant highlight of February has been the Marriage Maintenance Seminar spearheaded by Family Ministries Director and Associate Director, Pastors Barrington Brennen and Michael Smith, respectively. Presenters Dr. Walter and Jackie Wright, have truly endeared themselves to the participants with candor, openness and compassion. Marriages are better off as a result of this seminar.

Other notes of Interest: February has also been a month of our annual Law Enforcement and Civil Servants’ service, Elders’ training, the Bahamas Academy Secondary senior boys team winning the BAISS basketball pennant race as well as our first Adventist Business owners and Professionals breakfast. Next Sabbath, Listen-up Ministries will sponsor a full day of worship, fellowship and training for our young people at the Nassau Marriott Hotel. We are anticipate a successful retreat. Additionally, we continue to pray for our sick members, those behind prison bars, and those bereaved owing to the loss of father, mother, wife, child, or friend, etc.

VBA: I wish to make another appeal for added membership in Volunteer Bahamas Adventist. To facilitate this, pastors at the recent ministerial meeting agreed to appoint a local VBA representative in each church to ensure that VBA is promoted and that dues ($5) are collected monthly. I wish to remind you, dear fellow Believers in Christ, that VBA has been a significant blessing to our Conference in the short time since its formation in the first quarter of 2003. You know that these volunteers have constructed The Stevens Church in Long Island, assisted with the building of Parkgate Church in Nassau, Kemps Bay Church, in South Andros and the full construction of The Early Learning Center (phase I). Currently, VBA is remodeling the foyer of Bahamas Academy Secondary, and a representative group is in North Andros working on The Lowe Sound Church. It is your monthly dues of just $5, or $60 per annum that makes this trip possible. I remind you to pay your dues today. Remember to mark VBA on your tithe envelope. Additionally, we ask all pastors, or elders in charge to promote VBA today. On Tuesday, Adventist Spotlight will carry a feature report on VBA. Remember to tune in!

Trade Show: Our first Trade Show under the theme, "Adventist Business: Service with Dignity and Integrity," featuring the products, services and talents of our Business owners and professionals, kicks off one week from tomorrow. I have been informed that there are still a few more booths available for display of service or goods for the Trade Show. If you would like to participate in this show, please contact Mary Knott by Monday morning. I cannot assure you that there will be any available booth after Monday. Through the coordination of Bro. Tony Adderley, we are dividing the H. D. Colburn gym into 54 booths (10 ft by 10 ft) with electrical service and tables upon request. Additionally, you will be pleased to know that there will be a judging among the booths for the best booth, etc., the Pathfinder Ensemble will be there as well as numerous choirs and dignitaries. It is hoped that the Prime Minister will bring the keynote remarks and declare the Trade Show open. Members, we encourage you to support this venture. We shall be surprised and awed as to what is offered and available within our body of believers. There will also be seminars related to starting a small successful business, "How to Increase Your Take Home Pay – Financial Empowerment," and "Closing On The Sabbath with Success." Persons attending this event will receive tips on obtaining a mortgage and financing a business, etc. as well as Business Basics. March 7, at 10 a.m. at Bahamas Academy Secondary you will receive all of this, there will be lots of give a ways. The added good news is that admission is Free. Don’t miss it.

Please be reminded that by Mid-year Convention, each member is requested to give a special gift of $100 toward the rebuilding of Bahamas Academy and other Conference building projects. -Dr. Leonard A. Johnson, President

Education Corner (This is a weekly column sponsored by Bahamas Academy of S.D.A.)

"BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE F.T.A.A. WILL POSITIVELY AFFECT LIFE IN THE BAHAMAS." That was the moot debated by Bahamas Academy and Government High School on Friday, February 20th at the C. I. Gibson High School. The team representing Bahamas Academy consisted of Mia Pintard, Brehon Davis, and Pedro (Pete) Rolle. Bahamas Academy's team argued for the proposition.

Both teams debated their viewpoints well, giving the audience much food for thought on this very relevant topic. But the section of the debate where Bahamas Academy's team "pulled away from the pack" was the rebuttal. Mia Pintard was the chosen team member to do the rebuttal, and WOW, what an excellent job she did! She was able to refute each speaker's points and she had the audience "eating out of her hands".

After deliberating for forty-five minutes, the judges came back with good tips for future debates and the scores for each team. Bahamas Academy walked away with the winning score, and Brehon Davis was named Best Speaker-he did a fabulous job! On March 26th, we enter the semi-final round of this competition when we debate a school from Grand Bahama. The moot is: "BE IT RESOLVED THAT PARENTS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIMINAL ACTS OF THEIR CHILDREN." We are the opposition. We request your prayers for this team as they go into the semi-finals.

"My fellow students, teachers, administration of Bahamas Academy, parents, and friends, we thank you for always showing us your full support. Even when we were down, you never gave up on us. You encouraged us and pushed us to strive for the best. You held on with us to the end and for that we say 'thank you'." These were the words spoken by the Captain of the Senior Boy's Basketball Team, Portland ‘Mitch’ Bain, in a special chapel held on Wednesday, February 24, as the school showed its appreciation for a great basketball season.

Portland, who spoke on behalf of the four basketball teams, captured the feelings of the team members when he said: "Coach Symonette has helped to mold us into the great basketball team we are today. We have learnt more than just basketball--we have learnt how to be better human beings and we have learnt how to be better young men."

Portland said it for all of us. Even in sports, our mission is to teach character--to teach our children how to face great disappointments in life, how to deal with opposition and ridicule, and how to hold their heads high even when they don't get what they know they deserve. We are proud of our basketball teams, and all our students who represent their school like champions. We thank all of our old scholars, church members and supporters for their presence and support at the Games.

Bahamas Academy Calendar of Events:

Whereas the Sabbath has become more and more an issue for many of our members in the workplace; and whereas we have no legal/law-oriented formulated document for employees and employers on this issue here in the Bahamas; the Religious Liberty Director, Pastor M. A. Smith, is asking all Seventh-day Adventist lawyers to meet with him on Sunday, February 29, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Conference Office. If you plan to attend, please call Deena McPhee at 341-4021. Pastor M. A. Smith, PARL Director

All persons scheduled are requested to please contact Mr. Admiral Forbes at the home @341-0094/5 in advance if they are unable to keep their appointments. - J. Admiral Forbes, Coordinator

Youth Ministries Corner  Don't miss the HOOP IT UP, SLAM IT DOWN, BASKETBALL, DOMINOES AND CHECKERS TOURNAMENT TONIGHT!!!! Saturday, 28th February, 2004 at Bahamas Academy Gymnatorium from 7 p.m. until;. 3 on 3 basketball, partner dominoes and checker players tournament; 3 pt. Shootout, Free Throw and Slam Dunk Competition, other games and activities, Kidz Korner, food and drinks. General admission $1.00. For more details on tournament entry contest contact Tyrell Miller at 361-8306, 558-1736 or tyrellmiller@hotmail.com.

Camp-site: There will be a workday at the campsite on Sunday, March 14th. We are in need of carpenters, masons and helpers to assist in completing the various projects.

Uniform Change: Parents are reminded that uniforms for Pathfinders, Adventurers and Masterguides have been changed. The major change is from Kaki Shirt to WHITE SHIRT. Please get a copy of the complete list from your Pathfinder/Adventurer Leader.

P.E.T: WANTED - WANTED - WANTED!!!! Trained Masterguides to serve as leaders and instructors in community based Pathfinder/Adventurer programs. P.E.T. (Pathfinder Establishment Team) is a project to take the Pathfinder/Adventurer Program to the community and to assist with our Family Island churches. Presently there are three schools (Willimae Pratt Center for Girls, E.P. Roberts and Oakes Field Primary Schools) where we will begin this program. Please contact Barry Saunders, your Pathfinder/Adventurer Director, or the Youth Department at the Conference to register to assist at one of these schools.

Sun sets today at 6:11 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:14 p.m.