Many are still asking the question why the need for counseling services in our Conference? We must remember that at the heart of the gospel is the ministry to respond to the felt needs of people. This is brought out clearly in one of my favorite texts: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV), "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Christ was the great counselor on earth. He daily ministered to the felt needs of those with whom He came into contact. He fed the hungry, comforted the lonely, uplifted the depressed, freed those in bondage, and encouraged the discouraged.

Many Adventist Christians are hurting emotionally and psychologically and have no where to turn. Some do not understand the reason for their pain. This is why we have ACS. ACS provide professional, confidential counseling service and have helped many couples and individuals heal and grow.

On Saturday night, February 9, our first "Share and Care" Support group will begin. It is a group for persons with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart problem, etc. This group will meet every two weeks for eight weeks. If you are a man or woman who feels frustrated and hopeless because of long-term illness, then come to this Share and Care Group. It will be facilitated by Dr. Stephanie Hutcheson, an Adventist clinical psychologist. Another group will be for women in abusive relationships. As the weeks and month progress, ACS will organize Share and Care groups to meet the needs of our hurting families among us. We will also begin the training of selected persons to be lay counselors in our churches.

On Monday, February 18, a video will be shown at the Johnson Park Church entitled, "Coping with Depressions - A message of hope for those held captive by depression," prepared by the American Association of Christian Counselors. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Another video will be shown on February 23 at Living Faith Church entitled "Not in My Church," a movie on sexual abuse. The last video in the series will be shown on March 2 at New Providence Church, entitled "Broken Vows." This is a documentary on spousal abuse.

The highlight of the month will be Counseling Awareness Day on Sabbath February 23. We pray that during this month more of our members would have a clearer understanding of the role of these two special ministries in our church - Adventist Counseling Services and Special Services Unit at our schools.-Barrington H. Brennen, Director ACS

The 2002 Marriage Enrichment Seminar Retreat

The journey of a lifetime is about to begin. Have you registered as yet for the pre-Valentine weekend of love? The 2002 Marriage Enrichment Seminar Retreat will be held at The British Colonial Hilton Hotel on Friday, February 8, 2002 from 7 – 9 p.m. and the Nassau Beach Hotel on Sabbath, February 9, 2002 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Sunday, February 10, 2002 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  See Promotion

 

Remember, if you are married, engaged, thinking about getting engaged, then this seminar is for you. This seminar is projected to enrich and strengthen marriages and provide valuable information about meaningful relationships. So if you want to make a good marriage even better, if you need to replace the fizz in a flat marriage, if you are on the brink of divorce and want to save your marriage, if you want to check out what goes into a marriage before you say, "I do" at the wedding, then attend this experience of a lifetime.

Pastor Willie and Mrs. Elaine Oliver, the directors of Family Ministries for North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) are excited about being our seminar speakers. They are dynamic, down-to-earth, well socially informed yet solid Bible-based presenters who have conducted retreats of this nature in many parts of the world. Hear them present and interact with everyone on such subjects as Rekindling the Spark/Becoming Intimate Allies, Nurturing and Sensuality; Forgiveness and Restoration, and more.

Time is running out, so make sure you are registered now at the Family Ministries Department of Bahamas Conference (341- 4021-2) or with your local church Family Life Director. The cost for the seminar is $50 per couple or $25 per single person. The deadline is Monday, February 4, 2002. For those persons who would like to stay at the hotel for the weekend and really romance this quality time, the Nassau Beach Hotel is offering such arrangements at a wonderfully reduced rate. Call the Conference or see your local director for details.

For those who would like lunch on Sabbath there is a charge. This will be offered and available at the Nassau Marriott Crystal Palace Hotel. Your church director has the details.

All church Family Life Directors and Assistants in Nassau are asked to meet with Pastor Smith, on Monday, February 4 at 7 p.m. at the Hillview SDA Church. We need to ascertain our final numbers, etc. for the retreat. Thank you for your support as we make this a blessed and uplifting weekend. -Pastor M. A. Smith, Family Ministries Director

Listen-up can be seen at its new time on the first Sunday of each month, on ZNS TV 13, and Cable Channel 11 at 10:30 a.m. Check out the new host and look, its going to be slamming! The New Providence Church and The Gospel Fest will be featured this week. -A. Musgrove, Producer Listen-Up

All officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Customs, Immigration and Road Traffic Departments and the Prison Service are invited to be a part of this special service and to attend in uniform. The entire SDA Community is encouraged to support and attend.

Again Triple "C" stands for

Concern -- Solicitous Regard; Affect

Care -- Serious Attention; Affection

Comfort -- Relief in Affliction; Consolation

The acceptance and implementation of the Triple "C" Family Plan are projected to bring untold blessings to the church family and to the spread of the gospel. For example:

a. It will mean financial empowerment of our members.

b. It will provide a greater sense of belonging and well being for our members.

c. It will increase the potential for tithes and offerings.

d. It will ease the pressure on the local church budget and allow the church to better finance its outreach programs.

e. It will make Stewardship education more meaningful.

f. It will provide a ready pool of prospects for our evangelistic units.

g. It will give the church new impetus for the reclamation of missing and delinquent members.

h. It could provide the catalyst for an unprecedented revival among Seventh-day Adventists.

Let us continue to pray for, sign up for and invest in the Triple "C’ Family Plan. Remember we need a minimum of 1000 persons throughout the entire Conference to sign up in order for the program to be fully implemented. -Pastor M. A. Smith, Stewardship Director

The Adventist Book Centre Blowout Sale The ABC Blowout sale which began on Thursday will end on February 3^rd. All are invited to stop by and check out the savings. Twenty percent off case prices. Books available at up to 40% off . All Vegetarian meats 15% off. - S. Neil McKinney, ABC Manager

Women’s Ministries Congratulations to the Women’s Ministries Leaders of the Berea, Centreville, and the Good News Churches for their bold initiative at the start of the New Year by conducting a Prayer Breakfast, Executive Planning meeting and an Evangelistic Outreach, respectively. A Women’s Ministries seminar was conducted in Orange Creek, Cat Island. All of our ladies are encouraged to get connected and join this great army of women in spreading the message of love and thus hastening our Lord’s return.-A. Scavella, Director WM

Rebroadcast of President’s Convention Message ZNS 1540 Radio Bahamas will rebroadcast Pastor K. D. Albury’s sermon preached at the closing of Convention 2002, on Sunday, Feb. 3 beginning at 3:05 p.m. and in Grand Bahamas on Radio 810. On Monday, Feb. 4^th, from 9 to 10:30 p.m. on Cable Channel 12. Please tune in to get the full message.-Communications Dept.

Empresses In The Garden By all accounts, the Ephesus Women’s Ministry Department tea party held on January 27, 2002, was a smashing success. A kaleidoscope of pastel colors filled the upper room, transforming it into the Empress Garden, with beautiful flowers, palm trees and fine china. Under the theme "Blossoming under God’s nurture and Light," over 30 women gathered to be edified spiritually, mentally, socially and physically.

Sister Brenda Gibson was phenomenal in presenting the devotional thought which was received with enthusiasm. The garden music was heavenly and graciously rendered by Apryal Rahming and Fernella Finalyson. We dined on a variety of pinwheel sandwiches, delectable desserts, local bush tea and herbal teas. Dr. Ruby Major presented much food for thought as she reminded us to nurture our spirit, and Sister Mary Brennen gave an insightful talk on the preparation of tasty meals. The importance of reading was highlighted by Charisee Neely and a sample of wholesome books available for the entire family was displayed.

Kudos are extended to our dynamic leader, Sis. Phyllis Woodside, and her assistant,  Lyndell Hanna, for the time, effort and creativity expended which resulted in an extremely enjoyable event for all. They also acted as the moderators of the party. Special thanks are given to our fine young men, Hubert Rolle, Travis Rolle, Stephen Clarke and Adrian Augustine, for being our hardworking hosts for the afternoon. In addition, Tereza and Apryal Rahming must be specially recognized for their tremendous help. We appreciate the overwhelming support of all the women who attended, especially our friends from the community and sister churches. Praise God for all his rich blessings as our hearts were truly uplifted and nurtured. -Charisee Neely

We need at least 100 SDA Long Islanders and friends of Long Island to pledge/deposit $100 into this account to expedite the completion of a modern edifice to the honour and glory of God. Come on, saints, let’s put Long Island on the map. -D. Ritchie

Cashier Wanted Persons are invited to call Mr. Anthony Roach at 322-7301 to interview for a Cashier’s position at his Shell Service Station.

Softball League to begin Soon All Softball coaches and person interested are cordially invted to attend a meeting on Sunday, February 3, 2002, at 11 a.m. at the Hillview Church. Players are encouraged to begin training for the season’s opening on May 5^th. This year, Be a Player and Not a Spectator! -Tyrrell Miller, President of Softball League

SDA Haitian Community Needs Help The Francophone SDA Church is soliciting bedding, clothing for men and women, and cash donations to assist the recent Haitian refugees and others at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. Please contact Sis. Mona Joseph at 362-1674, Sis. Sirila Exalus at 393-3217 or Pastor Edward St. Fleur at 362-1031 to receive your donations.

The first entrance exam is scheduled for Friday, February 22, 2002, at the school from 9 a.m. to noon for those entering grades 1 to 6.

For further information, please contact the school at 393-8898.

As a culminating activity of the topic "Election," the sixth grade students came together and decided to hold a General Election on the school grounds. Thursday, February 21, 2002. Students from grades 2 to 6 will have an opportunity to experience the voting process in their assigned constituency.

The students are looking forward to election day with great anticipation. Which party will be victorious, is yet to be known. The party leaders and their members are diligently campaigning to their constituents (the student body).

The staff, student body and parents eagerly await the election results. -Grade Six Sponsors

The first entrance exam is scheduled for Friday, February 22, 2002.

Bahamas Academy Secondary School is looking for a Social Studies teacher for Grades 7 to 9 to begin in September, 2002. Each applicant should have a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher’s certificate. Interested persons should pick-up job applications from the school during normal working hours.

The United Christian Movement of the Academy will again sponsor a Soup Kitchen beginning tomorrow at noon in the Home Economics lab of the school. Soup will be served every other Sunday for the reminder of the term.

For further information, please contact the school at 393-8898.

All Pathfinder Directors are asked to meet for a very important meeting on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 8 a.m. at Bahamas Academy Secondary School.

A Youth Leaders Convention is coming up Feb. 21-24, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia. Speakers include: Don Schneider, Jose Rojas, James Black, Frederick Russell. Topics being discussed are: How to Answer Difficult Questions, Using the Web For Ministry, Talking about Sexuality, Effective Youth Communication and many more.

Registration fee provides four meals: Friday supper, Sabbath lunch and supper and Sunday brunch. All

Plane ticket--$336.00 {Nassau- Miami-Atlanta}

Registration: $130.00

Departure Tax $ 15.00

Hotel: 100x5 4 $125.00 (limited offer)

Transportation: $ 50.00

Air Travel: $336.00

Total: $656.00

Tuesday, Feb. 5 and 7 - Masterguides Training- 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 7 - Masterguides Exam/Rehearsal 7-9 p.m.

Sabbath, Feb. 9 - Investiture {Hillview Church at 4 p.m.}

All Morning Watch books have been sent to all churches. Youth Leaders, please check for them.

**All Masterguides and persons interested are invited to a 10 Hour Masterguides Training Session commencing Monday, Feb. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a very important session for beginners. Other dates for additional classes will be announced.

For further details regarding fees and registration, please call 393-9362, or stop by the office at Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday).