PDF FORMAT
WORDPERFECT
A New Year’s
Message From The President
Thank God We Made It!
Thank God we have crossed over from 2004 to 2005! Today, being the first
day of the New Year, accords us the opportunity for a fresh start, be it a
closer walk with and commitment to Christ, family and church. Equally so, this
day also represents new challenges; nevertheless, we must remember that "Great
is the Faithfulness of God" and His "Mercies are new each morning." My prayer
is that we seize each opportunity for growth, affirmation and leading others
to a knowledge of God.
One Thousand Baptized! Commendation to each of you brethren,
pastors and lay evangelists, for leading 1000 souls to the Lord in baptism
again in 2004. For two years in succession since our territorial adjustment
(Grand Bahama and Abaco no longer a part of our Conference), you have
demonstrated that it is possible to baptize 1000 souls in a year. My fellow
officers, Pastor Clarke and Elder Lewis, join me in saluting Pastor Glen
Samuels of West Indies Union for the jump start at the beginning of 2004;
Pastor Michael Smith, Ministerial Director, all directors, pastors and lay
members who, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, have made this possible.
Permit me to single out Pastor Peter Joseph who has done exceptionally well.
He achieved the goal of over 200 baptisms in one year. Also, hats off to those
lay brethren who have taken time off from work to go overseas and to the
Family Islands. I also remind you that our task of retaining and loving our
new brothers and sisters is just as important as our desire to bring them into
the church. While we think about our success in evangelism, we must say: "To
God be all praise and glory!"
District Changes Today, we also implement a few district changes in our
conference.
Pastor Michael A. Smith and family are
transitioning to the Grant's Town Church. Pastor Smith, with the help
of Anson Albury, ministerial intern, will
also continue pastoring Johnson Park.
Pastor Peter Joseph and family, while
continuing to oversee Real Harvest in Pinewood Gardens, now assume
responsibility for the Hillview Church.
Dr. Hugh A. Roach, veteran pastor and
former conference president, along with Olga Roach, assumes the mantle for the
Good News Church.
The outgoing pastor of Good News, Pastor Wilfred
Adderley, supported by his family, will oversee Inagua and
give greater focus to the Adelaide and Johnson Road district.
Also, Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe and
family, in addition to being responsible for the Breath of Life Church
will pastor the Gambier Church.
Dr. Michael D. Toote, along with his
family, takes up the mantle for the New Providence and Philadelphia
churches; and
Pastor Eric D. Clarke, Executive
Secretary, and family transfer to Maranatha.
Pastor Gary and Allison King will now
join Pastor Paul Scavella at the Parkgate and Living Faith district.
Please continue to pray for and support your pastor and his family. To a
great extent, the success of the church depends on your support.
Convention n Wednesday evening, January 5, Convention 2005 commences at
the Grant's Town
Church. I will speak on the theme for the Convention, "United
in Witness of Truth." The speaker for the rest of the Convention will be Dr.
Herbert Thompson, a visionary leader and man of God whom God has called for
this time to lead Northern Caribbean University to significant heights. Pray
much for both of us as we seek the anointing of God to proclaim His word.
Remember that Thursday and Friday evening services as well as the Youth
Sabbath afternoon program will be at the Hillview Church. The Sabbath morning
service and Sunday afternoon Ground Breaking service for the New Bahamas
Academy will be at the Marshall Road Property, adjacent to the Breath of Life
Church. As usual the opening service of Convention will be aired on TV 13 on
Sunday, January 9, at 8 p.m. Remember to tune in. Also, be assured that your
comfort for the Sabbath morning service at Marshall Road has been considered.
Yes, there will be adequate tent space for all, and the grounds have been
leveled to prevent damage to your shoes. For your comfort, adequate bathroom
facilities and drinking water will be provided, but above all the presence of
The Lord will be there. Parents should note that the children will be
accommodated at the Berea Church on Blue Hill Road.
Groundbreaking On Sunday afternoon, January 9, the long awaited
groundbreaking ceremony for he
Bahamas Academy will begin at 3 o'clock. With
a proposed new facility of 86,000 square feet projected to cost us over 3
million dollars, we launch out in faith to build this school to the honour and
glory of God. Thus, you can appreciate the need for and significance of the
sacrifice and volunteerism seen in Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) headed by
Bro. Winston Ash, and in many of you. With the second and final phase just
about completed at the Early Learning Center, VBA is in urgent need of greater
support for the projects of 2005, the major one being the new Bahamas Academy.
For the occasion of BA's groundbreaking, Dr. Wendell McMillan, an alumnus,
will be the Keynote speaker. Also, with the Minister of Education in
attendance and hundreds of alumni present, along with you and me, opportunity
will be given for special offerings and ongoing pledges for the project. I am
also pleased to inform you that several lending institutions will be on hand
to offer small loans to persons who desire to assist with the construction of
BA. This approach, which was suggested in a discussion held with Mr. Kenny
Sawyer of Bahamian Lumber, and Dr. Joseph Evans, both alumni of BA, enables
the school to receive the funds up front while members and friends of BA make
manageable payments each month to the lending institutions. For further
information and to view the architect's conception of the completed buildings,
see your pastor.
Thanks to All Again, on behalf of my family, I thank you all for the
fruit baskets, floral arrangements, cards, e-mails, telephone calls, visits
and prayers after the passing of my mother. Also, thanks for the support,
challenge and constructive criticisms offered to Pastor Clarke, Elder Lewis
and me. While we seek to lead, we are always open to valuable suggestions and
inputs.
Permit me to use this forum to express appreciation to my family,
especially to my wife, Denise, of 21 years. Yes, today makes exactly 21 years
of our being together and uncompromising support and love. I am grateful to
God for Denise possessing and exercising remarkable patience and understanding
in accommodating my demanding travel schedules. Continue to pray for us and
our children, Larnelle and Darnel.
Finally, I assure all bereaving and hurting members of our constant
prayers. Also, do remember Brother Neil Mckinney, assistant Business Manager
at Bahamas Academy, who as a result of a freak accident while playing
basketball recently was hospitalized at Doctors' Hospital. Both he and his son
who was also ill are recovering at home. Happy New Year! Dr. Leonard A.
Johnson, Conference President
Evangelism Update Last Sabbath, December 25, 2004 while the Christian
world celebrated the birth of Christ, the Bahamas conference also celebrated
the new birth of 14 precious souls. The addition of these new babes in Christ
to the 986 already baptized gives us a total of 1,000 persons baptized in our
conference during 2004. To God be the glory!
The churches that contributed to last Sabbath’s baptisms are as follows:
Hillview – 7, Grant’s Town – 2, Maranatha – 1, Philadelphia – 1, Berea - 2,
Francophone - 1.
Convention 2005 (Jan. 5 – 9)On Wednesday, January 5, Convention 2005
will begin, at the Grant’s Town Church at 7:00 p.m. Every member is invited to
attend these inspirational meetings. The opening night’s service will be
recorded and aired on TV-13, at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2005.Invite
your friends to join you in watching this special service. Dr. Leonard
Johnson, president of Bahamas Conference will present the message. Please
attend this opening night’s service.
Ushers Schedule for Convention ‘05 All ushers (male and female) are
kindly asked to note the following schedule for Convention ‘05. On Wednesday,
January 5, 2005 opening service will be held at the Grant’s Town Church.
Grant’s Town ushers will provide ushering service for that meeting. Thursday,
January 6, and Friday, January 7, services will be at the Hillview Church.
Hillview ushers will provide ushering service for those meetings.
Ushers from the following churches are asked to attend a very important
meeting today, January 1, at 4:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church, along with
the following persons: Carlene Miller, Shandle Arnett, Dwayne Adderley, Cherry
Blackmore, and Christiaan Sawyer. Adelaide, Berea, Bethany, Bethel, Breath of
Life, Centreville, Ebenezer, Francophone, Gambier, Good News, Johnson Park,
Johnson Road Company, Living Faith, Maranatha, Message of Hope, New
Englerston, New Providence, Parkgate, Philadelphia, Real Harvest
Convention Choir Rehearsal Resumes Today Convention Choir rehearsals
will resume today, January 1, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church.
All members of the Adventist Men Chorale and others are invited to be a part
of this choir. All former members are especially invited to attend rehearsals.
Youth Ministries All youth and youth leaders are asked to support the
following upcoming events:
Jan. 5-9 Convention 2005
Sabbath 9th 9:00am Power Point & Cornerstone Youth Sabbath School (Venue
TBA)
4:30pm A.Y.S. & Youth Officers Commitment Service at Berea Theme: "A
Message to Tell to the World." (All church officers working with youth in 2005
are asked to attend. All youth and youth leaders are asked to dress in full
uniform as far as possible.)
Youth Leaders Workshop 2005
Date: Sunday, 16th January
Time: 8am - 1:30pm
Place: To Be Announced
Sponsor: Youth Department, Bah. Conf. Of SDA
Purpose: Preparation, planning and training of youth officers for 2005. To
facilitate a more unified approach to building our youth
Who should attend? All persons serving A.Y., Pathfinders, Masterguides,
Adventurers, Youth Sabbath School teachers, Youth Choir directors and
assistants, Personal Ministries officers and other persons interested in
serving in the area of youth ministries. Please contact your A..Y.S. Leader or
the Conference Youth Dept. for further information. look forward to your
participation in this most important initiative.
February Adventist Youth Leaders Training Course begins. Stay tuned for
further information.
Western Region Evangelistic Explosion t Ready! Be Ready! Its on its
way. The Western Region Evangelistic Train is coming your way in February
2005. Plan for it. Pray for it. Prepare for it. And the Power of the Holy
Spirit will be felt. Continue reading this page. Listen up for announcements
and promotion in your church: for a real experience is on its way. -Pastor
Andrew E. Burrows, Western Region, Crusade Coordinator
Sabbath School Chat Room A Sabbath School Chat Room is now open on the
Conference Web site every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00 to
9:00 p.m. Persons who wish to discuss the Sabbath School Lesson are invited to
participate. -Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, SS Director
Children's Sabbath Services During Convention Sabbath School and the
Divine Hour Service for children aged 5-12 years will be held at the Berea
Church on Blue Hill Road from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle,
CM Director
Adventist Trade Show 2005 Registration Continues Registration of
participants in our Adventist Trade Show for 2005 is now in progress at the
Bahamas Conference of SDA Office on Harrold Road. Please see Mrs. Mary-Ellen
Knott during office hours. ll members of the Be Healthy, Be Happy Club
are encouraged to walk or run at least three times per week. JUST DO IT!
Expect a call from a team member this coming week. -P. A. Scavella, Health
Ministries Director
Marriage Maintenance 2005 Marriage Seminar February 4 -6, 2005, with
Dr. Walter Wright. Start registering now. Call 361 6355 for more information,
or visit www.bahamasconference.org/marriage
Mary Ingraham Home Says Thank you for the Hour of Gospel Music Mr.
Admiral J. Forbes coordinator for the Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary
Ingraham Home extends a special thank you to all who minister through music at
the home on a weekly basis. Commencing our music schedule for today, January
1, 2005, will be the Adelaide Church next week the Berea Church featured.
Parkgate SDA Church Banquet Postponed The Parkgate SDA Church banquet
dubbed "Down Home Christmas" to be held at the church ground on Parkgate Road
has been postponed to January 2, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. For tickets check the ABC
and Pastor Anson Albury.
Harmonious Praise Ministry Team A follow-up worship, Praise and Prayer
Service by Harmonious Praise Music Ministry Team will be held Sunday, January
2, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail road. This service
will launch the 30 days of prayer, with periods of fasting. Persons interested
may contact Pastor W. T. Adderley at 324-6939 for details.
Adventist Burial Society To Meet The first regular meeting of the SDA
Burial Society will be held on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Grant’s Town Church Annex. To date there are six (6) deaths recorded for 2004.
Persons are encouraged to join the burial society and secure interment
arrangements now at an affordable cost, thus leaving their loved ones secure.
- H. Moncur
Adventist Men Officers to Meet Adventist Men executives and newly
elected leaders for 2005 are asked to meet at the Living Faith Church, Sunday
morning, at 9 a.m. for a plenary session. Please be on time. -Pastor P. A
Scavella
Adventist Book Centre Invites you to Stop by The management and staff
of the Adventist Book Centre extend greetings and best wishes for the New
Year. The ABC will be open for business during regular hours. The ABC will be
closed on January 3rd, 2005. For your complete health foods needs
come and visit us. Devotional for 2005 are still available. Thank you for your
patronage. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC Manager
Ingathering 2004 –2005 The word is out. Some of the churches in our
Conference have sung the victory song for this Ingathering season. Is your
church one of those that reached the basic goal? Even if your church has
reached it’s goal, you should continue to work toward the super goal and
overflow. Remember to send a "Thank You" note to your regular donors.
Hillview Church Has Job Vacancy The Hillview Church seeks to employ a
full-time custodian, Monday to Friday. Apply in writing in care of the
Hilliview Church to the attention of Eric Butler or Louis Rolle.
Happy New Year From Logos Staff On behalf of Mary-Ellen Knott, Philip
Humes and all the ladies who help in getting the Logos out each week, I wish
our faithful readers a very happy and prosperous New Year. Editor
- New Year Prayer
-
- God grant us this year a wider view,
- So we see others' faults through the eyes of You.
- Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue,
- Neither the adult ... nor the young.
- Give us patience and grace to endure
- And a stronger faith so we feel secure.
- Instead of remembering, help us forget
- The irritations that caused us to fret.
- Freely forgiving for some offense
- And finding each day a rich recompense.
- In offering a friendly, helping hand
- And trying in all ways to understand;
- That all of us whoever we are ...
- Are trying to reach an unreachable star.
- For the great and small ... the good and bad,
- The young and old ... the sad and glad
- Are asking today; Is life worth living?
- The answer is only in, loving and giving.
- For only Love can make man kind
- And Kindness of Heart brings Peace of Mind.
- By giving love, we can start this year
- To lift the clouds of hate and fear.
- author- Helen Steiner Rice
Sun sets today at 5:32 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 5:35
p.m.
