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Convention Week in
The Bahamas Conference
Punctuated with reports from the various
departments of the Adventist Church and melodious music by the Convention
Choir, the Adventist Men's Chorale, and other singing groups, Convention 2005
was an inspiration to hundreds in attendance. Opening the yearly event with a
powerful, soul-searching message on Wednesday, January 5, Dr. Leonard Johnson,
president of Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, challenged the
members to demonstrate their belief in God by standing up for the truth and
principles recorded in the Word of God. He observed that many church people
have deviated from Christian standards such as morality, honesty, integrity
and love.
Dr. Johnson said that in an attempt to make the church more relevant to
today's society, some have left God out as the center of worship. But people
ought to come to church to worship God, not to be entertained. He noted
further that the Christian church is confronted by two dangers: (1) saying
more than the Word of God says, and (2) omitting what God has said. He
declared that we should be guided by the truth of God's Word and should be
united in standing up for truth. Also, he explained that those who love God
and believe in Jesus will do what God require them to do.
In reference to the development of sports in our country, Dr. Johnson
stated that the lottery should not be used to support sports. He felt that
every citizen ought to contribute toward the funding of our national sports
programme.
The guest speaker for the Convention, Dr. Herbert Thompson, president of
Northern Caribbean University spoke on Thursday, Friday, and Sabbath. He
emphasized the importance of our speaking the truth in words and actions.
Drawing on his personal experience, Dr. Thompson used a practical approach to
show that a true witness of truth will observe the natural laws of health as
well as God's moral law that ought to govern the life of the Christian.
To conclude Convention 2005 activities, the Conference officers,
administrators, teachers and supporters of Bahamas Academy gathered at the
Marshall Road property for the long awaited groundbreaking ceremony. And oh
what a groundbreaking it was. Not only was ground broken once or twice, but
rather four times for the New Bahamas Academy School.
Sunday, January 9, 2005 will go down in history as one of those momentous
occasions that will never be forgotten. On the site of the Marshall Road
property, ground was broken for
the academy with dignitaries, alumni, former principals, parents, guardians
and students all in attendance to witness the event.
January 9th could not have been a better time for such an event. As the
Academy completed ninety years of dedicated service to the church and the
community, the leadership of the Bahamas Conference caught a vision that was
far grander than any could imagine. The vision for the new school included ten
acres of land that would be home to the secondary school, the elementary
division, a gymnatorium and an administrative complex. That vision was sold to
the community at large when with heads held high pastors, members, elders, and
leaders all made personal and corporate pledges of sums of money and labor
that would be needed to bring this project to a successful conclusion. The
crowd in attendance witnessed churches giving gifts that inspired others to
give to the worthy cause of building the new Bahamas Academy.
Special thanks to all in attendance, the members of Parliament, conference
workers, teachers and staff, out of town guests, students, parents and members
of the community at large. Thanks to the Pathfinder band that did a tremendous
job in providing music for the occasion. Thanks to the Executive Committee and
officers of the Bahamas Conference for their vision and drive for a better
tomorrow for our children. Lastly, thanks to the men and women of Volunteer
Bahamas Adventist both for their labour and their contributions to the
completion of the Early Learning Center and for the hard work that they will
endure to complete this new school.
We thank all of you and wish you God's blessings in this New Year. -Celeste
Creighton, Vice-principal, BA Elementary Division
Offering for Tsunami Victims If you have listened to or watched the
news on television during the last few weeks, you will be aware of the Tsunami
disaster that took place in South East Asia. Through ADRA, the Adventist
Church has been providing assistance to those in the affected areas. We will
continue to help in the rehabilitation effort in the months ahead.
On Sabbath, January 29, 2005, a special offering will be collected in all
Adventists churches in West Indies Union. Every member in the Bahamas
Conference is requested to make a contribution to this effort. Put whatever
you are impressed to give in a tithe envelope and mark it "TSUNAMI RELIEF."
Turn it in during the lifting of the offering on January 29. God bless you
real good.
Citizens of Two Kingdoms The war in Iraq and the instability in the
Middle East have been framed variously in terms of a conflict of democracy
versus dictatorship, freedom versus oppression, or East versus West. The issue
underlying it all, however, is that both sides have, at one time or another,
defined it in terms of a conflict between three of the world's great
religions-Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
This has profound and frightening implications for a worldwide church that
seeks to serve people of "every nation, tribe, language and people" (Rev.
14:6, NIV).
The most obvious implication is that in many Middle Eastern countries the
United States, a nominally Christian nation, is seen as an aggressor. Those
who fight against coalition forces in Iraq (for example) are viewed as
defenders of Islam and soldiers in the struggle against infidels. In these
countries association with a Christian church that has its headquarters in the
United States is not only imprudent; it's dangerous.
We're routinely treated to news reports of private contractors and aid
workers in Iraq kidnapped and executed because of their perceived association
with U.S. government institutions, contractors, or aid agencies. In many cases
fear and intimidation keep humanitarian supplies-food, medicine, clothing,
etc.-from the people whose lives depend on them.
Even in countries far less chaotic and violent than Iraq, religious
groups-Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, etc.-separate themselves into
enclaves and use various forms of armed violence and emotional intimidation to
terrorize minority members of other faiths.
Nationalism, militarism, and religious extremism are shaking the
foundations of many of the world's societies, and very little is being done to
stop the senseless and cyclical acts of violence between people of different
faith traditions. A worldwide church that operates openly in nearly every
country should do whatever it can to avoid attracting the attention of
religious extremists.
1. The church should highlight its role as an indigenous community of faith
and avoid being identified as a United States-based denomination. The gospel
is not confined by geographical or philosophical boundaries. Even though our
world headquarters is located in the United States, every division, every
union, every conference, should be staffed predominantly by people who are
citizens of the local country. Church policies should be integrated into the
local culture, not patterned after those imported from the United States.
2. Beliefs enunciated by local members should be based on the Bible alone
and be interpreted locally, not through the eyes of North Americans. Western
customs regarding dress, music, and worship should be adopted with care.
Larger biblical principles of honesty, modesty, simplicity, and economy
transcend national borders. Adventists should strive to be model citizens in
the way they uphold heaven's principles.
3. Adventists in every country and culture should be cautious about the
political causes they endorse. Under no circumstances should Adventists
advocate the violent overthrow of any regime or government. Nor should they
engage in anything other than democratically sanctioned methods to influence
society. Christians influence society by their very presence; salt and light
cannot be ignored. But God's kingdom has never been advanced-only retarded-by
people who take up arms or otherwise try to coerce others to abide by biblical
principles.
4. Adventists should dedicate themselves to breaking down prejudice and
stereotypes, not reinforcing them. The world's greatest needs will not be
addressed by fanatical adherence to religious orthodoxy, but by a lifestyle of
selfless service. Jesus' inclusive, nonjudgmental, sacrificial ministry while
on earth is a model for anyone attempting to solve some of the problems of our
world today. In the long run love, tolerance, and nonviolence always trump
hatred, bigotry, and violence.
The Bible clearly teaches that we Christians are citizens of two kingdoms
(Matt. 22:21; John 17:15-18; Rom. 13:1; Heb. 11:9, 10); we have citizenship in
heaven as well as on earth. Complications arise when these earthly kingdoms
fight against one another. While we may not be able to significantly affect
global affairs and reduce the severity or frequency of acts of hatred and
warfare, we can live individually, in our own small ways, the principles of
the Prince of Peace. - Stephen Chavez, AR News
Adventist Trade Show 2005 Registration Continues Our theme "Adventist
Business: Service with Dignity and Integrity," is what we want to foster and
encourage. Registration of participants in our Adventist Trade Show for 2005
continues at the Bahamas Conference of SDA Office on Harrold Road. Please call
and see Mrs. Mary-Ellen Knott during office hours, to indicate that your
business will be taking part in the Trade Show. We have overseas interest,
however, we want our business persons in Nassau to have first preference. So
register early and secure your space. This Trade Show is a great avenue to
showcase and get the wider community to know and support your business.
Eastern Region Crusade and Prayer Rally All churches in the Eastern
Region are encouraged to attend a Prayer and Praise Rally at the Maranatha
Church on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:15 p.m.
Western Region Crusade Choir Directors to Meet In preparation for the
Real Harvest Experience Gospel Campaign all senior and youth choir directors
of the churches in the Wester Region are asked to attend a meeting at 3:00
p.m. today at the Hillview Church. -M. Knowles, Music Coordinator
Communication Secretaries to Meet All communication Secretaries in our
churches in New Providence are requested to meet at the Conference Office on
Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 5:45 p.m. Please call Mary Knott at 341-4021 to
confirm your attendance.
Adventist Educators' Association Meeting The regular monthly meeting of
the Adventist Educators' Association will be held on tonight, January 15 at
7:30 at Doctors Hospital. All members and those interested in becoming members
are invited to attend this short, invigorating, and intellectually stimulating
meeting. Also, stay tuned for details on our upcoming trip to Eleuthera during
the Easter break. -Public Relations Department
Children's Ministries Meeting All Children's Ministries Leaders are
asked to attend a very important meeting on Sunday, January 16 at 4:00 p.m. at
the Conference Office. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, CM Director
Training for all Children's Sabbath School Teachers On Sunday, January
30 from 9:00 A.M. to 12 noon, there will be a training session for all
teachers in the Cradle Roll, Kindergarten, Primary and Junior Divisions. The
venue will be communicated at a later date. Please make a special effort to
attend. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, CM Director
Adventist Education Summit Education Summit 2005 is on the horizon. We
need to hear your views about the progress of Adventist Education in the
Bahamas. Find out who your delegates are from your church and share your ideas
with them so that on February 13 your voice can be heard. Together, let us
strengthen our educational system. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, Education Director
Meeting for Education Secretaries There will be an important meeting
for all Church Education Secretaries on Monday, January 31 at 7:00 P.M. at the
Conference Office. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, Education Director
Youth Ministries All youths and youth leaders are asked to support the
following upcoming events: Youth Leaders Workshop 2005, Sunday, 16th
January from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. This program is sponsored by the Youth
Department of Bahamas Conference. 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. We look forward to your participation in this most important
initiative.
Adventist Youth Leaders Training Course begins in February. Stay
tuned for further information.
All 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.
"Be Healthy, Be Happy " Fun/Run will be held Easter Monday. Get
Ready! Get Ready!
All church members are asked to cooperate with your local health ministries
director in filling in the health profile next Sabbath.
Health and Men’s Ministry Workshop will be held 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
respectively at the Living Faith Church.
All persons planning to attend the Health Summit in Orlando are requested
to meet with Pastor Scavella tomorrow morning at Living Faith at 8:30.
Living Faith Mid-day Hour of Power Service will be held every Wednesday
from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All are invited. -P. A. Scavella, Health Ministries
Director
Marriage Maintenance 2005 Marriage Seminar February 4 -6, 2005, with
Dr. Walter Wright. Start registering now. Call 3616355 for more information,
or visit www.bahamasconference.org/marriage
Mary Ingraham Home Says Thank you for the Hour of Gospel Music The Hour
of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 5:00
p.m. The schedule for today, January 15, 2005, will be the Bethany Church and
next week, January 22 the Bethel Church will be featured.
Church Clerks All Church Clerks are asked to submit their church
officers list for 2005 to the Office of the Secretariat.
Adventist Book Centre Invites you to Stop by The Adventist Book Centre
is pleased to announce that the large SDA Hymnals with notes are available in
various colours. 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
Western Region Evangelistic Explosion Get 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
12 Weeks to Wellness The 12 Weeks to Wellness program date has been
changed to February 7, registration will begin on Tuesday, January 18 at
Better Living Health Center/Deli, Healthy Lifestyle Center, Bahamas Conference
Headquarters and Hanna’s Hardware.
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
Sands/Moncur GC Group to Meet All persons travelling in the
Sands/Moncur GC Group are asked to meet immediately following Vespers tonight
at the Hillview Church.
Note of Thanks Elder Marcus Rahming wishes to thank the SDA community
for the calls, visits and prayers on his and his family’s behalf during his
illness. He desires that God would ever be our present help and refuge.
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 its 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
Hillview Church to the attention of Eric Butler or Louis Rolle.
Sun sets today at 5:42 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 5:47
p.m.
