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Convention 2002- An Experience in Worship

And oh what a blessing as Convention 2002 began with a glorious shout as hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists filed into the Good News Cathedral on Wednesday after a full day of toil, to await their blessings and a special message from God. There was not one disappointed soul as the Holy Spirit blessed every waiting heart.

 

Dr. Wendell R. McMillan, a son of the soil, commenced Convention 2002 under the theme "United in Worship of God." Pastor McMillan led his audience in understanding what God expects of them when they come before Him to worship. Asking if unity in worship is achievable, Pastor McMillan said that it is achievable when you concentrate on your relationship with God rather than on other people.  See Conventions Photos

Using the Bahamian archipelago as a spiritual object lesson, he said that in the same way that each island is distinct yet makes up the complete archipelago, all members are different and may worship differently yet they remain one people. Above all, he said, when one has had an experience with God then one will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Pastor Fraser continued under the same theme as he reminded the congregation on Thursday night of the importance of family worship.

Convention 2002 continued at the Hillview Church with soul-stirring praise where hearts were lifted heavenward and the tone was set for what came as Pastor Herman Ming called for all Adventist Christians looking forward to the redemption of the Modern-day Israel to walk worthy of the calling which they profess.

The Sabbath service in Convention 2002 was not to be outdone as the service began promptly at 8:45 with the Sabbath school programme, directed by the Education Department with Mrs. Marie Rolle as the moderator. Good music was presented by Bahamas Academy school’s combined choir under the direction of Mrs. Lynn Smith, Vice-principal of BAS, and the lesson study was led by Dr. M. D. Toote, with panelists who included educators Don Major, Howard Barr, Philip Nairn, Blanche Spence and Celestine Creighton.

The Honourable Janet G. Bostwick, Member of Parliament for the Yamacraw Constituency and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was in attendance at Convention 2002 and brought remarks saying that she wished she had not missed so many meetings. She commended the Adventist community on the work that they have done in this country. Considering the growth of the Adventist work in the country, she suggested that the time is here to build a structure which can hold all of the brethren, as it was obvious that the membership had expanded since she had last worshipped with them. She commented on how the Adventists are receiving attention in areas before not tapped, specifically the Stars Basketball team. She commended the church on the leadership which it has provided and said the government was quite aware of the work that the Adventists are doing. She invited the church to pray for the guidance of the Holy Sprit as the nation goes forward in election, that the Holy Spirit will lead so that throughout the lives of the leaders His will will be done.

Also in attendance at the Sabbath service of Convention 2002 were the Opposition Leader, the Honorable Perry G. Christie, and Mr. Elliston Rahming. Mr. Christie said that the challenge is a challenge to the church to give direction for this nation. It is with pride, he said, that he sits in the church, and is able to identify with one of our leaders, Pastor Roach, because of his influence.

Refocusing the minds of the believers on what is most pressing at hand, Dr. Patrick L. Allen, President of West Indies Union, commended Pastor Albury for the leadership in this country. He brought special greetings on behalf of the brethren around the union. He further commended those persons stepping out to do great exploits for the Lord. Among them were Bro. And Sis. Isaac Collie.

Taking as his text Rev. Chapter 1, he focused on John being marooned on the isle of Patmos where some thought they could silence him, God used this opportunity to give John a message for His people of those thing which are to come. Despite John‘s situation, John took time to pray, he took time to review the precious promises of God. Patmos became hallowed ground while he was reviewing the promises of God. It was resplendent with the glory of God. He was forsaken but not forgotten and allowed to be with God one more time.

Pastor Allen reminded the congregation that each believer must move to a higher plane of godly living when he meets Jesus. He invited them to pledge to continue in His grace, to hold the fort, not turning back, and participate in his suffering until he comes. He invited each member to pledge to attend and participate in the Sabbath, Evangelistic and Prayer Meetings, and pledge to teach men and women of Jesus. He encouraged the body of Christ to establish new churches where they see the need, to hold their families together and keep them before the throne until Jesus comes no matter how hard, to support the church in tithes and offerings and be bold before Jesus.

Climaxing Convention 2002, Pastor K. D. Albury, president of Bahamas Conference, told the congregation that if their religion is only external, and there are unconfessed sins it will inhibit their worship. He invited the people of God to allow diversity to remain among them as God reaches each one of them differently, and the important thing in worship is whom one is worshipping. Convention ended on Sunday night with a radio broadcast in which the President addressed the nation live. -C. Creightion, Teacher at BAS

Thank You Heartfelt thanks are expressed to all persons who assisted in making Convention 2002 the success it was. To God be the glory, great things He has done through you-Choir members and directors, ushers, deacons, deaconesses, parking attendants, treasurers, sound systems and video operators and those of you who attended the services. Thank you! Special thanks to Percy Miller and Curline Forbes in the ushering department.-Administration of Bahamas Conference

Pastor Ordained Sabbath, January 19^th, marked the zenith in Convention 2002. After a powerful message under the theme "United in Worship of God," Adventists retired for a few hours before assembling again, this time at the Grant’s Town Seventh-day Adventist Church to participate in the ordination service for Pastor Kwadwo Owusu Boateng  See Ordination Page

Pastor Owusu Boateng is a native of Ghana, West Africa. He was educated at Wesley Teachers’ Training College and The Adventists Seminary, both of West Africa.

In 1986, he left Africa to teach and study at West Indies College. It was during this time that he first came to canvas in the Bahamas as a student literature evangelist.

In 1989, Owusu was employed as a teacher at Bahamas Academy Elementary. Along with his teaching responsibilities, he found time on the weekends to serve in a number of our churches.

During the year 1997 Pastor Boateng successfully completed a Master’s of Art degree in Religion. After being assigned to Eleuthera in 1998, he conducted crusades in the major settlements resulting in 12 persons being baptized.

In 2002, Pastor Boateng was assigned to the South Andros District where 28 persons were baptized. This newly ordained minister has as his ambition to be an evangelist for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Boateng is married to the Marva Collins, a teacher by profession. The couple have been blessed with two boys.

In his charge to the ordinand, the president of West Indies Union, Dr. Patrick Allen , challenged, the young preacher with the words of Paul to Timothy "I charge thee therefore. . . Preach the Word: be instant in season and out of season.. . ." 2 Timothy 4. Dr. Allen emphasized the importance of ministry. He said "you cannot please all the people, all the time. Your role is not be liked by everyone, but to correct, to exhort with patience."

After the message, ordained ministers from throughout the conference gathered on the podium to participate in the ceremonial act of the laying on of hands.

This ordination service was blessed with the presence of members of the South Andros District who offered congratulations and best wishes to their Pastor and his wife. The service concluded with the benediction by Pastor Boateng.-Pastor L. C. Rolle, Ministerial Director

The 2002 Marriage Enrichment Seminar Retreat It’s exciting! It’s the pre-Valentine weekend of love, February 8 – 10, 2002. If you are married, engaged, thinking about getting engaged, then this seminar is for you. This seminar invites you to a spiritual journey that will enrich and strengthen marriages in particular and provide insights into wholesome relationships in general. The Seminar’s primary speakers are Pastor and Mrs. Willie Oliver. Pastor Willie Oliver is the director of Family Ministries for North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD). His wife Elaine is a college administrator and also serves as a marriage and family consultant for the NAD.   See Details

Pastor Oliver is a pastoral counselor, family sociologist and published author. He has also received the National Council on Family Relations' Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) Designation. This special honour from the National Council of Family Relations is bestowed on professionals in the family life education field who have a proven background and knowledge in 10 required family life areas. Only 1,200 people have achieved this certification from the organization since 1985. Continued on p. 2

So if you want to make a good marriage even better, if your marriage needs a little more zip and zest to it, if you are on the brink of divorce and need help, if you want to check out what goes into a marriage before you say, "I do" at the wedding, then register now at the Family Ministries Department of Bahamas Conference (341- 4021) or with your local church Family Life Director. The donation required for the seminar is $50 per couple or $25 per person.

The venues are: 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.

For those persons who would like to stay at the hotel for the weekend, the Nassau Beach Hotel is offering such arrangements at a special rate. Call the Conference or see your local director for details.

All church Family Life Directors and Assistants in Nassau are asked to attend a very important meeting with Pastor Smith tomorrow, Sunday, January 27, at 2 p.m. (due to Family Island Conventions) at the Hillview SDA Church. Thank you for your support. -Pastor M. A. Smith, Family Ministries Director

Treasury Department to hold Finance Meeting local SDA Church Treasurers and personnel, along with the Head Deacon of each church, are requested to attend a very important meeting beginning at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning, Jan. 27, at the Conference Office.

Adventist Counseling Services Department Counseling Awareness Month - February 2 - March 2, 2002. Special events: Counseling Awareness Sabbath, February 23, Weekly video presentations, literature distribution, beginning of lay counseling training, launching of Share and Care Support Groups, Marriage Seminar.  See Details

Attention, all Adventist Counselors! School counselors, clinical psychologists, substance abuse counselors, social workers, psychologist, etc, please contact Pastor Brennen this week at 361 6355 or 393 2818 to register. We would like to know all the Adventist professional counselors/psychologists/psychiatrists/social workers. Call today.

Video Presentation Next Saturday Night February 2, at 7:15 p.m. at Hillivew Church for Counseling Awareness Month. Topic: "Overcoming the Major Destroyer of Relationship" by Dr. Gary Smalley. All individuals, singles, married couples, families are encouraged to attend. There will be an opportunity for question and answers after the video presentation. The next video will be on Monday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Johnson Park Church, Farrington Road. Topic: "Coping with depression." A message of hope for those held captive by depression.

SDA Art Club Members of the SDA Art Club and persons interested in joining are reminded that art classes are being conducted every Sunday at BA Secondary School from 3 to 5 p.m. A. Mason/Ian Antonio

SDA Law Enforcement Church Service The annual SDA Law Enforcement/Civil Servants Service will be held February 16, 2002. All officers are invited to be a part of this service. The entire SDA Community is encouraged to support and attend. Venue to be announced.

Southwest Lay Federation to hold Rally Members of the Southwest Lay Federation- Berea, Hillview, Good News and Breath of Life Churches will be holding a Laymen’s Rally on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Berea Church. Officers and members are encouraged to attend.

SDA Eleuthera Association to Meet A meeting for members of the Eleuthera Association will be held on January 27 at Grant’s Town at 5:00 p.m. All Eleutherians and friends of Eleuthera are invited to attend.-Curtis Bryan

Foundation laid for the New Stevens Church, Long Island Got a mind for mission work? Are you willing to give of your means to help finish the work of the gospel in the Bahamas? If yes, then we in the Long Island SDA Association invite you to support the building of the new SDA Church in Scrub Hill, Long Island. To this end, an account has been opened at the Conference office.

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

Elder’s Notice An important Elder’s meeting for all Elders in New Providence will be held tonight at 6:30 at the Good News Church, Flamingo Gardens. Important issues to be discussed..-Pastor L. C. Rolle, Ministerial Director

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.

Teacher’s Aide Needed The Bahamas Academy of SDA Early Learning center needs a substitute teacher’s aide. Interested persons should call 393-8898, or stop by the Elementary School on Penny Savings Bank Lane to see the Principal for further details.

Bahamas Academy Elementary Bahamas Academy Elementary is accepting new applicants for all grades Level -K2 to 6- for the school year 2002 to 2003. Application forms are available at the school on Penny Bank Lane from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

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.

Bahamas Academy Secondary Bahamas Academy Secondary is accepting new applicants for all grade levels for the school year 2002 to 2003. Application forms are available at the school on Wulff Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to collect application forms before February 16, 2001.

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. The applicant should have a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher’s certificate. Interested persons should pickup 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.

The Adventist Book Centre to hold Blowout Sale January 31 to February 3, the Adventist Book Centre will hold a blowout sale. All are invited to stop by and check out the savings. Twenty percent off case prices. Books available up to 40% off . All Vegetarian meats 15% off. - S. Neil McKinney, ABC Manager 

Youth Ministries Members of the Camp-site Development Committee are asked to meet on Monday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Hillview Church.  See More Datails

All Pathfinder Directors are asked to meet for a very important meeting on Sunday, Feb. 3, 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.

Hotel - $99.99 per night (up to 4 persons in room) This early-bird special is only valid until January 28, 2002, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.

Registration - $99.99 (special is only valid until January 28, 2002.)

Regular registration is $129.00

Registration fee provides four meals: Friday supper, Sabbath lunch & supper and Sunday brunch. All other meals are on your own.

Plane ticket prices are momentarily - $336.00 {Nassau- Miami-Atlanta}

Financial Breakdown

Registration: $130.00

Departure Tax $ 15.00

Hotel: 100x5 4 $125.00 (limited offer)

Transportation: $ 50.00

Air Travel: $336.00

Total: $656.00

Masterguide Training

Jan. 28 - Jan. 30 Masterguides Training 7:00-9 p.m.

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.

SDA Educators Association to meet Bahamas SDA Educators Association will conduct its monthly meeting this evening at 6:30 at BA Secondary. All members are invited to attend. Cost of airfare to Battle Creek, Michigan, will be available by Jan. 31^st.

Copyright (c) August 2000 Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists  

P.O. Box N-356, Harrold Road, Nassau, Bahamas.   Tel:  242-341 4021    Fax: 242-341 4088

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