Ellen White, God’s messenger to His Church in these last days, echoes Jesus’ call for workers to warn the world of the coming of the Lord. While we prepare for the "Let God Speak" reaping campaign, consider the following as God’s message to you: "The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.

The words "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15) are spoken to each one of Christ’s followers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. The same longing of souls that He felt for the saving of the lost is to be manifest in them. Not all can fill the same place, but for all there is a place and a work. All upon whom God’s blessings have been bestowed are to respond by actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom.

" Preaching is a small part of the work to be done for the salvation of souls. God’s Spirit convicts sinners of the truth, and He places them in the arms of the church. The ministers may do their part, but they can never perform the work that the church should do…. God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth – the messages of the first, second, and third angels – He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositories of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: `Ye are the light of the world.’ Matthew 5:14. To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: Behold the worth of the soul. `Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ Mark 16:15. Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all his followers.

Christ accepts, oh, so gladly! Every human agency that is surrendered to Him. He brings the human into union with the divine, that He may communicate to the world the mysteries of incarnate love. Talk it, pray it, sing it, fill the world with the message of His truth, and keep pressing on into the region beyond.

"Let none feel that because they are uneducated, they cannot take part in the Lord’s work. God has a work for you to do. He has given to every man his work. You can search the scriptures for yourselves. `The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119:130. You can pray for the work. The prayer of the sincere heart, offered in faith, will be heard in heaven. And you are to work according to your ability." Counsels For The Church, pp. 58 & 59.

NCU - Distance Learning: a Bold Initiative In keeping with its mandate to provide quality Christian education to this region, Northern Caribbean University has embarked on the bold initiative of developing a Distance Learning Facility in the Bahamas and the other Caribbean countries it serves.

This project is designed to facilitate the educational objectives of those individuals who would like to further their education but are unable to because of family or job commitment. By providing Internet based learning, NCU gives individuals the opportunity to study for tertiary level degrees from the comfort of their homes.

This project has two components - Distance Learning via the Internet and a Video Conference Center that would enable local groups to meet concurrently with other groups in their project or course area.

The initial offering of this Distance Learning facility would be the MA and Ph.D. degrees in at least four Educational areas, including Leadership. Other programs will be added as the program matures.

However, to make this project a reality in the Bahamas requires the commitment of individuals who are strong advocates of Christian Education, not only in voice but also in action. This project requires a reasonable financial commitment from those who share the vision of a Christ centered education. All may benefit.

We invite you to call and pledge your financial support for this venture as we seek to bring Christian educational opportunities to those who otherwise would not be able to receive them. Let’s make a selfless contribution to our school! Contact - Barry Shane Saunders - 356-8367.

Crusade Update Steps to Christ gospel crusade with Evangelist E. D. Clarke and the Grant’s Town family concludes this weekend with a concert on Sunday evening at 7:15 There will be a baptism after the service today. We covet your prayers.

Pastor L. C. Rolle and the Bethany evangelistic team are also concluding their outreach at the Academy Auditorium nightly.

Sow One Billion Two Thousand four is designated the Year of Evangelism for our World Church. In order for us to reap the anticipated harvest, we must sow NOW. Therefore, all members are asked to get involved in this program by passing out tracts to a friend, coworker, family member or neighbours. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us join forces to reach more persons in the Bahamas for Christ

Special Thanks The family of Ethel Duncombe expresse heartfelt thanks to our conference administrators, pastors and churches, including Hillview, Centreville, Breath of Life and New Englerston church choirs and members in general for your prayers, and support during their time of bereavement, and funeral service. –Pastor J. Duncombe

Religious Liberty Mega Rally Today the first annual Religious Liberty Rally will be held at 5:45 p.m. at the Hillview Church. Princess Lawes, former MP in the Jamaican Parliament and current Religious Liberty Director of the West Indies Union, will be in attendance. Dr. L. A. Johnson, Conference President, will deliver the Keynote address and thus set the stage for the formation of the first ever National Religious Liberty Association in the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

The need for religious Liberty is especially pressing in today’s contemporary secular society. Throughout history religious minorities have often been oppressed and subjected to discrimination and outright persecution. Accordingly, the United Nations, in an attempt to remedy this state of affairs, affirms the right of each individual to change his or her religion based on personal conviction in Article 18 of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

As a church, we believe that religious freedom is the most basic and essential of the fundamental rights endowed upon human beings by the Creator. Clearly, Seventh-day Adventists believe in obeying the laws of the land but are duty bound to serve God rather than man where national laws conflict with divine laws.

Scripture teaches that the God who gave life also gave freedom of choice. God only accepts homage where it is freely given (II Cor. 9:7). Further, we believe that the laws of the land ought to be applied evenly and without prejudice or favor for one group above another.

The highlight of today’s joint service will be the formation of the National Religious Liberty Association. Importantly, membership in the Association is open to persons from all religious denominations. We believe that everyone, including people of other faiths, must be allowed to choose and practice his or her faith in an environment, which is free of force, fear or compulsion.

Moreover, we must be ever mindful of the role played by religious liberty. First, the work of religious liberty brings us into contact with secular society and we must exert care not to distance ourselves from those in authority. We are admonished that "The Lord still moves upon the hearts of kings and rulers on behalf of His people and we are not to cut off any favors or help that God has moved men to give for the advancement of His cause." Counsels on Stewardship, p. 183.

Second, religious Liberty is tied to the inevitable fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Indeed, the time will come when civil powers will attempt to dictate conscience, to enforce religious obedience and to exercise authority over the very act of worship itself. Consequently, many believers will be tested as the Devil repeats the old strategy used on Christ in the wilderness to bow down and worship him (Matt. 4:8-10). Thankfully, in times like these, as in the case of our Lord, we too will be given grace to emerge Victorious!

Finally, we appeal to all members, especially those who are blessed with employment, to attend today’s historic Joint service as, together, we respond to the call of God to be watchmen on the walls of Zion and throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. – Dr. M.D. Toote, Religious Liberty Director

Please register NOW! Contact your local Pathfinder director or the youth department URGENTLY.

Meet the President: Adventist Young People to Engage in Live Broadcast Jan Paulsen, Adventist Church president, will hold a dialogue session with Adventist youth in August.

Seeking to keep the world church leadership in touch with its constituency, Dr. Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, will hold a question-and-answer session with young people aged 16 to 21. This live broadcast from Simi Valley, California, to be held Aug. 21, will allow them to voice their concerns regarding church issues.

"Let us bring the youth in from the grandstands and give them a say in their church. This will be an opportunity to talk on their issues," Paulsen says. Emphasizing that the Adventist Church is the young peoples’ church, Paulsen says that it’s time to get them more involved. "There is a need for all to have tolerance and understanding of young adults."

Paulsen will begin the one-hour session by giving several message points. He comments that young people see things as relational, not behavioral, and that leadership needs to listen and talk to young people--not just "wave" at them. "The young people are there--don’t criticize them--let them get involved in their church," he says.

The program, to be produced at the Adventist Media Center in southern California, will be broadcast live to the Americas on Adventist Television Network, Adventist Communication Network, and ADSAT, and relayed to the remaining continents as the world rotates.

A variety of young people representing various cultures and ethnicities will be selected for participation in the broadcast. Paulsen will address the young people with the assistance of moderator John Torres from the church public relations office.

A Web site will soon be available where young people worldwide can submit questions for the president. -ANN

Nadia will Be In Concert Nadia will host a gospel concert titled "God is Still Here With Me" August 3, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church. The entire SDA Community are invited to support this effort to assist Nadia with educational expenses. Nadia can be reached at #341-5566

New Album to Be Launched Under the patronage of President Leonard A. Johnson, Pastor Wilfred T. Adderley will launch his new album at the Good News Church on Sunday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. Offering lifted will go toward the roof project of the church. CD’s and tapes will be on sale.

Keeping the Fires of Love for Young Couples Seminar The theme of our fourth quarter’s upcoming Marriage Enrichment Seminar, October 31 to November 1, 2003, specifically for couples married less than 10 years, is "Keeping the fires of love for young couples.". Plan to be there. Seminar co-ordinators are Pastors Michael A. Smith and Barrington H. Brennen. More information coming soon.

Youth Corner A youth crusade meeting will be held for A. Y. Leaders and others involved in the planning phase on Monday, July 21, at 7:00 p.m.

August Monday annual family fun day at the Sports Centre.

Members of the Pathfinder Band will hold a car wash on August Monday at the Sports Center. Proceeds in aid of Band uniforms.

Youth Crusade will be held August 10 to 24 at the Hillview Church. Committed and Connected (committed to God, connected to Man) is the theme for this year’s camp meeting.

Wednesday, July 23, a special Prayer and Praise service for all youth will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Berea Church

August 3^rd a Youth Service will be held at Berea.

Praise and Praise service will be held August 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Berea.

The Youth will hold outdoor park programs on August 9 in Flamingo Gardens Park, Pinewood Park, Christie Park, Fox Hill Parade, and Father Marshall Cooper Park.

Church League Basketball Continues Tonight

The Basketball league continues tonight at the H. D. Colburn Gym. Tonight’s schedule is as follows: Bahamas Academy vs Breath of Life, Good News vs Living Faith, and Centreville vs Hillview.

Persons interested in attending youth congresses abroad are asked to register with the youth department during office hours. - A. Burrows, Departmental Director

VBA News Representatives of VBA were in North Andros last week – not to attend the Regatta but to continue work on the Lowe Sound Church building. significant progress has been made and completion is in sight.

Work on the campsite continues. The site will be ready for summer camp.

Every available hand is needed to help us complete phase I of the Early Learning Center. Laborers, carpenters, masons – please call Bro. Winston Ash at 394-1063 or report to the site at Living Faith. Work continues every day except Sabbath. Your help is URGENTLY NEEDED!

Living Faith Church Mega Weekend The Living Faith Church invites you to its continued mega weekend today, Sabbath, July 19 at 11 a.m. On Sunday the activities will conclude with a mega church concert at 7:30

VBS at Hillview Church The Sabbath School Extension Division of the Hillview Church cordially invite parents and guardians to register their children for Vacation Bible School which will be held July 21 to August 1 at the church on Harrold Road. Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. A fun-filled time is promised for those in attendance. -M. Walker-Coordinator

ASI Adventist laypersons Industries All Adventist business-persons and self-employed individuals are invited to become members of ASI. A very exciting prayer breakfast is planned with you in mind for July 27 at 7:30 a.m. at the Conference office. Members can become financial. Plans for the upcoming convention in Trinidad will be discussed. Persons wishing to become members are encouraged to attend. - A. Higgs, President

Women’s Ministries News A very important Women’s Ministries meeting will be held on Sunday morning, July 20,^th at 9:00 o’clock at the Gym.

Godspeed and bon voyage to Sis Miriam Knowles, Women’s Ministries Leader, and the group of ladies that will be traveling to a Women’s Retreat in Naples, Florida, on July 24^th. Your prayers are solicited.

All members who participated in the Literacy Workshop are invited to attend the opening of the Pro-Literacy Trainer Workshop at the Radisson Hotel Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m.

A special workshop for individuals who took the Literacy program will be held at the Radisson Hotel on Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.