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A Citizen's View
on Independence
A few days ago, Tesday, July 10, we celebrated 34 years as an
independent nation called The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. To many citizens
of the Bahamas, independence means freedom from colonial rule - an
opportunity for self-determination. For more than three decades we have been
free to decide the direction our lives will take as individuals and as a
nation. How have we used this freedom over the last 34 years? What are some
of the positive results of our becoming an independent country?
While we can boast of more opportunities for
educational advancement, economic growth, and greater cultural awareness, it
appears that there has been a decline in morality and concern for the
welfare of others. Some have taken the freedom to mean license to do
whatever their selfish hearts dictate. This has resulted in a significant
increase in teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, violent crimes
and general disrespect for authority.
It is true that there are more churches now
than we have ever had. Yet the impact of the proliferation of churches
throughout the Bahama Islands is not being felt or seen. Is it that we have
also taken our independence from God? Could it be that a lot of church goers
who claim to be born again Christians just have a form of godliness? They
are not allowing Jesus to have control of their lives, so they are powerless
to live the Christian life. Remember that Jesus said in John 15:5, "…for
without me ye can do nothing." We cannot act independent of Jesus and still
behave as Christians.
Paul supports the view that the Christian has freedom in Christ. However,
this freedom does not allow him to satisfy his sinful nature rather it gives
him the latitude to help others. Here is what he says in Galatians 5:13:
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, only use not liberty for
an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
If we who are Christian citizens fully
understand that the freedom that independence brings must be exercised
responsibly in the Spirit of Christ, then our lives will be worthy examples
for the rest of the population to follow. And perhaps we will be fulfilling
Christ's expectations of us when He said in His sermon on the mount, "Ye are
the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13). Ours would be a positive influence on
the people with whom we come into contact each day. As we continue to
enjoy the freedom of independence, let us allow how we exercise that freedom
to be guided by our relationship with Christ. -- Editor
Ministry of Public Health
SCAN Unit to March The Department of Public Health Suspected
Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) unit is hosting a Partnership March Against
Child Sex Offenders, under the theme "Save the Children, Preserve a
Generation" on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are encouraged to take part in this
march to agitate for change in the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence
Act, 1991. The most recent child sex abuse case is now being debated
with the Bahama islands, that of a six year old female child, who was
brutally violated, sexually, physically and emotionally. However, the named
perpetrator, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment. However, according
to the system, the perpetrator would be released back into society within
five years.
The SCAN Task Force expects that their
endeavours would heighten the awareness of all people - especially the
Judiciary and Parliamentary sectors, making provision for existing
legislation to be revised and amended. The route for the march:Begin at
Taylor Street, on to East Street, to Shirley Street and end in Parliament
Square.-Mrs. Charlene Bain, Coordinator, SCAN
Annual Eagle Music Ministry Workshop -July 18
to 22, 2007, at the Living Faith Church. Pre-registration dates are:
Tonight, Saturday, July 14, 2007, from sun set to 9:30. The final
registration is July 17, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Living Faith. You may sign up
for the workshop online at
www.bahamasconference.org/musiconference2007 -Allison M. Rolle
(for) EMMN Committee
Watch Adventists Speak Adventists Speak continues on ZNS-TV Channel
11 this Sundays at 1:00 p.m. This week’s topic: “The Holy Scriptures” Invite
a friend to view the program with you.
Early Morning Prayer Meeting New Englerston's Early Morning Prayer
Meeting - 6:00 every Sunday - This Sunday we will join with Maranatha's
Prayer Meeting and on the 22nd July, 2007, our President, Dr. Leonard A.
Johnson will be the Presenter. All are invited to come and pray!
Bahamas Academy Needs You. Calling all Alumni of Bahamas Academy All
former students of Bahamas Academy are invited to share in the development
of the multi-million dollar new school on Marshall Road. You can help make
this project a reality by giving your financial support or skills for the
development of the project. The new school will have modern classrooms,
official size swimming pool, track and field, well equipped library,
computer and science labs, practical arts center and much more. Construction
on the building is progressing but we need more help to complete the project
according to plans. Make your contribution to Bahamas Academy, Wulf Road or
send your checks to P.O. Box N-356 Nassau, Bahamas. Visit the website:
www.bahamasacademy.org
Maranatha Women's Ministry The Womens Ministry of the Maranatha
Church invites all to come out to the Classic Christian Charm Class
Achievement ceremony , "Serving as a Biblical Standard for Obedient and
Excellent to Enhance the Beauty of The Soul" July 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the
church on Prince Charles Drive. Refreshments will follow the program. Come
on out and support our young ladies. -Joann Rolle
How Well Do You Know Your Church?
The following information will help you to become better acquainted with
the church to which you belong: Seventh-day Adventist World Church
Statistics as of December 31, 2005
Churches 60,213
Companies 61,351
Membership 14,399,072
S. S. Membership 17,955,245
Ordained Ministers 15,735
Total Active Employees 185,993
Countries of the World where Adventist Work is Established 202
Languages Used in Adventist Publications and Oral Work 885
Divisions of the World Church 13
Union Conferences and Missions 102
Local Conferences and Missions 559
Colleges and Universities 106
Secondary Schools 1,462
Primary Schools 5,362
Total Enrollment 1,334,486
Hospitals and Sanitariums 167
Publishing Houses 65
Tithe $1,492,720,001
S. S. Mission Offerings $49,432,141
Seven Secrets of Healthy Churches
(Source: Adventist Review Online, July 13, 2007)
1. The church's leadership and the laity hold to a high view of Scripture.
2. The churches and their leaders seek to be relevant.
3. The churches and their leaders hold to the primacy of preaching.
4. The churches have a healthy small group structure.
5. Healthy churches emphasize corporate prayer ministries.
6. Churches that are healthy take membership seriously.
7. The healthy churches are highly intentional about evangelism.
Adventist Lawyers to Meet All Adventist Lawyers are invited to a
meeting on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 6;30 p.m. at the Living Faith Church.
Blood Drive The Community Services Dept. is sponsoring a Blood Drive
in conjunction with Doctors' Hospital on Sunday, July 22 at the Living Faith
Church. All Adventists are asked to participate Time to be announced.
Colporteur Rally You are invited to attend a Colporteur Rally on
Sunday, July 22, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church. All
colporteurs, prospective colporteurs, and supporters of the Publishing
Ministry are especially requested to attend.
Sabbath School Report Now Due The
Personal Ministries Department is reminding all Church that the Sabbath
School Report is due into the Conference Office on or before July 18, 2007.
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham
Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Today, July 14,
Adelaide Church. Next week Sabbath, Bro Tony Russell's Group, is scheduled.
-J. Admiral Forbes
DVD's of Convention DVD's of Convention
'2007 are now available for a small donation. Place your order at the ABNC.
Youth Crusade Ends Today After
two weeks of Bible-based preaching, our speaker for the "Revelation Now! Let
the Truth Be Told" Youth Crusade, Joseph Mahadeo, a ministerial student from
Trinidad and Tobago, will present his last message today at the Hillview
Church. The crusade team will be responsible for the Sabbath School, Divine
Service and the concluding service this afternoon at Hillview. All the young
people and youth leaders from the Adventist churches in Nassau are expected
to attend these services. All churches will remain open for Sabbath School
and Divine service, but everyone is invited to Hillview for the final
service at 6:00 o'clock this evening.
Youth Announcements
Pathfinder Camp- Impact Long Island Pathfinder camp will be held
August 12th- 19th in Long Island. Registration will take place each evening
before and after the youth crusade at Hillview. You can also register at the
Youth department of the conference during the week.
✽Adventist Sports Day: August 6, 2007 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track
& Field Stadium. It's 40 days before the big showdown begins. Yes, 40 days
of intense preparation will culminate in what promises to be a day of keen
Christian rivalry on the track/field amongst Adventists. August Monday
Sports and fun day. All churches, Pathfinder clubs, youth groups and able
bodied Adventists are expected to prepare and participate.
✽Adventist Basketball Games There will be no basketball games
during the upcoming week days. However, basketball games will be held this
Saturday night and next Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and not 8:30 p.m. at
B.A. Gym.
✽National Youth Month is scheduled for October. National Youth March
will be held Sunday, October 7, 2007. Plan now to attend and be a part of
the National Youth Month events.
✽Pathfinder and Masterguide Camporee March 20 - 25, 2008, Philips
Field, Jamaica. Plan now to attend. You may contact the Bahamas Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists Youth Ministries Department for further details.
-Curtis Bryan, Associate Youth Director, Bahamas Conference
Admiral's Camp Crafts
The second annual Admiral's Camp Crafts got off to a good start on
Monday, June 25, The camp will run until July 22, 2007 at the Breath of Life
Church grounds, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Presentation
night will be held on Saturday, July 21, at 8:30 p.m. Big time regatta will
culminate the camp on Sunday, July 22, 2007. -Admiral Forbe
Marriage Standards Committee
will meet on Tuesday, July 24, at 12 noon at the Conference Headquarters
Bahamas
Academy is our school. Support Christian education at our school. The
benefits are out of this world.
Sun Sets Today at 8:04 p.m.
Sun Sets next Sabbath at 8:00 p.m.
