Online Logos July 7, 2007 Bahamas Conference

Midyear Convention 2007 was an exhilarating experience for the members and visitors who attended the services beginning Wednesday night, June 27, at the Grant's Town Church and ending Saturday evening, June 30, at the Hillview Church. At the opening service, Dr. Leonard Johnson, president of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was the keynote speaker. He gave an inspirational message to the members and the nation that emphasized how Christians can overcome opposition through the power of the Word. On Thursday evening, June 28, Shelly Quinn, program manager at Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), explained how we can be transformed into the image of Christ. And on Friday evening, Pastor John Lomacang, pastor of the Thompsonville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Illinois, challenged the youth that they should follow the direction of the Holy Spirit rather than luck to live a successful Christian life.

The Divine Hour speaker on Sabbath, Pastor Clement Murray from 3ABN, encouraged the listeners to always keep their eyes on Jesus and not be distracted. To conclude the convention weekend, His Excellency Arthur D. Hanna, Governor General of The Bahamas, presented awards to one hundred and fifty persons who served the Adventist Church for forty or more years. The speaker for this service, Dr. Patrick Allen, president of West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, commended the awardees for their contribution to the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Bahamas.

In addition to our guests from 3ABN, some local dignitaries were in attendance. Among them was our Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, who brought greetings on opening night. Also, on Sabbath, June 30, Mr. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Leader of the Opposition, greeted the convention during the Divine Service at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road.

We must say special thanks to the churches and individuals for contributing over Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) toward the Dollar-A-Day drive. While this is a good beginning, we have a long way to go to reach our goal. So let's continue the drive.
The administrative team of The Bahamas Conference is grateful to all who helped to make Midyear Convention 2007 a success. Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! May the Lord bless and keep you faithful to the end of life's journey. - Editor

"Revelation Now…..Let The Truth Be Told" is a conference wide crusade led out by our young people and geared towards spreading biblical truths and winning souls for Christ. Led by the Holy Spirit, a team of vibrant youth leaders have accepted the challenge of organizing the nightly programmes and participating in special features: drama, interviews, promotions, and praise.

Our youth speaker, Joseph Mahedeo, a native of Trinidad, has been proclaiming God’s word each night with enthusiasm and conviction. His interactive power point presentations and illustrations assist in breaking down the Biblical laws and doctrines in a manner we all can comprehend.
God is doing miraculous things. Satan is busy, but he is a defeated foe. God’s programme is going on. We encourage everyone to come out, share in the experience, be an active participant, worship with us, and bring some friends.

We continue the meetings this afternoon at 6:00 at the Hillview Church. The second week begins on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. Meetings will be held each evening except Tuesday evening (Independence Day) of this week. On next Sabbath morning, July 14, there will be a grand Sabbath program beginning with Sabbath school for all the young people of our conference. All churches will be open, however the youth of our conference, in particular, are invited to be at Hillview for the Sabbath celebration. You cannot afford to miss this second week. - Anastacia Carter-Asst. Crusade Coordinator

The youth departments of Bethany and Berea churches ended their 5-day revival with a mini-concert at the Berea Church this past Sunday. The theme was "Sold out to Jesus… Thy Kingdom Come." We were blessed to have Evangelist Brendon Albury as our dynamic, no- nonsense, youthful speaker. The Holy Spirit leading him in each sermon preached. The topics were: "Ready, Set, Go", "No bad credit", "Passing the Mantle," and on Sabbath morning, "Behold the Groom." Each sermon challenged us to a more practical Christianity as we share the love of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. On Thursday night, Pastor Albury led in a most provocative youth forum on "Sex and Dating" while the older ones among us were led by Youth Aglow2 - a Spiritual Blast! Sister Ida Stuart in a practical and interactive forum on "Sexual Purity" among grown-ups. God truly blessed and we all learned God's will for our lives when it comes to our individual sexuality.

Sabbath afternoon the youth were again in a youth forum with Pastor Albury called "Sinners Anonymous," while the adults were led in study by Elder Raymond Antonio, and the younger children interacted with Sister Kristy Roberts. We were all blessed as we learnt that "Sinners Anonymous" is an oxymoron, because we may not know who the alcoholics, are but we know who the sinners are as "we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God."

We were led in the Prayer of Serenity by Dillette Miller as we asked God to help us to live one day at a time, changing the things we can and giving us the wisdom to know the difference.
As refreshments were served, incentives, activities and gifts given each night, we ended with a mini concert on Sunday night as we received our last charge from our speaker. Thanks to all who made this evangelistic revival an exciting and energy-filled one for the Lord. Special thanks particular to Bro Curtis Bryan, our energetic Assistant Youth Director for visiting with us and our supportive Pastor, Pastor Kent Price, without whom this event would not have been possible. To God be the glory. - Dillette Miller, AY Leader, Bethany

Culmination Service of the Children's Ministries Stewardship Programme
On June 23rd , 2007, children from the various churches gathered at the Berea SDA church to receive their Stewardship Certificates for participating in the Stewardship Programme organized by the Children's Ministries Department of the Bahamas Conference. Under the theme "Stewards for God", the children were filled with excitement to begin the evening of activities. The Stewardship programme, 'My Space in Place" was launched on April 1st , 2007.

The twelve lessons covered a broad concept of being a steward in the Biblical sense. At home, in the community and country, and especially in God's cosmic plan, each has an assigned role to play. Other topics were stewardship of my Body, Home, Church and School. Our children's ministries Director, Sis. Diane Jones brought opening remarks which reminded the children of the various lessons they studied. The skit "Miss Mortimore and the orphans" demonstrated the importance of being good stewards. The children's excitement was further escalated by 'Gift Time'. Questions came from the twelve lessons in the Stewardship Programme. What a perfect time to briefly review the lessons and yet be compensated! Thanks to Sis. Voneil Smith.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation by Bro. Kenny Deveaux, Stewardship Director of the Bahamas Conference. Bro. Deveaux encouraged the children to be good stewards wherever they go and whatever they do. He gave the importance of being good stewards even at an early age. Thanks to him for his timely message. Diane Jones expresses special thanks to the various Children's ministries leaders for planning the pragramme in their respective churches. Congratulation to Sis Diane Jones for organizing such a timely programme. -Cindy Stuart, Hillview Children's Ministries Leader

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. Ministry of Public Health SCAN Unit to March 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 7, and 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/music . -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: “Public Affairs and Religious Liberty” Invite a friend to view the program with you.

Important Meeting Dates
✽Family Cruise Meeting: All persons from the Bahamas Conference going on the Family Ministries Cruise August 19 - 26, are asked to meet tonight, Saturday, July 7, at 8:15 at the Grant's Town Church, Wellington Street.
✽Music Standards Committee will meet on Sunday, July 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Conference Headquarters.
✽Marriage Standards Committee will meet on Thursday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Headquarters.

Publishing Rally A Publishing Rally will be held July 22, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church. All full-time, part-time student colporteurs and interested persons are invited to attend.

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 7, Cherenfant's Group. Next week Sabbath, Adelaide Church, 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.

Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School continues at the Living Faith Church until July 13, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Church on Old Trail Road. -Laura Glinton

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 on this Saturday night and next Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and not 8:30 p.m. at B.A. Gym.

The Youth Ministries Department congratulates Ms. T'eora Murray and Mr. Noel Browne, who competed in the Bible Bowl at Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica. T'eora placed third and Noel was seventh. We thank them and their coach, Mrs. Erika Perpall, for the effort.

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 Forbes
Adventist Educators Association will hold its monthly meeting tonight, Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. at the Doctors Hospital Conference Room. All association members and teachers are invited to attend.

Communication Workshop will be held Sunday, July 8, at the Conference Office from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Church Communication Secretaries are urged to attend.

Happy Independence from the Editorial Staff

Preserving Democracy
On this upcoming July 10 let us rededicate ourselves to the proposition that the people can be trusted to govern themselves. Let us resolve anew that this hallowed concept, bathed in the blood of heroic men and washed in the tears of courageous women, shall not perish by fault or default.

For democracy's success rests with the people: statehood on manhood, political self-government on personal self-government, national greatness on personal greatness, and liberty for all on restraint for each. Freedom's preservation truly lies in its true purpose: not the freedom to do wrong which hurts others, but the freedom to do right which helps all. -Leroy Brownlow

Liberty exists in proportion to wholesome restraint.
-Daniel Webster, 1782-1852

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. - Proverbs 14:34