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Dr. Johnson
Receives Honorary Degree
On Sunday, June 12, 2005, Dr. Leonard A. Johnson, president of The Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was one of two prominent Bahamians who
received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Sojourner–Douglass
College, at its Twenty-Fifth Commencement Exercise, at the British Colonial
Hilton, Nassau, Bahamas. Usually, an honorary degree is conferred on persons
in their later years. However, Sojourner-Douglass decided to honor him in the
prime of his life. This showed the impact he has made on the Bahamian
community in the short time he has had the opportunity to serve his church and
his people. It should be noted that "the Degree is conferred upon persons
whose lives and achievements exemplify the mission and purpose of the
College."
In addition to being one of the two Bahamians upon whom the Doctor of
Humane Letters degree was conferred, Dr. Johnson was also the Commencement
Speaker for the occasion. He used the opportunity to challenge the graduates
to dream big. He said that there were two kinds of dreams: (1) ordinary
dreams, and (2) revelations from God. Ordinary dreams deal with material
things, but dreams that are directed by God are not about fulfilling material
success. They go beyond the here and now to a bigger and brighter future. They
motivate one to move toward achieving his/her maximum potential.
The story of Joseph as recorded in the Book of Genesis was used to
illustrate the benefits that will accrue to one whose dreams are directed by
God. Although Joseph faced many challenges, he overcame them by remaining
faithful to the principles of God. Some of the challenges or barriers that
will confront the graduates include the following:
1. The opinions of others. He told the graduates that not everyone will
recognize their potentials, but God–directed dreamers don’t have time to
listen to objectors. While you cannot control what others may say or think,
you can control your response to them.
2. The temptation to amass wealth or acquire things by questionable means
and to compromise trust and confidence. Joseph remained firm and faithful to
the trust placed in him, so he resisted the advances of Mrs. Potipher. And
although maintaining his integrity got him into prison, he did not compromise
his principles.
3. Poor attitude. Too many doubt themselves and blame others for their
problems. Then they display a sour attitude that drives others away. Many
customers stop patronizing certain businesses because of poor attitude toward
them.
The popular Bahamian song "Who You’re Working For," illustrates the kind of
attitude conscientious citizens should avoid. Some Bahamians believe that if
they could get a job with the Government, they don’t have to work hard. They
would just show up for work any time, do little or nothing and collect their
wages on payday.
The graduates were encouraged to learn from the example of Joseph and dream
big, God-directed dreams as they continue their journey through life.
Dr. Johnson’s address was well received by the graduates, Dr. Charles W.
Simmons, president of the College, and all who were present. The Adventists in
the audience were especially pleased with Dr. Johnson’s presentation and were
proud to share in the moment when the Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters was
conferred upon him. We congratulate him and pray God’s continued blessings
upon him and his family. May he be guided by God-directed dreams as he
continues to lead our Conference.
Salute to Adventist Fathers Tomorrow, caring people around the world
will celebrate Father’s Day. Today, in most of our churches, Adventists will
give special recognition to our fathers. We seize this opportunity to salute
the fathers in our churches throughout this Conference. Fathers, we salute you
for adopting an exemplary Christian lifestyle in the church and in the
community. We salute you for assuming your role as spiritual leaders in your
homes. We salute you for doing everything possible to provide for the material
needs of your families. Fathers, we salute you for being the best fathers in
our Commonwealth. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! God bless you abundantly.
Congratulations to All Graduates We are pleased to say congratulations
to the students who have recently graduated from the various levels of
educational institutions at home and abroad. We would like these students to
know that we appreciate and love them. Special commendations go to the
teachers of Bahamas Academy who worked so hard to obtain their degrees this
month. Greater recognition will be given to all graduates later.
Layman's Crusade Yields Seven Lay Evangelist David Williams, an active
member of the Grant's Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, was the speaker for
the "Amazing Grace Gospel Crusade" held May 15-28, 2005 in Moss Town, Exuma.
As a result of the influence of the Holy Spirit, seven precious souls decided
to become a part of the family of God. Bro. Williams himself gives the
following account of his mission trip to Exuma. Sabbath afternoon, the day
before the meetings started, Pastor Kent Price accompanied by Dave Williams,
Deborah Johnson, Berkley Cantor and members of the Moss Town and Mt. Thompson
churches went into the community to invite the people to the meetings and
distribute crusade flyers and magazines. Shortly after the crusade began,
other missionary minded members from Nassau joined the team. Among them were
Sam and Nathalie Markland, Leroy Thompson, Christopher Stuart, Tyrone Paul,
Judith Carey, Ingrid Williams, and Leroy Henchell.
The dedicated team visited former members and crusade guests daily as they
continued to invite others to the meetings. The Lord blessed our efforts, and
on the last Sabbath of the meetings seven persons responded to the call to
accept Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord and follow Him into the watery
grave of baptism.
The crusade was not about money, man, or method. It was about the Holy
Spirit changing lives. To God be the glory for the souls who responded to the
call.
At the end of the crusade, a gospel concert was held. The offering
collected was donated to the church roof repair fund.
Fathers' Day - Family Fun Run/Walk The excitement and anticipation are
mounting as the date (Sunday, June 19, beginning at 7 a.m. at Breath of Life)
for the Father's Day - Fun Run draws near. Pastors, first elders, and
Adventist men's leaders are busy registering "fathers and sons" for that
featured category. Registration deadline for churches is tonight between 8:00
and 9:30. There will be no registration on Sunday morning.
This Father's Day event which is being spearheaded by the Breath of Life
Church on Marshall Road, South Beach, is open to all members, male and female,
young and old - free of charge (No entry fee). However, there is a father and
son category where a small registration fee per person is required (see your
pastor or first elder for details. Fathers' Day - Family Fun Run/Walk
The objective of the father - son category is to foster and encourage
bonding between fathers and sons, and older men and younger men in our
congregations and homes. There is a tremendous bond forged as older and
younger men play together. This we hope to capitalize upon.
A father is any male who has fathered or adopted a child. A son would be a
young male under thirty (30) who has not yet fathered a child. The father who
may not have a son or whose son may not attend his church, can adopt a son
from his church for this event, as teams must enter by churches.
A quota has been assigned to each church as follows (this is a revised
quota):
1. Large churches: Grants Town, Centreville & Hillview = 10 teams
2. Medium sized churches: Maranatha, New Providence, Johnson Park, Living
Faith, Francophone = 7 teams
3. Small churches: All others not mentioned above = 5 teams.
Churches who meet their quota will receive 100 points. Additional points
will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd positions as follows:
1st place = 10 points; 2nd place = 5 points; and 3rd place = 3 points.
The winning church will receive an all expense paid trip to Orlando for two
(2). Second and third places will receive very substantial prizes, including
hotel rooms, watches, gift certificates, etc. Breakfast will be available. See
your pastor or first elder for more details.
District Baptism
Congratulations to Dr. M. D. Toote and team for a baptism of three precious
soul last Sabbath in the New Providence/Philadelphia districts. Continue to
pray for the Philadelphia revival that ends tomorrow.
Acklins For Christ Gospel Crusade Pastor R.I. Hanna and his
brother-in-law, Brother Orthniel Darling, accompanied by their wives, will
conduct an Evangelistic Crusade in Lovely Bay, Acklins, July 1 - 24, 2005.
Their aim is to build up the believers' faith, add to their number and
organize them into a permanent company or church in the area.
Both Pastor Hanna and Brother Darling are from Acklins and have a burden to
see the church established on that island. Please pray for God's blessings
upon their efforts. Other members of the Hanna family will be joining them in
Acklins immediately after General Conference Session.
Elder Laura Anderson to be Honoured Elder Laura Anderson of the Bluff
Seventh-day Adventist Church will be honoured by the Women's branch of the
Progressive Liberal Party. This will take place tonight at 8:00 at the Dundas
Civic Center. She is being honoured as an outstanding leader in her community.
Adventist Response to Gays and Lesbians Seminar
This seminar will be held on July 17, 2005, 7:30 p.m. at Centreville Church
for all church leaders and interested members
Bahamas Academy The final Entrance Exam for new students planning to
attend Bahamas Academy (Grades 1 - 10) in September will be held on Friday,
June 24th from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon. Application forms can be collected at the
elementary and secondary divisions of the school during regular school hours
and should be turned in before or on the day of the exam.
Report Card Day for the secondary students of Bahamas Academy is
scheduled for Tuesday, June 28 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All parents are
encouraged to collect report cards, especially those students who may have to
do summer school. Students DO NOT have to accompany their parents.
Summer School for Grades 1 - 6 begins on Monday, June 27th and ends on
July 22nd. . Plan to enroll your child for classes in Math,
Reading, Computer or Swimming.
Summer School for Grades 7 - 11 begins on Monday, July 4th and ends on
July 22nd. Plan to enroll your child for classes in Math, English, Sewing,
Cooking, or Woodwork.
Single Adults Seminar This will be held on Sunday, July 31, from 3:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Place to Be Announced. -Cost: $10. For those Aged 30 to 130.
-Register with Kimberly Bryan, Conference Headquarters
VBA Church Work Schedule The following Churches are scheduled to work
at the New Bahamas Academy building site on Marshall Road beginning at 8:00
a.m.: Gambier, Hillview, Real Harvest and Breath of Life. However, other
persons willing to lend a helping hand are invited to visit the site. God
bless you real good!
Admiral’s Crafts Admiral Forbes will be hosting a Miniature Boat
Building Camp at the Breath of Life Church grounds on Marshall Road, July 4 to
29, 2005. For details on cost of camp and registration, please call 364-1613.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre’s hours during daylight
saving time are:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
-Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC Manager
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The schedule for today, June 18th, will be Bro. Y. Cherefant’s group. Next
week, June 25, music will be provided by Tony Russell’s group.
Jeff Rodgers 18th Annual Basketball Camp The 18th
annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball camp is scheduled to begin June 27 and end on
July 22, 2005. Camp starts at 9:00 a.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym. Registration
can be done at the SDA Headquarters and the BA Secondary Division.
Aerobics for Health & Wellness The aerobics class for health and
wellness continues at the Fanta C Fitness Gym tomorrow morning at 7:30.
Interested persons who are 14 years or older are invited. -Health
Ministries Leader of Philadelphia Church
Youth Ministries Pathfinders to Participate in Independence Day
Celebrations
Pathfinders interested in being a part of the drill team to participate
during the 32nd Independence Day Celebrations are asked to attend an
audition/practice at 6:00 p.m. sharp on Monday, June 20th at the Berea S.D.A.
Church.
The Pathfinder Band is one of the four bands invited to perform at the
Independence Celebrations. More information will be forthcoming.
Adventist Basketball League begins tonight at 8:15 at Bahamas Academy
Gym. It is important that all teams that have entered be present to play.
Youth Crusade
Under the theme "Come Alive With Christ," Youth Crusade 2005 begins on July
30th.
The examination for the Pathfinder Staff Training Course will be this
Sunday, June 19th at 7:00 a.m. at the Hillview Church.
Meeting for Camp Leaders All Counsellors, Pathfinder Directors and
Masterguides in training who plan to attend the Pathfinder/Adventurer Camp
this summer are asked to attend a very important meeting at the Berea Church
on Monday, June 20th at 7 p.m.
Centreville Church Health Ministries Dept. Well known doctor, Norman
Gay, M.D. will speak on wellness at a special A.Y. meeting at the Centreville
Church, Saturday, July 2nd at 6:00 p.m. All are invited to this
informative meeting.- Centreville Church Health Ministries Department
Wellness for Life The monthly meeting for the Wellness for Life Club
will be held on Monday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m at the Living Faith SDA Church,
Old Trail Road. -Dr. Idamae Hanna, Coordinator
Listen-Up Youth Ministries Update "For I am not ashamed of the gospel
of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that
believes." Rom.1:16
Friday, 24 June @ 7:45 p.m. - Get into the Word!
Step 1 - Pray for understanding by the Holy Spirit
Step 2 - Read Romans 1 and 2
Step 3 - Join us at Living Faith Church with an open heart and mind.
All youth and interested persons are encouraged to come, learn and share at
our Youth Forum and Bible Study at Living Faith SDA Church Hall.
Sunday, 3rd July at 10:30 a.m. - Sandilands Outreach Program
Since 2004, LYM has been 'taking the Advent message to all the world',
reaching out to patients in the drug and alcohol rehab units and other wards
at Sandilands Rehab Centre. Many opportunities for ministry exist in this
place where many need hope and a second chance.
If you are impressed to share your talents or testimony about your God in
this deliverance ministry, then contact M. Musgrove at 325-5108.
Don't be afraid or ashamed to step outside of the four walls of your church
and deliberately witness for Christ. God calls youth because you are strong.
Please answer. He is waiting to empower you.
Roland Brown’s GC Group to Meet Tonight All persons traveling to
General Conference in Roland Brown’s group are asked to meet tonight at the
Grant’s Town Church immediately after Vespers.
Olga Roach’s G C. Group to Meet Tonight All persons traveling to
General Conference in Olga Roach’s group are asked to meet tonight at her home
in Danottage Estates from 8:00 to 9:00 o’clock.
G.C. Information Meeting All group leaders and other interested persons
going to the 58th General Conference Session are requested to
attend a meeting at the Conference Office today at 5 p.m. Please be on time.
SDA Cat Island Society to Meet The SDA Cat Island Advancement Society
will meet on Sunday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hillview Church. Friends
and members are encouraged to attend.
Living Faith to Host VBS
The Living Faith Church will host Vacation Bible School, July 4 to 16,
2005, at the Church on Old Trail Road.
Youth Campmeeting Choir Practice
The Mass Youth Choir will hold practice for the upcoming Youth crusade
beginning today at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church. - Erica Perpall
Path to Life Camp Path to Life Camp will be held July 18 to 30th.
Contact Sis. Eforma Coakley or Sherry Thompson at the Living Faith Church.
Sunset today at 8:03 p.m.
Sunset next Sabbath at 8:04 p.m.
