Mid-year Convention A Success   See Web Page  If the success of a convention is measured by the level of inspiration and spiritual rejuvenation experienced by the persons in attendance, then Mid-year Convention 2003 was a great success. From the opening night to the closing moments (June 18 to 21), the people who gathered for each service were on a spiritual high. The lively congregational singing and the special selections by various groups and choirs contributed to the atmosphere of praise and worship that pervaded the convention. A special feature of the convention was the appearance of the North Andros Children’s Choir and the South Andros Youth Choir. The hearts of the listeners were warmed by the renditions of these young singers.

Under the theme "United in Wonder of His grace: The Divine Agenda," the Convention speaker, Pastor Richard Barron, presented some powerful, soul-searching messages that prompted his listeners to examine their relationships with God. With reference to certain biblical characters such as the adulterous woman who was brought to Jesus, Zacchaeus, and the wicked king Manasseh, Pastor Barron showed that it is only through God’s grace and mercy that we are saved. At the end of the Divine Service on Sabbath (Saturday), many young persons made decisions for Christ.

The convention concluded Sabbath afternoon with a grand Praise Reunion Concert at the Hillview Church. Everyone in attendance agreed that the music was heavenly; it was just awesome.

Special guests at the convention included our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Cynthia Pratt, who attended the Divine Service; and attending the Praise Reunion Concert were former Governor- General Sir Clifford Darling, and a representative of Governor- General Dame Ivy Dumont,

Student Outreach Results in Baptisms In a June 10, 2003, news report, Adventist News Network reporter Mark A. Kellner states that students at the University of Eastern Africa are making a positive impact on the community around this Adventist institution in Baraton, Kenya.

As a result of the university students’ outreach to secondary schools in the area, 556 young people were baptized on May 24, 2003.

Dr. Mutuku J. Mutinga, president of the university, confirmed that every Sabbath university students visit about 20 to 30 secondary schools to witness to students. It appears that the secondary school students are willing to listen to the college students and look up to them with respect.

With more than 80 per cent of the population in Africa below the age of 40 years, the church on this continent is young. Certainly, God is using the youth to reach other young people.

Berea Celebrates 20^th Anniversary You are invited to worship with the Berea Church on the occasion of their 20^th Anniversary. Services begin on Sunday, June 22^nd, at 7:30 p.m. and continue each night. Anniversary celebrations will conclude with a grand Sabbath celebration and Adventist Youth Hour on Sabbath, June 28^th. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord.

Church Elders and Adventist Men Leaders Requested to Meet A special invitation is extended to all Church Elders and Adventist Men Leaders to meet with the conference administrators on Monday, June 30^th, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the SDA Headquarters, Harrold Road

VBA Needs You Winston Ash, VBA President, is requesting all builders to meet at the Living Faith Church, tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. Also, masons and helpers are needed to work on the Ephesus Church on Parkgate Road. VBA workers will also be a the campsite to assist in preparing the site for summer camp.

New Providence Choir Visits South Andros Arriving on Friday, June 6^th in South Andros, the New Providence Choir was cordially greeted and made to feel at home by Pastor K. Boateng, Elders N. R. Rhming, V. Miller C. Miller, the Ritchies and other members. They were led by Bro. Ralph Rolle, assisted by Sis. Majorie Rahming, Elder V. Rolle, Sis. Vernita Kelly and others.

On Sabbath morning, service was held at the New Macedonia Church, Johnson’s Bay. Sabbath School and Divine worship were conducted by members of the choir. Unfortunately, Pastor Peter Joseph was unable to travel with the group, but the host pastor ably stood in the gap. The choir, "losing no steam," rolled on with the "The Old Ship of Zion" and others thrilling renditions.

The highlight of the trip was the grand "Androsian" concert on Sabbath evening at the church, dynamically hosted by Elder V. Rolle and Elder V. Miller. Adventists from all of the churches attended, as well as persons from the community, Nassau and the United States who were visiting for Homecoming. This energetic, vibrant and well-disciplined choir captivated and blessed the audience from the first note struck by Ralph Rolle and Bengie Humes until the end . In fact, the song "There’s no God like Jehovah" caused many to literally spring from their seats with uplifted hands, including our own dear Pastor Boateng and our visiting Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe. Part proceeds were given to the choir for the production of a CD. PRAISE God for this unforgettable experience. On Sunday, the choir once again hosted the evangelistic service. The sermon was delivered by Elder Vernal Rolle, enthusiastically backed by the Sanctuary Choir.

To conclude this memorable trip, the choir was taken on tours; some went fishing, others went in search of native fruits and vegetables, while many searched for family and friends. Throughout their trip, members of the choir were treated with mouth-watering dishes, native teas and drinks. As they departed, some promised to return to experience the joy of true "island living." -South Andros Communications Dept.

Hillview Adventist Men’s Chorale to Host Pre-Independence Concert Under the distinguished patronage of the Hon. Cynthia A. Pratt, MP, JP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hillview SDA Men Chorale invites you to attend a Pre-Independence Concert at the Hillview Church July 5^th, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds are in aid of a Halfway House for the Simpson Penn Center for Boys. A love offering will be lifted.

Four Baptized in Driggs Hill, South Andros For four weeks, the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in South Andros traveled from the deep south to the northernmost settlement on the island, Driggs Hill. Pastor K. O. B, Elders Amos Flowers, Edmond Rahming and other members of the team enthusiastically reached out to this community. A number of persons attended regularly, including the pastor and members of the St. Luke’s Baptist Church. All were blessed and uplifted by the marvelous "gems" that were given to improve our families.

At the end of this campaign, four committed souls were baptized and many others indicated their interest in continuing

Bible study. Praise God! The seeds of truth have been planted and we believe that eventually they will come to fruition. Please pray for those prospects who are on the verge of coming in. -South Andros Communications Dept.

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 coordinators are Pastors Michael A. Smith and Barrington H. Brennen. More information coming soon.

Data Software for Churches. All church pastors are reminded to acquire the Church Membership Directory software as urgently as possible. Call Barrington Brennen as soon as possible.

Youth Corner

All Pathfinders/Masterguides are requested to participate in the Independence Day Parade on Thursday, July 10,^th beginning at 3:00 p.m. The parade begins at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center and ends at Clifford Park.

Work continues this Sunday, June 29, at the campsite. Below is the schedule of Pathfinder Clubs to assist each Sunday along with VBA Volunteers. July 6 - Hillview, Francophone, Bethel and Ebenezer; July 13 -Grant’s Town, Good News, Breath of Life. July 20-Johnson Park, New Providence, New Englerston and Berea.

Pathfinder/Adventurer Camp will be held at Camp Bamvoica July 27 to August 3, 2003, under the theme "The Courage to Conquer." Registration is in progress. Application forms are available from your local leader and at the Youth Department.

Health Ministries All Health Ministries coordinators are requested to meet at the Living Faith Church on Monday, June 30, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss plans for the July Fun Run. Coming in November is a Health Seminar to be conducted by presenters Dr. W. R. McMillan of the West Indies Union; Dr./Pastor Honoree, Inter-American Division; Doctor and Mrs. Hollingstead from Pacific Health; and Pastor Paul Scavella. Vegetarian cuisine cooking by Marlene McKinney will be available. Seminars will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 nightly, Wednesday to Friday and all day on Sabbath.

Continuing Education Credit is being sought with two institutions for those who attend. Confirmation will be forthcoming. The program can accommodate only 150 persons, so register today.

Colporteurs to Meet All part-time Colporteurs and others who are interested in the Publishing Ministry are invited to meet at the Philadelphia Church on Sunday, July 6, at 9:00 a.m.

Back By Popular Demand Seraphic Sounds’ ‘Remembering Mahalia’ Owing to requests for a repeat performance of "Remembering Mahalia," another concert will be held at the Dundas on Sunday, June 29, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are now at the Conference Office and at the Dundas Center.

Persons who have only heard about the production are especially invited to come and experience the legacy of Mahalia Jackson, through interpretation and renditions by Ms. Allison Mason. You will not be disappointed! Call 502-2798 or 502-2735 weekdays.

ABC On The Move The ABNC will be at the Bethany Church, Wulff Road, tonight, June 28, at set of sun for your convenient shopping.

Visit us during regular store hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sabbath School supplies are packed and ready for collection. -Kenny Deveaux, ABNC Manager

VBS at Living Faith Church Vacation Bible School will be held June 30 to July 11 at the Living Faith Church. Sessions run from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. A fun-filled time is planned for our youngsters. Parents can register by calling 324-2721. -Dr. C. McPhee

SAFE Seminar Why not be S.A.F.E. (Sexual Abstinence for Everyone) seminar will be conducted on Sunday, July 6, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hub, Thompson Blvd. Application forms are available from your local A.Y. leaders or at the Conference Office.

New Providence Church to Hold Concert The Sanctuary Choir of the New Providence Church, under the patronage of Pastor and Mrs. Peter Joseph, will hold a concert at the church on Soldier Road June 28 from 6:00 p.m. All SDA churches are invited to support this event

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Women’s Ministries Leader says Thanks Special thanks are extended to Sis. Mary-Lou Miller for coordinating the monthly visits and A. Y. Programs at the Geriatric Home. Hats off to all the hard-working and dedicated persons who support these outreach programs.

Lost and Found A Timex watch was found at the campsite at the end of a recent workday. Its owner should call M. Bonamy at 393-8507Hm. or 394-8935 to identify.

Rally at Philadelphia Everyone is invited to attend a BIG RALLY and concert at the Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estates, tomorrow night at 8 o’clock. Come and bring a good offering.

Kiddies World Academy Fights Back Against crime Kiddies World pre-school was vandalized over the Whit Monday holiday. All office equipment and electronics were stolen, and many other items destroyed senselessly. In an attempt to raise funds to replace these much needed items, a stakeout is planed for Sunday, June 29, and Monday, June 30^th, 2003, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Your help is solicited. Please call Mrs. C. Miller at 326-3373 to secure tickets. -Carlene Miller, Kiddies World

Registration is ongoing at the Conference Office and at Bahamas Academy for the 16^th Annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp, planned for June 30^th to July 25, 2003.

Pentecost 5000 ‘Let God Speak Reaping Campaign’ On September 12, 2003, at 7 p.m. the Bahamas Conference of SDA will embark on the largest citywide crusade in our history under the theme "Let God Speak." Evangelist Guy Nembhard is requesting that all members pray for the upcoming meetings during our Wednesday’ prayer services and in our daily family and private devotions.

Pastoral District Adjustment The Executive Committee of the Conference voted the following district adjustments effective July 1, 2003: Exuma - Pastor Kent Price, Long Island - Pastor Daniel Major. Pastor E. Clarke will be assisted at Grant’s Town by Intern Gary C. King. Elder Carl Johnson will assist Pastor Paul A. Scavella in the Living Faith/Ephesus District. -Administration

Personal Ministries Monthly General Meeting All head elders, elders responsible for Personal Ministries and Personal Ministries Leaders are asked to attend the monthly general meeting July, 6, 2003, at 8 a.m. at the Centreville Church. - T. Basil Sturrup, Departmental Director

Best-kept Secret in The Adventist Church ASI (Adventists Laymen’s Services and Industries) is an organization for Adventist business leaders to hasten the Lord’s second coming through witnessing about Jesus in the business environment.

At its last meeting, Mr. Sidney Sylvester was elected second vice-president and Mrs. Kimberly Bryan secretary/treasurer A very important ASI meeting will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 7 p.m. at the Conference Office. Plans for the upcoming ASI thanksgiving banquet, to be held November 29, 2003, will be discussed. ASI dues are now due

For information regarding an ASI Convention planed for Trinidad and Tobago August 15 to 22, 2004, please contact Dr. Alvira Higgs at 325-5866