Online Logos for March 13, 2004

The Logos Is a Weekly Newsletter of the Bahamas Conference Distributed in the Churches

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First Trade Show a Success

Sponsored by the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the First Annual Adventist Business Owners and Professionals Trade Show was held on Sunday, March 7, 2004, at the H. D. Colburn Gymnatorium, Wulff Road. The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, opened this very successful Trade Show around mid-day. After viewing the sixty booths set up by Adventist entrepreneurs in the Gym, several persons who were involved in the planning of the event remarked that the entire show was beyond their expectations.

See photos and listen to the speeches

In his remarks, the Prime Minister commended Adventists for their emphasis on health and their exemplary healthy lifestyle. He suggested that individuals who make up an organization define that organization by the way they live. Thus he encouraged Adventist Business Owners to be active participants in the economic development of the Bahamas.

He further challenged Adventists to use creative approaches to develop marketable Bahamian products. They were encouraged to utilize their connections with Adventist experts at home and abroad to provide training that would improve their entrepreneurial skills and the products and services they provide. The Prime Minister urged Adventists to broaden their endeavors and to commit themselves to service with integrity.

Also addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony was the Hon. Vincent Peet, Minister of Immigration and Labor.

Following the opening exercises, Dr. Leonard Johnson, Conference president, led the Prime Minister and the platform guests on a tour of the booths. The displays ranged from computer technology to satellite technology; beauty care to bride and groom attire; vegetarian cooking to well drilling and air conditioning equipment & services; wood craft and much more. You can view the complete listing of the Trade Show participants and pictures of the event at www.bahamasconference.org/directory  .

Footprints of Jesus Crusade Update The countdown for the Footprints of Jesus Crusade continues. On Wednesday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m., a joint prayer meeting will be conducted for members of all the Adventist churches in Nassau, at the Hillview Church on Harold Road. At this special prayer and praise service, we will pray until the power of the Lord comes down. We need His power to ensure our success in the upcoming evangelistic campaign.  See Web Page

On Friday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m., rehearsal for the opening night of the Crusade will begin at the tent. All Crusade choir members, Joshua Team members, ushers, Bible workers, pastors and ALL other participants in the Crusade are requested to be present and on time.

Handbills are now available for distribution.   Contact the Personal Ministries leader in your church for a supply of these. There is no substitute for a personal invitation, so be sure to make some personal contacts, and follow up with a reminder a day before the meeting begins. We are hoping to have at least 2,000 visitors on opening night. With your help, this can be a reality.

The opening night is March 20, 2004. At 7:00 O'clock Song Service will begin, and the services will continue every night, except Mondays and Thursdays. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Evangelist Glen Samuels will be presenting messages of hope for the thousands of members and their guests that we expect to attend nightly.

The Personal Ministries leader of each church is requested to submit a copy of their prospect list to the Conference Office by Monday March 15. We need this information in order to compile a master list for the Wednesday prayer meeting.

Those persons who have not yet decided to participate in the Crusade may decide today. You need to get involved to help somebody find Christ and to strengthen your own relationship with Him. The truth is that you can not help someone without helping yourself. Allow God to reach someone through you.

In preparation for the crusade, a deeply spiritual revival was conducted last week by Evangelist Glen Samuels, the speaker for the Footprints of Jesus Crusade. All who attended the meetings expressed gratitude for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit that was experienced.

Festival of The Laity  See information  All Churches are asked to submit the names of their delegates for the Festival of the Laity by March 20, 2004. Persons (non-delegates) interested in attending these meetings are asked to contact Deena McPhee at the Conference Office at 341-4021 - Pastor T. B. Sturrup, Director, Personal Ministries

 

Congratulations to Dr. Cheryl Rolle  The administration and all the workers of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are pleased to congratulate Dr. Cheryl Rolle for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation on Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at La Sierra University, Riverside, California. She is now qualified to receive a doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and Leadership. This degree will be conferred during the Commencement Ceremony in June at La Sierra University. Since her graduation from West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University) with a B.A. in English in 1982, Dr. Rolle also earned an M.A. degree from Loma Linda University in 1985, and the Ed.S. from La Sierra University in 2000.

The Title of the dissertation is "Religiosity, School Satisfaction and The Decision to Teach in Christian Schools: Evidence from American and Bahamian High Schools."

This study investigated (a) the importance of religiosity on school satisfaction and the decision of teachers and current students to remain and teach respectively in Christian schools; and (b) the influence of the school satisfaction in Christian schools on the decision of teachers and current students to remain and teach respectively in Christian schools.

Dr. Rolle currently serves as Director of Education and Children's Ministries of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The mother of two children, she is married to Mr. Pedro Rolle, a successful businessman and a local elder in one of our churches in Nassau, Bahamas.

Gideon's Army Retreat  The story of Gideon (Judges 6 - 8) shares how sin can push us away from our rightful place in God, causing us to be overcome by our enemy. It notes how we hesitate and question when God calls us to a purpose or ministry that can break the strongholds of the enemy over our lives and the lives of others. The story also reveals how God specializes in empowering the least likely people for His purpose.

This was the story that inspired the 'Gideon's Army Retreat' hosted by Listen-Up Youth Ministries this past Sabbath at Radisson Convention Center. Our target attendance was 300 youth. And like Gideon, we saw God move in a mighty way. Some 380 persons, mostly youth, participated in five (5) seminar and workshop sessions throughout the day, with focus on finding your purpose in God and 'best fit' in ministry.

Space will not allow us to tell all, so we choose to use this space to acknowledge the awesomeness of God, our Supreme Provider, and to thank all of our presenters and program participant and others who supported us with advice, assistance, encouragement, donations and prayers. We are especially grateful for the overwhelming attendance of so many young people and for the feedback that they gave us. Be assured, young people, that ALL of your comments have been noted.

Special thanks is also extended to Pastor Glen Samuels who delivered the 'call to duty' during our morning session, and Pastors Johnson and Burrows for their support, attendance and remarks.

Still want the 411 on what went down check out 'Gideon's Army Retreat' online at  http://www.bahamasconference.org/listenup/gideonarmy.htm  Channel 12 before Adventist Spotlight.

Young people - know that God has a place and purpose for you to fill and fulfill, in spite of your mistakes, feelings of weakness, insecurities, hesitations and questions. God is more than powerful enough to fill in the missing pieces of your life. Step out in faith. Step out in ministry. The best is yet to come. Watch God work it!-Your Friends @LYM

Logos Bible Seminar The Logos Bible Seminar for ministers of the gospel will take place in Nassau on Monday, March 15 and Tuesday March 16, 2004, at the SDA Headquarters.  See web page

 

VBA Meeting Tonight  All VBA members, male and female, are invited to attend a meeting tonight at 6:30 at the Living Faith Church. Persons interested in join VBA are also invited. -W. Ash, President, VBA

Youth Announcements

Parade Practice

!All Adventurers, Masterguides, and Pathfinders are asked to meet at Fort Charlotte on Sunday, March 21st at 2:00 p.m. for a practice in preparation for National Youth Month.

!Masterguide Classes will be held at the Campsite on Sunday, March 14th, at 7 a.m.

!All persons traveling to Osh-Kosh are asked to meet at the Campsite on Sunday, March 14th, at 8 a.m.

!All Pathfinder directors are to meet at the Campsite on Sunday, March 14th, at 8 a.m.

Children's Ministries Meeting  There will be a meeting for all Children's Ministries leaders on Sunday, March 14, at 5:00 P. M. at the Conference office. Please make an effort to attend.

 

VBS Supplies  All children's ministries leaders are reminded to place their orders for Vacation Bible School supplies with the ABC as soon as possible. Also, if you did not receive your VBS catalogue, you may visit the Conference office to pick one up. - Dr. Cheryl Rolle, Children's Ministries Director

 

Seventh-day Adventist Response to Same-Sex Unions--A Reaffirmation of Christian Marriage  Over the past several decades the Seventh-day Adventist Church has felt it necessary to clearly state in various ways its position in regards to marriage, the family, and human sexuality. These subjects are at the heart of many pressing issues facing society. That which for centuries has been considered to be basic Christian morality in the marriage setting is now increasingly called into question, not only in secular society but within Christian churches themselves.

The institutions of family and marriage are under attack and facing growing centrifugal forces that are tearing them apart. An increasing number of nations are now debating t he topic of "same-sex unions," thus making it a world issue. The public discussion has engendered strong emotions. In light of these developments, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is clearly restating its position.

We reaffirm, without hesitation, our long-standing position. As expressed in the Chur ch's Fundamental Beliefs, "marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship." 1 Though "sin has perverted God's ideals for marriage and family," "the family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred of any human relationship," and thus "families need to experience renewal and reformation in their relationships" ( An Affirmation of Family, 1990). 2 God instituted "marriage, a covenant-based union of two genders physically, emotionally, and spiritually, spoken of in Scripture as ‘one flesh.'" "The monogamous union in marriage of a man and a woman is . . . the only morally appropriate locus of genital or related intimate sexual expression." "Any lowering of this high view is to that extent a lowering of the heavenly ideal" ( An Affirmation of Marriage , 1996). 3

Homosexuality is a manifestation of the disorder and brokenness in human inclinations and relations caused by sin coming into the world. While everyone is subject to fallen human nature, "we also believe that by God's grace and through the encouragement of the community of faith, an individual may live in harmony with the principles of God's Word" ( Seventh-day Adventist Position Statement on Homosexuality , 1999). 4

We hold that all people, no matter what their sexual orientation, are children of God. We do not condone singling out any group for scorn and derision, let alone abuse. However, it is very clear that God's Word does not countenance a homosexual lifestyle; neither has the Christian Church throughout her 2000 year history. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the very nature of humanity and God's plan at creation for marriage. -ACN

 

Head Deaconesses of All Churches The Head Deaconess of all our city churches are requested to prepare their baptismal robes and towels for the Footprints of Jesus Crusade and turn them into Sis. Duncombe at the Conference Office by Friday, March 19, 2004.

!All ushers who will be working in the Footprint of Jesus Crusade are asked to meet today at the Grants Church at 3:30 p.m. - L. C. Rolle, Ushering Coordinator

Bahamas Academy Calendar of Events

!March 15: Third Term Begins

!March 17 - 19: BAISS Track & Field Meets begin

!March 22 - 26: Week of Prayer -Lynn C. Smith, Principal

Health Ministries Announcements

!Fun Run/Walk. The first quarterly BE HEALTHY BE HAPPY Fun Run will take place on April 11, beginning at the Living Faith Church and ending at Goodman’s Bay. Starting time is 6:00 a.m. Get your muscles in tone. Invite a friend to join you, and wear your BHBH T-shirt.

!Footprints of Jesus Choir Practice. This Monday evening at Hillview at 7:00 o’clock.

!Men’s Ministry Retreat – North Andros, June 4-7, 2004. Men, plan to attend.

 

 

An Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The ministry of music plays a pivotal role on Sabbath evenings at the Mary Ingraham Home in ministering to the seniors and neighbours in the area. Continuing today at 4:30 p.m. is the Good News Church. The ministry features next Saturday evening Grant’s Town Church.

All persons scheduled are requested to please contact Mr. Admiral Forbes at the home @341-0094/5 in advance if they are unable to keep their appointments. - J. Admiral Forbes, Co-ordinator

 

Personal Ministries Council  All Personal Ministries Leaders and assistants are advised that a Council meeting will be held Monday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church.

 

Boyz II Men part III An interactive session of Boys to Men - on the court. Yes! Its on the Baskeball court at Hillview SDA Church, Easter Weekend. Paging all Hillview boys and men, and inviting teams from around the Conference . Check the Logos for weekly updates for Bros Lester Stuart and Ray Jennings for further details.

 

Harmonious Praise in Concert at Hillview Tonight Harmonious Praise presents "Get Out of The Box and Burst The Bubble," an explosive concert to invoke a change for the next dimension. It’s a free retreat with a special offering beat Saturday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hillview Church.

 

Youth Ministries Corner  Camp-site: There will be a workday at the campsite on tomorrow, Sunday, March 14th. We are in need of carpenters, masons and helpers to assist in completing the various projects.

Uniform Change: Parents are reminded that uniforms for Pathfinders, Adventurers and Masterguides have been changed. The major change is from Kaki Shirt to WHITE SHIRT. Please get a copy of the complete list from your Pathfinder/Adventurer Leader.

P.E.T: WANTED - WANTED - WANTED!!!! Trained Masterguides to serve as leaders and instructors in community based Pathfinder/Adventurer programs. P.E.T. (Pathfinder Establishment Team) is a project to take the Pathfinder/Adventurer Program to the community and to assist with our Family Island churches. Presently there are three schools (Willimae Pratt Center for Girls, E.P. Roberts and Oakes Field Primary Schools) where we will begin this program. Please contact Barry Saunders, your Pathfinder/Adventurer Director, or the Youth Department at the Conference to register to assist at one of these schools.

 

Adventist Book Centre  The Adventist Book Centre invites you to come by and shop for all your health food needs. A full-time colporteur is now available to come to your home or office; should you need this service please call 341-2429. Additionally, delicious, hot vegetarian lunches are available daily. Just another service we provide to meet your needs. - Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC Manager   See www.bahamasconference.org/abc 

 

Francophone Ladies Say Thanks  Special thanks to Mrs. Miriam Knowles and all the women of the Haitian Churches for a job well done on Women’s Ministries day last weekend. Sis. A. St. Fleur, Coordiantor

!There will be a half-day of prayer and fasting at the Ebenezer SDA Church for the crisis in Haiti on Sunday, March 14, 2004, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Pastor E. St. Fleur