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First Sabbath
Celebration Under Tents
Happy Sabbath! A pleasant Sabbath to all worshipers at "The
Seek Ye First," "The Power of Truth" and "The Real Harvest" crusades! For a
few weeks you have been attending these meetings following God's men as they
opened, night after night, precious gems from the Word of God. Today, however,
is unlike all days and meetings experienced thus far, for there are added
blessings which you are sure to experience and confirm before the day ends.
Recognizing that this is likely the first time some of you are worshipping on
the Sabbath, I wish to remind you that you are doing God's will, and He will
bless and take care of your every need. If there is likely to be any problem,
I encourage you to talk with one of the pastors or persons on the platform or
an usher. While I know that you enjoy these meetings, I encourage you to tell
at least 2 friends or family members about your respective crusade, ensuring
that they attend during the course of the week.
Praying for the sick I use this occasion to remind you that our
focus on prayer continues today. In fact it was precisely a week ago today
that many of us prayed more than the usual and fasted. Why? Well, we prayed
for a greater commitment and for specific issues such as marital problems,
financial concerns, jobs, more patience, to pass exams, and healing of
ourselves and others. For example, Dr. Keith Albury, a former president of
Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is currently convalescing at
Doctors Hospital. He would want me to express to you thanks for your many
prayers, visits and calls during the week. He regrets that he is unable to
permit more or even all of us to visit him as it will prevent him from resting
and recuperating. I urge that we continue to lift him up "on the wings of
prayer". Remember to include his parents, siblings and especially Sister Ann,
Pastor Anson, Alden and Brendan.
Of course there are other persons who are sick such as Sister Ellen Carey
and others of whom I am not aware of. These, too, we must lift up in prayer,
as well as those of you who are mourning the passing of loved ones. I commend
to you 2 Corinthians 1: 3 and 4 which says "Blessed be God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who
comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted
of God". What an opportunity to comfort others who need our support!
We said goodbye to a group of young people from Oakwood College in
Hunstville, Alabama a few days ago, and now we are pleased to welcome to our
shores and crusades a gymnastic team from Union College in Nebraska. Be
certain to say hi and share a warm smile.
I leave you with this thought that a member sent me on Wednesday entitled
"Gold Wrapping Paper." The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her
5 year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money
was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to
decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl
brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and said, "This is for
you, Momma." The mother was embarrassed by her earlier overreaction, but her
anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke
to her daughter in a harsh manner. "Don't you know, young lady, when you give
someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?" She
had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into
it until it was full." The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put
her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her
thoughtless anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short time
later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all
the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult
problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember
the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each of us,
as human beings, have been given a Golden box filled with unconditional love
and kisses from our children, family, friends and GOD. There is no more
precious possession anyone could hold Happy Sabbath!
People Need More than The Message Evangelists Peter Joseph,
Edward St. Fleur and T. Basil Sturrup have been preaching the message of truth
to eager listeners under their tents. We believe that many sincere seekers of
truth will accept Jesus as their Savior and become a part of the body of
Christ during these meetings. However, they need more than the message to keep
them in the church.
It has been established through research that the majority of persons who
discontinue their affiliation with the Church agree that the message is true.
They are convinced that there is strong Biblical support for the doctrines
we believe. Then what is the problem? Why do they leave the church? It’s a
relationship problem that must be fixed.
We need to display a kind, helpful, friendly and caring attitude toward one
another. Yes, people need to see in us the spirit of Christ. Jesus was
interested in people. He was not judgmental and harsh. He was helpful,
forgiving and kind to everyone. He related to people with love, and He
admonished His followers to exhibit love always.
In John 13:34-35 He said, "I give you a new commandment: love one
another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all
people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
This is a challenge for those of us who are established members of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church. We need to examine how we are presently relating
to one another and determine what we need to change to encourage people to
want to stay and continue their fellowship in the church. We cannot
continue to do business as usual and expect improvement.
Yes, the message is true, and the preachers have been presenting it with
power and conviction. It is clear that our only hope is Jesus, but people need
to see Jesus in us. Think about it,
Western Region Crusade Choir Practice Senior Choir practice for the
Western Region Crusade will be held at Hillview today at 3:30 p.m.
Younger persons are encouraged to join the youth choir for the Western Region.
Practice for the youth choir will be at Berea Church today at 3:30 Real
Harvest Gospel Campaign continues tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Members,
remember to invite your friends to the meetings. Come bring your family and
let’s discover God’s promises and prophecies for these end times.
Eastern Region "Power of Truth" Crusade Continues The "Power of Truth"
crusade will continue tomorrow, Sunday, March 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Please
contact your guests and friends, and encourage them to come and be blessed.
Eastern Region Crusade Choir Practice Choir rehearsal for the Eastern
Region Crusade will be held today at 4:00 p.m. at the Living Faith Church. All
singers are invited to attend. -Sis. Althea Tinker, Music Coordinator, ER
Gymnastic Touring Group To Share the Gospel in Nassau. Forty members of
the Union College Gymnastic Team will be in Nassau March 10-17, 2005 to
perform. They will have a Grand Show
at the Kendal Issacs Gym, on Monday, March 14, 2005. A small fee will be
collected at the door. They will also sing and provide spiritual stunts at
each of the tents during the night. Featuring in the Grand Show will be Gerard
Brennen, son of Barrington and Annick Brennen.
Stewardship Bible Institute The West Indies Union and the
Inter-American Division are excited at collaborating to conduct the
Stewardship Bible Institute jointly between the Bahamas Conference and the
North Bahamas Mission, April 15 to 17, 2005, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Nassau.
The purpose of the Institute is to provide a training program for Pastors,
Church Elders, and Local Stewardship Leaders in order to offer Dynamic and
Biblical Leadership to the local church focusing on Adventist Theology,
Homiletic, Hermeneutic, and other courses. A minimum of two persons is
required from each church. Those who attend will receive a certificate of
participation. All churches, including the family islands, are encouraged to
select a delegate from their Stewardship Department and an elder and submit
their names to the Stewardship Department of the Conference as soon as
possible.
Congratulations Congratulations are extended to Katrice Darville of the
Grant’s Town Church on her recent appointment to the position of International
Mortgage Manager, International Unit at First Carribbean Bank Bahamas. Katrice
is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers. She holds a Masters degree in
Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University as well as two
Bachelor degrees, one in Banking and Finance from the College of the Bahamas
and the other in Business Administration from West Indies College.
Additionally, Katrice was recently selected as a 2004 "Player of the
Series" Pro-performer’s programme. Katrice along with two other Bahamians will
be honoured at a formal banquet to be held in Barbados this weekend - March
11-13. Again, congratulations on your achievements. Bahamas Conference
Administration
Rep from Southwestern University to Visit A representative from
Southwestern University will be in Nassau the week of March 14. While here she
would like to meet with parents and students interested in attending that
University. For more information contact Mrs. Denise Johnson at 394-7262
during school hours.
Bahamas Conference Office of Education The Bahamas Conference Office of
Education is accepting applications for the following positions at Bahamas
Academy for the 2005-2006 school year: Auto Mechanics teacher, Biology/Science
teacher, Business Education teacher, Chemistry and Physics teacher, Computer
Studies teacher, Elementary school teacher, English teacher, History/Social
Studies teacher, Home Economics teacher, Music teacher, Physical Education
teacher, Religious Studies teacher, Spanish teacher, Technical Drawing
teacher.
Interested Bahamians may obtain applications from the school on Wulff Road
and mail completed applications to: The Education Director, Office of
Education, Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, P. O. Box N-356,
Nassau, Bahamas. Applications should reach the Office of Education by March
18. -Dr. Cheryl Rolle, Director of Education
Youth Corner
All Masterguides in training and persons interested in registering for
the Masterguide Course are asked to meet at Hillview SDA Church tomorrow
morning, March 13, at 7:00. Please note that there will be one Masterguide
Class for this year. Furthermore, this is the last week to join the class.
- Pastor A. Burrows, Youth Director
New Adventist Radio Program A new radio program was launched recently.
Tune in every Friday at 6:00 a.m. for refreshing health and family life tips
and just good old Biblical teaching on "Path to Life" with founder and host of
"Path to Life Ministries," Pastor Paul A. Scavella.
Roland Brown GC Group to Meet All persons traveling to General
Conference with Bro. Roland Brown’s group are asked to meet tomorrow, Sunday,
March 13, at 10:00 a.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Transportation, dress code
and other related matters will be discussed.
Be Healthy, Be Happy Health Club Be Healthy, Be Happy Health Club
Partners with Z.N.S., Colina Insurance and the Ministry of Health for a month
of Health Emphasis beginning Thursday, March 10th at 10 a.m. on the grounds of
the National Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas.
The second major event of the week is the 8th annual Be Healthy, Be Happy
Fun Run Walk joining with Z.N.S. 2nd annual Fun Run Walk.
This event takes place on Monday the 28th of March this year beginning at
Goodman's Bay to the Crystal Palace.
Registration forms are available at the Adventist Book Center, Z.N.S. and
Colina outlets. Registration is twelve dollars ($12.00). Late Registration is
fifteen dollars ($15.00).
Brothers Love Gospel Boat Cruise This gospel boat cruise Calypso 1 will
be sailing off tonight, Saturday, March 12th at 7 p.m. from the
Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Healthy Bahamian dishes will be on sale.
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 5:00 p.m. The schedule
for today, March 12, 2005, will be Good News Church and next week the Grant’s
Town Church.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre is pleased to announce
that the large SDA Hymnals with notes are available in various colours. For
your complete health food needs, come and visit us. Devotionals for 2005 are
still available. Thank you for your patronage. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC
Manager
Attention Members of the Men's Chorale All members of the men’s
chorale and men who would like to become a part of the group are requested to
meet for practice tomorrow, Sunday, March 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Living Faith
Church. - Tony Roach, Director
Sun sets today at 6:21 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:23 p.m.