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around the world. Even the threat of a war that might have an adverse
effect on the economies of the world will not prevent God’s people from
proclaiming a message of hope to all who will listen. The following was
written by Ellen White many years ago, but it accurately describes the
condition of our times:"The nations are in unrest. Times of perplexity are
upon us. The waves of the sea are roaring; men’s hearts are failing them
for fear and for expectation of those things that are coming upon the earth;
Indeed, we have much work to do. That is why the fires of evangelism have being started in various locations on New Providence and the Family Islands. At Grant’s Town, Pastor EricD. Clarke and his team got off to a good start last Sunday. An eyewitness reports that those in attendance are experiencing the joy of the Lord nightly. Expectations are high that many will be influenced by the Holy Spirit to say "yes" to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Pastor Peter Joseph will be breaking new ground as he begins a six weeks tent crusade in Pinewood Gardens on March 16. Backed by an enthusiastic team of Bible workers and prayer warriors, he anticipates a successful campaign
VBA Is On The Move At a meeting of the VBA (Volunteer Bahamas Adventist) Partners and supporters on Saturday night, March 8th, additional officers were elected to serve this organization. They are: two vice-presidents, Howard Barr and Henry Moncur; a Secretary, Dorothea Ritchie; and two assistant secretaries, Vesta Williams and Andria Musgove.Reports on current VBA activities were given. The roof on the Steven’s Church in Long Island has been completed. A team of volunteers, including Bro. Reggie Adderley, left Nassau on Thursday for Long Island to complete the project. In Crooked Island, the Landrail Point Church extension is well on the way to completion. We express appreciation to those who have participated in the programme thus far and invite more of our members to get on board.
VBA Officers Meeting All VBA officers, including the newly elected persons, and persons appointed to represent their church are invited to meet at the Living Faith Church tomorrow morning, Sunday, March 16, at 7 o’clock. -Winston Ash, President VBAThis is a further update on the subject of Revival. It is reported that  some
Adventists attended, and others enquired as to why the Adventist church should
not get involved. I offer the following prayerful explanation.
The Adventist Church, as noted by one of our prominent evangelists, Mark Finley, "was providentially raised up by our Lord to accomplish His purpose. It is not a manmade, human entity. It is a divine institution established by God" (Adventists Affirm –Fall, 2002, p. 5). Says Christ, "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."(Mt 16:18). Additionally, Ellen White comments "The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10" (The Acts of The Apostles, p.9, bold supplied). Did you get the impact of those words? Rightly understood, they state that the Seventh-day Adventist church is not just another denomination but a specially called-out movement to manifest "the final and full display of the love of God" This statement, if taken out of context, could be the means for much debate and confusion. As further noted by Mark Finley, "Our doctrinal understanding reveals the depths of God’s love and unique aspects of His character that are often misunderstood by fellow Christians who embrace doctrinal errors." And as to add injury to insult, the statement further states our church has been raised up to present "a message for both the churched and the unchurched." Understanding this very fact compels us to examine and analyze our involvement in certain forms of ecumenism or activities organized by a church/es other than ours, be they revivals or gospel rallies. And to show that I am all for revival, I refer to Ellen White, an inspired writer who penned "A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work" (Selected Messages, 1:121). In addition, she states, "God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation" (Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902). Note that revival and reformation are inseparable twins. The two go hand in hand and not one without the other. Revival is experiencing the outpouring of God’s Spirit being manifested in power while "in reformation the spirit and the power remain and increase" (Adventists Affirm –Fall, 2002, p. 50). Randy Skeete, An Adventist Campus Evangelist, argues "From the standpoint of its unique prophetic self-understanding and mission, the issue of revival and reformation should dominate the thinking of the Seventh-day Adventist church" (Ibid). In fact, Ellen White makes the point "God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children" Selected Messages, (1:128). One may deduce from the preceding thought that not every species of revival and reformation may be genuinely spiritual. How may one know what is genuine and what is not? Mrs. White answers, "Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested to its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinner, felt their consciences quickened" (GC p.461). In essence, revival results in reformation or change of behavior, desire and attitude. A noticeable difference is manifested in one’s life! On the other hand, "Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. . . .The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded" (The Great Controversy, p.463). Revival and reformation are inseparable and we should all pursue these.- Dr. Leonard A. Johnson, President, BC Recently, I was most gratified as I listened to Prenell Rolle from the Public Service Commission, who spoke about one of our members, the late Vivian Rahming from the Hillview SDA Church. Prenell described Sister Rahming as an advocate for health, family, church and Sabbath-keeping principles. Essentially, she recalled Vivian as a practising Adventist Christian who daily lived her faith. Additionally, she explained that Sister Rahming reported to work on time daily and in 23 years of service she was absent eight days. In the words of Prenell, Vivian was not one to rob the government of its time. What a testimony! To me this description is Adventism to its core! Indeed, Sister Vivian was an Ambassador of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Have you wandered what would be said of you or me when we pass?
Go One Million Rally And Training There will be a special Go One Million Rally and Training to be held March 29, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillview at Church. Our special guests will be Dr. Patrick Allen and Elder Herman Ming of West Indies Union who will give demonstrations on how to utilize the Go One Million equipment. Pastor, elders and all Lay Preachers are especially invited to attend. - T. Basil Sturrup, Departmental Director
New Branch Sabbath School On March 29, 2003, a new branch Sabbath School will be officially opened in Gambier. All members interested in assisting with this project can contact Pastor Sturrup at 341-4021 or 322-4139.
Andrews University Singers Grand Concert in Nassau There will be a grand concert by the Andrews University Singers today, Sabbath, March 15, at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church. AU Singers is a multi-national choir composed of some of AU’s best voices with South African-born Stephen Zork as director. Bahamian Marguerite Brennen, a physical education and music major at Andrews, will be singing in the choir. Bring an offering.
COB and Southeastern African Collegiate to Showcase Audrey Dean-Wright The College of The Bahamas and Southeastern African Collegiate Musical Festival will showcase and honour Mrs. Audrey Dean-Wright at its 12th annual musical festival celebrations which continue tonight at the Bahamas Faith Ministries’ Diplomat Centre on Carmichael Road.Mrs. Dean-Wright is a well-known musician, and Choral Director of The College of the Bahamas Concert Choir and Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Arts. Additionally, she serves as president and director of our Meistersingers You are invited to enjoy performance of more than 5 (out-of-town) choirs tonight at 8:30 at the Diplomat Centre. Tickets are available at the door. (This is a weekly column sponsored by Bahamas Academy of SDA) Talk with any day schoolteacher and he/she will tell you that one of the most frustrating and challenging things he/she faces as a teacher is to get children to do homework. Talk to any Sabbath School teacher and he/she will tell you that he/she faces the same challenges-to get children to learn their memory verses. Do you, as a parent, face the same challenges? Unfortunately, many of our children are going to Sabbath School every Sabbath morning not knowing their memory verses. When we were children, we all knew our memory verses every quarter. What has happened? Are we too busy to ensure our children study their Sabbath School lessons or learn their memory verses? If you cannot take this responsibility yourself, enlist the help of a spouse or an older child. But we need to remember that this is an important area of our parenting responsibilities that we cannot ignore. Here are some tips to help you teach memory verses to small children: Put your children's memory verses on an audio cassette that can be played at bedtime. Older children and teens can help make these review tapes for themselves and their younger brothers and sisters. Their new verses can be added weekly. ! For those children who can read, make memory verse flash cards. Put the verse on one side of a 3x5 card, then the reference on the other side. Or include the first few words or one or two key words from each verse on the reference side. Devise games and quizzes using the cards.! One of the keys to successful Bible memory work is having the verses easily available for quick review and memorizing when you find yourself with a few spare moments. When you're sitting in the dentist's office, waiting to meet a friend or parked waiting to pick up the kids at school, take a few minutes to review or commit another verse to memory. Teach your children to do the same.! Make a chart to keep track of review work. List the verse and chapters you have memorized, then daily work your way down the list with your children. When your children have successfully reviewed a verse or passage, put a sticker or checkmark on the chart. When they memorize something new, add it to the list so it will be reviewed regularly.Let us help our children commit Bible verses to memory when they are young because we all know there is coming a time when they will no longer have Bibles and will need to have Scripture hidden in their hearts. VACANCIES AT BA FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR: ! Biology Teacher (Grades 10-12)! Bible Teacher (Grades 7-9)! Physics Teacher (Grades 10-12)(with a background in computers) ! Music Teacher (Grades 1-6)! Teacher's Aide (Pre-School)! Special Education Teacher! Janitorial Worker! Café Workers! Security PersonnelPersons applying for the teaching positions should possess at least a bachelor's degree and have a love for children. Please pick up an application form from the school or Conference Office, and apply in writing to the Director of Education, Bahamas Conference of S.D.A., P. O. Box N-356, Nassau, Bahamas. March 17 & 18: Marking days for teachers. No school for students.. ! March 19: Classes resume.! March 17 & 18: Marking days for teachers-no school for students.! March 19: Classes resume! March 21: Deadline for tuition.The new telephone number for the administrative complex is 394-0094.-Lynn C. Smith, Principal
Philadelphia Youth Week of Prayer The Youth Week of Prayer at Philadelphia Church commenced March 9 at 7:00 p.m. Youth speakers will be featured on Sunday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. Friday, at 7 p.m., a panel discussion will be held. The highlight of this Week of Prayer will be our Youth’s Day, today, Sabbath, March 15th, with Conference Youth Director Pastor Andrew Burrows as guest speaker. You are cordially invited to attend these services.
Children’s Ministries Department All Children’s Ministries Leaders are invited to attend a seminar on Sunday, March 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estates. -Cheryl Rolle, Departmental Director
! Adventist business houses are invited once again to assist in sponsoring the yearly Health Supplement. Please call the office and speak to Joan Duncombe for details.! Persons who completed the for "Life Long Health" seminar held, November, 2002, by Dr. Donald Hall are asked to contact Joan Duncombe for their certificates.
Bahamas Conference Executive Committee to Meet The regular meeting of the Bahamas Conference Executive Committee will be held tomorrow, Sunday, March 16, 2003, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.
Berea’s Youth Department Under the theme "Think Big," the A.Y.Department of the Berea SDA Church will host a workshop on "Choosing a Career and Setting Goals." Presenter will be G. John Carey, MP, on Saturday, March 22nd, at 4:30 p.m. at Berea. A special invitation is extended to all graduates of 2003.
Harmonious Praise to host Boat Cruise Harmonious Praise presents "The Best Is Yet To Come" Boat cruise Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. on board the Glass Bottom Party Boat. The Boat departs Prince George Dock at 8:00 p.m. sharp! Part proceeds in aid of the SDA Youth Campsite Development. Tickets are available from group members and the following persons: Ray Jennings - Hillivew, Marilyn Bonamy - Breath of Life (394-3432), Barry Saunders - Johnson Park, Daphne Cooper - New Providence, Andrea Musgrove - Living Faith and Tony Russell - Maranatha (364-1715)
ABC On The Move The Adventist Book Center is changing right before your eyes! March 29, the ABC will be at the New Providence Church, Soldier Road, for your convenient shopping. The ABC will be making monthly rounds to all SDA Churches in New Providence. Store hours are: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 to 1:00 p.m. We are here to serve you
! Needed urgently. Masterguides, masterguides in training and other young persons attending the camporee in April to sign up now and turn in the registration fees to the conference office.! Masterguides training session will be held for all persons attending the Camporee on Sunday morning at 7:00 o’clock at the Hillview Church.! There will be a very important meeting for all A.Y. Leaders and assistants on Sunday, March 23, 2003, at the Berea Church at 4:00 p.m. All leaders are asked to come with their calendar of events, as well as projections and ideas for 2003.! Youth Forum will discuss provocative and mind-stimulating topics at its regular Friday evening meetings at 7:00 o’clock. This Friday, Youth Forum will be held at the Grant’s Town Church. Tell a friend and come prepared to enjoy spirit-filled discussions lifting up the name of Jesus.
Certified Professional Secretaries Certification Program Persons interested in signing up for the Certified Professional Secretaries’ certification programme through the College of The Bahamas are asked to call A. Miller at 323-6543.
Hillview Youth Week of Prayer The youth of Hillview will lead out in a Week of Prayer coined ‘Awesome God’ from March 14 to 20th, 7:00 to 8:00 nightly. All SDA youth are invited to attend. -Millicent Rollins
BLHC Presents Vegetarian Cooking Classes and Health Seminar The Better Living Health Center will hold cooking classes and a health seminar on "Eat Right and Protect Yourself from Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure," each Tuesday for the next six weeks at the Better Living Health Center, Balfour and St. Charles Vincent Streets. Classes continue March 11th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Call 323-5473 for details.
SDA Lawyers and Law Students The General Counsel office in the General Conference is compiling a listing of SDA Lawyers and law students. Please call the Secretariat at the Conference Office 341-4021/2 to register your name and a contact number. Pastor E. D. Clarke
Condolences Condolences are extended to the family of Sis. Floy Rollins on her passing. You are in our prayers - Administration, BC
Attention, All Members An important survey of all church members will be done during the month of April. The participation of all members in this important exercise is urgently requested.
Sun sets today at 6:18 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:21 p.m.
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