This is the felt and expressed essence of the unforgettable time spent in Convention in beautiful Crooked Island. The ten-strong Nassau delegation was warmly greeted on Wednesday afternoon at the airport and from that moment on, the real Convention spirit was evident everywhere.  (Crooked Island one of the Islands of the Bahamas located 275 mile southeast of New Providence.  It is 80 square miles with a population of 380 and a vibrant Adventist community in Landrail Point.  The main denominations are Adventists, Baptists and, Church of God.  It is the birth place of Pastor Silas McKinney.  It is known for its excellent fishing grounds and quiet tourist hide away.)

Using the Convention theme, "United In Worship of God", Pastor M. A. Smith set the pace, as in depth and with spirit and fluency, he emphasized to a full house the blessings inherent in keeping "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). His talented wife, Lynn, and the Landrail Point choir gave the special music for the evening. Our souls were refreshed and our spirits were revived!

After a day filled with activity, visiting the members in their homes and praying with them, all minds and hearts were in full Convention mode. The Thursday evening congregation increased, as more guests came from the community to join the fellowship. After the sweet singing of Sis. Terri Rolle and a number by the choir, Pastor Leo C. Rolle, in lively manner, drew many "Amens" and expressions of agreement, as he continued the Convention theme and described the rewards of unity "when we all get to heaven."

Word of the wonderful meetings went out and a Baptist Minister and his congregation from a nearby settlement arrived in their bus to swell the numbers on Friday evening. It was a spiritual feast, as well as a nostalgic journey, and Pastor S. N. McKinney, with dynamism and sincerity, outlined the signs of the times and encouraged everyone to remain faithful to the end. A newly-formed ladies’ quartet from the pastors’ wives provided musical inspiration for the hour.

Sabbath morning dawned bright and clear, as all steps-members’ and visitors’--converged at the Landrail Point S. D. A. Church. It was the last day of Convention and the anticipation of receiving additional spiritual blessings was high. The church choir, with even more members, offered another lively musical selection; then to prepare our hearts for the Sabbath message, Sis Ann Albury and a chorus from the Nassau delegation blessed our hearts. Using as his topic "Living On The Right Side Of Jordan," and drawing on Numbers 32:16 to 19, Pastor K. D. Albury challenged and inspired us, with eloquence and clarity, to stake our claims on the right side of Jordan–on the Lord’s side. The blessings of the Lord were poured out and we experienced a spiritual high!

Special thanks are expressed to Sis Willimena Gibson for her culinary delights, to Bro. Vernon and Sis. Althenese Burrows for their kind hospitality, and to all for their love, kindness and warm Christian fellowship! Surely, we get a thrill when we get together with God's wonderful people!–By Ruth McKinney

Bahamas Academy Places Second at Model United Nations Session Bahamas Academy Secondary wishes to congratulate its United Nations debate team on their second-place victory in the 5^th Model United Nations Session held on February 25^th, 2002, at the Radisson Cable Beach and sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Nassau and Abaco.

The debate team, which consisted of leader speaker Mia Pintard, Brehon Davis, Pedro Rolle and Levardo Sands, represented the country of Mexico at the all-day parley and addressed the topic "What Should be the Response of the International Community to Acts of Terrorism?" In addition to the plaques, certificates and other gifts, the team won a computer for their school.

Further congratulations are extended to Mia Pintard, Brehon Davis, and Pedro Rolle who competed in two rounds of the B.A.I.S.S. inter-school debate competition which was begun earlier this school year. The team won both of their rounds of competition with Mia Pintard winning best speaker on both occasions. As a result, the team advanced to the Nationals and was scheduled to debate Long Island in the semi-finals that were postponed by the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports.. These two teams were both sponsored by Mrs. Celeste Creighton.

Congratulations students! May you continue to do well with the talents that God has given you. Bahamas Academy is proud of you.

Election at B.A.E. Students from grades two to six went to the polls on Thursday, February 21, 2002, to cast their votes for the party of their choice. A decision was made after many weeks of campaigning and general rally held by the four Parties - People With a Difference (PWD), People Who Care (PWC), Children’s Progressive Party (CPP) and the Progressive Movement Party (PMP).

Students went to the polling stations with their voters’ cards that they presented to the Presiding Officers, received their ballot papers and went into the private polling booth to mark their X’s. After two hours of voting and the counting of ballots, a winning Party emerged. The CPP claimed the victory with a landslide count of 218 votes. Our newly elected "Prime Minister" Michelle Toote gave the student body two days off from school - Friday, February 22, and Monday, February 25, which incidentally coincided with our mid-term break.

The entire voting process was a culminating activity for the topic "Election" that the sixth graders studied earlier in the year. This mock election process could not come at a better time, recognizing that this is an election year in our country.

Special thanks to the Grade Six sponsors; Administrators; Dr. John Carey, Education Director, Campaign Managers, Teachers, Students of the sixth grade, Voters, Parents, Polling Division Officers and all others who made this election process exciting, memorable and successful. - Grade Six Sponsors

Support Group for Chronic Illnesses Begins Tonight Attention, persons with chronic pain or illnesses. Persons interested in joining this group must attend tonight at Bethany Church (Bahamas Academy) at 7:30. The facilitator will be Dr. Stephanie Hutcheson, and sponsors Adventist Counseling Services. It will be a closed group. That is, in order to facilitate the process of the group, no one else would be able to join the group after tonight. This group is for Adventist members suffering from any long-term illness or pain. It will provide encouragement, education, and support to help people through their most difficult time. Call for more information 393 2818 or 356 7177.

The Triple ‘C’ Family Plan Last Sabbath afternoon this Triple ‘C’ Family Plan was officially launched in the Bahamas Conference. Additional registration forms have been made available to the churches. The Treasury department of each church should arrange a time convenient to them to register those church members who would like to benefit from this program. When filling out the registration form, remember to do two of them. One form should be filled out for the Treasury department and a second form for each member's personal records.

Receipt books have also been made available to the churches. Let us continue to pray for and sign up in the Triple "C" Family Plan. Remember, we need a minimum of 1000 persons throughout the entire Conference to sign up in order for the program to be fully implemented. -Pastor M. A. Smith, Stewardship Director

Video ‘Broken Vows’ Tonight Come and watch the last video in the series sponsored by the Adventist Counseling Services entitled "Broken Vows." It will be at the New Providence Church at 7:45 p.m. This is a video on spousal abuse. Come and learn about the dynamics of family violence

Thinking About Getting Married? If it is your plans to get married one day, remember to act responsibly by informing your pastor and family about your plans before you print invitations. Pre-marital counseling is a must for healthy marriages. Call Adventist Counseling Services (ACS) at 361 6355 or your local pastor to help you through the process. Inform them about your plans for marriage long before you finalize the plans to marry. Ideally, one should begin pre-marital counseling at least 6 to 9 months before the wedding day. Wedding invitations should be printed after pre-marital counseling begins or ends. There should be about 6 to 10 pre-marital counseling session before the wedding covering a period of three to six months. The time is needed to encourage the couple to think objectively about their choice and plans and to make any adjustment or healing that is needed. -A message from ACS

Path to Truth Crusade Continues Choir rehearsal will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today. Members of the Johnson Park, Ephesus, New Englerston, and Living Faith Churches are especially invited to attend.-A. Tinker, Crusade Choir Director

Thanks to Pastor Brennen The pastor, officers and member of the Living Faith Church thank Pastor Barrington Brennen for allowing God to use him as he conducted a spirit-filled family counseling weekend February 22 to 24, 2002.

We began Friday evening with a special family worship service. This set the foundation for a powerful sermon on Sabbath morning and the afternoon programs. We completed the weekend on Sunday evening with a wonderful marriage seminar. Our lives are spiritually richer as a result of this weekend. - T. Basil Sturrup

Communications Department The Communications Department is pleased to inform you that video tapes of the Ordination, Law Enforcement Services, Grand Bahama Convention, and Marriage Seminar are available for $15 each. Please call Elizabeth Moses to place your request.

New Providence Voice of Hope Crusade Continues The New Providence Church will launch its crusade on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the church, beginning at 7:15 p.m.

SDA Van Ministry The Health Ministries Van program begins this coming Sunday, March 3^rd, at 5 p.m. at the Parkgate Road Crusade site. Cholesterol and sugar testing will be carried out along with a healthy life inventory given. Plan to be there.-Pastor Paul Scavella, Health Ministries Director

SDA Art Club Members of the SDA Art Club are reminded that art classes resume tomorrow , Feb. 24, at BA Secondary School from 3 to 5 p.m. A. Mason/Ian Antonio

Youth Ministries Masterguides Training All Masterguides and persons interested are invited to a 10-Hour Masterguides Training Session Sunday morning, March 3rd, at Bahamas Academy Gym from 7 to 9 o’clock Other dates for additional classes will be announced. Youth Forum is held every Friday at 7 p.m. at the Grant’s Town church.

Grand Bahama Adventist Youth Federation held its election on February 10, 2002, at the Freeport Church. It was conducted by Pastor Ricardo V. Bain, Youth Coordinator for the Northern Region. The election results are as follow: William Rahming, President; Frederick Jervis, Vice President AY; Elder Peter Watson, Vice President Pathfinders; Paulyn Johnson, Vice President Adventurers; Vito Patrick, Treasurer; Linda Wright, Assistant Treasurer; Vinzanna Patrick, Secretary; Sade Hollingsworth and Casey Elvies, Assistant Secretaries; Daphne McKinney, Communications; Davon Carolina, Assistant Communications; Adderley Apply and Paul Hero-Da’out, Chaplains; May 10 to 12, 2002, Youth Leaders meeting will be held in Jamaica. Youth Leaders are asked to register to attend.

Youth Week of Prayer The Breath of Life, Berea and Good News Churches will unite for a Youth Week of Prayer March 11 to 15 at the Breath of Life Church, Marshall Road. All are invited to attend. Contact Anthon Miller at Berea, Latisha Clarke at Good News and Karen Scavella at Breath of Life.

Philadelphia A Y Society The Philadelphia A Y Society invites you to its Adventist Youth Hour beginning g at 4:30 today. Clavel Hunter, a student at Oakwood College, will give a video presentation of his experience at "Ground Zero." -A. Dorsett

Elders’ Notice Elders’ Certification Course 102 continues on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, at 8 a.m. at BAS - Pastor L. C. Rolle, Ministerial Director

Seraphic Sounds New Concert Date Under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Leon L. Higgs, President of the College of the Bahamas, Seraphic Sounds presents . . . "Lift Every Voice. . ." featuring Charles B. Zonicle, Anthony Burnside, Nikita Thompson-Wells and the College of the Bahamas Choir, on Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Holy Trinity Activities Centre at 8 p.m. Tickets previously sold for the National Arts Festival Center will be honored. -Allison Mason

BA Continuing Education Program Through a convenient evening program, Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division is helping many working adults achieve their educational goals. The BACE programme can help you move from where you are to where you would like to go. Centrally located, BACE provides residents of New Providence with the opportunity to receive individual attention in a friendly learning environment.

For further details regarding fees and registration, please call 393-9362, or stop by the office at Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday)

Bahamas Academy Secondary Bahamas Academy Secondary School is looking for a Social Studies teacher and a Bible teacher for Grades 7 to 9 to begin in September, 2002. Each applicant should have a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher’s certificate. Interested persons should pick up job applications from the school during normal working hours.

For further information, please contact the school at 393-8898.

Women’s Ministries Prayer Meeting The Women’s Ministries Planning Committee invites all to attend its Prayer Meeting at the Berea Church on March 2^nd from 6 to 7 a.m. in preparation for its outreach program April 7 to 20, 2002. -Carolyn Hanna

Be Healthy, Be Happy Fun Run The second annual Be Healthy, Be Happy 10K Fun Run will be held April 1^st. Registration forms can be gotten from your local Health Director or at the Conference office. - P. A. Scavella