Online Logos March 20, 2004

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Four Reasons For Supporting the "Footprints of Jesus Campaign"

The model for any successful evangelistic campaign is Jesus. A brief survey of His life and ministry reveals, without question, God’s method for reaching human beings. God, who never ceases to be God, became man in all authenticity.  Pippert declares, "He (God) sent a Man, His Son, to communicate His message. His strategy hasn’t changed. He still sends men and women - before He sends tracts and techniques - to change the world. You may think His strategy is risky, but that is God’s problem, not yours." (Pippert, 1999)

God’s method now, as it was with Jesus, constitutes men and women. To be authentically human, as Christ was, is the answer to the needs and cries of lost humanity. People are not who they appear to be. Under the crust and the facade are desperate needs that can only be addressed by the gospel. However, those of us who communicate this Gospel must be authentic human beings. Reality TV, as well as Mel Gibson’s blockbuster movie, "Passion of Christ," shows the insatiable hunger that exists in our post modern society for an encounter with truth and reality.

We need to get out of the salt shaker and into the world. God has already defined us as salt. Our penetrative impact must be felt in the world. Hence, there is an urgent command to leave the comfort of our air-conditioned buildings and padded pews to go into all the world (Matt. 28:19, 20). Those who go must first leave. There are four reasons for leaving and going.

1. Identification

A sense of belonging is one of humanity’s fundamental needs. In order to meet this very basic need, the church must identify with the needs, hopes and aspirations of the lost. This requires an openness among believers which nurtures engagement. Public evangelism is one way of going where the people are and radically identifying with them. Radical identification opens up ourselves to our community for engagement and dialogue, while at the same time, making a radical difference through the Gospel.

If we are to identify with seekers, we must leave and go where they are, opening up ourselves to them. By doing so we can win their confidence. Ellen White says, "Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men, as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs and won their confidence. Then, He bade them, ‘Follow me.’" (White, 1942). The incarnation, atonement and Christ’s High Priestly ministry are the greatest examples of radical identification.

2. Love

God’s mission to the world is entirely motivated by love (John 3:16). His government does not function on the basis of force and deception, but love. If the church is going to forge any meaningful change among the lost, then like God, the church must first love the lost.

To love as God loves is to see people, not as an interruption of our schedules and programs, but as an opportunity to build relationships and lead these people to Jesus (Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:46-51). People are more important than programs and policies. Public evangelism is an opportunity to show that we love people. We love them so much that we sacrifice time and programs to bring the good news to them. When people know that we care, they’ll be open to listen to the Three Angels’ Message.

3. Obedience

The great commission is exactly what it is, the great commission, not the great permission. We have been given the commission (Matt. 28:19, 20). The parable of the rich man and Lazarus clearly shows the wealth of knowledge the Jews had in their possession and the paucity of knowledge among the Gentiles. Like the rich man, the Jews refused to carry out their God-given assignment to evangelize the gentiles. Disobedience resulted in the rich man failing to enter paradise.

We will not be saved because of our abundance of knowledge. Knowledge must lead to obedience. Moreover, knowledge does not make us special. Rather, obedience makes us special to God (Rev. 14:12). The fact that we’ve been given an abundance of knowledge only serves to indict us if we fail to reach out in obedience to the lost and seekers like Lazarus. In a world where the mood of anti-authority prevails, we can lead converts to be obedient also by being obedient to the great commission. Public evangelism demonstrates obedience to God.

4. The Presence of Christ

Public evangelism is fundamentally bringing the presence of Christ into the community. The church is the only Jesus some will ever see. Jesus says, "He that receiveth you, receiveth me . . . ." (Matt. 10:40). "I’ll be with you alway . . ." says Jesus in Matt. 28:20. Wherever the presence of Christ is, change takes place. Little wonder the church is defined as salt and light. There is great urgency to bring the presence of Christ into our decadent society. Ellen White writes, "Many have gone down to ruin, who might have been saved; if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal efforts for them" (White, 1942).

So, on March 20, 2004, let’s leave the comfort of our air-conditioned buildings and go to the Sports Center to identify, love, obey and bring the presence of Christ into our community. By doing this we can play a significant part in reducing the level of crime, violence, drug addiction, abuse, divorce, incest, burglary and sexual immorality. Those who intend to do such acts, as well as those who do, may experience a change of heart at the "Footprints of Jesus Campaign" because you invited them there. - Pastor Peter Joseph

 

Ministers Attend Logos Bible Camp

Morris and Cindy Proctor of Proctor Ministries, authorized trainers for Libronix Digital Library System were in Nassau on Monday and Tuesday to conduct a Logos Bible Software training seminar for pastors, lay leaders and administrators at the Hillview SDA Church. The Logos Bible Software is a powerful tool allowing individuals to utilize literally hundreds of books, dictionaries, and Bible commentaries in their study with just a click of the mouse. More than 33 pastors and lay leaders from the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the United States attended the two-day seminar. Visit their web site at www.mpseminars.com or www.logos.com for more information.

VBA Goes to Eleuthera  Last weekend a team of VBA Volunteers led by Andrew Hanna traveled to the Bluff, Eleuthera to work on the New Fellowship Hall of the Bluff SDA Church. The group consisted of Rohan Creighton, Ramon Green, Basil Neely, and Raymond Rahming.

The Bluff Adventist Church is one of the older established churches in Eleuthera. It has a small but faithful membership. The pastor, Lynden Williams, also ministers to the other Adventist Churches on the island. They are located in Rock Sound, Tarpum Bay and James Cistern.

VBA is helping Adventist congregations throughout the Bahama Islands in their building projects. VBA members are professionals builders who volunteer their time and skills for the construction and repair of Adventist Churches and schools

Education Corner  Recently we spoke about stress in children. We have always known that parents are stressed too. Can you say that even though you are busy, you can manage your time wisely and still find time for your family? Remember, when the Lord returns, He's not going to ask how efficient we were on the job, but He will ask "where is the flock" that He entrusted to us! Here are some tips to try to make our families Number One:

!Keep a daily "To Do" list. Be sure to include both family and work activities for that day. Make sure your family comes out high on your list of daily priorities. Share this list with your family as a way to help keep you motivated to stick to your priorities and as a subtle means of emphasizing how high up they are on your list.

!Eliminate time-wasting habits. Many people spend too much time on activities that are unimportant or could be accomplished in much less time. For example, spending 45 minutes reading the newspaper when you can go online and do a quick scan of the headlines.

!Prepare for the day the night before. Lay out your work clothes and your children's school clothes for the next day before you go to bed. Organize your bag, briefcase, children's backpacks and lunch bags and place them by the front door at evening before going to bed. Partially prepare lunches the night before and leave in the refrigerator until the morning. Iron clothes the night before (you never know when the electricity will go off).

!Use email instead of letters and phone calls. Let's face it-we spend more time talking on the phone. With email, you get right to the point.

!Delegate low-priority jobs. Not everything needs to be done by you personally. Effective time management means delegating everything you can, even to older kids/children in the family.

!Learn to do several things at once. While cooking, put a load of clothes to wash. While waiting for the food to cook, help your children with their homework.

!Make time at the beginning of your day for personal devotions and Bible study. Because your day is so crowded with duties and demands, you cannot afford to neglect this area of your life. I used to rise at 5:00 a.m. to study. But I've discovered that doesn't give me sufficient quality time, so now I rise at 4:30 a.m. And what a difference this makes! I recommend this highly to busy and stressed out mothers.

Bahamas Academy Calendar of Events

!March 24: COB Placement Exam

!March 22 - 26: Elementary Week of Prayer

!March 29 - April 2: Secondary Week of Prayer

!March 31: Deadline for Grade 6 Transfer Forms. -Lynn C. Smith, Principal

 

Festival of The Laity  All Churches are asked to submit the names of their delegates for the Festival of the Laity by March 22, 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

 

Youth Announcements

Youth Ministries Training

To all youth leaders who attended the Youth Leadership Training Course conducted by Pastor Andrew Burrows, Conference Youth director, please be advised that the exam will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at 7:00 a.m. at the Hillview Church.

Camp Bamivoca Special thanks to our Pathfinders, Youth Leaders and VBA members who assisted during the work day at the campsite on Sunday past. Listen up and watch out for the next work day.

 

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

 

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

 

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. Breakfast will be served. This is an excellent opportunity to invite your friends to fellowship with us.

!The "Be Healthy, Be Happy" Club announces its Management Team: Chairperson, Pastor Paul Scavella, Co-chairpersons Kenny V. Deveaux and Linda Stubbs. Finance committee: Pedro Rolle, Edlyn Rahming, Kenny V. Deveaux, and Linda Stubbs. Special Events and Public Relations: Charisse Rahming, Bernadette Rolle, Jeff Rodgers. Fun run and Exercise Clubs: Pastor P. Scavella, Shanique Mackey, Jeff Rodgers, Winston Symonnette. Join a "Be Healthy, Be Happy" Club and roll those pounds away.

 

Living Faith Pathfinders’ Fun Day The Pathfinders of the Living Faith Church invite you to a Fun Day on Easter Monday, April 12, 2004 at the church grounds on Old Trail Road. Fun, Food and Fellowship will be available from 10:00 a.m until.

 

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 Grant’s Town Church. The ministry features next Saturday evening Hillview 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

 

Boyz II Men Part III  An interactive session of Boys to Men - on the court. Yes! It’s on the Basketball 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 or Bros Lester Stuart and Ray Jennings for further details.

 

Youth Ministries Corner  Uniform Change: Parents are reminded that uniforms for Pathfinders, Adventurers and Masterguides have been changed. The major change is from Khaki 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 designed 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) at which 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

 

The Burrows Family says Thank You  Brother Arnold Burrows and his children express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the SDA family for their prayerful support, calls, visits and gifts of food during their time of sorrow at the passing of their loved one, Sis. Winifred Burrows. -Burrows Family

 

Harmonious Praise Says Thanks  Anthony Russell, group leader of Harmonious Praise expresses thanks on behalf of group members to all who supported the group’s ministry on Saturday night, March 13 at the Hillview Church. Your prayerful support is solicited as the group travels to Grand Bahama and Tallahassee.

 

"Footprints of Jesus" Choir Rehearsal  All Crusade Choir members are asked to meet at the Hillview Church for rehearsal today at 4:00 p.m.

 

Conference-wide Adventist Men’s Chorale Rehearsal All Adventist men are asked to attend the first conference-wide Men’s Chorale rehearsal at the Living Faith Church on Monday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Men’s Evangelistic Seminar Excursion A men’s evangelistic seminar excursion is planned for North Andros, June 2 to 6, 2004. Skilled labourers are also invited. Men can register by contacting Mrs. Joan Duncombe at 341-4021/2 or Audley Mitchell at 362-1258.