Time to Go!
Pentecost and More!
Do
you know that today, March 24, 2007, the three millionth member in the
Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists will be baptized ?
Previously, I mentioned that the foundation of a growing church is "going"
(Matt. 28:19, 20). For the believer, "going" comprises all soul winning
activities and events that occur intentionally during the time which God has
graciously granted to us. Jacques B. Doukhan (2006) writes, "Time is life
itself; it is the place where events happen. Unlike Greek thinking, which
associate time with death, Hebrew thinking associated time with life. In
Hebrew thought time is bound up with events: There is a time for everything
(Eccl. 3:1)." In time the believer has a sense of "The Eternal" and a sense
of eternity which forms the conviction for the judicious use of time to grow
the church. (Eccl. 3:11). The absence of soul winning activities and events
in any congregation signals the morbid state of the church. In other words,
time has expired, and even soul winning thoughts have perished. Remember
though, that after death comes the judgment (Heb. 9:27).
What occurs in time tells whether the church is
alive or dead. One of the causes of death is putting what is tangible above
the intangible (i.e. time). Ellen White (1941) admonishes, "Now is our time
to labor for the salvation of our fellowmen. There are some who think that
if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to
do; the precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes
unimproved. But it is a privilege and duty of all who have health and
strength to render to God active service. All are to labor in winning souls
to Christ. Donations of money cannot take the place of it." So we see
clearly that the tangible must bow to the intangible. Giving large sums of
money cannot replace time for soul winning activities. Any congregation that
enjoys great financial increase but does not have time for winning souls to
Christ has died.
So, when you hear, "I have no time! Too Much to do" you are hearing from one
who has subjected the intangible to the "tangible" (i.e. material). The
result can be most devastating. One becomes blind to soul winning
opportunities that may be at his very door step. Yet, he may say "I am rich
and increase in goods, and do not need a thing. But do not realize that you
are wretched, pitiful, blind and naked" (Rev. 3:17).
If we want to go, then all is under solemn
obligation to give God back His time. Ellen White (1941) points out, "Our
time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn
obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He
require a more strict account than of time." Everyone of us has been
allotted 168 hours a week. In view of "The Eternal" and "Eternity" what do
you do with time?
Take a look at one set of statistics for a 70 year life span.
- Sleep 23 years
- Work and School 19 years
- Amusement and Recreation -9 years
- Eating 6 years
- Traveling 6 years
- Ill 4 years
- Dressing 2 years
- Religious Worship 1 year
Where is witnessing? V.W. Schoen (1976)
suggests how we may distribute time every week (168 hours).
- Work 40 hours
- Sleep 56 hours
- Eating 10 ˝ hours
- Grooming 7 hours
- Devotions, Sabbath 23 hours
- Recreation 7 hours
- Miscellaneous 17 ˝ hours (shopping,
housekeeping, etc.)
- Witnessing 7 hours
An hour a day for soul winning activities keeps
a church alive. However, one can experience abundant life if he gives 10% of
his time winning souls to Christ. It's time to go, if you desire to grow.
Jesus gives the command in Matthew 28:19,20.
The command is repeated five times in the New
Testament. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts). "It is not a suggestion. It
is not an option. It is not assigned to some and not to others" (Hofman,
1988, p. 33). So, let's go, and experience Pentecost and more. Time, to Go!
Paradoxically, we go, and time remains. -Pastor Peter Joseph,
Ministerial, Personal Ministries & Sabbath School Director
Publishing Ministry
Weekend April 6 - 8, 2007 has been designated Publishing Weekend for the
Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It will be the first
conference-wide emphasis for the Publishing Ministry this year. Pastors and
local church leaders are requested to promote the Publishing Ministry in all
their services during this weekend.
Dr. Joseph Barrett, Publishing Director of West Indies Union, will be the
guest speaker for the weekend. Services will be held Friday night, Sabbath
and Sunday night at the New Englerston Church. The time will be announced in
next week’s Logos.
Persons who are interested in participating in the Publishing Ministry are
invited to contact Pastor Carey at 341-4021 or 324-0470.
Colporteurs to Meet -All persons who are engaged or would like to
participate in the Colporteur Ministry are invited to meet at the Conference
Office tomorrow, Sunday, March 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.
Adventists
are Encouraged to Register to Vote Soon the date for our National
elections will be announced, and only citizens who are registered will be
able to vote. Therefore, if you are qualified to vote and would like to
exercise this privilege, please register without delay. -Editor
Personal Ministries All Sabbath School
Superintendents and Assistants, SS Secretaries and assistants, Personal
Ministeries Leaders and assistants and PM Secretaries and Pastors are asked
to attend a very important meeting tomorrow, Sunday, March 25, at 9:00 a.m.
at the Hillview church.
Hillview -“The Blood Prevails” Crusade Continue
You are invited to the final week of “The Blood Prevails” gospel cursade at
the Hillview Church with “Week of Restoration.” Guest speaker is Pastor
Patrick Tyrill. Services are held nightly at 7:15. Off nights are Monday and
Thursday.-Peter Joseph, Host Pastor Hillview Church
Good News Revival Continue Under the leadership
of Dr. Hugh A. Roach, the Good News Church continue the "Follow Jesus"
Revival Series tomorrow, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Good News Church,
Flamingo Gardens. The meetings will continue every night, except Thursday
and Saturday nights.
Grand Gospel
Concert On Freedom Park, Fox Hill Today Why keep the truth within
Your Church walls? Pastor Clarke and The Maranatha church family will climax
The Search For Bible Truth Seminar with a "Stop The Violence" Grand Gospel
Concert at Freedom Park, Fox Hill today March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. The
entire Adventist community along with your friends are welcome. Guest
artists include: Gerrard Rigby, Darronique Mortimer, New Generation,
Harmonious Praise, Unity and others. -Tony Russell
New Providence Church Sanctuary Choir In
Concert A benefit concert in aid of our beloved Elder Arthur Maycock will be
held on Sabbath afternoon, April 7, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the New Providence
Church on Soldier Road. Bring your shouting shoes and come expecting a grand
time in the Lord. Admission is FREE, but a generous offering would be
greatly appreciated. Be A Friend! Tell A Friend! Bring A Friend! -E. Pintard
Stewardship Directors to Meet
All Stewardship directors of all Adventist Churches are asked to meet on
Sunday, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Conference Office. -K.
Deveaux, Director Stewardship Director
New Providence Church Homecoming 2007 The New
Providence Seventh-day Adventist Church will host a Homing Coming
Celebration at the church on Soldier Road, Sabbath, March 24, beginning at 9
a.m. An invitation is extended to all, especially former members. Come and
be blessed as we worship our God in praise and thanksgiving. -Sister Diane
Maycock
Adventist Men to Meet All members of the
Adventist Men’s choir and persons who would like to join this group are
requested to meet at the Living Faith Church on Sunday, March 25, 2007, at
8:00 a.m. We will discuss plans to travel. -Anthony Roach, Director
Stories of Faith Needed The Tribune Limited
would like to explore how Bahamian churches and their congregants experience
faith in their daily lives, be it on the job, in their homes and during
their interaction with strangers – and seek to do so in stories called “My
Faith” – in 500 words or less. People like to read stories about others,
especially positive, uplifting ones. We feel that “My Faith” will be a good
counterbalance to the more troubling recount of human struggles and societal
ills presently contained in all media outlets. Please submit stories to
jcarey@coralwave.com
-Communication Department, Bahamas Conference
Women’s Ministries Boat Cruise and Luncheon A
fun afternoon is planned for all family members with the Women’s Ministries
Pre-Mothers’ Day Boat Cruise. Tickets are available from your local WM
Leader for the cruise on April 29, 2007, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Dinners will
be available for a small donation. There will be lots of fun, laughters,
food and fellowship. Don’t let the boat leave you! -Miriam Knowles, Women’s
Ministries Director, BC
Children's Ministries Upcoming Events
Launching of Children's Stewardship Classes - April 1.
Children's Ministries Leaders meeting - Thursday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at
the Conference Office.
Vacation Bible School workshop(VBS workshop) - Sunday, April 29 at Hillview
church from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Music Clinic postponed
The Music Clinic for Musicians that was to be held on April 7, 2007 has
been postponed. Watch the Logos for update. -Colyn Major
Youth
Ministries Please take note of the following events/activities:
✽Pathfinder
Promise will host an AIDS Seminar with guests from the AIDS Secretariat
on Sunday 2pm - 5pm at GT. You are invited to attend, and learn about this
situation plaguing our country
✽Listen Up goes to the big screen on
April 1, 2007. Plan to join us for the first airing of the Listen Up TV
show. The jingles competition will follow that airing at a venue to be
announced.
✽Listen Up Fun Day will be held on April 8th at Nirvana Beach from
8am to 8pm. Bring the whole family and especially your volleyball team.
Please see the Listen Up website by going to bahamasconference.org.
✽Listen Up goes to AY will be hosted today March 24, at 6:00 p.m. by
the Johnson Park Church. “Wise or Foolish - which are you?” See you there
for a Holy Ghost time. -Dillette
✽Softball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball -There will be a
meeting for all sports persons Saturday, March 24 at the Gym at 8:30 p.m.
All persons are asked to be on time. Please bring your list of players and
entrance fees Coaches who have not yet purchased uniforms can be at ease. A
uniform agent will be at the meeting to have on display their wares.
✽ Adventist Volleyball Season begins on April 22nd. Teams can begin
registration for volleyball by contacting their local AYS Leaders for the
registration form or coming to the Office. All teams should be registered by
April 6th. Games begin Saturday, April 22nd at the Bahamas Academy Gym.
✽All persons interested in entering our Listen Up Jingles competition
on April 1st, please call 393-1493 or 356-3085 to enter on or before March
26th.
✽"Listen Up goes to the big screen" will be held at Grant’s Town
Church on Sunday, April 1st at 6pm. Come early for an "off-da-chain"
experience. The Listen Up Jingles and Logo competition will be after the
live Listen Up Show. C U THERE!
✽Applications for joining the Listen Up Club will be there at a
discounted fee. Register to vote for Jesus!
✽YouthAGlow You are cordially invited to YouthAGLOW, a youth-led week
of revival at the Bethany Church, the church where resurrection takes place
from March 31st to April 7th. Under the theme, "Sold Out to Jesus," the
young people are going to blow it up as the Holy Ghost is our Guest of
honor!. The schedule will follow next week. -Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth
Director, BC
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel Music
at the Mary Ingraham Home continues weekly on Sabbaths from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Today, March 24, Good News Church is expected. Next week Sabbath, March 31,
Grant’s Town Church is scheduled.
Attention All Health Professionals!
Coming up soon is the first health professionals meeting for
2007.
Cat Island Easter Homecoming The Cat Island
Advancement Society is hosting their annual Cat Island Homecoming April 6 to
9, 2007. Persons interested in attending this homecoming are invited to call
and register with Elder Norman Seymour at 324-6744.
Second Anti-Crime Meeting On April 8 This
is an online edit of this announcement: The second anti-crime
meeting will be held on Sunday, April 8, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the New
Englerston Church (Instead of April 1). All Family Ministries directors,
school counselors, psychologist, social workers, trained lay counselors and
law enforcement officers are asked to attend. We are discussing the
Adventist response to crime and healing in The Bahamas.
Music Standards Committee All members of
the Music Standards Committee are asked to meet with Barrington Brennen on
Monday, March 26, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. at the Conference headquarters.
Sun sets today at 7:23 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:26 p.m.
