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Tell the World- A Vision for the Church
Each
of us has neighbors, co-workers, family members, schoolmates, and other
acquaintances. Have you ever stopped to consider how many of them have
heard about your beliefs as a Christian and a member of the Seventh-day
Adventist church. Do they know about Jesus and His church? What are you
telling them through your words and actions?
This past weekend was a
mega packed weekend for the Conference. Several programs were highlighted
at the various churches. However, whatever the program was, the message
that rung through this entire few days was “Tell the World”.
Tell The World – A Vision But “Tell the World” is not another
program. It’s a vision of what the church by grace will be and do in
fulfilling the command of Jesus. “It
is a vision of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it will be shared by the
Seventh-day Adventist Church from 2005-2010. It focuses the church on its
identity as a called out community and its end time mission of proclaiming
the gospel to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people”
(Revelation 14:6 KJV). The vision is clear: to invite every person in the
world to respond to the good news about Jesus and His soon coming.” GC
website
Hence, Dr. Enell Hall,
one of the vice-presidents for West Indies Union, led a delegation of
departmental directors from the Union to focus our attention on this vision
of the world church. The directors included pastors Joseph Smith, Charles
Blythe, and sister Vivian Quarrie.
However, before we can
begin to tell our members, they met with the ministers on Friday evening.
During this time, it was made clear that “Tell the World” is not just
another program. It is not just another talk. It is not just a thought. It
is a goal for the church.
Sabbath Rally
Then, on Sabbath morning our leaders from the union spoke at several of the
churches in the city. In the afternoon, at the “Tell the World” rally at
the Grant’s Town Church, hundreds of members came together. They were
eager, excited, enthused, and wanting to get involved. Dr. Hall gave a
general presentation and emphasized that it is an individual and
corporate commitment to live the gospel. The Word has to
become flesh. We have to live what we say. Our life must send a message to
those who see us.
Further, The church has
identified seven key areas on which to focus its resources, energies and
prayers. These seven areas will unite the entire church in a vision of
sharing the good news. They will involve every level of church leadership,
every institution, every service, every initiative, and every church
member. GC Website
Seven Goals of
Tell The World
The seven key areas that were shared are spiritual growth, community
involvement, personal witness, city outreach, church planting, evangelistic
programs and media ministry. It was comprehensive focus of what each
member can do. However, key to this is that “We
must know Him personally, share Him enthusiastically, and proclaim Him with
one voice.”
Pastor
Blythe gave an inspiring vesper charge. He recounted an experience that
was etched in his mind from childhood. His parents, every morning would
have devotion and prayers. They did not know that their neighbour heard
their prayers each morning. Years later when God worked a situation in
their favour, the neighbour remarked that he knew that the God whom they
prayed to each morning could do no less.
National Youth Parade/ Youth training
sessions
National Youth
March Further,
on Sunday, during the National Youth Parade, our young people told the
Bahamas, that the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist church still believe in
Christian
values, Our marching was a witness, that the Pathfinders, Adventurers, Eager
Beavers, Masterguides, and Adventist Youth, still have a message to tell to
the world. In addition, our Union’s Youth Director, Charles Blythe also
participated in this annual parade and rally.
I want to commend all of our youth leaders, club directors, and young people
for showing up in our numbers and colours. Persons from the community, who
saw us, remarked about our discipline, character, and presence. I also want
to challenge us again. This work of youth ministry is dynamic.
While we bask in
sunlight of the accolades
of praise, we know what is needed not just to maintain, the status quos.
But to find all the ways to fulfill the aim of Youth Ministry,
“the Adventist message to all world in this generation”. In his
article, “Beyond the Obvious”, our world youth director, Pastor Baraka
Muganda, echoed that Youth Ministry must now move beyond what we have been
doing so well and continue to do. For we also have a goal of the youth arm
of the church catching the vision of telling the world.
Further as a part the program, Pastor Blythe, conducted training
and talk sessions with our youth leaders. On Monday evening, he addressed
matters as it relates to the Pathfinder and Adventurer ministries. On
Tuesday evening he dealt with general Adventist youth items.
One of the key
areas was the standardization of various areas of youth ministry within West
Indies Union. The young people of the Bahamas Conference are a part of
West Indies Union. So in the telling the world, we must be on the same
accord. These items and other recommendations will be presented to the
church and other youth leaders at various times and other forums
Eagle Music Ministry Workshop & Conference
1st Annual Music Workshop and Conference
will be held
from May 14 to 21, 2006 at the Hillview Church. Official registration
begins at 6:00 p.m. It is not to late to sign up for this Music Workshop.
Choir members are especially invited to register for this event.
Registration continues on-line at:
http://www.bahamasconference.org/musicconference/index.htm -
The entire Adventist community is invited to the opening ceremony of the
Conference on Sunday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m.
-Allison Mason (for) EMMN Committee
Hillview
Adventist Men to Host Concert in Honour of Mothers
Today The Hillview Adventist Men’s Chorale in conjunction with the
“Tell The World” program will present a concert, “A Tribute to Mothers,”
today, Sabbath, May 13, 2006 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rawson Square. The
mothers of the SDA community are especially invited.
Pathfinders Club Established In Long Island
On April 27-30th I went to Long Island to promote and startup a
Pathfinder program for churches in North and South Long Island. Meetings
were held covering the entire island including the three schools in the
North on Thursday and the four schools in the South on Friday. After which,
subsidiary meetings were held for the parents and any other interested
parties on Thursday and Sabbath afternoon respectively. As a result of these
meetings, two Pathfinder Clubs will commence with expected membership of
15-20 members in the North and 20-30 members in the South.
The Pathfinder
program will be under the leadership of Elder Dudley Lightbourne and Mrs.
Antoinette Wilson in the North, and Bro. and Sis. Rogers and Elder Watkins
in the South. As the officers of the Pathfinders program, we feel that
this program will have a tremendous impact on the youth, also leading many
people to come to the doors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Long
Island.
I wish to express my
sincerest appreciation to Head Elder Alfred Watkins of the Stevenson S.D.A.
Church who laid the ground work for this project, enabling me to present at
all the schools in Long Island; Elder Dudley Lightbourne for assisting me
with the Northern appointments; Brother and Sister Rodgers with the Southern
appointments and finally, all those who played an integral part in the
successful launch of the Pathfinder program in Long Island.
I am requesting your
prayers for the officers in Long Island as they embark on the journey to
establish their Pathfinder Clubs and make them the best. -Ray Jennings,
President of the Pathfinder Corporation
Ten Commandment Day
Another emphasis during the weekend was the Ten Commandments Day.
Originally an initiative by various religious groups to give greater
attention to the moral law of God, the Seventh-day Adventist church used
this opportunity to tell the world that the seventh-day Sabbath is still a
binding and an integral part of the Commandments. It is the seal of the
law. It is in the heart of the law. So here in the Bahamas, through the
television, Adventist spotlight, 3ABN, and the Hope channel, all of the
commandments were presented to the nation.
In addition, on Sabbath
morning our church members gave out tracts, magazines and books, to the
various communities. Tracts, magazines, and books were also made available
or sent out our Family Island districts. We in the Bahamas Conference are a
part of a great vision. It is a vision to tell the world, until every one
hears or knows about the message of Jesus, His church and His second coming.
-Pastor Andrew Burrows, Youth Director
Joan
Rahming Recognized by First Caribbean Bank
Mrs.
Joan Rahming, second daughter of
Pastor
and Mrs. Jeremiah Duncombe, was one of two employees recently recognized by
First Caribbean International Bank Bahamas for their outstanding
contribution to the growth and success of the bank. A Compliance Officer,
Joan was described by the bank as “’a quiet storm who is ‘meticulous and
unassuming.’ Who puts ‘all her energy into ensuring that whatever she does
is very well done.’”
READ the article in the Nassau
Guardian
The person who nominated Joan observed that “’Joan is a bar-raiser and
standard-setter’” and that she goes beyond the call of duty to meet the
bank’s requirements.
What this member of the Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church and mother of
two young daughters said to her peers is very instructive for all Christian
employees. She told her peers not to listen to naysayers, but ‘”Do your job
and do not look at nor compare yourself to others, just do what needs to be
done.’”
Joan begins her day with devotions at 6:00 a.m., and starts work at her
office at 8:30 a.m. A very conscientious worker; Joan does her best to
complete what she starts to do before leaving the office at 5 p.m. each day.
We
congratulate Joan for being named an outstanding employee at first Caribbean
International Bank Bahamas. It is our wish that she will continue to be
faithful to her God and family and an example of a true Christian in the
work place. Source: Nassau Guardian 5/9/06
Adventist Educators to Meet
The Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Educators Association will be
holding its final regular monthly meeting for the school year on Saturday,
20th May 2006 at Doctors Hospital Conference Room promptly at 7:30 p.m.
It will be a time for
fellowship as we prepare to close the school year 2005- 2006. We will miss
you if you are not there!
Brothers
Love in Pre-Fathers Day Concert Randy
Forbes and the Brothers Love Band will host a Pre-Fathers Day Concert
“Stand, Let Your Light So shine” Sunday, June 11, 2006, at 8:00 p.m. at the
National Center for The Performing Arts, Shirley Street. Tickets available
from band members.
Softball
Jamboree Get ready! Get ready for
Sunday, May 21st and Sunday, May 28th at the Blue
Hills Playing Fields for a Family Fun Day and Softball Jamboree from 9:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Families are invited to come and support their local
church. Bouncing castle and T-Ball will be available for the kids.
All Team leaders/Coaches are invited
to attend the Planning Meetings held at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday at the Living
Faith Church, Old Trail Road, in preparation for the upcoming Softball
Season. – Contact Larry Miller at 394-2755 or 454-3055 for more information.
Parkgate Church Need Help
The
Parkgate church will be erecting a security wall at the rear of the church
this Sunday (tomorrow). We are seeking the assistance of two masons and
many helpers from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Food and fellowship will be provided.
Health
Ministries The
first of two training sessions will be held this Sunday (tomorrow) at 4 p.m.
at the Centreville church for the upcoming Speech Contest. Each church is
reminded that there are two categories. Ages: 10 to 16 and 17 and over.
Two persons are requested for each category.
Entrance Exam
Applications are now being accepted for students at the Early Learning
Center. As space is limited, parents are asked to submit their
applications by May 31.
Hour of Gospel Music
The Hour
of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home is held weekly on Sabbath from
6:00 –7:00 p.m. Today the Ebenezer Church and next week the Centreville
church is scheduled.
All Adventist Men
Choir Members
are asked to meet for rehearsal at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road,
tomorrow, Sunday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. Men are encouraged to make a special
effort to be on time. –Anthony Roach, Director
Sun sets today at 7:45 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:49 p.m.
