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International
Day of Families
In keeping with the United Nations request, the Adventist Church
recognizes
today as the International Day of Families (official date on Sunday, May 15,
2005). The international theme for 2005 is "HIV/AIDS and Family
Well-being." This theme provides an opportunity to raise public awareness
about crucial issues concerning families and HIV/AIDS. The United Nations
General Assembly, in its resolution 47/237 of 20th September 1993, proclaimed
that 15th May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of
Families. This annual observance reflects the importance which the
international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well
as its concern regarding their situation around the world. The International
Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues
relating to families as well as appropriate action to deal with those issues.
We certainly need to strengthen our families in The Bahamas. The devil is
working hard everyday to destroy our families. The Bahamas has one of the
highest divorce rates in the world (The Bahamas crude divorce rate for
2000 is 1.5 per thousand population compared to 4.95 in the United States and
.38 in Jamaica ). The Bahamas also has one of the highest child abuse rates in
the Caribbean, and a very high incidence of family violence. About fifty
percent of the murders in our country are done by an intimate partner. A high
percentage of children in The Bahamas are being raised in an environment of
shaming and blaming and very little praising. Thus we are building characters
of violence instead of peace. HIV/AIDS is increasing among young women,
teenage girls, and housewives. Even many Adventists are being torn apart due
to some of these painful social ills. It is important that we take the time to
affirm the Adventist family and to provide the opportunity for healing and
growth.
"The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred. of any human
relationship on earth. God instituted the family as the primary provider of
the warm and caring relationships for which the human heart yearns. . . .In
the family circle, deep and abiding needs for belonging, love, and intimacy
are met in significant ways. God blesses the family and intends that its
members will help each other in reaching complete maturity and wholeness. In
the Christian family, the personal worth and dignity of each member is
affirmed and safeguarded in an environment of respect, equality, openness, and
love. In this intimate circle the individual's earliest and most lasting
attitudes toward relationships are developed, and values are conveyed from one
generation to another. . . . Although some family relationships may fall short
of the ideal, and restoration from damaging experiences may not be fully
accomplished, where the love of Christ reigns, His Spirit will promote unity
and harmony making such homes channels of life-giving joy and power in the
church and community." -GC Family Ministries - Barrington Brennen & Michael
Smith
Notes of Thanks and Regret Heartfelt thanks and appreciation are
extended to all who supported the recent Women’s Ministries boat cruise. A
special thank you is extended to all Women’s Ministries Leaders who helped to
plan, organize and execute our plans. However, I wish to appologize to all of
our supporters who unfortuanately were not able to go on board the Calpaso
because of night time restrictions by the Port Authority that was not
communicated to me. In spite of the incident, I pray for your continued
support. -Miriam Knowles, WM Director, BC
Parkgate Celebrates 15th Anniversary The Parkgate Church
invites you to come and enjoy the Sabbath of May 14 as we celebrate Homecoming
and 15 years of grace and mercy since we were organzied into a church. Your
presence is requested to fill the church from wall to wall. A Love Offering
will be lifted to help us complete the building. Sabbath School begins at 9:15
a.m.
Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) is on the Move Under the direction of
Brother Winston Ash and the Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) team, the
foundation for Phase I of the New Bahamas Academy project has been cut.
Preparations are being made to put the foundation steel in place. Your church
has been assigned to work on a section of the building. Please consult your
pastor, or call Bro. Ash, president of the VBA programme, to find out how you
can get involved and become a member of the VBA team. Your financial support
and free labour are needed. -Winston Ash, VBA President
Meeting for Literature Evangelists All literature evangelists
(part-time and full-time) are requested to attend a very important meeting on
Sunday, May 22, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. at the New Englerston Church on East
Street. Bahamas Academy students who plan to participate in the literature
ministry this summer should atttend also. Please come on time!
Adventist
Men’s Ministry The Men’s Ministry of the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist
church (Kingston Jamaica) will be visiting Nassau, May 19 – 22.
Their ministry will begin Friday May 20th at 7:30 p.m. with a grand musical
experience. You can’t afford to miss this life changing event. All of our men
and the conference at large are invited to attend and support this mega event.
A free will offering will be lifted.
Pastor Paul Scavella and James Sands, Men’s Ministry Leaders are inviting
all Men’s Ministry Leaders from all churches to meet this Saturday evening at
8:00 o’clock at Living Faith Church. The purpose of this meeting is to plan
for the visit of the Kencot Adventist Men and other programs for the remainder
of 2005.
Messengers of Hope Needed The Home Health Education Service needs some
committed positive representatives. The successful applicants will be rewarded
according to their diligence and faithfulness. Unlimited opportunities for
growth and development of a business that can provide benefits on various
levels. You have to get involved to believe it. Call 341-4021 to arrange for
an interview. Only serious Christians need apply.
Mid-Year Family Summit May 29 Under the theme, "A Call for Family
Restoration," all Adventist married couples, engaged couples, single parents,
divorcees, widows and widowers, teenagers and young adults are invited to
attend a Grand Family Summit on Sunday, May 29, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Berea Adventist Church, Blue Hill Road, south. Child care will be provided for
Children age eleven and under.
Good News Church to celebrate its 17th
Anniversary May 27 - 29, 2005. All are invited to attend.
Sun sets today at 7:47 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath at 7:49 p.m.
