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Dr. Eva throughout the day emphasized the need of eliminating the mundane in ministry. Moving out of our comfort zone. Allowing God to fulfill His fuller purpose in the life of each minister and member. He did this for Moses (see Exodus 3) and He is willing and available to do this for us. There is much to do as a church for the glory of God. Does our existence as ministers and church members constantly drive us to our knees? Whatever your "it" that occupies your life, your occupation, your studies, your work, your challenge, your routine - are you driven to your knees? Have we become "so used to church" that we fail to daily communicated and rely upon Christ, the Head of the church? Do we get so used to going through the motions that we neglect the Power and Person who established us in what we do or where we are? The trappings of 21st Century social luxuries, if allowed, can rob one of one's passion and intensity for spreading the everlasting gospel and truly living for Christ. Everyone must constantly be on his guard. The church exists for the winning of souls, the salvation of souls and not the entertainment and fossilizing of saints. We thank all those pastors and members who have maintained the focus of being used by the Holy Spirit to bring men, women, youth and children to Christ. Keep on the battlefield for our Lord. There was also shared in this most meaningful visit the urgency of sustaining the "holiness of our call". Ministerial ethics were discussed and the attention that should be given to ensure that one does not violate the sacred trust of caring for the sheep and not fleecing the sheep or engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with members of the flock/church. We (pastors, leaders and members) are to pray for the saints, not prey on the saints. Before the meeting concluded, an invitation was extended to our ministers and others of our membership to write and send articles to the Ministry magazine that are of assistance and relevance in strengthening the total ministerial and gospel work. Writer's Guidelines can be found at www.ministrymagazine.com. There is a need to hear from this side of the world church. We thank our leaders for their timely visit to our shores and for the inspiration they provided. There is an added commitment to "finishing the work" and seeing Jesus come to gather His church militant and thereby make it the church triumphant. Let's remain focused to that end. We can do this if we daily ask and answer the question "does it drive us to our knees?" -Pastor M.A. Smith, Ministerial Director, Bahamas Conference
Preparation for Hurricane Season The 2003 Hurricane season is fast approaching. Most of our churches are official hurricane shelters. However the majority of shelter managers assigned to our churches are non-Adventists. The Community Services Department will be conducting a Shelter Management Certification course beginning Sunday, May 18, 2003, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church. Mr. Harrold Bostfield and Mr. Luke Bethell will be the guest presenters. We are requesting all Community Services Leaders and all Head Deacons along with interested persons to attend the training sessions. Pen and notepad required.
Education Corner At precisely 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, two white stretch limousines pulled into the yard at Bahamas Academy, evoking oohs and aahs from the mouths of students all around. Then at exactly 12:50 p.m., the sound of drums beating could be heard for miles up and down Wulff Road as the smartly-dressed group in Pathfinder uniforms marched from the eastern side of Bahamas Academy to the front of the school, paused in front of the flag pole to perform, passed the parked limousines, then proceeded to form an honour guard up the middle aisle of the H. D. Colburn Gymnatorium, waiting for the grand entrance of the Guests of Honour for the day. At 1:00 p.m. on the dot, the drum sticks rolled from the back of the gym and the students cheered in recognition as the special guests were escorted by the Head Boy and Head Girl respectively from their limousines to the gym, then up the middle aisle to their reserved seats on a raised and beautifully decorated platform. It was a spectacular beginning to a wonderful afternoon of appreciation and recognition for two veteran workers at Bahamas Academy-Mrs. Louise Sweeting and Mr. Ednal Collie. Why were they the center of all the attention? Because the school family was there to celebrate their retirement from 22 and 28 years respectively from Bahamas Academy! As the emcee for the day, Mr. C. Melvin Lewis, invited the students and the cadre of special friends and family of the honourees to stand for the opening song, the melodious strains of "Pass it On" could again be heard for miles up and down Wulff Road as the sentiments of that song were belted out. The program moved on without a hitch (that is until BEC decided to turn off the power-luckily, the program was almost over when that happened). Tributes in word and song, hugs, and gifts were showered upon the honourees. What was so lovely was that the entire school population was in the gym to celebrate with Mrs. Sweeting and Mr. Collie-the elementary and secondary divisions. So students representing the various grade levels gave their accolades and presented their gifts, bringing tears to the eyes of the honourees. Mrs. Rowena Smith, long-time friend and colleague of Mr. Collie said that she remembers his first day at Bahamas Academy because they were both new teachers who had started on the same day 28 years ago. She even remembered the suit he had on! As she walked down memory lane, she painted the picture of a man truly dedicated to his students and his work, stating that Mr. Collie was a "jack of all trades" and wore many hats while at the Academy. Especially moving was the tribute given to Mr. Collie by one of his former students-Miss Estelle Clare. She said that she first saw Mr. Collie while she was a student at Claridge Primary School and she came on campus with her class for High School Day. As they toured the classrooms, she saw Mr. Collie teaching a Bible class and marveled at his interaction with his students and told herself that she wanted to be in his class. She enrolled at Bahamas Academy that September and later would be in his class where many provocative topics on religious issues were discussed. At the end of the day, through the direct influence of both Mr. Collie and Mr. Barr, she became a Seventh-day Adventist and is today an active member of the Johnson Park Church. Mrs. Hermia Brown, Senior Mistress of the elementary division, gave a wonderful tribute to Mrs. Sweeting, stating that everyone always knew when she was around because you always heard her hearty laugh, especially if someone told a joke that she really enjoyed. Not to be forgotten were Mrs. Sweeting's cooking skills demonstrated in the cafeteria through the years. According to Pastor Clarke, who also gave tributes to both honourees, Mrs. Sweeting put the sugar in SWEETing. Not to be outdone by the glowing tributes, Mrs. Brenda Scott and her cafeteria staff from both divisions put the icing on the cake when they presented gifts and Mrs. Scott composed and sang a song for the honourees! Mrs. Scott proceeded to tell Mr. Collie that she knows he will miss her cooking because nobody can fix food for him like she can! As the song says, "you'd have to have been there" to capture the wonderful moments of love and appreciation. Bahamas Academy will truly lose two of its most dedicated and loyal staff members and we will truly miss them! A special thanks and a million cheers go out to the hard-working committee who planned and orchestrated the entire event: Cherry Blackmore (Chairperson), Nelson Bain, Rowena Smith, Marlyn Richards, Josette Forbes and Karen Burrows. The gym was nicely decorated and the backdrops of each honouree were so creatively done. Your time and planning paid off in an afternoon well spent. Please join us for the final celebration for Mrs. Sweeting and Mr. Collie on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 for a retirement luncheon at the Radisson Cable Beach Hotel at 1:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the school's Business Offices during regular school hours.- Lynn C. Smith, Principal The Volunteer Bahamas Adventist program continues to gain momentum:  Long Island. It appears that the
program has achieved
its greatest success in Long Island. The occupancy certificate for the new
church building was issued last week, and on Friday, May 9th over 100
persons from the community joined the members in a pre-crusade program at the
church. Since the Happy Family Seminar conducted by Dr. Leonard A. Johnson
started last Saturday night, a steady crowd of about 150 persons has been coming
nightly. The people of Long Island have laid out the red carpet for the VBA team
and the seminar workers. Several persons from Nassau are assisting President
Johnson in this evangelistic outreach. See
Long Island PhotosMembers of the VBA team are now in Long Island putting on the "finishing touches" to the building. North Andros. Work on the Lowe Sound Church building is progressing steadily. The masons have completed work on the interior walls, and are working on the outside walls. A team of VBA workers are in North Andros this weekend to give another push to the project. Campsite. Work is being done to prepare the campsite for summer campers. The main building that will be able to house 30 to 50 campers is almost completed. We need 10 to 12 Masterguides and others who are Masons and carpenters to help at the site on Sunday, May 18. More volunteers are needed for the VBA programme. Come and join in the work and fellowship that are part of the experience. We say a special "thank you" to the following persons and churches who have helped thus far: Hillview –Reginald Adderley, Henry Moncur, Vice-president of VBA, and Joshua Smith. Grant’s Town – Winston Ash, Coordinator of VBA, Stephen Meadows, Elvardo Perpall, Wilfred Taylor, Wilfred Armbrister, James Markland and Samuel Markland. Maranatha – Naron Ash, Cecil Cartwright, Architect, Alvin Collie, Jr., Comfort Miller and Erskin Oliver. Johnson Park – Howard Barr, Vice-president of VBA, Edison Miller and Kendal Curtis. Berea– Dennis Dean and Philip Meadows. New Englerston – Garry Dsecas and Andrew Hanna. Breath of Life – Admiral Forbes, Joe Palme, and Sisters Curline Forbes and Ursula Rolle. Centreville – Oral Gibson, Andrew and Maxwell Wells. New Providence – Garvin Kemp and Glen Rahming. Andros – Bernard Linden. Living Faith – Marvin Taylor. Friends of Adventists – Ian Albury and Michael Brown of Our Ladies. - Editor
Island-wide Evangelism During the month of September, 2003, Evangelist Guy Nembhard, West Indies Union Evangelist, will be conducting an island-wide crusade. You are invited to be a part of the 3 P’s - Plan now to be a part of this effort. Pray much for its success. Finally, make your presence felt.
Happy Family Seminar into 2nd Big Week in Long Island Continuing tonight, May 17, 2003, the Happy Family Seminar continues in the new Steven’s SDA Church in Steven’s, Long Island. Presenter Dr. Leonard A. Johnson, Conference President, is assisted by Pastor Daniel Major and a team of lay persons. Your continued prayers are solicited on behalf of this effort.
Bahamas Conference Executive Committee to Meet Tomorrow The Executive Committee of The Bahamas Conference of SDA will hold its regular meeting on Sunday, May 18, 2003, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All members are especially encouraged to attend. -AdministrationCongratulations Congratulations are extended to Pastor and Mrs. Hugh A. Roach and family on the occasion of Dr. Roach’s being invested with the insignia of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s New Year Honor list 2003. An official service will be held at Government House on May 22, 2003. Congratulations!Heartiest congratulations are extended to our colleagues at Bahamas Academy, Mr. Gary and Mrs. Diane Jones, on the birth of their son, Garron Dendrick Jones, on May 9th, Garron and Diane are home and doing well. Congratulations! The Youth Ministries department congratulates Sister Marilyn Bonamy on being one of six persons honoured by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with a National Youth Award Congratulations to Shonet Brown upon her completion and graduation from Oakwood College with a BSc in Biology, and an Associate degree in Physical Therapy. Shonet is the daughter of David and Pansy Brown.-Administration Departmental Directors and Staff cccceo Rolle, Jeremiah Duncombe, Barrington Brennen, Roy Hanna and our current shepherd, Pastor Andrew Burrows, will deliver the Sabbath address. We are inviting our sister churches to share in this grand occasion and fellowship. -A. Miller
! All youth are especially invited to attend this afternoon a joint AY program at 6:00 o’clock at the Berea SDA Church. Come and get an insight into the first West Indies Union Masterguides camporee held in Bahamas Conference Of SDAImmediately following AY, a grand social will be held at Berea. All are invited to attend. ! There will be a Joint Pathfinders Council meeting for all Pathfinders Directors on Monday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m.! Persons interested in attending Pathfinders Camporee in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin, in August, 2004, are requested to register with the Youth Department right away.
Women’s Ministries Leader says Thank you! Women’s Ministries Leader Miriam Knowles says a special thank you to all who supported the Women’s Ministries First Boat Cruise. She says the help and overwhelming support of the churches Women’s Ministry Leaders are truly appreciated.Heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the Literacy programme held at the C.O.B. Hotel Training School. Thank you for helping us to implement the idea of "each one help one to read."
Children’s Ministries Upcoming Events ! June 7 - Children Under Attack- A seminar for all parents, parents-to-be, and persons who work with or minister to children. Time 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Venue Philadelphia Church. An informative seminar that you do not want to miss. The ABNC will be available with materials on parenting and teaching children.! June 21- Children’s Church during Convention Sabbath will be held at the Philadelphia Church from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children, ages 5 to 12, will be accommodated. Parents are asked to drop their children off at the church and they will be bussed back to the Church of God Auditorium after the service. -Cheryl R. Rolle, Children’s Ministries Director
Literature Evangelists to Meet On Sunday, May 25, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. all Literature evangelists are requested to attend a meeting at the Philadelphia Church, Elizabeth Estates. Students and others who may be interested in canvassing this summer may attend also.
In Search of Land The Ebenezer congregation is seeking a piece of property in the eastern district on which to build a church. Anyone with information or land is kindly asked to contact Pastor Edward St. Fleur at 362-1031 or 341-4021.
SDA Mega Ministry Senior Youth Choir If you’re between the ages of 16 to 45 and want to become a member of the SDA Mega Ministry Senior Youth Choir, you are invited to a special choir rehearsal today, Sabbath, May 17, 2003, at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillview Church. Only persons serious about music ministry need attend. -A. Russell
Reports Now Due All Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Leaders are asked to submit their reports to the Conference Office by Monday, May 19, 2003, at 341-4021or 2, Ext. 235.
Health Ministries ! There will be a meeting for all Health Ministry Directors and persons assisting with the Guardian Supplement at the Living Faith Church on Monday, May 19, 2003, at 7:00 p.m.! From May 22 to 24, 2003, the Health Ministries Department of the West Indies Union will be conducting an HIV/AIDS Awareness training seminar at NCU in Mandeville, Jamaica. Cost, excluding travel, is approximately $100 for accommodation and food.Each Church District is requested by the Union to sponsor at least one person to attend. ! Persons representing their churches at the HIV/AIDS Awareness training seminar at NCU are asked to contact Pastor Paul Scavella or Mrs. Joan Duncombe at 341-4021/2. -Pastor P. A. Scavella, Departmental Director
ABC On The Move When was the last time you visited your local ABC? We are changing right before your eyes. Even our new name, ABNC (Adventist Book and Nutrition Centre), is providing for your total health needs.The ABNC will be at the Maranatha Church, Prince Charles Drive, Saturday night, May 31, 2003. Yes, you read that right. At set of sun our mobile units will be available for your convenient shopping. Visit us during regular store hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We are here to serve you. Come, check us out. -Kenny Deveaux, ABNC Manager
Seraphic Sounds presents ‘Remembering Mahalia Jackson’ Ms. Allison M. Mason will be featured in a concert by Seraphic Sounds as it presents "Remembering Mahalia Jackson" at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 31, at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 1, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. Your usual patronage would be greatly appreciated. Tickets available from Ms. Mason and the ABNC. - Seraphic Sounds
Francophone to Resume Class in Creole The Francophone Church will resume its Creole classes at the church. Please contact Pastor St. Fleur for further information at 362-1031. - Pastor E. St Fleur
Conferencewide Pre-Marriage Seminar A pre-marriage seminar will be held May 30 to June 1, 2003, for all engaged and to-be-engaged couples. It will be conducted by Barrington Brennen and Michael A. Smith.
MBA Weekend Program 394-7907(day) or 325-6173 (night)
Certified Professional Secretaries Certification Program Persons interested in signing up for the Certified Professional Secretaries’ certification program through the College of The Bahamas are asked to call A. Miller at 323-6543.
Certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Basic Life Support Course offered Persons interested in becoming trained and certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitators are invited to contact Lucille Delancy at 326-5615. A minimum cost is involved to cover a manikin and materials.
Turning Point Ministries Upcoming events for Turning Point Ministries are: Vegetarian Extravaganza June 1st from 4 to 6:45 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel Salon B. Vegetarian cooking class scheduled to begin June 15 from 4 to 6:45 p.m. for six weeks. Interested persons are asked to contact Marlene at 364-0085.
Adelaide Invites you to Come on Down Do you want to get out of the city for a day, but cannot afford to go to a Family Island? Don’t be discouraged! Just come to the Adelaide SDA Church and enjoy a Family Island experience for the day. Oh yes, a day filled with activities. We will provide your spiritual and physical food. Come worship with us! Enjoy the warmth of the friendly folks just praising God and having a Holy Ghost time. - D. Fenton Johnson, Communications Secretary
New Providence Church to Host A Marriage Enrichment Seminar & Retreat The New Providence Church Family Life department presents "A Marriage Enrichment Seminar and Retreat," June 13 to 15, 2003, at the Holiday Inn, Paradise Island Sun Spree Resort, Paradise Island. Facilitators are Pastor Peter Joseph, Mrs. Pansy Hamilton-Brown, Pastor Michael A. Smith, Dr. Alvira Higgs and Pastor Barrington H. Brennen. For tickets and accommodations (all inclusive) call Mrs. Geneva Mortimer at 324-8556 Hm., 502-7479 Wk. This seminar is billed to be inspiring and motivational.
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