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- Further
Response Regarding Cult Issue
Dear
Saints of God: Again I use this medium of
The Logos to greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
You will agree with me that the past seven days
have been most eventful, especially regarding the accusation made by
Anglican Archdeacon Etienne Bowleg. By now most of you, if not all of you,
should be aware of the steps employed in addressing this matter. Before
any response to the press was issued regarding the matter in question, I
sent a letter that should have been read in each of our churches last
Sabbath. Secondly, I sought consultation with my colleagues in
administration, ministry, former leaders and Pastor Albury, president of
the North Bahamas Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, as the article
implicated Adventists throughout the Bahamas; and above all, I consulted
my heavenly Father. The result was a joint press release that appeared in
The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday, May 18, and the full text which appeared
on Thursday, May 20, 2004, in our weekly supplement in the Guardian and
Tribune. Additionally, you would have heard a summary response on Tuesday
evening during the airing of Adventist Spotlight on channel #12. All of
these approaches ought to convince you that we considered this cult issue
a serious matter.
Having explained the
preceding, I reiterate that we ought not to be fazed by any remarks or
opposition against us; for they will certainly increase as we near the second
coming of our Lord. A daily reading of God's word will bear out this fact.
Thus, I encourage you not to panic and worry -- yes, we have a right to be
concerned, but there is no need to feel that such an alleged classification
can dismantle or destroy this organization. To the contrary; for this church
which is biblically orthodox and apostolic, is grounded in and on Christ, not
withstanding the imperfections of its members. However, while this is so,
please be reminded that our leader, Jesus Christ, is very much perfect.
Therefore, His church -this denomination ought to withstand accusations and
charges and should expect them.
What should be our
approach? We ought to pray and defend the faith as the need arises, but
especially through committed and exemplary lives at home and on the job,
daily. Finally, in the words of Isaiah the prophet as taken from this week's
Lesson Study, "Comfort Ye My people" (Isa. 40: 1). God
bless! Please refer to the web for full article and press release. -
Leonard A. Johnson, President
"Shine for Jesus Children's Retreat" - 2004
The first ever children's retreat can now
be recorded in 
the
Bahamas Conference's historical pages as one of its successful evangelistic
campaigns. Under the theme "To Live Christ's Way is to Shine", the
awesome power and presence of God were evident as children of all ages,
including an impressive number of visitors, came nightly to witness, sing, and
learn more about Christ. The mode of the retreat was clearly by Divine design
as innocence and excitement could be seen on the faces of the little ones.
Jesus himself was seen through 'the eyes of children" as powerful
messages, vibrant singing, exciting stories and biblical truths were
emphasized throughout the meetings.
For six nights (May 8
to15) we met at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road. The audience was
enlightened through the dynamic preaching of Chris Barr of Living Faith who
ably spoke about God's love for us and of the greatest commandment to love one
another. Taashan Mackey from Grants Town shared practical lessons on the topic
of obedience and the importance of children obeying their parents as well as
their peers. Lashan Brown of Hillview preached a powerful sermon on
'Respectfulness'. She shared plain, yet valuable information on showing
respect for God, grandparents, the church and each other. Richmond Maycock, a
member of Final Message spoke about healthy living and the benefits of taking
care of our bodies.
The retreat climaxed in
grand style as Kevin Rolle from Maranatha captivated the packed congregation
as he expounded on the topic, "Sharing Christ's love with others."
He also shared his testimony about being ill the night before. Kevin
experienced first hand God's ability to heal and restore the very elect of
God. The devil was trying to weigh him down, but God's triumphant power was
manifested, as there was going to be no interruptions in God's plan, and again
the devil was defeated.
The retreat was flavored
with many tasteful sweeteners. Each participant allowed himself to be used by
God. The dynamic combined children's retreat choir sang praises nightly to
God's honor and glory. The talented performances and musical selections of
many children also inspired us every night. The featured skits on the topics
of "kindness and honesty" added a pleasant and spiritually rewarding
twist to the program. This proved to be an effective means of teaching the
children about Christ in an exciting way.
Sparky and Beam, the
retreat puppets captivated the children through their dialogue, review of the
memory text and their help in singing the nightly theme song. Our children
also learned sign language for the theme song. Little was spared to provide
multiple opportunities for our children to experience Christ anew.
Each evening the
children came with great anticipation expecting to be spiritually enriched.
There was an unlimited supply of blessings, and we thank God that they never
left disappointed but rather more anxious to return. The invaluable experience
will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions in the hearts, minds and souls of
the children. Each child who attended gained further understanding on the
importance of being loved by God and loving others, being kind, obedient,
honest, respectful, living healthy lives and knowing how to share Christ's
love with others. It is our desire that these important characteristics
learned coupled with reading their Bibles every day and choosing to follow
Christ will enable our children to fulfill their commitment to "live
Christ's way" and to be 'shining' examples to others. To God be the
glory! -Renee Scavella, CM
leader-Centreville
Dr. Rolle says thank you
A special thank you to all of the wonderful
children and parents who supported the first ever children's retreat held May
8-15. We appreciate the overwhelming support given. I am also grateful for the
invaluable assistance given by all of the Children's Ministries leaders and
the children's choir leaders who helped to organize the retreat. Also
appreciated are the contributions of Nelson and Paula Bain who coordinated the
music, Raymond Antonio who played the piano every night, Thea Antonio and
Allerine Munnings who helped with the theme song, and Beam and Sparky, our
puppet sisters who delighted the children. I say a big, big, thank you, too,
to our speakers, Chris Barr, Taashan Mackey, Lashan Brown, Richmond Maycock,
and Kevin Rolle and to all the children who may have had some part to perform
during the services. You did an excellent job.
Finally, I thank Pastor
Scavella, the members, deacons and deaconesses of the Living Faith Church for
hosting this exciting event. Let us continue to pray and work for our
children.
Children's Ministries Meeting
--There
will be a meeting for all Children's Ministries leaders on Sunday, May 30, at
4:00 P.M. at the Conference Office.
ABC Lesson Series Is Ready
Just
as a newborn child has to be nurtured by his mother and taught the essentials
of life by his parents and others, we must feed and nourish our babes in the
faith with the word of God and Christian fellowship.
If you were baptized
within the last 12 months, you want to be a part of this exciting Bible class
called Adventist Babes in Christ, or ABC. This seven lesson series is designed
to give new believers a sense of belonging and help each one make a smooth
transition into Seventh-day Adventism.
It is God’s desire for
us to provide a strong spiritual foundation in the lives of the new believers,
so that He can lay the bricks of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. -T.
Basil Sturrup, Personal Ministries Director
Adelaide Establish Branch Sabbath School in Fox Hill
The Adelaide SDA Church has established a
branch Sabbath School in the Johnson Road, Fox Hill area. To mark this event a
special Sabbath Celebration service will be held on June 5, 2004.
Missionary Volunteers
are invited to assist both the Adelaide and the New Branch Sabbath School.
Contact Pastor Adderley at 324-6939, Elder Eric Bain at 341-8182 and Elder
Fenton Johnson at 362-1945.
Maranatha Celebrates 34th Anniversary
The Maranatha Church began its 34th
anniversary May 21. It will continue through to the 23rd of May.
Guest preacher wil be Pastor Jeff Thompson, president of the Cayman Islands
Mission. The Maranatha (Academy) Church was formed after a crusade conducted
by Evangelist L. V. McMillan on Mackey Street in 1970. All are invited,
especially former members of the Maranatha Church, family and friends. -Dr.
H. A. Roach, Pastor
Education Corner The
students attending the annual Honours Convocation program for the 
secondary
division on Sunday, May 16 were told by the guest speaker, Mr. Raymond Winder,
that getting good grades is no longer good enough. They now have to be willing
to relate to changes in the work place as we face FTAA, and be prepared to be
life-long students in order to remain on top of what's happening in the market
place.
One hundred and
seventy-one students (171) received Honour Roll certificates and trophies.
Students also received certificates for Perfect Attendance, Good Conduct,
School Service, Subject Improvement, and Honesty (sports trophies were given
out in chapel a few weeks ago). In addition, students received trophies for
Outstanding Improvement, being named Student of the Year, achieving the
highest grade in each subject area, and being placed on the Principal's List.
Here is a listing of
the top three students in each class:
- GRADE 7AS: 1st
Matthew Dean; 2nd Joyann Cartwright, 3rd
Sean Lowe
- GRADE 7MH: 1st
Vanessa Valleray; 2nd Vernique Henfield; 3rd Desmond Darling
- GRADE 7MS: 1st
Teniel Gibbs; 2nd Yasmin Morris; 3rd Dawn Smith
- GRADE 8HB: 1st
Teora Murray; 2nd Gia Burrows; 3rd Shenika McPhee
- GRADE 8MP: 1st
Anya Forbes; 2nd Jamaal Delancy; 3rd D'Kamaron Swan
- GRADE 8RA: 1st
Melissa Bovell; 2nd Troy Ward; 3rd Ervanna Moss
- GRADE 8RS: 1st
Ekua Harris-Smith; 2nd Andlaine Joseph; 3rd Crystal Nottage
- GRADE 9EH: 1st
Paul Scavella; 2nd Melissa Moxey; 3rd Ronnette Creighton
- GRADE 9RW: 1st
Travis Knowles; 2nd Michael Turner; 3rd Kayla Brown
- GRADE 9SP: 1st
Janeen Bethel; 2nd LeTaj Tinker; 3rd Tanesha Miller
- GRADE 10BG: 1st
Mikhail Sweeting; 2nd Leandra Barr; 3rd Shanequa Carroll
- GRADE 10JG: 1st
Christa Lowe; 2nd Kaline Valleray; 3rd Shekera Romer
- GRADE 10SJ: 1st
Alethia Lewis; 2nd Terrell Rolle; 3rd Charlise Brown
- GRADE 11AB: 1st
D'Andra Greenslade; 2nd Nashaan Bain; 3rd Antoine Ferguson
- GRADE 11DW: 1st
Pharez Rolle; 2nd Trevor Longley; 3rd Shanae Smith
- GRADE 12MR: 1st
Brehon Davis; 2nd Nikara Robinson; 3rd Thea Antonio
- GRADE 12SM: 1st
Deandra Gibson; 2nd Albert Clarke; 3rd Hendrea Smith
-
- The three highest GPAs in the
Junior School:
- 1st Travis Knowles, 2nd Matthew
Dean, 3rd Vanessa Valleray
-
- The three highest GPAs in the
Senior School: 1st Pharez Rolle, 2nd D'Andra Greenslade, 3r
Christa Lowe
-
- The student with the highest GPA
in the entire school: TRAVIS KNOWLES!!!
- We say congratulations to all these
students who demonstrated their desire to strive for excellence! -Lynn
C. Smith, Principal
Happy 95th Birthday to Nurse
Julia Albury Best wishes
and congratulations are extended to Sister Nurse Julia Albury of the
Centreville Church who celebrated her 95th birthday on May
19,
Mrs. McGarvey-Sterling Says Thanks
Mrs. McGarvey-Sterling would like to
officially thank the Conference, teachers and students of Bahamas Academy,
friends and well-wishers for all their prayers for her husband Roderick. He is
doing very well and wishes to say a big "thank you" to all.
Colporteur Day Thursday,
May 27, 2004 has been designated as Colporteurs Day in our Conference. In
support of the Publishing Ministry, each member is expected to buy a book from
the ABNC or a colporteur. A special discount will be given to persons who
purchase colporteur books on that day or the day after.
Youth Announcements On
May 8th, 2004, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture held its annual Youth
Parliamentary proceedings. Among the approximately 40 of the nation's young
people present, two were representatives of the Bahamas Conference of S.D.A.
These two were Erica Sweeting and Adriel Hepburn who represented the
constituencies of Garden Hills and Kennedy, respectively. As well as being
representatives for their respective constituencies, these two were also
excellent spokespersons for not only Bahamian youth but young Adventists as
well. While in the House of Assembly, the pair tackled issues such as
constitutional reform with respect to the removal of the word
"Christian" from the Constitution, among other issues discussed.
Though Erica and Adriel answered individually, upon conclusion of their
arguments, both received great applause from their fellow Youth
Parliamentarians. The meeting in the House of Assembly was aired live, and if
you missed it, you missed something grand. In addition, Melony Lewis, Johnson
Park, Tessa Gibbs, Philadelphia and Brehon Davis, Bahamas Academy, were youth
panelists at the National Youth Forum on May 9 - 11. They along with other
young people from New Providence and the Family Islands discussed and debated
the pros and cons of National Youth Service. All of these persons presented
the ideals of Adventist Youth on a national level.
P.E.T. Program Masterguides,
Masterguides in training, and other persons interested in assisting with the
Pathfinder program at the Willamae Pratt Center for girls and Simpson Penn
School for boys, are asked to contact the Youth Department at the Conference
Office or Brother Barry Saunders, Pathfinder coordinator. The program is
conducted every Tuesday at the Willamae Pratt Center between 6:00 p.m. and
7:30 p.m. and every other Wednesday at the Simpson Penn School between 6:00
p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Counselors and instructors are needed.
!Masterguides
and A.Y. Leaders who sat the Youth Ministry's Leaders Exam can collect their
exam results on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Hillview Church.
!
Registration is now open for Pathfinder/Adventurer Camp to be held July 11th -
18th, 2004. Registration closes on June 13th. Forms can be collected from the
Conference office or your Pathfinder/Adventurer Director. Volunteers are
needed for the duration of the camp. Persons wishing to work during the camp
are asked to attend three training sessions on the three Sundays just before
the camp. In addition, nurses and medical personnel who can offer their
services for all or part of the time can sign up at the Conference office.
Softball Season Coming Soon On
Sunday, May 23, a meeting will be held at the Hillview Church at 10:00 a.m.
for all softball coaches and representatives for the local churches. -Larry
Miller
Adventist Educators to Meet Tonight
There will be a meeting for all Adventist
Educators tonight, May 22, 2004, at 8:00 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. - Pansy
Hamilton-Brown
Volleyball Games at Hillview Tonight
Volleyball continues at sunset tonight at
Hillview SDA Church. Registration fee: very small. Refreshments: on sale,
Excitement: can't done. Inviting teams from around the conference, male and
female - all ages. Come out and lets have some high intensity Christian Fun.
For further details
contact Lester Stuart or Ray Jennings.
Singles Let’s-get-acquainted Night
All singles, 21 and older, divorced or
widowed are being invited to plan for an upcoming Singles Night June 5th. You
are invited to come out and let’s get acquainted during a night of wholesome
Christian fun in a wholesome Christian environment where you can meet that
special someone. For details, contact Sharon Roach at 302-4144 or 636-7071.
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 from
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. is the Real Harvest church The ministry features next
Saturday evening the Shepherdess Club.
All persons scheduled
are requested to please contact Mr. Admiral Forbes at the home at 341-0094/5
in advance if they are unable to keep their appointments. - J.
Admiral Forbes, Co-ordinator
Me n’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
National Women’s Retreat
Women’s Ministries Director Miriam
Knowles is please to announce the up-coming National Women’s Retreat,
October 29 to 31, 2004. All ladies are invited to begin to plan now for this
spiritual retreat.
17th Annual Jeff Rodgers
Basketball Camp Jeff
Rodgers is pleased to announce his 17th annual Basketball Camp
scheduled for June 28 to July 23, 2004. Boys and girls ages 5 to 18 are
especially invited to attend. Application forms are now available at the
Conference Office and Bahamas Academy.
Congratulations to Lynell Ferguson
Special congratulations are extended to
Lynell Fergusion for her continued academic success and the recent success in
the BAISS Swimming competition last Friday at the Betty Kelly Swimming
complex. Lynell is a member of the Centreville Church and a student at Bahamas
Academy.
Hydrotherapy Treatments/Weight
Management Persons who
have had natural treatments abroad and wish to continue or persons needing
treatment in nutrition counselling and Hydrotherapy can contact Bernadette
Rolle at 434-8211, 364-3959 or 325-6173.
Nadia King in Concert On
July 3rd, Nadia King will host a concert in aid of her educational
fund. The SDA Community is invited and encourage to support Nadia as she seeks
to continue her education at Montemorelos University in Mexico.
Healthy Living Seminar The
New Providence Community Center, Soldier Road, Healthy Living Seminar,
continues at 7;30 p.m. tonight and until May 30, 2004. Topics to be discussed
include: (1) How to prevent/reverse or treat Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart
Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Prostate Cancer, etc. (2) How the use of sunlight,
exercise, water, rest, etc., is very effective in combating these ailments.-Dr.
A. Higgs
