Although tomorrow, Sunday, May 8, 2005, is the official date designated for
Mother’s Day this year, we have chosen to pay tribute to the mothers in the
Adventist churches today. The Sabbath is a good time to honor our mothers and
show appreciation for their unconditional love. Also, it is an opportune time
to encourage mothers to recommit themselves to the One whose love is greater
than their love. This One who is God asked a question in Isaiah 49:15: "Can a
woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb?
Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you."
Through the years numerous stories have been told about various things
mothers did that demonstrated their love for their children, especially the
infants. Under certain conditions, mothers have been observed lifting cars and
performing other unbelievable tasks to save their children. The following
story illustrates how a mother will do the apparent impossible in order to
save her child.
One day a mother put her baby to sleep and placed him in his crib under
some trees in the gaden while she tended the flowers nearby. Suddenly, the
flutter of a bird’s wings and a moving black shadow overhead got her attention
and caused her to look up. She screamed as loud as she could when she saw a
large eagle swoop down and picked up her precious baby in its powerful claws.
This mother gazed in horror while this bird of prey carried the baby up the
steep cliff at the back of her house. Her cries for help brought the neighbors
running toward her.
"What happened?" they inquired.
"My baby! My baby!" she moaned, pointing to the empty crib and then to the
eagle’s nest high up on the side of the cliff.
"I’ll get him," her farmer neighbor offered as he went off to climb the
rugged cliff. However, after making several attempts without success, he
returned. "I just couldn’t make it. Nobody can do it," he said, as he sank
exhausted to the ground.
Another neighbor, a strong young man who was home on leave from the US
Navy, offered to assist, but he, too, returned with empty arms. As he sat down
on the ground panting, he remarked, "It is impossible to climb that cliff. It
is too steep and rugged."
In desperation, the distraught mother said, "I’ll go myself." Before anyone
could stop her, she dashed off toward the steep hillside. The onlookers agreed
that she would not be able to climb up the steep cliff. However, one hour
later, they saw the mother making her way toward them. Stumbling forward, she
carried her child in her arms. He was alive and well. This mother had done
what the men could not do. She had actually climbed the side of the cliff and
recovered her baby from the eagle’s nest.
Over two thousand years ago the Son of God came to this world to rescue
us from the clutches of Satan. Similar to the mother in our story, He risked
His life but was successful in demonstrating the unconditional love of God.
Unlike a mother’s love which accrue temporary benefits God’s love provide for
eternal life. Indeed His love is greater than a mother’s love.
Adventist Youth March Again A gentle breeze blew revealing the six
flags representing country, church and the four different levels of youth
ministry. Led by the Pathfinder Band, approximately eight hundred eager
beavers, Adventurers, Pathfinders, Masterguides, A.Y leaders, and other church
members in t-shirts marched throughout the streets of Nassau, during the
annual National Youth Parade.
The young people on the parade were encouraged by the many parents who
lined the route and those who walked with the younger children. In addition,
you could hear remarks from the public such as "boy they are organized and
disciplined," and "this must be the largest group on the parade."
Indeed, for many years the Pathfinder youth group has maintained the record
of the largest uniformed, most disciplined youth group on the parade. While it
is good to bask in this accomplishment, we must now project on what needs to
be done to continue to provide this positive witness to our nation. The
Pathfinder Band continues to provide music for the parade. This year, because
of the number of drummers, the band was divided to facilitate the large amount
of young people on the parade. We salute our young people involved in the band
ministry.
In addition, approximately 40 young people from our P.E.T program, in full
uniform, were an integral part of the parade. This is an accomplishment for
them to be out in a setting like this. It bodes well for the confidence and
trust placed in the work of the Pathfinder and those directly involved in the
program.
Further, all of our Pathfinders, especially our eager beavers, and
adventurers must be commended for sticking with and completing the parade. It
should be noted that this year we took a conscious decision not to drink water
on the parade ( except in cases of emergencies) or for the very young paraders.
Today, Pathfinders still believe in the philosophy of training our young
people to be disciples and to prepare all of us for the events of the final
days.
Appreciation is extended to all, our administrators and pastors, conference
and regional coordinators, parade section leaders, Pathfinder Band members,
parents, and all who made sure that this year’s parade really made a
statement.
The Pathfinders have set the pace for other youth groups. The challenge has
been received. Other groups are growing and asking. We must not maintain the
status, but we must now accept the challenge to move to new and higher levels
in all areas of youth ministry. Lets live out the words of our Pathfinder Song
"Oh We Are The Pathfinders Strong"
Pathfinder/ Adventurer Camp Pathfinder/ Adventurer Camp is being
planned for North Andros from August 7th-14th. For further information, please
contact the Youth department at the conference office
New Time For Listen-Up Listen up will continue to be aired the first
Sunday in each month on ZNS 13 Television. However, the time has changed from
10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Pathfinder Staff Training Course As a part of the Masterguide/ A.Y.
Leadership Training Class of 2005, the Pathfinder Leadership Course began last
Sunday morning. We continue tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Hillview
church. All masterguide in training, Pathfinder directors, and other persons
interested or involved in Pathfinder ministry are asked to attend.
Breath of Life Celebrates its 12th Anniversary Today The
pastor and members of the Breath of Life Church invite you to worship with
them in celebration of their 12th anniversary May 7, 2005, at the
church on Marshall Road.
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.
Pre-mother’s Day Women’s Ministries Boat Cruise Tonight Tonight, May 7,
2005, the Women’s Ministries department will host a pre-mother’s day boat
cruise on board the largest of the Calypaso boats. The boat will depart Prince
George Wharf at 8:30 p.m.
McBean Named Champion Colporteur During the visit of our Union
Publishing Director, Dr. Joseph Barrett, Bro. Lebert McBean was presented a
trophy in recognition of his being named champion Colporteur for the Bahamas
an innovative and diligent colporteur in the Bahamas Conference, Bro. McBean
has dedicated himself to the spread of the gospel through the distribution of
our books. The Publishing department congratulates him on his achievement.-
Dr. J. Carey, Publishing Director
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. All masons who would like to travel to Abaco May
13 to 17 are asked to contact Mr. Winston Ash at 394-1063. -Winston Ash,
VBA President
Principal Needed for SDA School The North Bahamas Mission Executive
Committee is seeking to fill the position of Principal of The Grand Bahama
Academy of SDA. Applications and nominations of qualified persons for the
position are being accepted. All applications or nominations should be
submitted to: The Chairman, Search Committee, P.O. Box F 40515. Fax: 374-5673
or 374-5674.
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.
Wholestic Lifestyle Center Opened Wholestic Lifestyle a clinic
specializing in Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics) is now opened for business. Call
325-6173 or 323-0610 for additional information on how you can benefit from
this highly recommended health program.
Breath of Life Mother’s Day Fun Walk/Run You are cordially invited to
share with us in a "Family Fun Event," A Mother’s Day Fun Walk/Run to be held
on Sunday, May 8, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The event will start at the recent
Real Harvest tent site, in Golden Geates and end at the Breath of Life Church,
Marshall Road.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre is pleased to announce
that the large SDA Hymnals with notes are available in various colours. For
your complete health food needs, come and visit us. Devotionals for 2005 are
still available. Thank you for your patronage. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC
Manager
New Providence Choir Visited San Salvador It was Friday, April 29,
2005, when God's singers of the New Providence Church Sanctuary Choir
descended upon pictureque San Salvador, led by their director, Ralph Rolle, to
do battle against the demonic forces and Satan himself.
Powerful messages in songs were delivered to people all across the
community who congregated at the Cockburn Town Seventh -day Adventist Church
for Divne Service and the subsequent concert that attracted choirs from all of
the local churches.
A very special thank you to the members of the Cockburn Town Seventh-day
Adventist Church for their gracious hospitality. San Salvador will never be
the same again. -New Providence S.D.A. Sanctuary Choir
Berea’s Women’s Ministries Host Retreat Under the theme, Women
Empowering each Other For Eternity, the Women’s Ministry of Berea Seventh-day
Adventist Church hosted its first weekend retreat at the Adventure Learning
Centre. In attendance were ladies from Berea, Breath of Life, Centreville,
Johnson Park, New Englerston, Gambier and non Seventh-day Adventists.
On Friday night, Miriam Knowles commissioned each lady to empower each
other
with words of affirmation. Sabbath at sunrise, Sadie Miller reminded us to
keep a vibrant prayer life and hold on to our faith. Carol Jackman led out in
an interactive session on how to empower, rewards of empowerment and
consequences of lack of empowerment.
During the Divine Hour, Aileen Sands (North Bahamas Mission Women’s
Ministry
Director) of Grand Bahama, spoke on "Count it all Joy." You must go through
your "pitfalls" in order to gain empowerment and to empower others for
eternity.
Our young ladies in attendance led out in the Sabbath afternoon with a
skit, music and liturgical dance.
On Sunday, Idamae Hanna empowered us to make wise choices toward a
healthful lifestyle. We express our sincere thanks to all ladies who attended
and received a blessing. - Cecilia Moncur and Karen Burrows
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 and continue 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 Elder James Sands, Men’s Ministry Leaders are
inviting all Men’s Ministry Leaders from all churches to meet on 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 programs for the
remainder of 2005
Cook-Out in Aid of Medical Funds A cook-out in aid of Sis. Geneva
Ritchie's medical fund will be held at the New Providence S.D.A. Church
Fellowship Hall, Soldier Road on Sunday 15th May 2005 from 12 noon to 6:00
p.m. Please support this worthy cause. -New Providence S.D.A. Sanctuary
Choir
Layman to Conduct Crusade in Exuma Lay Evangelist Dave Williams will be
leading out in the Amazing Grace Gospel Crusade in George Town, Exuma, May 15
to 28, 2005. Volunteers are solicited to be part-time or full-time helpers.
For details contact Bro. Dave at 322-4914 to be a part of this lay mission
effort.
To culminate this event, a grand ole fashion gospel concert will be held on
the evening of May 28. Gospel artists are invited to be a part of this special
event.
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The
schedule for today, April 30, will be the Parkgate Church, and next week the
Philadelphia Church.
Jeff Rodgers 18th Annual Basketball Camp The 18th
annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball camp is scheduled to begin June 27 and end on
July 22, 2005. Camp starts at 9:00 a.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym. Registration
can be done at the SDA Headquarters and the BA Secondary Division.
Mini Health Seminar at Good News The Health Ministry Department of the
Good News Church invite you to attend a mini Health Seminar on May 14 at 5:30
p.m. at the Church on Great Britian Street, Flamingo Gardens. Mrs. Marlene
McKinney will be the guest presenter. She will be focusing on prevention of
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight control and eating habits. The
session will end with questions and answers. Please call 361-6750 for more
information. - R. Miller
Continuing the Battle Against Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke) We
invite you to join us in the battle against Cerebral Vascular Accident that is
subtly affecting the quality of life for many Bahamians both young and old.
Stroke can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress or a
combination thereof.
Nurse Leonora Pratt of the Freeport SDA Church, Grand Bahama, became a
victim of CVA a few years ago. Friends of Leonora are seeking help to raise
funds to defray cost of medical services. A sponsor sheet for a walk-a-thon to
be held in Grand Bahama on May 16 is available at the Conference and from Mrs.
F. Albury who can be contacted at 325-8987. Please help us to increase the
awareness of the Bahamian community to this debilitating disease and inform of
healthful ways to minimizing the chances to being afflicted with Stroke.
Part proceeds from this walk-a-thon will aid the Physical Therapy
Department at the Rand Memorial Hospital. Thank you. -Friends of
Leonora
