- PDF FORMAT WORDPERFECT
FORMAT
- The
Responsibility of Motherhood
Today,
in most of our churches throughout the Conference, we are giving special
attention to mothers. Every year at this time, we take advantage of the
opportunity to celebrate motherhood, because mothers are those special
people who deserve our commendation for attempting to be everything to
their children. It is a Herculean task to be a mother, and it requires a
keen sense of commitment and a willingness to make sacrifices. That is
why all mothers should be God-fearing individuals with a sense of
purpose. One day mothers will have to give an account to God for the
children that came under their influence.
However, it should be noted that not everyone who gives
birth to a child is aware of the awesome responsibility of motherhood. Too
many women in our society have neglected to fulfill their role as mothers,
and the results of this neglect can be seen in the behavior of young people
in the home, at church, in our schools and on our streets. A disregard for
time, disrespect for authority, dishonesty, impatience and a weak moral
character are evidences of a flaw in the early training of the affected
children. The problem might be that many of the mothers of these
dysfunctional children were children themselves when they gave birth and
were not prepared to be mothers.
Is there any wonder that our world is in such turmoil?
Mothers are responsible for training leaders at all levels of society, so we
need mothers who fear God and are prepared to live what they expect their
children to be. If the statement "the hand that rocks the cradle rules
the world" is true, we certainly need mothers who will set a good
example that their children and all who they influence might safely follow.
As the child's first teacher, the mother has the unique responsibility of
training and nurturing the child during its formative years and beyond. It
is during these early years that character is formed. Ellen White says that
"those who in later life reverence God and honor the right learned that
lesson before there was time for the world to stamp its image of sin upon
the soul" (Child Guidance, p.199). Only a God-fearing mother can give
the spiritual guidance and moral training that the child needs.
Not only must the mother put the child in touch with the
source of spiritual power, but she must assist in building strong moral
character; and character is formed over time. Therefore, this will require a
great amount of her time and effort. Adequate time and effort are needed to
teach the children self-denial and self-control. Too often children
"have been petted and indulged until they are spoiled for practical
life. The love of pleasure control their minds, and children are flattered
and indulged to their ruin" (Child Guidance, pp.184-185).
As we celebrate motherhood today, we have to admit that
the world is indebted to mothers. Nevertheless, mothers must realize that
they have a great responsibility to prepare citizens for life on this earth
and to influence the development of characters for the kingdom of heave.
Happy Mother's Day!
The "Shine for Jesus Children's Retreat" begins tonight
It's here! It's here! The first ever "Shine
for 
Jesus
Children's Retreat" begins tonight at 7:15 at the Living Faith Church.
Parents, you won't want your children to miss this great
"sunshine" week of action-packed singing, exciting stories, prizes
and surprises, and powerful witnessing. Bring your children to hear sermons
that will be preached by boys and girls like Chris Barr (Living Faith),
Tashan Mackey (Grant’s Town), Lashan Brown (Hillview), Richmond Maycock
(Final Message), and Kevin Rolle (Maranatha). For one week only, our
children will come together for an hour to learn about the exciting ways in
which they can be better boys and girls and shine for Jesus. The meetings
will be held every night (except Monday) at 7:15 at the Living Faith Church.
So, come on out, and encourage your child to bring a friend, a Bible and an
offering. See you there! . Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, Children's Ministries
Director
Bahamas Conference Weekend at Northern Caribbean University
On the weekend of April 23-25, 2004, here at
Northern Caribbean University, we kicked off our annual event, known as the
Bahamas Conference Weekend, under the theme 'Lo He Comes'.
As is the norm, we the students were fortunate to have
members from the Conference come down for this occasion, bringing envelopes
filled with "monetary goodies" and words of encouragement. This
year our guest from the conference consisted of only two such individuals:
President Dr. Leonard Johnson, and Treasurer Melvin Lewis.
We began with our usual vesper service headed by Dr.
Martin Hanna and the members of the Bahamian Bermudan Caymanian Club. The
weekend climaxed during the divine service when Dr. Johnson delivered a
power-packed sermon. It truly was a blessing for all those who attended.
Other key performers during the weekend were the persons
who delivered musical selections. These included Mr. Keson Tinker, piano
sensation Mr. Desmond Sturrup, and a newly formed Bahamian chorale named
GRACE. Remember us in your prayers as we will do the same. -Miguel
Taylor, Student
Philip Humes Goes to NCU Bro.
Philip Humes, an assistant in the audio-video area of the Communication
department will be at Northern Caribbean University for the next four to
five weeks. He has been awarded a few weeks in-service training in the area
of video editing. We wish him success in this intensive practical course. He
leaves for Jamaica on Monday, May 10. 2004.
Keep On The Firing Line This year
began with rather mild weather; cool, breezy days followed by balmy nights.
There was every indication that The Bahamas was to experience a mild summer
this year. The first Sunday in May was much the same, beginning as a mild,
cool day. That was soon to change. After the morning showers the sun came
out with a fury. Even though the officials from the Ministry of Youth,
Sports and Culture sprinkled Clifford Park before the parade, the sun soon
dried it. Now it was hot, dry and dusty. However, difficult conditions
reveal the strength of character.
The festivities began with cultural dances and music,
followed by a prayer from a youth of the Defence Force Rangers. The Minister
Of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Neville Wisdom officially
opened the rally with a short speech, congratulating the youth of the nation
for their attendance, and encouraged them to continue in positive
activities. Usually, the Pathfinders are asked to lead the parade, or bring
up the rear. This year, we were placed in the middle. It mattered not
though, as greatness will shine forth irrespective of the circumstances.
With approximately four hundred Master Guides,
Pathfinders, Adventurers and Eager Beavers, our parade provided one of the
most outstanding witnesses that there are still young people who stand for
God and are willing to live for Him.
They were all impressed at the discipline of our young
people. The onlookers marvelled at how the Adventurers and Eager Beavers
were able to march in such heat for so long, and applauded the Master Guides
for the precision marching. I was so impressed to hear the bystanders speak
in such high regard about our Adventist Youth. One comment I heard was 'They
are Adventists, you know. They are all about discipline'.
When we marched, we witnessed about what God had done and
is still doing in our lives. For the ninth consecutive year, our youth were
the largest group on the parade. Let us take pride in that but continue to
strive for larger numbers, more discipline and increasing spiritual depth.
Let us take the lead in spiritual matters, in positive things.
Our parade marshal, Master Guide Coordinator Ray
Jennings, was honoured Thursday evening by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and
Culture as the Youth Leader of the Year. Congratulations Mr. Jennings.
Congratulations to Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, under whose
watch the Youth Department continues to flourish. Special thanks to parade
marshal Ray Jennings, section leaders, Pathfinder Directors and other youth
leaders. To our Eager Beavers, Adventurers, Pathfinders and Master Guides,
to our splendid bands, congratulations and thank you. Once again, you did us
proud. Continue to march for God's cause.
Education Corner (This is a
weekly column sponsored by Bahamas Academy of S.D.A.) On
Sunday, May 2, 2004, the debating team, along with the Principal, Coach, and
the Education Director, traveled to Grand Bahama to compete in the Sixth
Annual National Debating Finals. The debate got underway around 3:30 p.m. in
the Convention Center of the beautiful Our Lucaya Hotel.
From start to finish (some 3½ hours later), the
competition was keen and each debater kept the audience on the edge of their
seats. The moot was: "Be It Resolved That Today's Music Perpetuates
Violence Among Our Youth". Bahamas Academy argued for the Proposition.
The team, consisting of 12th graders Mia Pintard, Brehon
Davis, and Pedro Rolle, did an excellent job in proposing their arguments,
giving evidence that many hours went into research and writing. Mia Pintard,
the first speaker for the Proposition, cited a study that had been done in
an effort to prove that rock music is dangerous. A scientist had 3 groups of
mice who were supposed to maneuver through a maze. He calculated that an
average time of 10 minutes was needed for the mice to get through the maze.
The first group of mice had no music played and took 10 minutes to complete.
The second group had classical music played and it took that group 20
minutes to complete. It was interesting to note that the third group had
rock music played, but the study could not be completed because the mice
killed each other as a result of the rock music that was played for 10
minutes each day!
Both Brehon Davis and Pedro Rolle cited quotations from
arrested juveniles in the United States who either raped women or were
violent in some other way and who admitted they did it because of the words
of certain songs they listened to!
The speeches were not only eloquently delivered, but were
stimulating in the content and gave much food for thought. At the end of the
competition, the team from Bahamas Academy placed second and received
trophies for being the runners-up in the national competition. Each debater
received a trophy, and Mia Pintard received a trophy for being the best
speaker from her team. We say congratulations to this team because they have
worked very hard to get to this point. As a matter of fact, this team has
been together since Grade 10 and was on its way to the finals two years ago,
but the debates were discontinued by the Ministry of Education. We also say
thank you to their coach, Mrs. Celestine Creighton, who has worked
untiringly with them and spent many long hours rehearsing and listening to
speeches. We are so proud of this team. We thank them for representing their
school well! Thanks to all who prayed and called the school on Monday to
find out the results.
(We apologize if you expected to see the debate on TV
live, but that was the information we were given initially. It was taped for
rebroadcast at a later date. As soon as we get the date and time, we will
let you know).
Bahamas Academy Calendar of Events:
!
May 10 - 14: GLAT exams
for Grades 3 and 6.
!
May 11: PTA Meeting at
7:00 p.m.
!
May 6: Elementary
Honours Convocation at 7:30 p.m.
!
May 16: Secondary
Honours Convocation at 6:00 p.m. at the H. D. Colburn Gym -Lynn C. Smith,
Principal
Festival of The Laity
All
delegates traveling to the Festival of The Laity in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are
reminded to ensure that their travel documents are current for traveling and
will not expire while abroad. Persons traveling via the United States are
required to have a US Visa to travel outside the US. Persons who do not have
the required visa are required to call Deena McPhee on May 10 or 11 to
register that they will be travelling director to Montego Bay. - Pastor T.
Basil Sturrup, Director of Personal Ministries
Healthy Living Seminar
The New
Providence Community Center, Soldier Road, will sponsor a Healthy Living
Seminar, May 15 - 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.
Those who would like to participate in the Cooking and
Taste Testing Classes on Tuesdays will need to register by calling Better
Living @323-5473, Healthy Life Style @ 322-8314 or
Bahamas Conference @341-4021/2.
- VBA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
- UTILIZE YOUR SKILLS!
- GIVE FINANCIALLY!
- Contributions for April are now due. Call M. E.
Knott or K. Bryan at 341-4021
Watch Adventist Spotlight on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. The
Bethany Church will be featured this week. Cat island Home-coming will be
aired on May 18, tune in.
Pre-marriage Seminar
The New
Englerston Church will host a pre-marriage seminar today beginning at 4:00
p.m. at the church on East Street.
Meeting for Education Secretaries
There
will be a meeting for all church Education Secretaries on Monday, May 10 at
6:30 P.M. at the Conference Office. -Dr. Cheryl R. Rolle, Education
Director
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 Parkgate cHURCH. The ministry
features next Saturday evening Philadelphia Church.
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
Health Announcement
!The
Health Ministries arm of the New Providence launches another assault on
the Kingdom of darkness. May 15 - 30, 2004. Come bring a friend, Be Healthy Be
Happy in Jesus.
!
Be Healthy Be Happy
Committee members are asked to meet this Tuesday evening at the conference
office at 6:00 p.m.
!
All health professionals
are requested to meet this Sunday at the living Faith church at 2:00 p.m. as
we seek to organize for service. This includes doctors, Nurses Nutritionist,
and all other health related areas.
!
Health Ministries
Directors are asked to meet with Pastor Scavella at the conference Office on
Monday, May10 at 7:30 to discuss further upcoming events.
SDA Adventist Men Executive Officers to Meet
The
executive members of the Adventist Men's Ministry are all requested to meet at
the Living Faith Church on Monday at 6:00 p.m. for a very important meeting.
Following at 7:30 all Adventist men leaders are asked to join as plans are
made for the up coming North Andros trip. The newly elected Chairperson, Elder
James Sands, will be in attendance.
Youth Announcements
!
P.E.T. Project
(Pathfinder Establishment Team) Help wanted Urgently. Masterguides are needed
to assist at Willimae Pratt Center for girls and the Simpson Penn Center for
boys. If you are interested in taking the Pathfinder Program to these schools,
contact the Youth Department (341-4021), Pastor Andrew Burrows or Brother
Barry Saunders (356-8367). We have already launched the programs at both
schools. Volunteer and be a part of these community based projects.
!
All Pathfinders and
Masterguides registered to travel to Osh-Kosh in August are reminded to make
their deposits to the Conference Office for their airfare..
!
Pathfinders and
Masterguides interested in traveling to Grand Bahama to participate in their
National Youth March with the Pathfinder Band are asked to submit their names
to the Youth Department right away.
!
Registration is now open
for Pathfinder/ Adventurer Camp to be held July 11th -18th. Cost of the camp
is $ 70 for Adventures, $80.00 for Pathfinders, and $100.00 non-Pathfinders. A
50% non-refundable registration fee is required. Registration closes on June
13th- Forms may be collected from the conference office or your Pathfinder/
Adventurer Director.
Softball Season Coming Soon
On Monday,
May 10th, a meeting will be held at the Hillview Church at 7:30
p.m. for all coaches. Each church is asked to send a representative to the
meeting. -Larry Miller
Colporteurs to Meet
All Colporteurs
(full-time and part-time) are reqeusted to meet at the Conference Office on
Sunday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m.
Communication Secretaries to Meet
On
Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. a meeting will be held for all
Communication Secretaries at the Conference Office.
Sun sets today at 7:43
Sun sets
next Sabbath at 7:47 p.m.
