Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Online Logos November 15 - 2003
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We Believe in the Spirit of Prophecy
Today we are giving special emphasis to the "spirit of prophecy" in our churches throughout the Conference. Therefore, in keeping with this emphasis, we present the following statement that expresses confidence in the "spirit of prophecy."
 
In Revelation 12, John the Revelator identifies the church in the last days as the ‘remnant … which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ’ (verse 17). We believe that in this brief prophetic picture the Revelator is describing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which not only keeps ‘the commandments of God’ but has ‘the testimony of Jesus Christ,’ which is ‘the spirit of prophecy’ (Revelation 19: 10).

In the Life and ministry of Ellen G. White (1827 – 1915), we see God’s promise fulfilled to provide the remnant church with the ‘spirit of prophecy.’ Although Ellen G. White did not claim the title ‘prophet,’ we believe she did the work of a prophet, and more. She said: ‘My commission embraces the work of a prophet, but it does not end there’ (Selected Messages, Book One, p 36); ‘If others call me by that name [prophetess], I have no controversy with them’ (ibid., p 34; ‘My work includes much more than the name signifies. I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages for His people’ (ibid., p 36).

Ellen G. White’s burden was to direct attention to the Holy Scriptures. She wrote: ‘Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and woman to the greater light’ (Review and Herald, January 20, 1903). She believed that although her writings are a ‘lesser light,’ they are light, and that the source of this light is God.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that ‘in His word God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience’ (The Great Controversy, p 7). We consider the biblical canon closed. However, we also believe, as did Ellen G. White’s contemporaries, that her writings carry divine authority, both for godly living and for doctrine. Therefore, we recommend:

1) That as a church we seek the power of the Holy Spirit to apply to our lives more fully the inspired counsel contained in the writings of Ellen G. White, and

2) That we make increased efforts to publish and circulate these writings throughout the world.

This is an official statement that was voted by the General Conference session in Utrecht, the Netherlands, June 30, 1995. Every member should give attention to this statement and follow the recommendations. God has provided adequate counsel for His people. We just need to read, accept and follow the instructions He has given.

We praise the Lord for what Dr. Martin Hanna shared with us last night. Let us make a special effort to attend the remaining sessions of the Bible Conference at the Hillview Church. .-Editor

Eighth Annual Bible Conference  The eighth annual Bible Conference began last night at the Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Martin Hanna, a Bahamian pastor, is our special guest speaker for this weekend. He is the director of the Ellen G. White Seventh-day Adventist  Research Center at Northern Caribbean University.  See Bible Conference Page

We continue these informative and inspiring meetings today at 3:30 and tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at Hillview Church.

This Bible Conference is a must for all members and visitors. This is an excellent opportunity for each one of us to get a clearer understanding of the role and function of the Holy Spirit and the Gift of Prophecy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Come and worship. Come and interact. Come and be "Full of the Holy Spirit." Pastor A. Burrows, Coordinator for S.O.P.

 

Let God Speak’ Crusade Choir members are requested to attend a special choir rehearsal in black and white uniform on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church in preparation for the service at 7:00 p.m. - M. Knowles

Ingathering Campaign 2003  Once again we are privileged to participate in this year's exiting Ingathering Campaign. Every year around this time, the public looks forward to the opportunity of partnering with us for the common goal of reaching the less fortunate through the ministries of our churches.

All members are encouraged to get involved and share in the wonderful experiences of telling others what your church is doing to prepare others for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Breath of Life Church Dedication  The Breath of Life Church dedication will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2003, at 1:30 p.m. You are cordially invited to join us in this special service to the glory of God. Pastor Ducnombe, the officers and members solicit your prayers and support.  Church 

 

 

Charter Service into Long Island for Steven’s SDA Church Dedication  The charter of a Bahamasair Dash 8 aircraft has been arranged to take persons who will be attending the dedication of the Steven’s Church, Long Island, on Sunday, November 23, 2003.

The flight leaves Nassau, at 8:30 a.m. and arrives Deadman’s Cay at 9:25 a.m. It departs Deadman’s Cay at 5:00 pm. and arrives in Nassau at 5:55 p.m.

Persons interested in attending the dedication should contact Mary-Ellen Knott at the Conference office right away. All funds are due by Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2003, on a first come basis.

 

Education Corner Bahamas Academy’s Parenting Seminar  How can I be a better parent in the twenty-first century? How can I help my child get the most out of his learning experience at school? What can I do to help my child develop good decision-making skills? These questions and many more were addressed at the Parenting Seminar sponsored by Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day Adventists. The seminar, which was held November 6 - 8, 2003, was hosted at Wyndham Resorts and Crystal Palace.

The opening night saw the Pathfinder Band and Bahamas Academy School Choir performing to a very receptive audience. Principal Mrs. Lynn Smith, in addressing the parents, contrasted parenting in the 1950's, ‘60's, ‘70's, ‘80's and ‘90's with that of 2003. She stated that in the early years children had no television or technological gadgets yet they read, increased their intellect and were easily managed. In today's society, she claimed, parents have to compete with DvD's, computers and a host of other inventions.

Pastor Eric D. Clarke, Executive Secretary of the Bahamas Conference of S.D.A., in his opening remarks lauded the school's administrators for these bold initiative in planning and implementing a seminar of this nature.

The Hon. Glennys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, who spoke on behalf of The Hon.- Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, encouraged the parents to look seriously at their roles in this changing Bahamian society and to ensure that they provide the foundation for active learning in the school and community.

On Friday night, Ms. Bridgette Bell and Ms. Carlisa Wright provided beautiful music. Mrs. Adelma Penn, Dietician with the Ministry of Health demonstrated the relationship between nutrition and learning. She declared that if students are not properly fed, their cognitive development is hampered resulting in learning difficulties. She stressed the importance of children eating breakfast in the mornings. Parents were given handouts on the new Dietary Guidelines for the Bahamas.

Dr. Ava Thompson, Clinical Psychologist addressed the topic "Promoting Child Development To Build A Better Bahamas." She intimated that parents should not leave their children's development up to chance but should have a definite plan to ensure that their children become worthwhile and productive citizens of The Bahamas.

On Sabbath morning an inspirational song service was conducted by the teachers (Secondary Division) and, the group "Lifted Voices" provided heavenly music. Pastor Barrington Brennen in his devotional thought encouraged the parents to maintain good relationships with their children because that is God's desire for families.

Mr. Delthony Gordon, Computer Teacher (Secondary Division), presented the topic "Parenting: To Train, Teach or Educate?" He looked at parenting from the child's perspective and encouraged parents to nurture their children as children will not see a father in God, except they see God in their fathers.

Mr. Vincente Roberts, Clinical Psychologist, discussed the topic "Conflict Resolution/Anger Management". He began his presentation by allowing the parents to scream and scream they did, albeit internally. Children, he said, need to learn how to solve problems even when they're angry. He emphasized that parents and children need to learn how to express their feelings in a non-threatening manner so that respect is reciprocated and problems can be solved amicably.

Mrs. Mary Brennen (Retired Teacher), Dr. Ruby Major (Retired Teacher), and Mrs. Pansy Brown (Guidance Counselor) shared in the respective topics:
 
Discipline - Infancy to age seven
Discipline - Ages eight to nine
Discipline - Ages thirteen to eighteen

The parents received a wealth of information on how to discipline their children effectively and to distinguish between punishment and discipline. The parents actively participated in these sessions and willingly received the plethora of ideas on how to discipline their children in love.

After a healthy lunch, Pastor Peter Joseph, Family Life Educator, presented the topic "Effective Parenting in Times of Loss". Parents learned how to differentiate between normal and abnormal grief and saw how forgiveness, grace, patience, understanding and love can help address the needs of the grief stricken child or adult.

Mrs. Miriam Knowles, the final presenter on Sabbath afternoon, enthusiastically dealt with the topic "Parental Literacy". She sensitized the parents to the importance of literacy in the Bahamian society and the need to have our children become intelligent and aware of their potential. She encouraged the parents to read to their children daily which will help in developing a literate nation. -Chole Weir, Teacher, BA

Children's Ministries Weekend  Our children will be featured in our churches on Sabbath, November 22. Support them as they share how, with hearts full of Jesus' love, they have served our community in a variety of ways. Other exciting events during this weekend: Children's Concert Sabbath, November 22, at 3:30 p.m. at Hillview Church. You don't want to miss this! An offering will be taken to assist the CM departments.

 

Fun Day  All children (aged 5-13) must not miss "Let's Play", a fabulous fun day for children to be held on Bahamas Academy school grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23. Please see your Children's Ministries leader for ticket information. -Cheryl Rolle -C M Director

 

Publishing Ministry  During this month, November we are giving special attention to LITERATURE EVANGELISM in our Conference. Everyone who has signed up to do Literature evangelism, part-time or full-time, is invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia SDA Church, Elizabeth Estates, south of the basketball court. Also, plan to attend a Publishing Institute Rally Jan. 22 to 24, 2004, at the Philadelphia Church.

Cat Island Crusade Needs Volunteers  A special campaign will be conducted in Cat Island between Nov. 21 and December 7, 2003. Volunteers are needed to assist in Cat island for a week or a week-end. Housing is being provided. If interested, please call Pastor or Sis. Duncombe at 322-5510 or 341-4021. "Come over into Cat Island and Help us." - Pastor J. Duncombe

 

Lay Crusade Begins Tonight at Grant’s Town Church  Lay preachers Elvardo Perpall and Tyrone Paul invite you to attend a lay evangelistic effort, "Path to Life" crusade, at the Grant’s Town Church beginning tonight, Nov. 15, at y:15 and continuing. No meetings will be held on Monday and Thursday nights.

 

Youth Corner  Volleyball Games tonight: Men – Bethany vs Living Faith; Maranatha vs Bahamas Academy.; Bethany vs Maranatha. Women– Maranatha vs Breath of Life; Bahamas Academy vs Living Faith; Hillview vs Maranatha Church and Bahamas Academy vs Breath of Life. All teams, fees of $150 are due tonight, Nov. 15, 2003.

!Masterguides training classes: All persons interested in training as Masterguides are asked to register at the Youth department right away. Classes begin on Sunday, Nov. 23rd. Classes in the Eastern region will be held at Living Faith Church. Classes in the Western region will be held at the Hillview Church.

  1. "Empowering our Youth Through Knowledge" Bible Bowl will be held Dec. 6 at the Berea Church. Categories are church doctrines, church history/heritage and Bible prophecies.

  2. Pathfinders Talent Extravaganza will be held Nov. 29th, at the Centre for the Performing Arts, Shirley Street. Plan to be there. You can’t afford to miss it. For further details contact Lester Stuart @362-2334.

  3. Pathfinders Honours Fair will be held tomorrow at the Hillview Church beginning at 1:00 p.m. Pathfinders/Materguies conference-wide have the opportunity to earn as many honours as they can within three hours.

 

Hour of Music at Mary Ingraham Home  Senior citizens are reminded that a weekly hour of gospel music is available at the Mary Ingraham Home in Emerald Gardens every Sabbath afternoon at 4:30 to 5:30. The Living Faith SDA Church choir will be our special guests. Next Sabbath’s guest choir will be from the Maranatha SDA Church.- J. Admiral Forbes, Coordinator

 

Philadelphia to Host Rally The Philadelphia SDA Church is planning a big RALLY and concert for Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Church in Elizabeth Estates. Come and bring a generous offering.

(ASI) Adventist Services Industries The ASI Testimonial banquet scheduled for November 29, 2003, has been postponed. Watch for future details.

 

Pre-Thanksgiving Boat Cruise  Bro. Randy Forbes invites you to attend a pre-thanksgiving boat cruise organized by his band Brothers Love, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, on board the Calypso I. Boat departs from Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at 7:30 p.m. sharp! Healthy Bahamian dishes will be on sale. For tickets call Randy at 364-0774 or 393-6000.

 

Sun sets today at 5:23 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath 5:20 at p.m.

 

 

 

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