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- Hundreds
Baptized in "Let God Speak" Campaign
In an impressive and Spirit-directed service detailing the conversion of
Saul of Tarsus, a chosen vessel
of God, hundreds of persons presented themselves for baptism. It all
happened on Sabbath, October 4, 2003, at the "Let God Speak Bible
Campaign" at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center following a dynamic
presentation by Evangelist Guy Nembhard. He explained that while traveling
to Damascus, Saul encountered Jesus in an unmistakable manner resulting in
a definite life-changing experience. Saul’s name was not only changed to
Paul, but he became a "chosen vessel of God" to bear the good
news of salvation to kings and the Gentiles. The evangelist further
pointed out that despite Paul's record as a murderer, God chose him, thus
clearly showing that God chooses whomsoever He wills. It was even more
remarkable to see family and friends walk to the altar in direct response
to the message of God. Expressions of joy were evident all around the
tents and especially at the Western Esplanade where the baptismal service
took place. It required 15 pastors, assisted by some 30 deacons, 30
deaconesses, numerous counters, writers and engineers to keep the service
going, though not without some kinks. Nonetheless, the joys of loved ones
baptized eclipsed the minor hitches. This
baptism was certainly one of the biggest single baptisms conducted within
the Conference. To God be glory!
Saturday evening which marked the beginning of the final week, also
proved exciting as eight-year-old Sameka Gay, who was baptized early that
day, showed up in her usher’s uniform and was observed manning her
station with pencils, cards and Bibles. Isn't this typical of new
believers, anxious and eager to do God's work? And this is not all the
good news, for many of the newly baptized members
pledged to work with at least one soul in preparation for today's baptism.
Excitement level is likely to exceed last week's. Apart from the baptisms,
all members and visitors will be treated to a gospel concert this evening
featuring Evangelist Guy Nembhard and family, as well as local ministers
of music. A special love offering will be collected.
Regrettably, the crusade ends tomorrow, but the spirit of
the "Let God Speak Campaign" will continue. We will not forget the
Joshua and Caleb approach to soul-winning as well as the straightforward
preaching of Evangelist Guy Nembhard. He will be missed!
Please note that a Special Prayer Service will be held for
all members on Wednesday evening, at 7:30 at the tent site. We will sing,
testify and pray to God. In addition, we will have the official formation of
two new churches. Don't miss this service. -Leonard A. Johnson, President,
B.C.
Pathfinder/Community Services and Health Ministries Exhibition
On Monday, October 13, 2003, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
our annual Pathfinder/Community Services and Health Ministries departments
will host their annual display at the R. M. Bailey playing field.
A large variety of vegetarian cuisine, native drinks and
desserts, arts and craft will be on display and available for sale from all 18
church booths. The day is set aside for family fun, so come, and enjoy the
treats, Pathfinders and Health ministries drills and performances.
Youth Ministries Council meeting for all youth leaders will
be held on Thursday evening, October 16, at the Berea Church at 7:00 o’clock.
- Pastor Andrew E. Burrows, Youth Director, BC
A Little Child Leads It was one
evening during the second week of the "Let God Speak" tent meetings
that an usher, Carlene Miller, met little Sameka Gay, who had come early and
sat beside the usher. The curiosity of this little eight-year-old girl was
satisfied when Mrs. Miller explained the points of doctrine on the Pledge card
that was given to persons preparing for baptism. After listening to the
explanation Mrs. Miller gave, Sameka said she wanted to be baptized. And when
the evangelist made a call for those who had decided to follow Jesus in
baptism, she went forward and was among the 228 persons baptized on Sabbath,
October 4, 2003. Sameka Gay stands out as a child who was saved to serve.
Following her baptism early that day, Sameka showed up for the evening service
at the tent dressed in her usher’s uniform. As she moved up and down the
aisles of her area under the tent distributing cards, pencils, and Bibles, one
could not help but notice the joy and satisfaction with which this new born
babe in Christ carried out her assignment. If this initial involvement in the
work of the Lord is any indication of her commitment and willingness to serve,
Sameka is going to be a powerful witness for the Lord as she grows in the
faith.
Although only a child, Sameka has demonstrated that
children who commit themselves to Jesus can serve in various capacities in the
evangelistic work of the church. We congratulate Sameka and all the children
who were baptized during this campaign. As she reflected on the sincerity of
this little child, Mrs. Miller said, "From the moment she walked into the
tent, I thought there was something special about her." Let us pray that
these children of the King will continue to grow in the knowledge of the
Scriptures and in favor with God and man.
WI Union Personal Ministries Director to Visit Pastor
Basil Reid, Personal Ministries Director of West Indies Union, will be
visiting the Bahamas during the month of October. A special joint service will
be held on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillview Church. All SDA
members are asked to attend as some exciting information will be shared with
the local field. - Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, PM Director
Women’s Ministries The
countdown is on for our Women’s retreat, titled "Ordinary women. .
.extraordinary Grace," to be held at the South Ocean Resort. This week is
the last chance to get your applications in. Space is limited, so act now.
This retreat promises to be the cure for the modern day women’s spirit. Come
and enjoy the fellowship. Dr. Janice Brown from Ethiopia will be our guest
presenter. See you there! -M. Knowles, WM Director
Education Corner (This weekly
column is sponsored by Bahamas Academy of S.D.A.) Homework.
Just the mention of the word brings different responses from different people.
Most parents like it when their children receive homework regularly because
they want their child to get reinforcement at home. However, some parents
dread homework for varied reasons. What is a parent's role in the matter of
homework? Let's explore this further.
First of all, parents must remember that homework is for
the child to complete, not the parent! Too much help with homework will
undermine your child's confidence. Besides, the child never gets the
reinforcement the homework was meant to provide if his mother does it for him.
Doing homework not only builds a sense of competence in the child, but it also
fosters good study habits, responsibility and independence. A parent's role is
not to teach, but to encourage, by providing a quiet study space, using
positive reinforcement, and checking to see that assignments have been
completed.
Here are several strategies to keep your home from turning
into a war zone each evening:
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Equip a forgetful child with a special notebook for
writing homework assignments.
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For a smaller child, check his books every day for
notes that the teacher might have written.
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Teach your child to pack his bag the night before and
leave it by the door.
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Designate a special place to do homework. Have all the
things your child needs within easy reach. The room should be quiet, well
lit, and not used as a major walkway for the rest of the family.
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In elementary school, it's a good idea to be in the
room while your child does his homework. Your presence encourages him to
stay on track and offers support.
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High school students don't like it when their parents
become the "homework policeman". Don't stand over them and
criticize their work. Be available for consultation and see that the
homework gets done.
How do you organize a disorganized child? These children
require a high degree of parental monitoring. Write out a homework schedule,
assigning times for work and play. Compile a homework kit to include pencils,
crayons, erasers, sharpeners, construction paper, glue, etc. so that all
materials are in one place. Keep this kit on the desk where homework is done.
Read with him and ask questions about the material. Make a big, color-coded
calendar to list projects, then put a big X through the project when it is
completed.
Sometimes we use honey to make the medicine go down. Why
not reward your child with a treat whenever homework is completed
satisfactorily!
- Bahamas Academy October Calendar:
Oct. 14: PTA meeting at 7:30
Oct. 16 and 17: School closed
Oct. 20 - 24: Regular classes
Oct. 27: Mid-term Break -Lynn C. Smith, Principal
Bahamas Conference Executive Committee to Meet The
Executive Committee of the Bahamas Conference of SDA will hold its next
meeting on Sunday morning, October 26, 2003, at 9 o’clock in the Board Room
at headquarters. All members are requested to attend. Administration
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 from 6:00 to
7:00 o’clock. The Francophone Church choir will be our special guests. Next
Sabbath’s guest choir will be from the Good News SDA Church.- J. Admiral
Forbes, Coordinator
- Bahamas Adventist Educators' Association
All Adventist Educators are asked to plan to attend the following
exciting upcoming events. You cannot afford to miss our:
Relaxing Boat Cruise - October 26, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (tentative
date)
Scrumptious Luncheon - December 14
Informative Seminar - February, 2004
Inspirational Excursion to NCU - May, 2004
-Adventist Educators' Association
(ASI) Adventist Services Industries Tickets
are now available at the Conference Office for the ASI Testimonial banquet
scheduled for November 29, 2003, at 4:30 p.m. at the Nassau Beach Hotel .
Additionally, all Adventist business persons are asked to contact Mrs.
Kimberly Bryan at 341-4021/2 urgently.
Health Ministries Join
the Fun Run/Walk this Sunday morning at 5:30 beginning at Goodman’s Bay.
Come and be blessed. There will be no breakfast this quarter. Bring your water
and comfortable walking gear. Be Healthy Be Happy T-shirts are available at
the tent tonight.
The Health Ministries Department of the Conference will be
featured this Monday evening on You and Your Money. Tune in for an exciting
program. Special guest will be Dr. Kevin Moss.
Attend a Vegetarian Cooking and Tasting Extravaganza
conducted by Marlene McKinney in the Victoria Room, at the British Colonial
Hilton, on Sunday, November 2, 2003, from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. Phone 364-0085 for
details.
The 2nd Annual Health Training Workshop will be held
November 9-13, 2003. Plan to attend and become a Certified Health Presenter
Youth Corner Pathfinders’
Community Services Exhibition will be held on Monday, October 13th,
from 10:00 a.m. to sun set at the R. M. Bailey Park.
Church League Volleyball begins on Saturday night, October
18, 2003.
Hurricane Shelters We are still in the
hurricane season, so it is important for us to do what is necessary to protect
life and property. In the event that your place of residence is destroyed or
badly damaged during a storm, you should be aware that the following are on
the official list of hurricane shelters for the Island of New Providence:
Bahamas Academy, Hillview Church, Good News Church, Living Faith Church.
Watch Adventist Spotlight Adventist
Spotlight is on Cable channel 12 every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Invite somebody to
watch with you!
Bahamas Conference of SDA Calendar of Events For the Reminder of the Year
Emphasis/Community Services Week
October - Week of Prayer Readings during the last quarter
4--Launching of Ingathering
13--Community Services /Health / Pathfinder Exhibition
15-19--West Indies Union Teachers' Retreat in Jamaica
17-19 National Women’s Ministry Retreat
20-23 Pastor Basil Reid visits - Joint on the 22nd Union’s
Personal Ministries Director
25 Day of the Pastor
30 - November 2 Marriage Seminar for couples Married less than ten years.
November - Publishing Emphasis/Pastors' Appreciation Month
5 - Year-End Meetings
6-8 -Parents Seminar sponsored by Bahamas Academy
9-13 Health Training Workshops
11-13--West Indies Union Year-end Committee Meetings will be held
14-16-Bible Conference
15-17--Workers’ Wellness Profile - Bahamas
17-18 -West Indies Union Family Ministries Certification training in Nassau
(Dr. Martinborough)
22--Children's Day
23--Children's Banquet (3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
December
6--Youth Sabbath
7--Bahamas Academy Elementary Division’s Christmas Program
10-13 - Adventist Haitian Convention Haitian Union President as guest
speaker
13--World Stewardship Day Special Offering for Haitian Union
14--Bahamas Academy, Secondary Division’s Christmas Program
18-January 3, 2004-- International Youth Congress in Thailand
Sun sets today at
6:50 p.m. Sun sets next Sabbath 6:42
at p.m.
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