Ms. Owens in her address, reinforced the importance of catering to the "whole child," ensuring that needs are met by taking into consideration their physical, emotional, social and intellectual capacities. She mentioned that in light of such programs, emphasis must be placed on learning and helping youngsters to enjoy successful experiences which can only be accomplished when devoted teachers and parents are in partnership so as to ensure that boys and girls are adequately prepared for future life.

Ms. Ovens strongly stressed the point of creating an environment that is conducive to learning and where there is a great mutual respect between parents and teachers. Teachers in the early childhood development programs were admonished to be supportive in their efforts and to display a positive attitude always.

Pastor Keith Albury appealed for 100% support of church members, the government and the community at large. He further stated that we ought to keep in mind that the main purpose of such a project is to continue God’s work.

This most prestigious event was well-organized and timely. Shortly after remarks were made and inspired songs rendered by Ms. Bridgette Bell and Kendisha Hanna of grade 4 Burrows, beautiful and well decorated shovels were used for the actual groundbreaking done by Mrs. Iris Pinder, Pastor Keith Albury and the Honorable Veronica Owens as the audience looked on. This was indeed a thrilling moment which was immediately followed by the benediction. Tasty delicacies were served by the cafeteria staff, headed by Mrs. Brenda Scott, matron. - Celeste Creighton

The highlights of the excursion were the number of destinations visited, which focused on " Getting Online with Jesus: Tapping into God's DSL (Divine Service and Love)." The itinerary included overlays at the following attractions: "Hope for a Hopeless World", "Back to the Future", "The S Word", 'The Trial of Puff Daddy", "Verifying User Name and Password", "The Freaks come Out At Night " and the list goes on. Throughout the journey, the co-pilot constantly reminded us that in order to get online we must be hooked up with the right connection. The flight attendants always had something good for the passengers. Their meal consisted of books and music (breakfast), Preaching and teaching of the Word of God (dinner) and dramas (supper).

They endorse the statement that variety is the spice of life. because the passenger kept asking for a second and third serving. As we prepared for landing the co-pilot invited the passengers to a special prayer party, he led us to experience a closer walk with the pilot (Jesus) as we prayed, and interceded on each other's behalf. At the end of the party nine (9) passengers decided to "tap into God's DSL". As we landed each passenger departed with renewed spirits and a song in our heart (Jesus on the main Line.). The Abaco Youth Federation, under the leadership of Mr. Kevin Sterling, would like to express sincere appreciation and thanks to all those who supported in our youth crusade. Special thanks to President K.D. Albury, whose presence was more than welcomed. We look forward to your continued support and prayer, as we spread the advent message to the entire world in our 'neck of the woods'. - Kevin Sterling, Federation President

A native of Salem, Oregon, Wade graduated from McNary High School. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in theology, with a second major in biblical languages, at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. Following his graduation in 1973, he served as a pastoral intern in Wisconsin for nine months, then attended the Theological Seminary at Andrews University for two years. After receiving his M.Div. degree in 1976, Wade returned to pastoral work in Wisconsin, where he was ordained in 1979.

In 1984, he was appointed assistant editor (later associate editor) of Ministry magazine and assistant secretary of the Ministerial Association for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. While at the Ministerial Association, he was the chief contributor to In His Steps, a baptismal manual, and was responsible for editing and production of Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . . From 1990 to 1994, Wade was ministerial secretary, communication director, and global mission coordinator for the Southeast Asia Union Mission (of the Far Eastern Division) in Singapore.

Pastor Wade has published several books, including Jesus for a New Millennium, The Orion Conspiracy, Secrets of the New Age, and Savage Future, as well as numerous articles in Adventist and other Christian periodicals. Since 1998, he has also written a weekly e-mail devotional, "A Fresh Look at Jesus." He speaks at camp meetings, weekend retreats, and church revivals on a variety of topics: "What Is Jesus Waiting For?" (prophecy/end times series); "Let's Talk About Jesus" (fresh insights from the gospels); "Journey to Moriah" (revival or week of prayer series based on the story of Abraham); "The God Who Is There" (series for seekers based on personal experiences and stories); and "New Age Seminar" (background and significance of the New Age movement).

However, from November 8 to 10, Pastor Wade will focus on fundamentals doctrines of our church. All who attend the Conference are certain to be inspired and informed. In fact, it would be a great thing to invite friends, co-workers and neighbours to attend as well.

During his visit to the Bahamas he will be accompanied by his wife and companion, Debby.

Once again the Conference administration requests your support.

As teachers and parents, we are always encouraging our children to read. We have understood for a long time that reading is important and that a child who cannot read will be handicapped for life.

In this age of video games, Internet chat-rooms, and MTV/BET, we sometimes feel that we have to bribe children to read. So, when we do see our children with a book in front of them, are we so happy just to see the book that we fail to make sure the book they’re reading is wholesome reading? We also need to teach our children how to discriminate between what is wholesome reading and what is not.

I have been amazed for over a year now at the fascination with the Harry Potter series of books. According to the Washington Post, it is "the biggest phenomenon in publishing history." Amazon.com, the bookseller specializing in Internet sales, recently received unprecedented orders for 400,000 copies of the latest volume entitled Harry Potter and the Chalise of Fire. A spokesperson for Amazon.com said: "This is the biggest launch of any single product in our history."

What makes these books so fascinating to children (and adults)? The hero, Harry Potter, is a small witch doctor who has great supernatural powers. In each book, the main theme is magic! These books incite children to become interested in the occult sciences, and they present magic in the most favorable light, and make it highly desirable.

As Seventh-day Adventists, do we want our children becoming interested in the occult, paganism, magic, and spiritism? Should we, as parents and teachers, become extremely concerned about this? After all, children seem to be highly interested in these books and will stay up all night just to finish one. Remember the TV sitcom "Bewitched" when we were kids? Wasn’t the premise behind Samantha’s powers all about magic? Was it a harmless funny show?

The Adventist Review recently published a supplement to their on-line edition titled "Sorcery In a Stone: A Closer Look." It summarizes an exclusive excerpt from the book Harry Potter and the Bible by Richard Abanes. What it says is truly alarming. The books are like a declaration of open war that had been previously hidden. It is as if the demons had taken to the streets to do their seductive work equipped with driver’s licences and official identity cards.

For Adventists, it is as if the penetrating announcement in The Great Controversy, page 516, were being fulfilled before our very eyes: "Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not surely die.’ ‘In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil’. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time."

Don’t panic if your child has all the books in the series. Now is a good time to lead him/her in a discussion/Bible study on the dangers of the occult and how this ties into the Great Controversy. Happy discussion! -Lynn C. Smith, Principal

Registration for this seminar continues at the Conference Office, ext. 247, and at the Better Living Health Centre, East Street. Cost of seminar will cover training manual, certification, one session of vegetarian cuisine cooking lessons and a Sabbath meal. Deadline for registration is October 31, 2002.