The benefits of integrating faith and lifestyle into a total experience with Christ are too numerous to note. According to Dr. Jonathan Kuntaraf, the simple aspect of sharing with, and being supportive of, others will result in longer life, stronger families and happier churches. Additionally, an integrated life and faith will result in a transformed church, where all departments, councils and boards focus on healing, caring and the church’s reason for being soul-winning.

The plenary sessions also dealt with witnessing in our increasingly secular society where many simply will not respond to traditional modes of doing evangelism. What is needed is a paradigm shift where we form bridges which take people from where they are to where they ought to be. The components of this "bridge" are elements of thematic evangelism which may include health, family or stress management which have proven to be of benefit when dealing with secularly mended people. The apostle Paul underscores this principle when he said: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time, that you may know how to answer everyman.:" (Col. 4:5,6).

Crucial to the whole concept of Integrated Evangelism is training of the Laity. Accordingly, centers throughout New Providence, Family Islands and Northern Region have been identified where members, based on their interest and gifts may be trained for service. This plan, also referred to as "Go One Million" will provide every member who is trained with resource material to be used in a number of evangelistic projects, such as Revelation Seminars, Bible Study, Media, Internet, Friendship, Bible School, Health, Publishing, Small Group, Intercessory Prayer and Public Evangelism.

Instructors for the "Go One Million" training school have been identified among our pastors, who will develop curricula, lead out in training and prepare members for graduation on Sunday, December 1, 2002, the official launch date for the implementation of "Go One Million" Projects in our Conference. Therefore, we exhort every member to engage in both the concept of Integrated Evangelism and the Go One Million program.-M. D. Toote, Director, Lay Activities

South Andros witnessed an awesome and monumental event on the weekend of September 21 to 22, 2002. Pastor K. D. Albury, president of the Bahamas Conference, officially commissioned the Driggs Hill SDA Company.

At the Friday night service, Pastor Albury utilized the occasion to update the district on critical and current issues concerning the Adventist Church. His sermon was dynamic and encouraging.

Sabbath morning was issued in with black, ominous clouds. This however, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people. Gathering from Mars Bay to Driggs Hill, Adventists, as well as ministers and members of other denominations congregated at the former primary school building in Driggs Hill.

Sis. Elaine Forbes ably conducted Sabbath School and Elder Amos Flowers taught a thought-provoking and stimulating lesson. Even non-members were motivated to participate.

Visiting ministers were given the opportunity to address the church, including a vivacious and dramatic speech by Felice Carey (first female Bishop). This was followed by an emotional and spirit-filled commissioning service by the president. At this time, the officers, led by the first elder, Amos Flowers and the members were officially accepted as a company. The unveiling of the name, "The Blessed Hope" was accompanied by thunderous applause. To complete this event, Pastor Albury delivered an unforgettable message . In contrast to some views that were presented, he gave a detailed and Bible-based exposition on "God’s true church." The day was capped by a tantalizing fellowship meal and an informative A.Y.

We the members of the newly organized The Blessed Hope SDA Company solicit the prayerful support of our sister churches.- Communications Dept., South Andros District

Community Services/Pathfinder Expo 2002 The Community Services/Pathfinder Expo will be held Sunday, October 13, 2002, at 11 a.m. at the R. M. Bailey Park.

Listen-up Bahamas In recognition of National Heroes Day this month’s Listen-Up will be featuring the heroes of Alexis Flowers, Shane Smith, Renaldo Campbell and Denick Butler. It’s not what you think!! It’s gonna be a surprise! This show is extra special so have some tissue nearby when you watch this one because you will be touched. Set your clock and don’t miss it Sunday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. ZNS TV 13 and Cable 11.

The Triple ‘C’ Family Plan Have you registered as yet and become a member of the Triple ‘C’ Family Plan? A. If you were to die do you have means for your funeral? B. If you become jobless, do you have a plan of recovery? C. If you are overtaken with some major financial crisis is your church in a position to help you? The Triple ‘C’ Family Plan is a step in the right direction so that you can say YES to these questions. Church pastors, treasurers, stewardship personal have the information for you. It's not too late, sign up today! Remember the principles of the Program are based on the model of the Early Church (Acts 2 - 4).

Part (a) will be implemented immediately. We anticipate that (b) and (c) will come on stream once part (a) is well established. Triple ‘C’: Concern, Care, Comfort.

The acceptance and implementation of the Triple ‘C’ Family Plan is projected to bring untold blessings to the church family and to the spread of the gospel. Remember we need 1,000 persons throughout the Conference signed up before the end of the year in order for the program to be fully implemented. Let us seek together with this Plan the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to pray for and sign up for the Triple ‘C’ Family Plan.

"WE ARE A FAMILY-TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT." -M. A. Smith, Stewardship Director

Centreville S DA Church Concludes Revival Meetings It was with great enthusiasm, commitment, dedication and unswerving efforts that the laymen of the Centreville S D A Church accepted the challenge to conduct a three-week revival meeting at the church site. Charged with the confidence that God would be with us in accomplishing what He inspires and designs, the church launched her attack on the devil's operations August 25 to September 15, 2002.

Two brave and courageous spirit-filled laymen, in the persons of Elder Yvon Cherenfant and Elder Howard Knowles, accepted the challenge to lead the army under the theme "LIFT HIM UP" As these stalwart evangelists lifted the gospel banner of the unadulterated living word of God. We reaffirmed that there is no limit to how God can use us, once we are willing. The church experienced a spiritual revival, a new awakening, a deeper and clearer understanding of the gospel, and God's desire for total obedience. Transformations of life-styles were experienced through the blood of Jesus. Without doubt, we have grasped the excitement and thrill that come from serving with commitment, as we anticipate God's great tomorrow.

The activities climaxed with a baptism on Sabbath, September 14, 2002, at the divine service, in which six precious and blood bought souls were baptized. Heaven and earth rejoiced that His word did not "return void". A victory concert organized by the Music Department was held on Sunday, September 15, at 7:00 p m.

Our Pastor, Dr Michael D Toote, challenged us to action, and allowed us the opportunity to witness with such magnitude. He unflinchingly supported every aspect of the revival meetings, through his spiritual guidance.

As we anticipate God's great return, we are determined to let the blessed hope buoy our spirits up until we see Jesus face to face. -Pansy Hamilton Brown, Public Relations

Berea’s Service of Thanksgiving At 4 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2002, the congregation at the Berea SDA Church was called to worship by head elder Wellington Davis who announced the opening song "Praise to The Lord, The Almighty". Pastor R. I. Hanna gave the opening prayer and Sister Sada Miller, the Church Clerk, welcomed everyone including the Honorable John G. F. Carey, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, who gave greetings), Bishop W. M. Johnson of the Church of God, President K. D. Albury, Conference Administrators and Pastors.

Pastor W. T. Adderley, host pastor of Berea, gave the reason for the service of Thanksgiving which was to commission and unveil the thermostats of the newly installed Air-conditioning system, to the honor and glory of God. Uplifting heavenly music was provided by the Grant’s Town Choir, the Meistersingers and the Berea Sanctuary Choir. Our president, Pastor K. D. Albury preached a powerful message entitled "I Love My Church" taken from 1 Chronicles. Following the dedicatory prayer, the Litany for the unveiling was led by Pastor Adderley and the nine thermostats were unveiled by eighteen members and special guests. P. R., Berea Church

As Adventist, we know that Sis. White admonishes that the mother is the child's first and primary teacher and as such should remain in the home to continue this training. However, we also know that many families find it necessary for the mother to work outside the home and must place the young child in the care of others. It was out of this need to provide a Christian/Adventist environment for our children at this tender age that the Early Learning Center was born.

Historically in The Bahamas, the business of providing daycare facilities has been 'big business'. Most of these daycare centers have recently 'evolved' into pre-schools where the emphasis has moved from taking care of the physical needs of children to the educational needs of children.

Parents need to be aware that every center labeled as a "pre-school" may not necessarily be providing the type of education that caters to the developmental stages of the young child. Mom loves it when Johnny comes home supposedly 'reading' from a nursery rhyme book and she 'shows off' Johnny's ability to 'read' to the rest of the family. What mommy does not realize is that Johnny will remember anything he hears said repeatedly. What she does not realize, though, is that Johnny's brain is not ready at three years of age to decode words phonetically and therefore cannot recognize or identify the same words in another book.

The philosophy of the Early Learning Center places an emphasis on learning experiences as opposed to gaining mastery in certain subjects. The areas of spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive development are addressed, and they are integrated into the total learning experience of the child. Children at this age also learn best through their senses-what they see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. The activities done at the Center allow children to experience "life", while doing so at his/her level of readiness. The children are allowed to mature at their own rate, and are not compared with other children.

We feel our Early Learning Center is doing a wonderful job of preparing the children for K5 and entrance into the regular program of the primary division. If you have 2 - 4 year-olds, give the Early Learning Center an opportunity to provide the proper foundation your child needs in a relaxed, uninhibited, and Christian environment. It is not too late to register your child. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us and we will be happy to talk with you.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Good Samaritan Elderly Visited This past Sunday, September 29th was Grandparents day and the Women's Ministry department of the Maranatha Church visited the Good Samaritan Home for the elderly. The women, aided by donations from members of the Maranatha Church provided a sumptuous meal for the residents of the Home. Grandparents day was started by a housewife in the U.S.A. and its main purpose is to focus on the elderly in our society who are so often neglected. Let us pray for, visit and learn from the precious pearls in our Church and our society. -W M Secretary

Kemp’s Bay SDA Concert Tonight Kemp’s Bay SDA Church will host a gospel concert in aid of the development of the work in Kemp’s Bay tonight, October 5th, at the H.D.Colburn Gym, Bahamas Academy, on Wulff Road at 8:00 p.m. Family Island-style musical renditions, recitals and more will be included. Guest emcees : Mr. Picewell Forbes and Mr. Wycliffe Miller, both of ZNS. Come and show your support for South Andros. -C. Miller

Living Faith to Host Youth Day Under the theme "The Anointing Makes the Difference," the youth of the Living Faith Church are celebrating Youth Day today, October 5. A four-week self improvement series will climax in drama, testimonies, inspiration and good music from the youth choir under the direction of Sis. Janice Gibson. Our dynamic and vibrant Evangelist Anastacia Ferguson will be our youth speaker. Come join us and be blessed and witness how the Anointing Makes the Difference.- A. Musgrove

SDA Burial Society The regular monthly meeting of the SDA Burial Society will not be held during the month of October. Members may become financial at our regular meeting in November. -H. Moncur

Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre cordially invites you to visit the ABC regularly. A wide variety of books, Bibles and an assortment of vegetarian products are available during regular business hours Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays 9 a.m. to noon. Sunday’s Special – 10% off on all large canned goods. In-house specials still going on. Sabbath School supplies for the 4^th quarter are ready for collection. Call us at 341-2429 -Kenny V. A. Deveaux, Manager, ABC

‘Adventist Spotlight’ "Adventist Spotlight," which is seen on Cable Bahamas, Channel 12, from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, features this week Pastor L. A. Johnson at the Grant’s Town Church during its Super Sabbath. A rebroadcast will be aired on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

All churches are asked to submit the names of their 10 Masterguides delegates to the West Indies Union Camporee 2003 on or before the end of October to the Conference office.

Youth Forum continues Friday, October 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Young people are especially invited.

Hillview to Host Volleyball Tournament The Hillview Church’s Volleyball team extends an invitation to all SDA churches to come and join Hillview in a mixed volleyball team tournament on Monday, October 14, 2002. Churches are asked to submit their team to the youth department at 341-4021, ext. 245. -Ray Jennings.

Health Extravaganza 2002 The 5^th Annual Health Extravaganza for Better Living will be held at the Mall at Marathon Thursday, October 10^th, from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Come and get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screened. Test-taste delicious vegetarian dishes and drinks. Participate in aerobics and relax with a soothing chair massage after watching the cooking and hydrotherapy demonstrations. You will never be the same! Don’t forget to tune in at 8 p.m. on Monday, October 7^th, to "You and Your Money" on ZNS T.V. 11

Vegetarian Cooking and Tasting Extravaganza will be held October 6, 2002, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the British Colonial Hilton’s Governor’s Ballroom B. Learn how to eat more and weigh less, learn how to live without ailments and sickness, learn how to cook nutritious vegetarian foods. Call Marlene McKinney at #364-0085

Concert In Aid of Medical Expenses On October 26, 2002, at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road, a gospel concert in aid of the medical expenses of Stephen Brown (a 14-year-old brain tumour patient) will be held. The family solicits your support. Call Bernadette Brown at 324-4441 and Betty Culmer at 324-5226 for tickets.

Introduction to Creole An introduction to Creole class will commence at the Francophone Church, Balfour Avenue, on Monday, October 7, 2002. For information call 362-1031.- Pastor Edward St. Fleur

Oakwood Alumni to Meet There will be a meeting on Sunday, October 6, at 5 p.m. at the Conference Office for all graduates of Oakwood College