PDF FORMAT   WORDPERFECT FORMAT

 

From The Office of The President

Once again, I embrace the opportunity to utilize this column to bring to the attention of the members of The Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists certain activities that occurred in The Bahamas during the week. I think it is also important that members are informed regarding the pastoral changes recently voted by the Conference Executive Committee.

 

Banquet for Pastor and Mrs. Roach

The past weekend will long be remembered for numerous reasons. Among them is the weakening and diversion of Tropical Storm Jeanne. This allowed 450 persons to attend a gala banquet in honor of Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Olga Roach, at The Radisson Hotel. On this occasion marking 50 years of committed service in education and the gospel ministry, pastors, former students, friends, colleagues, families and the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, all spoke favorably of Pastor and Mrs. Roach and their impact upon the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the wider community of The Bahamas. Of course, it was done in keeping with the admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5.12-13: "to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work."

 

Relief to Hurricane Victims

On Monday, September 20, 2004, as a token of its desire to bring relief to those adversely affected in some way during Hurricane Frances, the local ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) committee, represented by its chairman, Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, Conference officers and members presented Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Hon. James Smith, Minister of State for Finance and chairman of The National Relief Fund.

Also, on Saturday, September 11, 2004, concerned members of the Real Harvest Seventh-day Adventist Church went to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Supported by other Adventists in Nassau and the local chapter of Adventist Services and Industries (ASI), this group of caring Bahamians provided meals for scores of Grand Bahamians who needed their help. In addition, water, clothing and bedding were provided at a cost of over Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00).

  Pastor Sturrup, local ADRA Chairman, traveled to San Salvador on Wednesday, September 23, 2004, to present water, clothing and a financial contribution to assist with the restoration effort. At the same time, relief efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Frances. Three trailers of food, clothing and water are being shipped from the U.S.A. and will help to meet the needs in San Salvador, Cat Island and Grand Bahama. Additionally, 600 cases of water and about 100 personal packages of tarpaulin are expected in New Providence shortly, to augment and further equip the local ADRA team in its ongoing attempt to assist local communities.

Executive Committee Decisions

The following pastoral changes voted at an earlier committee meeting were reconfirmed on Thursday, September 23, 2004, by The Executive Committee. These transfers will become effective no later than January 1, 2005. Pastor Peter Joseph will assume responsibility for the Hillview Church, in addition to Real Harvest. Dr. Toote will assume responsibility for the New Providence and Philadelphia churches. Pastor E. D. Clarke will take charge of The Maranatha district, and Dr. H. A. Roach will go to Good News. Pastor J. Duncombe was assigned to Gambier in addition to Breath of Life. Pastor W. Adderley has Inagua in addition to Adelaide and The Johnson Road Company. Pastor M. Smith will have Grant’s Town in addition to Johnson Park, and Pastor Mark Ewen be responsible for South and North Andros. Dr. Carey is being relieved of the Philadelphia Church to assist with Family Islands’ travels and administrative responsibilities. Next week, we will share the decisions related to the school.

 

Congratulations

Congratulations to William Young of Living Faith for well-thought-out remarks at The National Literacy recognition service on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at The Radisson Beach Hotel. We must also congratulate Mrs. Audrey Wright and The Meistersingers who will present three musical specials at The 2005 General Conference Sessions. (Remember to support the Special Relief Effort offering today in your church. Assistance will be given to Haiti).

Education Corner

(This is a weekly column sponsored by Bahamas Academy of S.D.A.)

Even though Hurricane Frances delayed the opening of school by one week, we are thankful to God that the damage to the school campus was minimal (many trees were blown down and there was water damage to the classrooms in the gym). We were happy, however, to have almost nine hundred students enter our doors on Monday, September 13, 2004 for the 2004-2005 school year.

In addition to our new students, we are delighted to welcome several new teachers to our campus: Rory Major, PE teacher for Grades 1 - 6; Tamara Burrows, Grade 2 teacher; Etosha Rahming, Mathematics teacher for Grades 9 & 10; Lavonda Smith, English Language for Grades 7 & 8; John Garcia, Spanish teacher for Grades 7 - 12; Larene Reynolds, Business teacher for Grades 10 - 12; and Gordon Blake, Graphical Communications and Auto Mechanics teacher for Grades 10 - 12. We are also pleased to announce that the plans put in place during the past two years between the school and the Conference Department of Education to recruit graduates of Bahamas Academy who complete teacher education programs have come to fruition this year. Graduates joining our staff this year are Tamara Burrows, Etosha Rahming, and Rory Major. They have already demonstrated their expertise and enthusiasm to contribute to the quality training that Bahamas Academy is known for.

In addition to new teachers and students, we are further delighted to announce that several new subjects will be added to the school's program this year. In the elementary division, Spanish, Music and Art & Craft will be a part of the weekly schedule, and in the secondary division, Technical Drawing, Graphical Communication, and Auto Mechanics will be a part of their weekly schedule. These are subjects we have wanted to offer for a long time and we are happy to be able to do so at this time.

We have only been back in school for one week, but already we have some good news to share with you. Of special note are the BJC and BGCSE passes for 2004. Bahamas Academy is listed among the schools operating above the national mean grade of D. We will give you a further breakdown of these passes in a future edition of Education Corner. But we want to extend heartiest congratulations to the teachers who spend countless hours preparing in and outside of class to ensure that students cover the syllabus and complete course work assignments. The Technical Cadet Program held its opening ceremony last week Thursday night and Bahamas Academy had eleven students represented-the second highest group from the New Providence schools: Michael Burrows (Centreville), Ronette Creighton (Good News), Terrance Davis, Chantel Deane, Charmaine Deane, Kenny Deveaux (Grant’s Town), Christy Evans (Bethany), Jermaine Leadon, Deoroop Louis, Jacquila Newton, and Lataj Tinker (Centreville). Entry into this program is by exam only. We say congratulations to these students; continue to make us proud!

September Calendar:

!September 28: Back to School Night at 7:30 p.m. DON'T MISS!

Pastor says Thanks

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE! It has indeed been our pleasure to serve the Adventist Community for the past five decades or 50 years.

It was not an easy task, but with the Lord’s guidance and the prayers of the saints we have accomplished much. We are pleased to know that through our work we have touched so many lives in a positive way. This was revealed through the many tributes given to us throughout the weekend celebration. Your kind words and gifts are truly appreciated, and for those we thank-you. We thank all of our family, friends and well-wishers for their esteemed presence during the golden anniversary celebrations.

We seek your prayers, as we continue to labor in the Lords’ vineyard. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! -Pastor and Sis. Hugh A. Roach and Family

Making Hearts Glad In Freeport Members of the Real Harvest Church under the direction of Thomas and Gwen Hanna (who own the boat KCT) organized a trip to Freeport in response to the need of Hurricane Frances to help our members there. We supplied food, water and clothing. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Freeport.-Real Harvest

 

Urgent Meeting for Meistersingers Tonight All members of Meistersingers are requested to attend an urgent meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Centreville Church. -A Wright, President, Meistersingers

 

Deacon and Deaconess Day at Living Faith Living Faith Church is hosting Deacon and Deaconess Day today, September 25^th. All deacons and deaconesses not serving today at your churches are invited to celebrate with them.

 

Nadia Kings says Thanks It is with a heart of joy that I say thanks. It is my earnest prayer that the Lord will bless all who have supported my concert by way of finance, prayer, presence and kind words of encouragement. A special thanks to M.C. Ray Jennings, may God’s richest blessings be yours always. For those persons who asked for my phone number it is 011528262618548.

Youth Ministries The Pathfinder Parade and the Induction Service for the Simpson Penn and Willimae Pratt Center, which was scheduled for Sunday, September 19 has been postponed until Sunday, November 7^th. Pathfinder supplies are now available at the Conference.

 

See "BLESSED" in Concert "BLESSED" continues its ministry presenting "The Reason Why We Sing," on October 2^nd, 2004, at 8:30 p.m. at the Dundas Civic Centre. The entire SDA community is invited. Contact any of the ensemble members, or the Centre directly for information.-Antoin Bowe

 

Super Sabbath Celebrations today at Grant’s Town The Grant’s Town Church is hosting its annual Super Sabbath celebrations today, Sept. 25. All are invited to this birthday celebration of the world.

 

Grant’s Town Radio Program Grant’s Town Church invites you to listen to ZNS 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each Sabbath. It is evangelistic in nature presenting The Steps To Christ crusade series. The public is invited to tune in to this Biblical series. Pastor Eric D. Clarke is the speaker for the Grant’s Town Presents Radio Program.

 

An Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The ministry of music continues today at the Mary Ingraham home from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Good News 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

Harmonious Praise Concert Harmonious Praise presents "Due Season", a debut single CD release concert with a strong evangelistic thrust to challenge and change your life. This concert will be held on Saturday, November 20^th at the BFM Center. Contact members for ticket information.

 

New Providence SDA Church Singles Conference - November 8th - 14th, 2004 at the New Providence SDA Church

 

Adventist Book Centre

The Adventist Book and Nutrition Centre invites you to come by and shop for all your health food needs. A full-time colporteur is now available to come to your home or office. Should you need this service please call 341-2429. Additionally, delicious, hot vegetarian lunches are available daily - just another service we provide to meet your needs. Ask about the Gold Card. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABNC Manager

 

Business Logos The Communications department is looking into the possibility of printing a Business edition of the Logos to accommodate the many "secular" announcements and ads that are printed in the Sabbath edition. Let us have your views on the need for the Business Logos. Please call Dr. Carey at 341-4021 or 324-0470.

Men’s Ministries

Adventist Men’s Ministry

!Adventist Men’s Ministry Weekend will be held December 9 to 12 at the Nassau Beach Hotel. Two exciting concerts will be conducted by the Men’s Choir at Government House and at one of our churches to be announced. Further details are forth coming about our speakers.

!The Adventist Men will be traveling to the Island of Inagua to participate in the erection of the church building. All persons planning on traveling with the group are asked to make a $50 deposit at the Conference Office. We anticipate your cooperation.

Health Ministries Activities

!Bahamas Conference and Better Living Center Team will again hold the annual Health Extravaganza - October 28, 2004 at the Marathon Mall. Focus this year will be on (Diabetes). Plan now to attend

!Be Healthy, Be Happy Club members are all invited to begin group walking and exercise again at 6 o'clock this Sunday morning at R. M. Bailey. Don't meet me there, beat me there.

Children’s Ministries Leaders are asked to meet on Monday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the Conference Office. Dr. C. Rolle, Dir.

Sun sets today at 7:05 p.m.

Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:57 p.m.