FROM  THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

As I embrace with you the benediction and blessings of another Sabbath day, I am constrained to declare with the great songwriter, D.A.R. Aufrance:  “Far from all care we hail the Sabbath morning;  o’er waving fields and from the distant sea; swell notes of praise in harmony resounding, as all creation turns her heart to thee.”  As you ponder these beautiful words, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the administration of the North Bahamas Mission, to salute you, and to wish you God’s riches blessings, as you worship him today in Spirit and in truth.

For those of us who were privileged to attend our recent Officers Departmental Directors Advisory that was conducted by the West Indies Union Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica during August 7-10, we can share no less a testimony than to declare that we have, indeed, had a mountaintop experience.

Some of the goals of the Advisory were:

·         To enhance Spiritual growth
·         Build relationship
·         Define the role of the departments
·         Design programmes and projects
·         Define guidelines and procedures
·         Foster integration of the departments

The conclave commenced with a very inspiring devotion.  The speaker for this special exercise was Dr. W.R. McMillan, Field Secretary of West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventists.  This, of course, was followed by the keynote address, which was delivered by our spiritual leader and president of West Indies Union Conference, Dr. Patrick L. Allen.

As was anticipated, the main features during the Advisory were the departmental breakout sessions, which allowed for discussion, interactions and sharing of relevant information.  The high points of each day’s activities, however, were the timely and heart-searching messages that were presented to us by various officers, as well as departmental directors from throughout the Union’s territory, including our own Pastor Michael A. Smith, Executive Secretary of North Bahamas Mission, who delivered a dynamic,  powerful and Spirit-filled message.

As we return to our various fields of service and labor, we are expected to “share the joy,” and with even greater fervor and enthusiasm, to unite with you, as together we seek to “tell the world.”

·         Tell the World is more than a programme.
·         It is more than a slogan.
·         It is a vision of what the church, by God’s grace, will be and do in fulfilling the command of Jesus to preach the gospel to every creature.
·         Tell the World is an individual and corporate commitment to live out the key values of quality of life, unity and growth in God’s family.

     Can we even begin to comprehend what God might do through his people in reaping earth’s harvest?  Imagine a global community living out the life of Christ in selfless service, a praying people empowered by His Spirit, nurtured on God’s word, and united in mission, fulfilling their destiny as God’s ambassadors to a waiting world.

     May the Spirit of God touch us once again, and unite us anew for a finished work.

HAVE A BLESSED AND SPIRIT-FILLED SABBATH!!
 

Youth Ministries

A special thank you is extended to everyone, especially our young people, who supported the recent Youth Crusade, Sports Day and Summer Splash 2006.  The programs were successful and we give God all the glory.

Congratulations to the Freeport Church who emerged the winner for the Sports Day and the Shiloh Church for winning the Bible Bowl.

UPCOMING EVENTS
v      The first Pathfinder March and Rally will be on Sabbath, September 16, 2006.

Executive Committee Meeting

All members of the North Bahamas Mission Executive Committee are reminded of their meeting which will be conducted tomorrow morning beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Medical Assistance

• Please be advised that Sis. Elaine Rolle will be undergoing Spine Surgery on September 28, 2006 at Microspine in Defuniak Springs.  A Luncheon will be held on August 31, 2006 at Workers House to assist with her medical expenses, any assistance you can render will be appreciated.  Tickets for this event will be on sale for $10.00.  For further information, please contact Bro. Charles Rolle at 348-3444/5 or 646-9945. Please continue to pray for the family as they go through this transition.
   
• The Eight Mile Rock Community Services Department will be conducting a Fish Fry on Sunday, August 27, 2006 at the Basil Neymour Park, Coral Road beginning at 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are on sale for $7.00.

                   Don’t Miss It! Don’t Miss It! 

• Sunrise Adventist Men invites you to an XCITING night of FISH FRY & FESTIVAL, JAM #2 – Come N’ enjoy Delicious food, lively games, slammin music and very live performances.  Drinks and Potato Bread will also be on sale. 

The Date is September 2, 2006
The time is 8:00 p.m. – until
The place is Old Hawksbill High School Grounds

Please contact Elder Brian Rolle or Bro. Chuck Pratt for your tickets as soon as possible.

         All proceeds will aid the church building fund.

 Congratulations

Congratulation is extended to Sis. Egia Hutcheson who graduated, last week with her Bachelors Degree, from Northern Caribbean University.  We wish for you a very bright future.

Pastor Archbold Dies

[August 16, 2006]  Pastor Bender L. Archbold, former president of the Inter-American Division from 1970-1980, passed away early Saturday morning, August 6.   He was 98.   In the Bahamas, we remember  him for his inspiring preaching and great enthusiasm.  He certainly enjoyed the Bahamas and he always blessed us.  

"His lost is not just the loss of another good and valiant worker, but a void has been created that we feel keenly," said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America.

"Elder Archbold is considered to be the father of the new Inter-American Division," Pastor Leito went on to say. "He set the vision and the direction we have been following. His leadership of understanding, caring, and guiding the church has been of great help to us."

A memorial service will be held at the Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka, Florida, Sabbath, Aug. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

A special memorial service will be held at the Inter-American Division Headquarters, Sep. 9. in the Bender L. Archbold Auditorium.

Happy Sabbath!