Living the Transformed Life

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"Transformation  is a  deliberate  practice,   day in and day out, until you realize who it is you want to be, and that you  already were all along." By Nicolas Cole

I read these words from Nicolas Cole with great interest as our theme within the Inter-American division for the next sixteen months is Lord Transform Me. The question I would seek to answer today is: How does transformation take place?

Cole is right. Transformation is always the result of an intentional or deliberate action. We are admonished in scripture to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service (or our highest form of worship).  God is willing to transform us, but we must allow Him to do it. The method He uses to initiate the change is an invitation for us to present ourselves to Him just as a lamb is led by the shepherd.

‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will’. Romans 12:2 (NIV). This Bible text is familiar to many Christians and often used as the stimulus to begin each day.

We know that when something is transformed there will be a noticeable change in form, nature and appearance. The Apostle Paul affirms this in 2 Corinthians 5:17 when he penned these words, “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, and behold all things are become new.”

The transformation spoken about in this passage of scripture will only happen when we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. However, it is important for us to be aware that change is a process. For some persons the change is faster than others. We must also be aware that spiritual power to change comes only when we receive Divine help.

As we seek our heavenly Father daily, He will renew our minds; and this is what enables us to live the life that brings Him glory. As Jesus inspires us our desire to actively participate in the mission of the church will be one of the things we are passionate about. What a beautiful thought. As God transforms me (and you), He makes us co-laborers with Him in the business of winning souls.

Lavern A. Sturrup, Communication/Children & Adolescent Ministries Director.


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

 

REAPING CAMPAIGN:   For the past two weeks the South Bahamas Conference has illuminated this region with the glorious light of the Three Angels’ Message. Today, as we experience the magnificent climax to these meetings, we thank God for the great things He has done and will do in the lives of His people.

We wish to thank all of our guest Evangelists for allowing God to use them to impart the gospel to our people throughout our nation’s capital and the family of islands. A special thank you is also extended to the Pastors and membership for being co-laborers in the Master’s service. God has already done a wonderful thing in the South Bahamas Conference, let us pray for a rich harvest of souls.

With this in mind we would like to encourage all of our members to help nurture and conserve those who will be baptized.  We must not lose one of these precious souls as they are extremely important to God and should be to us as well.  Administration


CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

2 - 9: LTM Reaping Campaigns IAD
9: LTM Baptismal Day
9 - 16: Christian Home and Family Week
9: Christian Marriage Day (Emphasizes Marriage)
10: PARL Conclave
10: YWOP Preacher’s Training - SBC Office Board Room
15 – 17: ACLASS- 10 Hours Senior Youth Course, Adventurer & Pathfinder Staff Training Course (Bahamas Academy)
17 - 26: LTM Educational Trip (Israel)
16: Christian Home Day (Emphasizes Parenting)
17: GEMS Reloaded
21 - 24: Screening for 8 Weeks to Wellness Programme
23: Adventist Youth, Club Ministries Consecration Service, ACLASS Graduation
(Joint AY Service) Good News Seventh-day Adventist Church
25: 8 Weeks to Wellness Starts
28: SBC Executive Committee Meeting

Administration.


ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE

2019 Reaping Campaigns in ATCU:  The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, February 10 – 15, 2019 is: Blessing on Husbands.

 

ASI
  • ADVENTIST LAYMEN SERVICES & INDUSTRIES (ASI) GENERAL MEETING: This very important event will take place on Sunday February 17, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Hillview Church. All are invited and welcomed!
  • ASI FAIR: This event will take place on Sunday March 3, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Listen out for the venue.
  • IAD - ASI CONVENTION:  The ASI Convention for the Inter-American Division will take place on August 21 - 24, 2019 At the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Save the date and plan to be there.  Shandera Smith, A.S.I. 

 

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT JOB OPENING

The Communication Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking to employ an individual trained in television and radio production, skilled in video and audio editing and graphic design. Interested persons should submit your resume and two (2) reference letters at our Church Headquarters on Tonique Williams Darling Highway. Copies of Academic Degrees, Diplomas, a Video CV and any other Certifications are also required.   The said person should be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian who is a dependable team player, organized and able to multitask. For enquires and submissions please email: lsturrup@sbcadventist.com. 


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

 8 WEEKS TO WELLNESS 2019

Having challenges with elevated pressure, glucose, and cholesterol? Are you financially challenged?  Are you overweight, having sleep issues, experiencing fatigue, heart conditions and other ailments?  Well, you would want to be a part of 8 WEEKS TO WELLNESS 2019 under the theme ‘I Choose to Live Healthy’. 

Join us for eight fun-filled weeks of exercise, cooking classes, health lectures, health devotional nuggets and small group coaching sessions. Starting February 25 at 6p.m until April 29th at the former Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road. 

All participants must be pre-screened.  Pre-screening dates are:

  • Thursday February 21, 4 p.m – 7 p.m
  • Sunday February 24, 3 p.m - 5 p.m

During the program, sessions will be held once per week on Mondays. Prevention is the key. This is a good way to enhance your overall well-being.

For further information on registration, contact us at 323-0610, 341-4021 or on WhatsApp at 826-8486.

Coaches for 8 Weeks to Wellness 2019:  All persons interested in volunteering as a coach for this year’s program, are asked to contact Sister Nathelyn LaCroix at 242- 323-0610 /WhatsApp 242-826-8486 or by email at: lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com.

Training is scheduled for: Tuesday, February 12 and 19, 2019 at Conference Headquarters at 5.45pm.

Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Director.

MEDICAL MISSIONARY TRAINING:  All persons interested in enrolling in the Medical Missionary training programme online or abroad can contact Nathelyn LaCroix at 323-0610.  Email at lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com  for additional information.

ADVENTIST HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (AHPA):  Prayer Breakfast:   All health professionals, health leaders, those with a passion for health and the wider membership are invited to a re-consecration, prayer breakfast on February 17, 2019 at 7a.m at Philadelphia church. Shanderea Smith, AHPA, President.


HEALTH SUMMIT HELD TO PROMOTE ‘HEALING OF THE NATIONS’    

The director of the Health Ministries department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists attended the 2019 Health Summit held in Albuquerque, New Mexico under the theme ‘Healing of the Nations’. The meetings, hosted by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists based the summit on Revelation 22:2, “And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

There were professional development training courses, including Foundations of Faith - Community Nursing, Emotional and Spiritual - Care Provider; along with instruction on Cancer Prevention and Recovery, Wellness Training, Massage Therapy, Stress & Mental Health, Urban Missions and Coaching.

Emphasis was placed on healing for those who are administering health services as practitioners, health professionals, Pastors, administrators so that the needs of the persons they minister to would be met effectively.

Elder Ted Wilson, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who was in attendance said, “We want our world leaders to understand that if you are a promoter of comprehensive Health Ministry or medical missionary work, you yourself have to see the benefits personally. That will be the greatest testimony to make sure the health message is promoted.”

He shared details about the Church’s Global Leadership Summit which is being held in Jamaica this year.  The purpose of the summit is to focus on reaching people of the cities as well as the rural areas. The leaders will undergo biometric screenings at the beginning of the summit and will be led to be mindful of their diet and physical activity in order to reflect positive changes not only at the end of the event, but as a part of their lifestyles.

Elder Wilson also empowered attendees to see themselves as leaders in their respective fields when it comes to sharing God’s health plan. Representing ATCU at the summit were Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix and Mr. Osmond LaCroix from the South Bahamas Conference and Health Director Annie Price and L. Gay from the Cayman Islands Conference.   Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Director.

 

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

First Quarter (January - March)

“WE” (Women Empowerment) - at a glance:

February, 2019

  • 10 - Grant’s Town Women’s Ministries, “Bloom Where You Are Planted”- Afternoon Soiree, at Church Fellowship Hall at 3: 00p.m
  • 15 - New Providence Women’s Ministries, “Lord, Please Order Our Steps” – Vesper Service, at New Providence Church at 7: 00p.m
  • 17 - “Lord Transform The Woman In Me”, Prayer Breakfast, at Johnson Park Fellowship Hall - 8:00a.m
  • 24 - Philadelphia Women’s Ministries, “Fill My Cup” - Afternoon Tea, at Philadelphia Church Fellowship Hall at 4:00p.m.
  • 24 - GEMS Reloaded - Venue and Time to be announced.

March, 2019

  •  2 – International Women’s Day of Prayer
  • 30 - “God in Shoes” - Zone 1 Community Outreach, Geriatric Hospital at 4:00p.m

 DONATION REQUEST:  Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals  Kindly donate these devotionals to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.  Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director.


MEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

This year the “Sons of the Kingdom", Florida Conference Men's Ministries Convention invites all men ages 13+, to join them on March 8-10, 2019 at Camp Kalaqua, Florida. Enjoy spectacular speakers, uplifting music, exceptional food and wonderful fellowship at this retreat. Speakers are: John Earnhardt, Minnetonka Labrador and Newton King.  All attendees must register at www.ultracamp.com/info

MEN’S MEET & GREET:  On Sunday, March 31, 2019 all men are invited to a breakfast Meet and Greet. Venue: TBA  Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator.


BAHAMAS ACADEMY ENTRANCE EXAM

The entrance exam for the 2019-2020 school year is scheduled for Thursday February 21st, 2019 from 9 a.m.-12noon at Bahamas Academy located on Marshall Road. Application forms can be obtained from the school’s website: bahamasacdemy.org or at the school.    Juliette Sands, Principal.


THANK YOU

A special thank you is extended to the Pastors, officers and members of the South Bahamas Conference for your love and care showed to us during the recent passing of our dear Mrs. Cinderella Kelly. Your calls, prayers, visits, food items, and presence were all greatly appreciated.  Love,   The Kelly Family. 

 

YOUTH TIDBITS

Upcoming Events

PUBLIC CAMPUS MINISTRIES:  Public Campus Ministry Youth Congress Panama 2019:  The Inter-American Division PCM Youth Congress will be July 18-22, 2019 in Panama. Expected delegates will be college/university students and professors from across the conference. Tentative total cost per delegate is $312.00 USD + airfare. The criteria for selection will be published soon.

BIBLE CONNECTION:  Kindly assist us in promoting among adventurers, pathfinders and senior youth to prepare for this experience.

It would be good for a Youth Elder to be responsible to assist in this preparation.   Please see below the poster and union guidelines for the Bible Connection 2019.  Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director.

THE SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE PATHFINDER CONCERT BAND presents ‘The Sound of Music.’ February 10, 2019 @7p.m at the Galaxy Ballroom of the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road.  Tickets will be on sale from all band members in the coming week. Adults: $15 Children: $5 Patrick Wilson Jr., Assistant Youth Director.

 

BURIAL SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING

The Adventist Burial society will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday February 11, 2019 at 6:30p.m at the Grants Town Church Annex. Members are encouraged to become financial and persons wishing to join the society are invited to attend.  R. Henry Moncur.


CONTACT US

Please Email Weekly Announcements by Tuesday @ 1:00 pm to: logos@sbcadventist.com

Conference website
http://southbahamasconference.org
Telephone: 242-341-4021

 

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
February 16, 2019 AT 6:04 P.M.