"Be Cautious. Don't Panic. God is in Control"

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The updates on the COVID19/coronavirus continue to be disheartening. As believers approach this present menace to our world, we should look to the Lord and His word for directions and instructions. I am aware that this would seem counterproductive to some, but as believers, the BIBLE is our guide.  

We are reminded in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Most persons have put prayer on the back burner as we seek to find the answer to this troubling and vexing virus.  However, we cannot leave our dependence on God out of the equation or solution to the problem as nothing catches God by surprise.

After placing this situation before Him, and asking for guidance, we must follow/obey the best, valid information available. We need not panic, rush to judgment or spread vicious rumors. We pray that God will bless our Health officials with the knowledge to assist in the eradication of this danger.

The health authorities have provided us with information on the present situation and the best approach to combat this situation. Let us follow the guidelines from our Health authorities as best as possible. These include the following:

1.Wash hands thoroughly throughout the day for the duration of at least 20 seconds.
2.Remove yourself from persons showing signs or symptoms of the virus, i.e., constant coughing, sweating, runny nose, shortness of breath, and fevers.
3.If you are having signs similar to the above, please self-quarantine and consult your healthcare provider.
4.Avoid handshaking, embracing and brotherly/sisterly kisses during all services of the church.

5.Do not panic by listening to unsubstantiated information, primarily via social media.
6.We should also restrict non-essential travel during this time.
7.Pastors are encouraged to equip their Sanctuaries with hand sanitizers to be utilized by their membership and guests.

Individuals are asking questions such as ‘Should we close our churches’ and ‘Should we cancel all large gatherings, such as plans for the 2020 General Conference Session to be held in

Indianapolis, Indiana, June 25-July 4, 2020?” Please be assured that the General Conference’s executive officers and other officers and leaders are reviewing the situation and possible scenarios, and will continue to provide updates, which will be disseminated throughout the territories on the way forward.

In challenging times, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass,” Psalm 37:3-5.

As Seventh-day Adventist, we are in His hands in whatever difficulties we face as we carry out the great commission to proclaim Christ, His three angels’ messages, and His soon second coming.

Thank you for praying for God’s church and its work.
--Pastor Kenny Deveaux, President, South Bahamas Conference


ADMINISTRATION NOTES
Condolences
The administration of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists wishes to announce to its constituency that in the early morning hours of Monday March 9, 2020 Pastor Errol B. Tinker a former worker in this field passed away.  It is with deep sadness that we convey our condolences and reassure the remaining family members of our prayers and support.  Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. 
—Administration

South Bahamas Conference District Adjustments
Living Faith & Mayaguana - Pastor Raydel Anthony Duffis
La Senda De La Vida & San Salvador - Pastor Ludwing Garcia - Dominguez                   
– Administration

CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE
March 2020

Evangelistic Reaping Season for Pastors
13 – 15: Prayer Conference
14: Adventist World Radio Emphasis Sabbath- WORD SBC 88.3 FM
19: Elder’s Information Session
21: Global and Children Youth Day – iCare “Refugees, Homeless, Strangers”
(Local Church) Shelters, Prison, Nursing Homes
Detention Center, GYD March & Rally (PM Joint) Global Children’s Day
21 – 28: SPRING YOUTH EVANGELISM National
12 – 28: Youth Week of Prayer (Joint) Pastor Damien Chandler
22 – 27: Uchee Pines Wellness Seminar, Seale, Alabama
22: Communication Leaders Media Teams Training
28: Adventist Education Emphasis
28: Sabbath- Special Offering, Bahamas Academy
28-29: CHAM Leaders Certification Workshops
30: 8 Weeks to Wellness Graduation


ASI /ADVENTIST LAYMEN’S SERVICES AND INDUSTRIES
Fair and Health Expo
Join us for a day of fun and excitement as you participate in health screenings (pressure, cholesterol, sugar, dental, vision etc.), Children's health expo, prayer & counseling, food demos and sampling and more! It is all free! Register to participate (be a vendor) in our Business Expo. This event will be held on Sunday March 29, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Windsor Park. Save the date and plan to be there! Call 557-2176, 556-8492 or 428-4251 for more details. 
–Ms. Shandera Smith, Executive Secretary, ASI


COMMUNITY SERVICES
All Community Services leaders are asked to attend a very important meeting at 9:00a.m on March 15, 2020 at the Maranatha Church. 
–Pastor Valentino Campbell, Community Services Coordinator


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Leadership Certification Level Two
The certification will be held on Saturday March 28 – Sunday 29, 2020 at the Message of Hope Church at 4:30p.m and 8:00a.m respectively. All participants from Level One are asked to mark this date as we seek to be Certified, as outlined by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
--Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Upcoming Workshop
March 22, 2020 @10a.m - Venue: TBA
Topics Include: ‘Newswriting for the Church’ – Presenter: Ms. Opal Roach and ‘Photography with a Purpose’
Register before Wednesday March 18th at: sbcadventistnews@gmail.com.
–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Medical Missionary Evangelism
All persons interested in becoming Medical Missionaries please contact Nathelyn LaCroix at 323-0610 or WhatsApp 826-8486. 
–Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director


MINISTERIAL DEPARTMENT
Elders Information Session
On Thursday March 19, 2020 at 7:00p.m. the South Bahamas Conference will host its first Elders Information Session at the Grant’s Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, Wellington Street. At this meeting, important information will be shared that will be extremely beneficial to your churches. All Elders are asked to attend. We are preparing to accommodate Family Island Elders via the internet. 
–Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, Ministerial Secretary


PRAYER MINISTRIES
The first Sunday in every month will be early morning prayer meeting. Here are the scheduled meetings:
Hillview - April 5, 2020
Philadelphia - May 3, 2020
Bethel - June 7, 2020
Peardale - July 5, 2020

Prayer Conference
March 13-15, 2020
Theme: "Touching Heaven - Changing Earth" Learning to Pray with More Power.
Schedule of Meetings:
Friday 7:00p.m - 8:30p.m
Sabbath 11: 00a.m & 4:00 p.m/ Sunday 8:00a.m-11:00a.m.
Guest presenter: Pavel Goia, Editor, Ministry Magazine. 
–Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Prayer Ministries Coordinator


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
First Quarter (January - March)
“WE” (Women Empowerment) – Q1 Forecast:
March, 2020
20-22    WM “God’s Daughters Embrace” San Salvador Mission Retreat & Zone 1 - Community Outreach.

Thanks!
Sincere thanks are extended to our speaker Sis. Beverley Williams for her ministry during our Women Saved by Grace Series.
A heartfelt thanks is extended to the South Bahamas Conference Administration, Music, Communication, and Health Departments, Pastor Jamaal Franklyn and the scores of persons who supported and attended. Special thanks are extended to the Pastor, Officers, Members and Women’s Ministries Leader and her team from the New Providence Church for their collaboration and partnership. Having been to the well and exchanging our sometimes dry, thirsty and broken service, we are now spiritually awakened and empowered to do more in service for God.

San Salvador Retreat
There will be a meeting for all ladies traveling to San Salvador at the SBC office on Sunday, March 15 at 9:45 a.m. Please ensure that you are there to receive your tickets and receive updates for the weekend.

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request, Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.
--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director

YOUTH TIDBITS
Today - Public Campus Ministry Convention for all College, University, Grade 12 Students & Professors at the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church. Friday, March 13 at 7:30p.m. Snack provided! Sabbath, March 14 at 11:00a.m & 5:30p.m. Lunch provided! Guest Speakers: Pr. Hiram Ruiz, PCM Director, IAD and Pr. Kent Price, PCM Director, ATCU. A day filled with music, drama, testimonies, fellowship and inspiration!

Global Youth and Children's Day
iCARE - Refugees, Homeless, Strangers - March 21, 2020
Morning: Community Outreach Impact by local churches.
Afternoon: Global Youth & Children's Day March - at 4:00p.m! The route is as follows: Beginning at the Grant’s Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, Wellington Street heading West North onto Baillou Hill Road Continuing north to Cumberland Street, West onto Marlborough Street Continuing to West Bay Street; Ending at Arawak Cay Concert Grounds. Concert: 5:00p.m - Arawak Cay Concert Grounds.

Spring Youth Evangelism Presents
Lost & Found: #Samson Delilah Story
A Joint Evangelistic Series for Adventurers, Pathfinders, Youth and Adults.
Venue: Living Faith Church
Sunday, March 22, 2020 - Sabbath, March 28, 2020. Weekly- 7:00p.m nightly! Except Thursdays!
International Youth Evangelist: Pastor Damien Chandler! Food will be on sale nightly!

Ignite Youth Retreat 2020 
Theme: WHY? Tradition vs. Religion
Venue: New Providence Community Center
Date: May 29-30, 2020
IGNITE registration is now open.
Early Bird: March 1-April 30 = $50.00
Regular: May 1-15 = $65.00
Late: May 16- 22 = $70.00
Registration fee includes dry fit t-shirt, bag, book, pen, SWAG, snack and meals!
Make payments to your local AY leader or the SBC treasury department.

Bible Connection Dates 2020 
April 18- Local Church Finals
May 9- Conference Finals
Participants requirements:
Age: 16-30
Status: Single (unmarried)
Qualifications: Enrolled in University/College
*Not have a degree.
Prizes:
1st Place- $1000.00 Scholarship
2nd Place- $500.00 Scholarship
3rd Place- $250.00 Scholarship


VEGAN COOKING CLASS
The Berea, Breath of Life and Good News Churches are encouraging you to Veganize Your Meals. Learn to cook 3 course wholesome meals on Sunday March 15, 2020 at the Breath of Life Church at 2:00p.m. A small donation is required. Call 636-0330 for more information or contact the Health Ministry’s leaders at any of these churches.


CAT ISLAND HOMECOMING
All those interested in attending the 31st Cat Island Homecoming over the Easter weekend, April 10 &11, are asked to contact Henry Moncur @ 392-0589 or  Norman Seymour @ 457-0067 for further information.


ETERNAL PAGES 
Radio Ministry
"A forum for further thought on the weekly Sabbath School Lesson".  Tune into WORD SBC 88.3  FM by Radio or Online on the TUNE IN radio app (WORD SBC 88.3FM) and experience this innovative, interactive and in-depth exchange on Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m.; Fridays @ 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Sabbaths @ 6:30 a.m.  Program Host:  Elder Roger Rolle, AMR Music Ministry. Contact us @ telephone 698-3461 or amr.musicministry@gmail.com.

Eternal Pages Concert
On Sunday March 29, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. Allison Rolle, 'Chosen You', Roger Mike and Friends of AMR Music Ministry will be featured in Concert at the Good News Seventh-Day Adventist Church, highlighting songs composed/arranged by Roger Mike, as inspired by  the 2020 - 1st Quarter's Sabbath School Study - DANIEL!


                  Please Email Weekly Announcements
                            To: sbclogos@gmail.com 
                       Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs 
                             By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.
                                   CALL 341-4021
                       SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
                       March 21, 2020 at 7:21p.m.