Nurses Appreciation Month: Caring for the Caregivers

Click here to download for print distribution.

“He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14.

The advent of this COVID19 global pandemic has created an increased awareness as to the priceless value of nurses. As a nurse leader, it is a sheer delight to see the heroic and selfless performance of the nurses from all sectors of our healthcare system. When the call went out for healthcare workers to serve on the frontline, nurses immediately rose to the challenge. The nurses came forward to do what we do best ---caring for others.

This act of selfless caring, especially in the face of extreme circumstances such as that which is presently being experienced globally, can often exact an immense physical, psychosocial, and emotional toll on our dedicated caregivers.

Additionally, research studies have indicated that in the process of providing care for others, nurses often neglect to adequately care for their own needs.  Consequently, policymakers, healthcare institutions, organizations, churches, business establishments, and community groups can assist in caring for these wonderful gems by implementing various initiatives to demonstrate care and appreciation for their invaluable contribution.

Indeed, during this pandemic, many organizations have implemented various initiatives that have included providing positive feedback and words of encouragement, recognition of outstanding nursing service, providing tasty meals, and offering discounts to nurses.

While these gestures are very important and are always much appreciated by the nurses, more drastic, tangible and meaningful measures must be taken by all concerned, to ensure that there is always a substantial cadre of highly skilled and motivated nurses to assist in maintaining the health status of our beloved country.

These measures can consist of concerned citizens joining forces with nurse leaders in advocating for better salary, benefits and working conditions for nurses, advocating for more educational opportunities for nurses, and advocating for nurses to be allowed and encouraged to practice to the full extent of their education and training. It is also important that nurses are included in the decision-making processes of all issues related to the healthcare delivery systems and other important community and nation-building initiatives.

Advocacy such as these are vital because they not only serve as motivating factors for our present-day heroes and heroines, they can also help to enhance the attractiveness of the nursing profession to future generations of healthcare champions.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”  -  John 15:12.

Therefore as The Bahamas emerges from this health crisis to whatever lies ahead, all the citizenry of our country must be reminded that demonstrations of appreciation and gratitude to nurses during this time are not merely kind gestures, they are indeed investments in ensuring the future health and wellbeing of the citizens,  residents, and guests of our beautiful Bahama land.

Let us remember our Adventist nurses for the unselfish service that they contributed to our nation even in harm’s way and wish them God’s riches blessings for them and their families.
--Ms. Rebecca Johnson, President of The Nurses’ Association of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Member, Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church.



JOIN THE 100 DAYS OF PRAYER
Sign up at: REVIVALANDREFORMATION.ORG/100DAYS

 

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
Congratulations
Congratulations are extended to all of our members in the Armed Forces of the Bahamas who received recent promotions during the last two weeks.  Our prayers remain with you and your families and may you continue to excel in your area of employment.

Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Dr. Raymond King - Commander
Elder Gladstone Moss -Senior Lieutenant
Mrs. Fredericka King – Force Chief Petty Officer (Warrant Officer)

Royal Bahamas Police Force
Mr. Kemuel Knowles - Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Gardel Rolle - Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Elton Sands - Corporal
Mr. Dexter Evans – Corporal

All other persons receiving promotions are asked to inform the secretariat at lrahming@sbcadventist.org.bs
--Administration

 

ADVENTIST BOOK AND NUTRITION CENTER 
The Adventist Book & Nutrition Center continues to serve you. Please note the extended hours for your convenience. Monday - Thursday: 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m. Fridays: 9:00a.m – 2:00p.m. Sundays - Closed.
The social distancing rule will be applied during your visit. 
-- ABNC Manager

 

BIBLE CLASS
The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists continues its Bible Class this Sunday with a journey through the book of Revelation. On Sunday May 31, 2020 Dr. Jon Paulien, Dean of the Religion Department of Loma Linda University will be the guest speaker for our Bible Series which will continue on the following dates: June 14, 2020 and June 21, 2020. This week’s topic is “The Biggest Story Ever Told: Revelation 12.” The Series will be available via Zoom and on YouTube. A link for the meeting is provided on the South Bahamas Conference Website. A question and answer period will follow every presentation.For further information please contact Pastor Lynden Williams via email at lwilliams@sbcadventist.org.bs
-- Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator

 

HEALTH MINISTRIES
Nurses Appreciation Month (May) Comes to a Close
The Health Ministries Department would like to recognize all of the nurses in the South Bahamas Conference, especially Rebecca Johnson, Senior Nursing Officer and President of the Nursing Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. We salute you and appreciate all that you have done and continue to do. Our prayer is that almighty God will continue to hold you in the hallow of His loving, caring, gentle, compassionate, and protective hands as you work for Him in this part of the vineyard. 
--Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Ministries Director

 

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Please note that due to this COVID19 pandemic, our regular submission format has changed. This week and every week thereafter, we will stay connected through our “Sisters for Sisters” words of empowerment and inspiration, coming from women across our Conference. The submission this week is from Ms. Phillippa Rolle, a G.E.M.S Coordinator for the Hillview Church and a Licensed Occupational Therapist by profession.

Finding Life’s Meaning Amidst COVID-19
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a plan for our lives, “plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future”. This means that in every circumstance, God knows exactly how we will handle and overcome situations in our lives. Yes, COVID 19 may have brought about decrease family connections, some mental anguish, increase financial strain among so much more; but one thing that remains the same is the promise that God has given us in Proverbs 16:4, that the Lord works out everything to its proper end.

In God’s infinite wisdom, He has allowed this pandemic for such a time as this. God is providing opportunities within a crisis to help us identify what His purpose is for our lives. Some individuals are finding meaning in preparing new dishes, exercising and using mindfulness, journaling, taking continuing education courses/learning a new skill, gardening, and having daily devotions. For many of us, God is providing time for us to focus on our calling, to hone skills to progress forward, to engage in healthy routines and habits, and to spend precious time in His word. Yes, you can say we were stopped in our tracks so that we can refocus.

Therefore, my sisters in Christ, I encourage you to let God continue to guide your path. Be bold for Him, and do not be afraid to ask Him to show you the meaning of your life.

Ministry of Kindness Certification Program
The Inter-American Division Women’s Ministries Department is offering a Virtual Certification Program, which began on Sunday, May 24th, and will continue on the 31st and the 7th at 10:00 am. All ladies are invited to attend and be certified at webcast.interamerica.org. Please contact your local leader if you require further information.

Bloom Virtual Conference
Join the Women’s Ministries Department of the South Bahamas Conference as we attend this virtual transformation event every night at 8:00p.m. at www.facebook.com/Thebloommovementnow or on YouTube. This phenomenal event began on May 24th and ends June 6th, 2020. A blessing awaits you!

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.
--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director

 

YOUTH TIDBITS
Happening This Weekend:

2nd Annual Ignite Youth Retreat (Virtual via Zoom)
Theme: WHY? TRADITION VS. RELIGION
Friday, May 29, 2020 at 8:00p.m.
Sabbath, May 30, 2020 at 6:00p.m.
Guest Speaker: Pastor Seth Yelorda, Senior Pastor, Relove Seventh-day Adventist Church
Join a virtual trip through the Family of Islands! Free digital books & food vouchers! A weekend of music & worship featuring local Adventists recording artistes. The services can be viewed on the Youth Department’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcC-DZMwe50q63xrvkDHttw
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/PassItOn242/about/

 

GAMBIER CHURCH
Congratulations
The Gambier Seventh-day Adventist Church and the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists congratulates Dr. Audrey Fernander-Lightbourne on her achievement, PhD in Education with competency-based curriculum on Workforce Readiness from the College of Education and Leadership Development, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica. Continue to allow God to direct and order your steps. 
– Pastor Craig Williams, Church Pastor

  

GOOD NEWS CHURCH
A ‘Drive-Up’ Divine Worship Service will be held Sabbath May 30, 2020 at 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. on the church grounds in Flamingo Gardens. Social distancing protocols will be enforced. The service will be broadcast LIVE on the Good News SDA Church Bahamas Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/goodnewssdachurch242/?ref=settings

  

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
June 6, 2020 at 7:57p.m.

Happy Sabbath!