Only Connection With God Can Overcome Global Rise In Evil

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The following is an except taken from a letter written in the June 1, 2020 publication of the Adventist Review, by the Seventh-day Adventist World Church President, Elder Ted N.C. Wilson. 

During these past weeks, we have had such unusual situations around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed many lives and disrupted daily life worldwide as we know it. Violence and hatred continue to exhibit themselves in unconverted hearts as evidenced by devastating bombings in places like Afghanistan. Oppression and lack of religious liberty are demonstrated in many places, including Burundi. Terrorism shows its ugly presence and affects innocent lives in random places around the world. Massive human migration and displacement have been the result of political, safety, and economic instability. Fires, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, and devastating floods in places around the globe periodically wreak havoc in increasing intensity.

On a worldwide basis, human relations have become frayed and interpersonal understanding undermined by bigotry, anger, and frustration. Recently, various events have led to anger and death against unarmed African Americans, culminating with the horrific, senseless, brutal death of a handcuffed, unarmed African American by a police officer. Senseless acts like this can take place in various situations around the world. Those perpetrating such reprehensible treatment of fellow human beings must be held responsible according to established laws. The cycle of hatred and brutality must cease. However, this will happen only when people submit their lives and actions to God. All Seventh-day Adventists worldwide are urged to earnestly pray for families who have lost loved ones in malicious killings, as well as from natural disasters, COVID-19, and more. Let us seek to bring peace and healing to broken hearts and fragmented communities.

In and of ourselves, we tend toward reaction and exacting retribution. It is only as we humble ourselves before the Lord that He can take control of our lives and bring us into living lives in accordance with His Holy Word as Paul indicates in Philippians 2:12-13.

All the disastrous things that are happening around us remind us that we are living in the last days of earth’s history just before Jesus’ second coming. He predicted that disasters and great problems would happen at the end of time ( Matthew 24:4-14).

Romans 1:29-32 lists many characteristics of those who do not allow the power of God to control them. These are individuals who are “… being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whispers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

My dear fellow church members around the globe, as we now proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14:6-12 in Total Member Involvement, calling people back to the true worship of God in revival and reformation and receiving the seal of God, the keeping of His seventh-day Sabbath as opposed to the mark of the beast which is keeping a spurious, false day of worship, we will draw unbelievable opposition. God will protect and care for His people as they also proclaim the fourth angel’s message in Revelation 18:1-4, calling people out of Babylon and confusion to the true worship of God and allegiance to Him as opposed to allegiance to human-oriented religious activity that is focused on tradition rather than on the Bible only.

As we consider the adverse reaction to presenting full Bible truth, let us stand for those today who are being maligned and treated with disrespect, showing them the love of Christ. Let us remember that our religious liberty and rights will be curtailed, and we will be the ones facing great difficulties. Many of us will face the same type of unfair and derogatory treatment as is being experienced by many today, but we will rely completely on Christ for our every need and will still show the love of Christ to our oppressors—all through the Holy Spirit’s power. God will see us through.

By God’s grace, let us stay faithful to Him and His truth as we help those who are facing a variety of difficulties, so that we can point them to Christ, His Word, His righteousness, His sanctuary service, His saving power in the great controversy, His Three Angels’ Messages, His health message, His last-day mission to the world, including the need to plead for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit, and Christ's soon second coming.

Read the entire letter at: https://www.adventistreview.org/church-news/story14938-only-connection-with-god-can-overcome-global-rise-in-evil 

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ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
Condolences
The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist sadly announces the sudden passing of Elder Raymond Antonio during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 31, 2020. Elder Raymond Antonio was 58 years old. Raymond (‘Uncle Ray’ as he was affectionately called) was a former member of the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church and a founding member of the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served faithfully until his demise. He was a noted and committed musician who contributed to the development of music within various spheres of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Bahamas.
Let us pray for his dear wife, Terry, and his daughter, Thea. Also mourning the loss is his father Mr. Philip Antonio, siblings: Mrs. Lynn Smith (husband, Pastor Michael Smith) and Ms. Terri Antonio. His four nieces and one nephew along with extended/ church family.
--Administration.


SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE MUSIC MINISTRY
Elder Raymond Antonio Minister of Music Bethany Church
The Music Committee of the South Bahamas Conference (SBC) expresses sincere condolences to the family of the late Elder Raymond Antonio ‘affectionately called Raymond’, on his untimely passing. The South Bahamas Conference has lost a wonderful person, a gentleman, a great musician, and a friend.   Not only will he be missed by the Adventist Community for his many musical talents, but we dare say the entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas as he was the pianist or organist for many National events and a number of the Nation’s premier choirs and soloists.  Raymond was a musical genius with a humble and generous spirit, an infectious smile, who was always willing to share his talents whenever he was called upon.  He was a musician extraordinaire whose legacy will live forever in our hearts. 
--Mrs. Annette L. Dorsett, Music Coordinator, South Bahamas Conference

 

ADVENTIST BOOK & NUTRITION CENTER
The Adventist Book & Nutrition Center continues to serve you. Please note the extended hours for your convenience. Monday - Thursday from 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m. and Fridays from 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. This week’s topic is “Sex and the Scriptures” with Pastor Lynden Williams. The class 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 the presentation. The Revelation Series with Dr. Jon Paulien, Dean of the Religion Department of Loma Linda University will continue on the following dates: June 14 & 21, 2020. For further information please contact Pastor Lynden Williams via email at lwilliams@sbcadventist.org.bs 
-- Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator

CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES (CHAM) DEPARTMENT
Parents you have been doing an awesome job making sure that your children are safe and well during this COVID19 pandemic. As we continue to ensure their safety, let’s take care of their mental health as well.

Here are some suggestions:
1. Remain calm and reassuring. Children tend to model the behavior of their parents and caregivers or take on stressors from their surroundings. Be aware of your behaviors and think about how your reactions may influence your child.

2. Be open and honest. Even though you may fear that talking to your child about the pandemic will increase their worries, bringing difficult topics into conversation can actually help to quiet stressors, as children can imagine scenarios far worse than reality. Share facts in an age-appropriate manner to bring everything into perspective.

3. Maintain a routine. Research suggests that children benefit from schedules and productive activities, so continue to plan activities that will create structure and fun memories.

4. Manage you and your child’s screen time. Strive for a balance between digital and non-digital activities.

5. Practice self-care and stay connected. Take care of your mental health during this time so that you will be able to provide a healthy environment for your child. Make time to read, exercise and have family worship. One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to stay connected with friends and family, so call or video chat with them.

6. Monitor behaviors. When children and teens are stressed, their behaviors may change. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, it may be time to talk to a licensed mental health professional.

For information or support please contact our Adventist Health Professionals Association or our South Bahamas Conference Health Department. (These tips have been adapted from the American Psychological Association).
--Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, CHAM 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 Evin-Nazya Musgrove, Indie Alternative Christian Singer-Songwriter, a YouTuber, and a Centreville GEM.

“Planted”
So, you’re stuck at home. Your days consist of binging Netflix, eating far too many snacks, and even more empty promises to finally do that workout you found on YouTube. You’re more irritable than usual and all motivation to be productive has been replaced by countless Tik Tok videos. Worst of all, while you keep telling yourself you’ll get back on track with God, now that you have so much free time, somehow, He’s still the last thing on your quarantine to-do list. Besides, how could you possibly grow in such stagnant circumstances, right?

What if I told you that being stuck at home for the past few months has produced more fruit in me than would have been, had things been “normal?” Being surrounded by no one, but my family, day in and day out, has stretched my character in more ways than one. You see, being a college student who’s used to having their own space and independence, it’s easy to become moody and isolated from even the people I love most. It’s taken a lot of strength to practice kindness and selflessness, two key character traits of God.

Maybe you’re currently being stretched to practice self-control. Maybe you’ve allowed social media to become your idol and the thing you turn to, to bring you the most joy. Or perhaps it’s a good thing, like Face Timing friends, which has simply added to the distraction of time spent with God. The discomfort you may feel, just by reading this, is the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart. God is telling you to grow where you’ve been planted and escape complacency.

Each of us has been deliberately planted in this situation for a specific reason, and I urge you to ask God what that reason is. Ask Him to show you, clearly, what He’s doing in you right now. What is He trying to do in your character that you’ve been too distracted to notice? If you’re a “doer” like me, it may help to write out any patterns you notice God has been bringing to light. You’d be surprised just how much work is being done in your heart right now. It’s simply up to you to receive it.

2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you unless, of course, you fail the test?” 

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 June 7th at 10:00 a.m. 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!
--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director

PUBLIC AFFAIRS & RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (PARL) DEPARTMENT
The PARL Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will embark on a series of educational ZOOM meetings to inform members about a variety of subjects.  Tune in to presentations from professionals or a panel of experts on topics including, but not limited to: Religious Rights, Human Rights, Formulation of Wills, Criminal Justice, Employee Rights, Human Trafficking, Racism, Police Brutality, and a host of other interesting issues. The meetings will be held on a monthly basis. Stay tuned for information on the day and time so that you can be a part of these exciting meetings. 
-- Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, PARL Director

GOOD NEWS CHURCH
A ‘Drive-Up’ Divine Worship Service will be held Sabbath June 6, 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

  

Scriptural Encouragement
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23. 

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8.

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22. 

 

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 13, 2020 at 8:00p.m.

Happy Sabbath!