Featured Article:"Contentment"

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If, as according to the Los Angeles      
Times (March 21, 2018), the average American household contains 300,000 items, how far will this go? Many of my friends were so happy and satisfied with their smartphones, until the latest iPhone or Android series showed up. I wonder what they will do when this newer version will no longer be the latest? There are many explanations for that reality, but the underlying issue goes beyond the appeal for new inventions. Something more fundamental is at play: contentment, a state of mind that can also infiltrate other areas of life. Contentment is generally known as the emotional state of satisfaction. People are usually not satisfied with what they have, and they begin to look for more. This does not only influence our spending habits but also other parts of life, such as relationships with self, others, and God.
The Test of Contentment
Adam and Eve were challenged at the core of their contentment. The first human beings were given enough reasons to be content, considering who they were and what they had. First, God created them in His image (Gen. 1:26), all good and perfect (Matt. 5:48). Second, they were given many quality options: “pleasant to the sight and good for food” (Gen. 2:9). The forbidden fruit is described as having the same beauty and attractiveness as the rest of the trees, but Adam and Eve were not to eat it. Contentment is recognizing that everything good and attractive does not have to be ours. Eve experienced perfection and contentment until the devil redefined her need through the “ads” of the serpent. She was already created in the image of God, and thus she did not need anything else to prove her identity. Understanding who we are and our purpose in life can affect the level of our contentment. John Mason in his book Conquering an Enemy Called Average (1996) wrote these insightful words, “Until we make peace with who we are, we will never be content with what we have. ”Those lining up in the cold winter breeze for the launch of the latest smartphone were once satisfied and even proud of the model of cell phone that they had. But later, because of the ads and promotions of the latest version, they were led to believe that what they had was no longer good enough. An external element can sow seeds of dissatisfaction with what was once cherished.
Expressions of Contentment
A contented person acknowledges that nobody is perfect but is satisfied with who he or she is. My second oldest brother does not draw like a professional portrait artist, but he is happy with his style of work. Recognize your limits, but value and appreciate your potential. Often the discontented person focuses on the imperfection. This situation leads to insecurity about self-worth.
Contentment is essential for a healthy relationship. When people in a relationship are content with the unit they constitute, they are less inclined to engage in the comparison game with others. Whereas the spirit of discontentment is like a cancer to loyalty and will eventually ruin a once strong union. One legitimate reason for discontentment is the desire to grow. Growth and improvement are likely to happen when a person is not comfortable with the status quo. One example could be an observed deficiency in knowledge. After the need is identified, strategies are developed to transform the current reality. This is different from a discontentment generated by jealousy or covetousness. The motivation is not to fit into a social-acceptance slot. Contentment would have prevented Adam and Eve from falling into sin. It helps to save relationships and money. It is a shield against unnecessary pressures and provides an inner peace. Hence, relationships are preserved, and God’s given resources are protected. Above all, contentment demonstrates our trust in the providence of our heavenly Father (Matt 6:11; 7:11). It is not naïve blindness about one’s current reality but confidence in the One in charge, who declares: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb.13:5).

--Article taken from Stewardship Magazine, July – September 2019 edition.
The author, Tiana Rabearison, MDiv is currently the lead Pastor of The Ridge and Vicksburg Seventh-day Adventist churches in the Gulf States Conference, USA.


CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE
NOVEMBER
15-17: (ALERT) Advanced Leadership & Retention Training
17: PARL Year End Council Meeting
23: CHAM - Children’s Day (in all churches)
23: CHAM - Agape Praise
24: SBC Youth Council Elections
24: CHAM FUN DAY
24: Youth Council Elections
27 - 30: SBC Bible Conference (Islam and Christianity in Prophecy)
28: THANKSGIVING DAY

ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE
The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, November 17 – 23, 2019: Union and Conference Family Ministries Directors and Their Families.

A.L.E.R.T - ADVANCED LEADERSHIP EVANGELISM RETENTION TRAINING
November 15-17, 2019
The Ministerial Department of the South Bahamas Conference, began this intensive training program on Friday, November 15, 2019 under the theme, “Reaching Millennials - The Paradigm Shift.”
Guest speakers for the conclave are Dr. Jesse Wilson, Leadership Guru and Henoc Paulicin, Advisor & Life Coach to CEOs. These comprehensive sessions are designed to equip persons for effective ministry in their local churches and the community.
Venue: National Training Agency, Gladstone Rd.
-- Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, Ministerial Secretary

SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE BIBLE CONFERENCE 2019
‘Islam and Christianity-Daniel 11’
on November 27-30, 2019 at the
Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church with Guest Presenter, Tim Roosenberg, Author of the book Islam & Christianity In Prophecy: a study of Daniel 11.
All members are invited to attend!

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT UPCOMING TRAINING
In the upcoming weeks, there will be training on the Digital Mixer Board for local church media teams and persons interested in serving in this area in 2020. WATCH HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
 –Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Sabbath November 23 - CHILDREN’S DAY (Morning - Individual churches)
AGAPE PRAISE at 3:30p.m – Hillview Church. All CHAM Church choirs will be performing. Come Sing Praises to God!
Sunday November 24 – CHAM FUN DAY 10a.m-5p.m, Bahamas Academy School grounds, Marshall Road.
Age:4-14years.
Activities: Go Kart rides, Fun, Prizes, Games, Movies, Bouncing Castles & More!
Entrance Fee: $8
Your Favorite Foods Will Be on Sale!
-- Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, C.H.A.M Director

HEALTH MINISTRIES BLOOD DRIVE
During the months of November and December the Adventist Health Professionals Association (AHPA) is encouraging you to give the gift of life by donating blood to the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Blood Bank.  Lab hours, Monday – Friday 8:00a.m – 4:30p.m. CALL 502-7822. All types of blood are needed.  Thank you so much for your support.
SIMPLE REMEDIES AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE SEMINAR - UCHEE PINES  2020
All persons interested in attending a Simple Remedies and Preventative Medicine Seminar on March 22-26, 2020 at Uchee Pines in Seale, Alabama can register at the following link:
https://www.ucheepines.org/seminars/simple-remedies-preventive-medicine/
For further information, please contact Nathelyn LaCroix at 323-0610 or Whatsapp 826-8486.
--Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES 
Fourth Quarter (October - December)
“WE” (Women Empowerment) – Q4 Forecast:
November 2019
24  -  Redemption WM “ I Refuse To Sink,” one-day Retreat.
December 2019
TBA - Zone 4 Community Outreach.
Warfare Wednesdays
The Women’s Ministries Department extends an invitation all women in the South Bahamas Conference to take a minute to ‘pause and pray’ with us at 12 noon each Wednesday. This collective effort not only enrich our prayer lives, but the results of these unified prayers are unmeasurable.  You may contact your local leader for more information on this wonderful initiative.
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

MEN’S MINISTRIES
Under the distinguished patronage of Pastor Hugh and Mrs. Olga Roach, the South Bahamas Conference’s Adventist Men Chorale will hosts its annual concert on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 7:30p.m at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, Kirk. All are invited. An offering will be lifted.
–Elder Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator.

SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE MUSIC MINISTRIES
Rehearsals for the newly organized SBC Youth Choir, for persons ages 15 – 30 years, continues at the Agape Church, Wulff Road, this Sunday and every Sunday at 6:00 p.m.  You are invited to be a part of this dynamic Youth Choir.
--Mrs. Annette Dorsett, Music Ministries Coordinator

PRAYER MINISTRIES CONFERENCE-WIDE SERVICES
Please note, our regular prayer meeting will continue on the first Sunday of every month at the Grant’s Town Church at 6:00a.m.
--Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Prayer Coordinator

YOUTH DEPARTMENT TIDBITS
PATHFINDER INVESTITURE DATES:
November 16: New Providence Club
November 30: Hillview Club
November 30th: Good News Club
December 7th: New Englerston and Ephesus Club
December 14th: Philadelphia, Mangrove Cay and Johnson Park Club
WINTER YOUTH RETREAT DATES:
•December 6-8, 2019 - Good News Youth Retreat.
•December 14, 2019 - New Providence Youth Retreat.
ADVENTIST YOUTH AWARDS:
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Breezes Hotel & Resort
Time: 5:30p.m
Tickets: $60.00
Meals: All you can eat buffet!
TICKETS DEADLINE:
Monday, December 2, 2019.
PURCHASING OPTIONS:
Option A: Tickets can be purchased at the ABNC                                                        
Option B: Pathfinder/AY Leader or Youth Department Office                                          
Option C: Churches can pay to reserve tables.
--Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director

BREATH OF LIFE CHURCH
The Prayer Ministries Department of our church will hold a series of meetings under the theme “Unleashing the Power of God Through Prayer and Fasting.”
Friday November 15: Vesper Praise and Thanksgiving Service.
Sabbath November 16: All day power-packed services from 9:15a.m. until the set of sun. Guest speaker will be Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe.
Sunday November 17: Prayer breakfast at 6:00a.m.

GOOD NEWS CHURCH YOUTH RETREAT "SWIPE RIGHT"
ALL Youth are invited to join us at the Bahamas Youth Camp from December 6-8, 2019. COST $30. (For Ages 14-30 years). There will be: Interactive sessions, spiritual and uplifting programs, avenues to develop a closer walk with Jesus, social activities and prizes & surprises. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS NOVEMBER 15, 2019. CALL/WHATSAPP FOR MORE INFORMATION - 359-0833 / 813-4554.

PHILADELPHIA CHURCH
The Philadelphia Church celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the following events.  
Wednesday November 20th - Prayer and Praise at the Elizabeth Estates Park
Friday November 22nd - Praise and Worship at the Church
Sabbath November 23rd - Divine Service
Sunday November 24th - The celebration climaxes with a Gala Banquet at the National Training Agency.  Tickets are on sale.
–Mrs. Annette Dorsett.

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                             SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
                         November 23, 2019 AT 5:20P.M.