The Families in Mission Weekend Seminar began Friday, January 12, with a special service where all members of the family unit gathered at the Centreville Church in Nassau, Bahamas. The seminar was the first conference-wide event of the year and was pivotal in bringing all levels of the Family Ministries Department together. 

In their welcome address, Pastor Kenny and Darlene Deveaux, Family Ministries Directors of the South Bahamas Conference, reminded the members of the importance of the family in the church. 

Darlene said, "We believe that once we are drawn back to the altars in our homes, then we will experience that change in our family relationships."

Those present were encouraged open their hearts to allow God to renew their minds and homes through the weekend seminars. 

Kenny said, "We invite each of you to empty yourselves of the past, past failures, disappointments, brokenness, whatever has been holding you bondage. And we invite the Holy Spirit to fill those empty spaces with renewed hope through the presentations that will be presented throughout this weekend".  

The family ministries director of the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU), Pastor Terry Tanis, praised the seminar for its timeliness in our country, referencing Ellen White, and her stance on the family. 

Tanis said, "If there was a time that we needed to recalibrate and strengthen the fabric of our society, it is now. And of course, I believe what Ellen White says, that society is composed of families and is what the head of the family make it. Out of the heart are the issues of life, and the heart of the community, of the church, of the nation, is the family."

His remarks echoed the nationwide concern about the increase in crime since the year began and shared that this seminar was a pivotal attempt to address these issues. 

In his keynote address, the director of the family ministries department of the General Conference (GC) Dr. Willie discussed the significance of family worship and the need to rebuild family altars. He highlighted the protective factors of family worship and the importance of unity in the family. 

Oliver said, "Let the seasons of family worship be short and spirited. Let me tell you what family worship is not. It's not a time for discipline, and using the Bible as a way of correction or reproof, its not a lecture or a mandatory activity. It needs to be voluntary, but with incentives. How so? Make it fun so the kids want to come."

The seminar continued Sabbath, where Dr. Oliver focused on the importance of commitment in a marriage. Oliver reminded the couple to uphold the sanctity of marriage, ensuring that the relationship continues to stay in alignment with God’s purpose.

He continued, "Marriage is sacred, it needs to be handled with prayer. Prayer that fills you with the spirit of God so you can produce the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness. You can’t be married, certainly not in Christian marriage without being filled with the spirit of God."

Pastor Pedro and Cecilia Iglesias, leaders serving as the Family Ministries Directors for the Inter-American Division, delivered a profound message during the Sabbath morning and afternoon services. 

The heart of their presentation was the concept of "Updates,” as they explored the biblical parallels found in Lamentations 3:22-23, where it states, "...His compassions fail not, they are new every morning." As they drew inspiration from this scripture, they brought light to the significance of daily updates in our lives, like the regular updates our electronic devices require. 

Pedro said, "Is your life updated today? Is your marriage updated? Or do you have an old marriage, that is not up-to-date? We get old, but the marriage must be new."

Cecilia Iglesias illustrated the similarities between neglected houses and aging family relationships. Using the metaphor of a once-modern house now plagued with dripping faucets and malfunctioning lights, she highlighted the need for intentional efforts to address and fix these issues. 

Cecilia said, "We cannot allow our family to get old. If we argue, or if we’re missing anything, we must fix it in that moment. Because immediately we can be living in old houses that will not satisfy us."

During the evening session, the couple delved into three pivotal points essential for married couples and individuals seeking marriage: intensity, attraction, and quality. The Iglesias also emphasized the positive impacts associated with change within relationships.


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