Residents of Mayaguana experienced a weekend of inspiration and community connection as the South Bahamas Conference Family Island Convention took place from January 24–26. The three-day visit brought Children’s and Adolescents Ministries Director Kenisha Simms, affectionately called Aunty K, Youth Director of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Pastor of Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church, Manasseh Simms along with District Pastor for Mayaguana, Dr. Peter Joseph to the island where they combined outreach and worship for the children and community members.

The weekend began on Friday with a visit to the Mayaguana Comprehensive School, where the team connected directly with students. Aunty K spent time reading to the primary schoolers, captivating them with stories about islands of the Bahamas while Pastor Simms engaged the high school students in a meaningful discussion and encouragement. The couple also used this opportunity to invite the students to church on Saturday.

Sabbath proved to be an exciting time for the children and adolescents as Aunty K introduced the theme, “Commissioned for Mission: Taking Flight with Jesus.” Through interactive teaching, the children learned that being a missionary is not limited to traveling to distant countries, but begins right at home through kindness, service, and sharing God’s love in everyday life.

During the Divine Hour service, Pastor Simms delivered a powerful and timely message to the congregation, uplifting hearts and reinforcing the call for every believer to live missionally within their community.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with a community activity for the children and adolescents: Paint and Praise. But before brushes met their canvas, Pastor Manasseh shared with the attendees the importance of being light-bearers.

The children expressed what it means to shine their light by the paintings the created. The activity emphasized a key message shared throughout the weekend, that before one can be a missionary, they must first recognize that they are the light of the world, called to let their light shine wherever they go and with everyone they meet.

The weekend convention was not just fun but one that taught the community that they are all called and commissioned for mission.