As the Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches (BBUC) goes in to its annual conference, the church's leadership says they are excited about the future, because they believe that God is with them and that they are about to become benefactors of the Joshua promises.
"We are excited about the future, for we are persuaded that God is with us," said Garth Rolle, second assistant superintendent of the BBUC. "As in the teaching of the first chapter of the book of Joshua, we believe we are now about to become benefactors of the Joshua promises. This conference is seen as a rallying call to bring the people along both past and present to join in this mighty band as we march on for Christ. We are the recipients of a godly heritage and a solid foundation and must therefore do our part to ensure it continues," said Rolle.
The 121st conference will be celebrated under the theme "The All-Sufficient God," May 19-23 at the Enoch Backford Auditorium on Carmichael Road. Day sessions begin at 10 a.m. Evening sessions begin at 7:30 p.m.
BBUC Superintendent Reverend Charles W. Saunders, who has served in the position for 39 years will deliver the opening message, before the 3:30 p.m. Sunday service of celebration and thanksgiving that will be held at Salem Union Baptist Church at which time he will officially retire.
On Monday, May 20 (Whit Monday), the day session will take the form of a business working session for the executives and pastors. But a soul-stirring worship experience is expected to be the order of the day for the evening session with praise and worship, stirring congregational singing, and a dynamic message by Rev. Wilton Mckenzie, first assistant superintendent of the union and pastor of the South Beach Union Baptist Church.
On Tuesday, May 21, the women will take charge. During the day session, there will be a presentation on the "Positive Effects of Magnetic Therapy" by Henry Butler as the church takes a holistic look at the whole man, both spiritual and physical. Uplifting praise and worship and a wonderful time of fellowship will kick off the night session at which Rev. Carrington S. Pinder, pastor of St. Mark's Native Baptist Church will preach.
The morning session of Wednesday, May 22, will take the form of teaching sessions. Topics to be discussed will include developing a church growth strategy which will be presented by Pastor Richard Pinder of Bahamas Faith Ministries. The interactive session will target pastors and other leaders with oversight of congregations.
The second topic, "Multiply: Disciples making Disciples", will be presented by Rev. Heuter Rolle, pastor elect, of Salem Union Baptist Church. Both of these are designed to impart biblically based strategies on growing the congregations of respective churches. The preacher for the night session will be Rev. Ivan Butler Jr. pastor of the Kemp Road Union Baptist Church.
The final day of the conference on Thursday, May 23, will see four simultaneous lectures take place. Pastor Richard Pinder will present the second part of developing a church growth strategy. Rev. Heuter Rolle will conclude his presentation, "Multiplying: Disciples making Disciples". The two other sessions will have Pastor Delton Ellis and Gena Brown from Mt. Tabor Full Gospel Church presenting on "Ushering /Greeting 101". Sister Sharmaine Sinclair will present on the topic "Vacation Bible School Training Module - Kingdom Rocks".
Apostle C. Clifford Smith III, pastor of Southside Christian Ministries International will close out the conference.
The Bahamas Baptist Union was started in 1892 by Rev. Daniel Wilshire.

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