Sunday 20th May 2012  2:30 PM

Let’s Move Bahamas & Health Float Parade Sponsored By: Health Ministries & Youth Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Health Float Parade Sunday May20th starting at 2:30 pm from the Mall at Marathon Theme: Good Health in One Package The float parade will depict the many parts that impact our health such as good nutrition, healthy environment, sunlight, stress management, exercise, water and trust in God. Float Parade Route: Leaving the Kelly’s, Mall at Marathon Parking west on Robinson Road to East Street, north on East Street to Cordeaux Avenue, east on Cordeaux Avenue to Minnie Street, north on Minnie Street to Wulff Road, west on Wulff Road to Blue Hill Road, north on Blue Hill Road to Navy Lion Road to West Bay Street ending at Clifford Park. For more information call: South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist (242)342-4021 or www.bahamasconference.org

Police probe after skeletal remains found

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

POLICE began their probe into skeletal remains found on recently cleared Seventh-Day Adventist land yesterday.

Several articles of clothing were also found scattered near the bones recovered on the property occupied by Breath of Life SDA Church and the future Bahamas Academy.

Investigators will await an autopsy to determine the victim's sex and other vital information.

According to police, scrap metal workers stumbled upon the remains as they searched the cleared field for salvageable material at around 10:40am.

Pastor Paul Scavella, of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, told The Tribune that the ...

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Let cool heads prevail

The atmosphere is charged just days before the May 7 general election, but religious leaders are pleading for people to let cool heads prevail.
"No matter the weather or situation one is in, the principle of being calm and respectful is always a principle that all professing Christians should be living up to. One cannot be Christian without respecting one another and approaching all issues with a sense of calmness, serenity and peace," said Bishop Simeon Hall, senior pastor at New Covenant Baptist Church.
"When I think about this season there is a scripture that comes to mind, Luke 21:19 that says in your patience possess your souls. To me this means to live your life quietly. We should not let the furies of the world change who we are and disrupt our Christian walk. Let there always be a sense of peace in all that we do."
The Baptist minister also said that the candidates should also know how to conduct themselves as Christians, or at least religiously responsible people. And that there should not be any verbal or physical violence. Hall said they should be mindful of how they run their campaigns.
"What a candidate does to get power says a lot about what one will do when he gets it," the minister said.
And he reminded the people offering themselves for public office -- whether FNM, PLP, DNA or Independent to always remain clear-minded, to remember their purpose, be truthful and to put God first always.
Although there have been some minor disturbances during this electoral silly season, Bishop Hall said he believes Bahamians have matured and that more Christianly principles are being used. He said he is grateful to see that people are not afraid to showcase their political affiliations. But he did add that there is still a long way to go.

Anglican bishop
Bishop Laish Boyd, head of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos said that all people -- voters and political candidates alike should remember that they must respect each other and accept that everyone has a right to support and vote for whomever they wish.
"Against that background of what is going on around the country it is essential for all people to conduct ourselves with a sense of calm, peace, cooperation and respect. We have to exhibit national comradery," said Bishop Boyd. "We cannot divide ourselves in anger in these times. We have to accept things as they are and believe that all will turn out the way it is supposed to. If we keep those thoughts before us as we go to the polls then we will be on the right track no matter what comes."
The Anglican bishop said people have to respect that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. And that if someone's opinion differs from what you believe, you should not feel slighted because they have the right to have it.
Bishop Boyd said the message is the same for the candidates running for positions of leadership. And that it is just as important that they respect their fellow candidates as it is to be competitive during these times. Politicians, he said, should not let the differences between them and the fact that they are vying for the same position deter them from still being Christians and brotherly in these politically-charged times.
While the leadership of the country for the next five years will be decided and is a powerful and important opportunity, the Anglican priest said people should not take it so seriously that they forget their real role in the scheme of things.
"When the ballots are counted and all is said and done, candidates should be able to listen to what the people have to say and respect it. The people speak with their vote and if you are not their choice there should be no controversy or anger. This is about the good of The Bahamas and not one solitary figure. Let the people speak. Listen to them. And obey them. This is our country on May 6 and it will still be our country on May 8. Maintaining the peace, harmony and strength of the nation is the bottom line and everyone should be working toward ensuring it remains that way. We are brothers and sisters and despite the times we should not forget that."

Seventh-day adventist president
Remembering to make the right choices even in the face of temptation is what more Christians need to do in these politically charged times said Paul Scavella, president of South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He said there is no need for the anger and violence people exhibit, as the election is just another day in another season, and people should not forget that life goes on after all is said and done.
"[Election time] is an important time for everyone but it does not excuse people from making poor decisions and being violent or disrespectful to one another. This is a time for people to come together and respect each other's choices. Let them use their God-given gift of freedom of choice and in doing this as Christians will minimalize the separation of kindred spirits. You have to make a choice to continue to love one another in these times because no matter what happens we are still family and should not let politics get between that."
The Seventh-day Adventist minister also reminds candidates to remain civil and honest. He said they should not get carried away and show the same management and care in their political roles as they take in other aspects of their lives. And that they should also see that no matter what happens, it is the will of God.
"In the book of Daniel, leaders are reminded that the Lord sets up and He takes down governments. In The Bahamas this process is done through the people so what the result says is truly the will of God."
Pastor Scavella said God inspires His people to install governments that will serve them best. And that this is why it is important for politicians to respect results and not take them personally.
"It is your choice if you as a candidate accept the results and find other use for your talents or to be blinded by loss and need to possess a title that is not yours to have and waste away your ambition," the minister said. "There is much to do and not everyone is meant to lead -- but for those who are, it is important to always be honest and remember that life is all about choices. You may not always know the way to go, but as long as you remember that God is there to guide you, you are on the right track," he said.

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The 'Word' On Air

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

THE SOUTH Bahamas Conference of Seventh Day Adventists is getting a new media platform this Saturday, when it launches Word SBC 88.3 FM, a new radio station.

Followers of the church and other members of the Christian community will be able to hear a number of programmes on the radio station, including youth, health and family programmes.

Seventh Day Adventist pastor Paul A Scavella told Tribune Religion, the mission of the church is to impact the community through as many avenues as possible.

The church is also responsible for Adventist Television (ATV53), a TV channel aired on Cable Bahamas on weekends. Local programmes on focus on health, keys ...

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Separation of church and state

The age old question of whether the church should be involved in state matters is one that has no universal answer. Coming from a history in which the church's opinions were the end all and be all of a nation, to becoming a world where public recognition of religious beliefs is taboo, in today's world, people are faced with two conflicting choices that have no easy solution. Even though it is a tricky subject, religious leaders say no matter what the final conclusions, there should be an amicable relationship between the state and the church.
"This is truly a tricky subject, but I do believe that there should be an established relationship between the state and church so there is some sense of continuity when it comes to maintaining law and order in a country," said Bishop John N. Humes, national overseer of the Church of God. "Without a sense of morality that is consistently adhered to, countries are likely to face problems in immorality. I believe that churches should be free to stand up so standards of Godliness can be kept. There should be no settling or compromising when it comes to the job of the 'watchdog' of the nation. This is why churches should not and cannot take sides when it comes to politics. Our mission is to lead in the best way, and this cannot be done if we are blind to our own agendas."
The church and its leadership are the spiritual gatekeepers of the nation and they in addition to governmental leaders should be able to communicate with ease for the good of the country, said Bishop Humes.
The Pentecostal minister said church leaders should not push their political beliefs on their congregation or attempt to influence them in any way. He said it was important that the church remain neutral when it came to politics and instead see its duty as one to support the government - no matter who is the head.
"I see the prime minister as a leader of the country and not the head of a party. As a leader of the church, our mission is to guide the people in the ways they should go and be a counsel for the leaders of the nation. I don't think the church should have a marriage with political parties. If it does happen, you are compromising and forgetting to be true workers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should always be the voice and beacon of God's work and His will. We have problems with unions and other problems in the country, but we have to let people know we can't put our personal agendas before the country's best interests. It takes sacrifices to build a better place. How we react will show where we go and the church should be in an objective position so it can properly lead the people in the ways God intends," he said.
South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Overseer Pastor Paul Scavella said the church should always maintain a distinction between itself and the state. He said that it is not appropriate for the church to take sides - no matter how they feel about certain government leaders. And that it is the church's responsibility to be a counselor and support system for the people and the nation's leaders.
"Every person is given the ability to think and act on their own by God. As a church leader, it is not your place to push your ideas or beliefs on the people because they are the ones who need to make a decision on their own. Our position in the Seventh-Day Adventist church is that we maintain a distinction between state and church. We make it a point to support the state whoever is in power. It is not our say to which party should be in power. After all, the Bible mandates that we as leaders of the church should support the government for God puts them there and will bring them down. In the meantime, we must continue to speak His word and do our part in enriching the nation spiritually."
Scavella said church leaders should not forget that they are here to preach the Word and spread God's love and will. And that in these political times, leaders should be helping the congregants to make a good decision on their political choices through prayers and asking for guidance from God. He said believers should be wise and think carefully about who they put into power. He encouraged them to look at candidates as people and not party members.
"It is important to not only hear about their political ambitions, but also know their theological position. It is equally important to know this because their religious beliefs say a lot about who they are and what they are likely to do should they take power," he said.
The Seventh-Day Adventist pastor said it was essential for people to be wise in this season, but just as important for the church to be a beacon of support for the nation's leaders no matter what comes to pass.

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Governor General and Lady Foulkes Attends Annual Service of Thanksgiving

Nassau, Bahamas - Governor
General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes in attendance during the South
Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 17th Annual Service of
Thanksgiving for Law Enforcement Officers, Civil Servants and Public Officers,
February 18. The Service was held under the theme, "God with Us", at
the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Photos enclosed...

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Bahamas Conference of Seventh Day Adventists present book to Prime Minister

Nassau, Bahamas - A book
entitled Inspirational Sayings and stories from A to Z by Dr. Leonard
A. Johnson, president, Bahamas Conference Of Seventh 'day Adventists
was presented to Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham on
Thursday, September 2 at the office of the Prime Minister, Cable Beach.
Pictured from: Prime Minister Ingraham and Dr. Johnson...

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Silver jubilee year for Rodgers' camp

The Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp is now in its 25th year.
For the man who was there from its inception, the years have flown by. The event itself has become a main staple in the sporting landscape of this country, that young kids look forward to, from year to year. This year, according to organizer Jeff Rodgers, will be no different as the camp embarks upon its 25th Silver Anniversary camp. This year's camp will be held July 25-27 at the Bahamas Academy of Seventh-Day Adventists (SDA) on Wulff Road.
"I'm more excited this year than ever before," said Rodgers yesterday. "One of the things that is taking priority this year, is to get fathers and mothers involved. It's good to teach the fundamentals of basketball but there is so much more to life than our young people playing basketball or playing sports. I think sometimes, we kind of miss the boat when we don't take quality time to spend with our children. There is going to be
a father-son evening where fathers play like a one-on-one with others fathers and sons, and then the same thing with mothers and daughters. We're just trying to build some excitement to the camp. I expect some great things to happen and I'm looking forward to making this year very successful."
Over the years, the camp which caters to hundreds of Bahamian youngsters, has grown by leaps and bounds. Rodgers has even branched off to other countries in the region, staging camp sessions in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica. This year, he has committed himself to having a camp in Abaco, and quite possibly, returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica.
"Wherever we go, the message is the same - to encourage young people to believe in themselves and in their futures," said Rodgers. "Most people have callings in life - some accept them and some don't. I think mine is to work with young people. It's been a blessing to me because it has helped me to keep my life together.
"It is a joy when you can touch young people's lives and motivate them and encourage them. There is always hope when you're focussing on the positive things in life, and young kids need to know that. When we look at the kids who have been touched by this camp over the years, to see some of them working as instructors in the camp is a blessing. We've helped some of them go off to college and we have seen them come back home and are now working in the community. It's a joy to be able to see that."
Working along with the kids this year are Cleveland Cavaliers' Head Coach Byron Scott, Cavaliers NBA 'Rookie of the Year' Kyrie Irving, Detroit Pistons assistant coach Dee Brown, Tyrone Bogues, former NBA player Scott Burrell and Klay Thompson - son of former Bahamian NBA great Mychal 'Sweet Bells' Thompson and current starting two guard of the Golden State Warriors, just to name a few.
"It's a great crew that we have coming down," said Rodgers. "I'm sure all of the kids and their parents will appreciate what we have in store for them this year. I'm just looking forward to putting it all together for the kids."
Sponsors coming on board to assist with the camp this year include: Scotiabank Bahamas Ltd., Royal Bank of Canada, J.S. Johnson Insurance Ltd., Colina Insurance Ltd., Family Guardian, Bamboo Shack, Bahamas Business Solutions, Jewel Party Supplies, Freddie's Barber, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and The Bahamas' Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA). Rodgers said that he is grateful to all of them.

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2012 Haiti Mission Trip

Friday 1st June 2012  6:30 AM

Come increase your steps and support 2012 Haiti Mission Trip Run / Walkathon Friday, June 1, 2012 6:30am Goodman's Bay Route: starting at Goodman's Bay head west on West Bay street to super value round a bout and back to Goodman's Bay Registration Fee $5.00 Register at: South Bahamas conference of seventh day Adventists, berea SDA church or on the morning of the race at 6-6:25am sharp. For more information, call 341-4021

The Adventist Men's Chorale Presents...

Saturday 5th December 2009  7:30 PM

Under the Distinguished Patronage of Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Johnson, President The Bahamas Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists Donation: $15 Box Office: The Bahamas Conference of SDA Offices, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway Part proceeds to aid the Bahamas Academy Building Fund, and a Scholarship Fund for At-Risk Young Men Where: St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk, Shirley Street