THE LOGOS Connected:  Growing  in  Christ                                                        “Year  of  The  Pastor”  

 

A Weekly Publication of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Editor: Joan M. Scavella Sunsets: 7:10 p.m. |Volume 20, Number 38 | September 19, 2015

ERASING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS    

We often greet our church

family members

with an enthusiastic,

“Happy Sabbath!”

without being aware of their concerns. One of which could be that our brother or sister is suffering from a form of mental illness or taking an antipsychotic drug. The World Health Organization describes; “depression as a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration.” Depression is a common mental disorder and one of the main causes of disability worldwide. Globally, about 400 million people of all ages suffer from depression. More women are affected than men. Depression is more than a passing mood. It is not a sign of weakness, you cannot just make it go away. Depression involves the body, mind, and thoughts. People who are depressed cannot just "snap out of it" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for months or years. Treatments such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy can reduce and sometimes eliminate the symptoms.

As a youngster growing up in church, it was very rear that you heard about mental disorders. In this world of sin, mental illness is surfacing more and more and the church is no exception. We are seeing disturbing evidences that make us long for Christ’s second return. Senior persons go missing and are armored with blank stares. Confused people are killing their love ones and themselves. Entire communities are impacted. This challenge is not going away, so we should not pretend that it is not here.

“We are living in the midst of an ‘epidemic of crime,’ at which thoughtful, God-fearing men everywhere stand aghast. The corruption that prevails, it is beyond the power of the human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of

political strife, bribery, and fraud. Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?” (The Ministry of Healing, pp.142 - 143)

The good news is that the mental imbalance that we are now experiencing, did not take God by surprise. The Bible has lots of wonderful text on Mental Health (Google Bible text on Mental Health). An example is: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Other resources include: Mind, Character, and Personality, Ministry of Healing (insanity) by E. G. White and the book, Proof Positive by Dr. Neil Nedley

In addition to seeking professional advice, reading Bible texts and positive books on mental health, you may talk to your God and ask Him for divine healing in your mind and body.

If you are experiencing depression and in urgent need of help call 341-4021 and speak with a pastor or counselor. -Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Ministries Director

HEALTH SUMMIT - 2016 All persons interested in travelling to Orlando, Florida to attend a health summit on January 13 - 17, 2016, may contact Nathelyn LaCroix at telephone 323-0610 or email Lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com

RETIREES ASSOCIATION

The South Bahamas Conference Retirees Association (SoBCRA) will hold its Annual Retreat on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at the Casa Al Mare' on Yamacraw Road. All retirees are invited to attend this important function of the year. For additional information, please contact Pastor N. E. Scavella (364-1460) or Pastor John Carey (324-0470). -Pastor John Carey, President; South Bahamas Conference Retirees Association

THE GOOD NEWS GOSPEL EXPLOSION

The Good News Gospel Explosion with Evangelist Claudius Morgan was successfully launched on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The tent was filled with the electricity of the Holy Spirit as God’s manservant, with his unique style, pulled hundreds to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join us tonight as we open the second big week with singing evangelist, Claudius Morgan. The campaign is underway at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, adjacent the golf course. Services are held Sundays, Tuesdays Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. There will be three Sabbath celebrations on September 26, October 3 and 10. Bring the entire family, your friends and neighbours… let us search the scriptures together, listen, and respond to the good news that will change hearts and convert minds to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. -Pastor Lynden Williams, Coordinator

OFFICIAL NOTICE of the

Second Quinquennial Session of the

Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission Notice is hereby given that the Second Quinquennial Session of the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fifth Terrace, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas during December 6 - 7, 2015.

Registration for all delegates will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m. on December 6. The first meeting of the business session will be called at 5:00 p.m. The Union Mission Session is called to: 1. Receive reports from the officers and various departments. 2. Elect departmental directors to serve for the next five-year term. 3. Elect the officers for the Turks and Caicos Islands Mission. 4. Transact such other business as may be properly placed before the delegates. All duly appointed delegates are invited to be present at this Union Mission Session. Leonard A. Johnson, President Peter Kerr, Secretary

EDUCATION OFFERING An offering for Seventh-day Adventist education will be taken on Sabbath, September 26, 2015. Make special plans to give a liberal offering to our schools. –Administration

COMMUNITY SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS

Note the Change of Venue! *Very soon our churches will all converge on the upper level of Fort Charlotte for another Community Services and Pathfinders Exhibition. This event will take place on Monday, October 12, 2015. *If your church is planning to sell food on October 12 at the exhibition site, the community services leader in each church is asked to indicate the church’s intention by emailing Pastor Craig Williams at craigwilliams1000@hotmail.com -Pastor Craig Williams, Community Services Coordinator

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES ONE-DAY CONCLAVE

 

Experience a full day of life-altering, Holy Spirit inspired and interactive fellowship, hosted by the South Bahamas Conference

Women's Ministries Department. Sister Rhonda Corrodus, of the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has been hand-picked as the vessel God uses to bring insights on the theme, "If He can use anything...He Can Use Me!" This conclave will be held at the Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, October 24, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. Women of all ages are invited to bask in "The Soaking" of the Holy Spirit. Please prepare yourselves for this awesome experience. -Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES CARE

PACKAGE DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE September 26, 2015 - Maranatha & Redemption October 3, 2015 - Grants Town & Adelaide October 17, 2015 - Good News & Bethel October 31, 2015 - Johnson Park, Gambier, & Peardale November 14, 2015 - Living Faith & Agape November 28, 2015 - Philadelphia & Ebenezer December 12, 2015 - All Family Islands Churches December 19, 2015 - All New Providence Churches -Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson

HEALTH EXPO A Health Expo is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the “Good News Gospel Explosion Campaign” at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. Come, have your pressure, glucose and cholesterol checked. You would also receive vital information on preventative tips that can enhance your overall health. It is free. Come along and bring a friend.

SCHEDULE FOR ATV53 Friday Night 7:00 - 7:15 News Update 7:15 - 7:30 Music/and Nature Videos 7:30 - 8:00 Voices 8:00 - 9:00 Hope Sabbath School 9:00 - 9:30 Around the Conference 9:30 - 10:00 Adventist Spotlight Sabbath Afternoon 3:00 - 3:15 News Update 3:15 - 3:30 Fillers 3:30 - 4:00 Around the Conference 4:00 - 4:30 Adventist Spotlight 4:30 - 5:00 Voices

PRAYER RETREAT A prayer retreat is scheduled for October 30 - November 1 at the Bahamas Youth Camp. Space is limited, so register early. For additional information, call Elder David Knowles at 425-1191 or Sister Ali McIntosh at 524-1798/423-2709, * Elder Keble Dawkins is the chairman for the Prayer Retreat while Sister Karen Moss serves as the secretary. You can reach Elder Dawkins at 455-0276 -Sister Ali McIntosh, Prayer Team

ATCU PRAYER INITIATIVE

The prayer focus of the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for September 20 - 26, 2015 is: Pray for a Genuine Concern for Souls. -Pastor Peter Joseph, Prayer Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE

The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is looking for a hard-working, dedicated person to serve in the media department. Under the supervision of the Communication Director, the individual will undertake duties related to various aspects of media. A knowledge of website design will be an asset to the organization. MINIMUM CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS: • Is a practicing Christian. • Holds professional qualification, preferably

a bachelor’s degree in radio and television production from an accredited institution.

• Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Understands and is committed to the distinctive qualities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of his/her operations support the conference’s vision and mission.

Candidates may download the application form from the conference website at southbahamasconference.org and submit the completed application form along with the following:

1. copies of professional degrees 2. an audio and video production created

by the applicant 3. resume and cover letter

to: THE CHAIRMAN, SEARCH COMMITTEE OF MEDIA PERSONNEL, 135 Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, Nassau, Bahamas or mail the completed application form, copies of professional degrees, and resume to THE CHAIRMAN, SEARCH COMMITTEE OF MEDIA PERSONNEL, P.O. BOX N-356, Nassau, Bahamas no later than September 30, 2015.

The committee reserves the right to reject the application of any or all applicants. -Office of the Secretariat, South Bahamas Conference

YOUTH TIDBITS

YOUTH AWARD BANQUET The Youth Ministries Department announces its Award Banquet under the distinguished patronage of Pastor and Mrs. Paul Scavella at the Melia Resort, Nassau Beach on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Tickets are available at the conference office. -Pastor Larry Green, Youth Ministries Director

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH SEPTEMBER 26, 2015 AT 7:02 P.M.

Website: http://southbahamasconference.org

Have a Blessed and Wonderful Sabbath!