first Quarter 2011 Excellence

Transcription

1 first Quarter 2011 Striving for Excellence

2 Editorial President s Column Dr. Eugene F. Daniel President In philosophical theory of Natural Law, Aquinas suggests that one of the leading dimensions of life is perfectionism, i.e. an object must achieve the purpose for which it exists. Moral perfectionism suggests that humans by nature are obligated to execute basic activities which have intrinsic value and purpose. Moral perfectionism means the achievement of the purpose for which the agent was empowered. A knife was empowered to cut; it must therefore cut with excellence. Humans were created to serve, and hence should serve with excellence, love with excellence, and live with excellence, whilst acting rationally and with free will to achieve all the good that s possible. The fact that we have an opportunity to function means that God has willed that we function, and our responsibility is to Him to do all we can, considering that He willed that moment in which we were called to live and act. Kavitha Reddy, June 2002 tells the story of a businessman who, on a trip overseas, came to a shopping mall where he was greeted by a woman. He was very touched by the friendliness and excellence of her smile and the genuine character of her words. As he observed her, he noticed that she did the same to all the persons who entered the mall. The businessman started wondering if she ever got tired of doing the same thing again and again. He walked up to her and asked, My dear lady, are you not tired of doing this job, and how long have you been doing this? The lady smiled broadly and said, No sir, I am working here for 10 years and I like my job. The man was shocked and asked, Why have you been doing this for 10 years, and why do you like your job? The lady could not contain her joy as she smiled again and said, Sir, because I am serving my country. This was a little amusing for the businessman. He said, You are serving your country by smiling? The little lady said, Yes sir, I smile and all the customers coming to the mall feel happy and relaxed. They shop more, my boss is happy and pays me more. Since I am paid more, I can take care of my family. Since I can take care of my family, they are happy. As all the customers buy from us, the demand for goods is more, and since the demand is more, there are many factories. Since there are many factories, there are many jobs. Since there are more jobs, people in the country are happy. Ah! What motivation for excellence! We too can live with excellence. We do so not for financial gain, not for factories to receive more orders, not for the improvement in the gross domestic product of country or company, and certainly not because we get paid more for our excellence in performance. We do so for the same reason Adam was challenged to perform with excellence. We came from the hands of an excellent God who has modeled excellence to us and who has afforded us the opportunity to occupy this space we call time. Sincerely, Pastor Eugene F. Daniel President MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Caribbean Union is to prepare the people of the region for the glorious Second Advent of Jesus through the proclamation of the everlasting gospel and to make loving, obedient disciples of Jesus Christ, who, having experienced His transforming grace, will go forth under the power of the Holy Spirit to share joyfully with others the good news of salvation. CONTENTS The Pen of the President 2 Editorial 3 Union Directory 3 Excellence Should Be our Quest 4 Gospel Mega Fest Pentecost and More Living Streams Seventh-Day Adventist Church Dedication 8 Pastor Joseph Grimshaw 9 Stefan Mangroo 9 Inauguration of SLM 10 Honoring Pastor Ashton Alleyne 12 Ordination of Pastor Sheldon Nichols 13 Children & Youth Spiritual Revival program 14 An Impressive Visit 15 Union Officials Visit Tobago 16 Commitment Pays Off 16 Youth 10 Hour Training 17 Baptized on Her Birthday 17 Adventist Book Day 18 Directory: Conferences/Missions 19 Calendar of Special Days/Events 19 Children s Corner 20 VISION STATEMENT Our vision sees a united, praying, consecrated force of ministers and lay persons, old and young, male and female, empowered by the Holy Spirit, armed with the Word of God and the cross of Christ aggressively and efficiently fulfilling the gospel commission. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Revelation 14: 6-12) Striving For Excellence Ps. Theodore Jaria, Editor Jim Collins in his book Good to Great Pg. 1, Made the following statement: Good is the enemy of great, and that is one of the reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don t have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don t have great government principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life, The vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good-and that is their main problem. Borrowing from the sentiments of Collins, we do not have great churches because we have good churches, and we do not have great conferences and organizations because we have good conferences and good churches. A few pages later he says Greatness is not a function Street Address: No. 7 Rookery Nook, Maraval, Trinidad Mailing Address: P.O. Box 221, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Departmental Directors President Eugene F. Daniel Secretary Cyril E. Horrell Treasurer Bertie Henry Assoc. Treasurer Rolph Cedeno ADRA Theodore Jaria Children s Mininistry Claudette Andrews Communication Theodore Jaria Editor, Gleanings Theodore Jaria Education Hilary Bowman Evangelist Roosevelt Daniels Family Ministries Andrew Farrel of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice. The church above all else should epitomize the philosophy of excellence in its operations and if in our estimation we are good, we should strive to do better. The reality is, this does not just happen automatically. The fact that we believe that we are the remnant church and that we serve the King of Kings, does not automatically guarantee, success or excellence. There is the constant need to evaluate our operations and to do regular assessment to see if we are cutting the mustard as the late Don Crowder would say. Today we serve congregations who are a lot more literate than a few years ago. Many are professionals in their own right. Many are expected to function at a certain level of competence or demand that their employees deliver excellence on the job. Should these individuals expect any less from the church and its leadership? Should our church members expect that church workers deliver a fair days work for a fair day s pay? Should they expect that we be on time for our appointments and that we be organized and professional? Should they expect that we make good on our promises Caribbean Union Directory Contacts: Tel: (868) (868) Tel: (868) (868) Fax: (868) Website: caribbeanunionadventist.org Health Ministries Clive P. Dottin Ministerial Andrew Farrel Public Affs. & Relg. Lib. Clive P. Dottin Publishing Min. Judith Smith Revolving Fund Bertie Henry Sab. Sch. & Pers. Min. Danforth Francis Stewardship Ministry Eugene F. Daniel Trust Services Bertie Henry Women s Min. Claudette Andrews Youth Ministries Clive P. Dottin and that we be fair in our judgments? The apostle Paul captures the theme of striving for excellence in the passage Phil. 3:13,14 Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (RSV) Here is a man who seemed to have been consumed with a passion for Christ and His work. Of course you may ask, does excellence matter to God? Does God care about quality? Is He concerned with how well things are done? Does it make any difference to God whether: the instruments are in tune; the praise team has rehearsed the songs, etc. Is having a passion for Christ and His work the same as doing things well? This quarter we seek to raise the issue of excellence and challenge our workers to come up a little higher. We have featured a few individuals who themselves have demonstrated a hunger for excellence. We welcome Pastor Danforth Francis back to the Caribbean Union and anticipate learning from his wealth of experience gained in the Mission land of Africa during the last 18 years. NOTICE OF SESSION Notice is hereby given that the Fifteenth Quinquennial Session of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held on July 13 16, 2011 at the University of the Southern Caribbean (formerly known as CUC), Maracas, St. Joseph, Trinidad. The purpose of these meetings is to receive reports, to elect officers, departmental directors, an executive committee and trustees for the ensuing term, and to transact any other business that may properly come to the delegates in session. Eugene F. Daniel, President Cyril E. Horrell, Secretary 2 3

3 Excellence Should be Our quest The human family is fascinated with excellence. That which is superior has always been lauded. It is one of those magnetic ideas that cause millions to place their excellent stars on pedestal to worship them. No wonder God has called his followers to so live that those who see us may glorify him: Place Him on the pedestal and worship Him. In other words there is a call to excellence. Societal norms, fads, and fancies suggest what the standards are, which means that excellence today may not be excellence tomorrow. Notwithstanding that flexibility, the practicing Christian does have a fixed standard of excellence to which he or she must attain. Paul refers to the mark, High calling and lest the readers should believe that the excellence of which I write were some abstract idea, Paul clarifies in clear terms when he wrote of Jesus in this wise: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Heb 1:4. Christ then is our pattern of excellence and He is the only pattern we have to follow. Moreover being like Him will be compensated with eternal life, so there is a powerful enticement and reason to stretch every nerve to attain such excellency. What then is in this for us individually? Let me suggest three issues: 1. Synchronization of Profession and Practice 2. Single mindedness 3. Stick-to-it-ive-ness Nothing is more debilitating, devaluing and destabilizing than for a Christian not to live up to what he preaches. We as Seventh-day Adventists have high standards on paper, but could it be that we are not practicing those standards in our boardrooms, committees, communities and families? Don t you think the time has come for us to be regarded as a loving rather than a legalistic community? Ellen G. White puts it powerfully: If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one. But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. {9T 190.1} What a model for evangeliving! The adversary of our souls is willing to do all and anything that it takes to have us not reach the mark. Busyness is the 21st century s challenge. Our church, our members are not idle they are very busy all the time. These activities involve personal, professional and pastoral activities. Yet within these there seems to be another track which needs our passionate attention. bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must [we] allow [our] attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease. All [our] habits and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. Reason, enlightened by the teachings of God s word and guided by His Spirit, must hold the reins of control. {AA 311.1}[Words supplied] Having our faith corroborated by our practice and our eyes fixed on the goal not turning to the left or the right are excellent indeed but we must endure to the end otherwise all our efforts would be in vain and we would not have achieved the excellence for which we strive and need to attain. Our inspired friend E.G White rightly puts it this way: the Christian must put forth the utmost exertion in order to gain the victory. In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more zeal and determination than at the first of his course. So as we eye the final events of earth s history let us with renewed effort lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us and run with zeal, passion and stick-to-it-ive-ness to The mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4 Pastor R. D. Francis presently serves as Personal Ministries/Sabbath School Director at the Caribbean Union Conference. He is a career missionary who has spent the last eighteen years working as a departmental director and administrator at the Conference, Union, and Division levels of the church in the West- Central Africa Division. He has a passion for nurturing and transmitting our values. 4 5

4 Gospel Mega Fest 2010 pentecost and more 2011 by Theodore Undoubtedly, this was the premiere programme of the youth department for the year Gospel Mega fest was held under the theme. Transforming Lives, restoring character, saving our youth and indeed it was a life changing experience, which the young people of the Grenada Conference vowed never to forget. Beginning Sunday November 28th and concluding Sabbath December 4th 2010, young people converged at the National stadium nightly to be empowered with great gospel preaching from our youth and youth pastors. Every night, life changing prayer sessions were conducted to boost the spiritual temperature of the attendees. Above all, it was quite thrilling to experience the profound manner in which young Dwaindell Gilbert (14years) expounded the word of God and brought conviction to hearts. Other speakers included youth preacher, Sis. Keisha Charles, Pastor Samuel Sayers, Pastor Elvis Hillaire, Pastor Enoch Isaac, Dr. Clive Dottin (Youth Ministries Director, Caribbean Union) and Pastor Steve Riley, from The South Caribbean Conference. Indeed, the highlight of gospel mega fest was the National youth convention, where over six thousand members and visitors gathered to celebrate the power and goodness of God in the lives of the youth. At the end of the festival 19 new persons accepted Jesus in baptism and four members also recommitted their walk with the master. In addition, we also had twenty-one persons invested as AY leaders and 12 persons receiving Masterguide pins. The programme concluded with a grand consecration service where the young people were charged by Pastor Steve Riley to be real ambassadors for Jesus. Enoch Isaac (Pastor) Youth Ministries Director Grenada Conference of SDA The Caribbean Union s Participation in Pentecost and More was uplinked from Barbados from the Victory in the Cross Revival Crusade. The crusade was in its fourth week and was preached by Evangelist David Beckles, President of the East Caribbean Conference. I have always been impressed by Pastor Beckles sincere, down-to-earth style of preaching and on Friday night March 18th, he was true to form as he challenged us to guard against committing the Unpardonable Sin and quenching the voice of the Spirit. I was even more impressed however by his this-one-thing-i-do approach as he gathered the New Converts, all 54 of them for an after lunch indoctrination session. (I am not sure if he had lunch himself, for he never arrived home to partake of the sumptuous table spread by Sister Beckles for Pastor Abner De Los Santos from the Inter- American Division (IAD) and myself). 11:30 am was our uplink-time, when the video feed from the tent was to be uplinked to the rest of the Division, as we joined the other Unions in simultaneous mass baptisms. Pastor Los Santos did the Baptismal rite while the Pastors in the large pool constructed for the occasion, performed the Baptism. A total of 2,700 persons were baptized from the main site, Venezuela, while throughout the Division it was recorded a total of 12,000 precious souls. Truly the days spoken of in Joel are upon us. We Thank Brother Clifford and the communication team from Barbados for their hard work in facilitating the uplink. We can only get better. 6 7

5 LIVING STREAMS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH dedication March 20, 2011 pastor Joseph Grimshaw Joseph Grimshaw who is affectionately known by close friends and relatives as Joey, was born in the town of San Juan on May 15, 1922 to Isaac and Agnes Grimshaw. He had two siblings, brothers, both of whom are deceased. At an early age he travelled to the home of his parents in Tobago where he spent his early childhood. On returning to Trinidad in 1939, Joey enrolled at the Osmond High School in Port of Spain. After successfully completing his secondary school studies he became a teacher at his alma mater, Osmond High School in 1941 where he remained until In October 1948 he married Veronica Mollineau and to this union were born Magda and Samuel. Veronica predeceased him in January 2003 and sometime later he married Barbara Bruce. They were to enjoy seven and half years of marriage. As a lay member he was actively involved as an elder of the Port of Spain SDA church at No 31 Dundonald Street. He entered denominational service in 1953 as the first principal of the Southern Academy in San Fernando. His denominational service spanned a period of 42 years. During this period he served in five denominational organizations and institutions, viz, the South Caribbean Conference, Caribbean Union College, the Caribbean Union Conference, the Inter American Division and the North Caribbean Conference. Among the positions he held at the various stations were: mathematics teacher and assistant registrar, Caribbean Union College; Secondary and Primary School Principal; Departmental Director, Secretary Treasurer, Treasurer and President, South Caribbean Conference; Trust Services director, auditor, assistant treasurer and treasurer on two occasions of the Caribbean Union Conference; Area auditor, Inter-American Division; and Business Manager of the St. Croix Secondary School and associate pastor, North Caribbean Conference. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in Elder Grimshaw was known for his dignity and that he was able to relate positively to his church members. His manner, some say, made him a role model, while still a humble man. He practised good posture and always was impeccably dressed. He was a thinker who was not always first to speak, but when he did, he articulately made a powerful contribution. Elder Grimshaw ended his earthly sojourn on Monday, March 3, 2011 at the Community Hospital, Cocorite. He leaves to mourn his wife, Barbara; daughter, Magda and several relatives and close friends. He sleeps in Jesus and awaits the call of the Life Giver. The Living Streams Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at La Croix in the Marriaqua Valley, was dedicated to the honour and glory of God on Sunday March 20, The church started as a result of an Evangelistic crusade which was held in March 2005 in which two hundred and thirty six persons gave their lives to the Lord after five weeks of powerful, penetrating, Pentecostal preaching by the dynamic Evangelist, Pastor Claudius Morgan. The new members opted to remain together for nurturing and conservation. They adopted the name Living Streams which indicates that the church is a viable, moving, living organization with members coming from a wide cross section of the Marriaqua community. The group was officially organized into a full fledged church on December 29, 2007 with a charter membership of 152. In August 2009 a parcel of land was purchased on which a permanent church structure was erected much to the generosity and collective sacrifice of the members and well wishers. At the dedication ceremony, the laying of the cornerstone and the delivery of the sermon was done by Dr. Eugene Daniel, President of the Caribbean Union Conference of SDA, while the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the prayer of dedication was done by Pastor Dermoth Baptiste, Coordinator of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Region of SDA. Greetings were given by Hon. Girlyn Miguel, Constituency Representative, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, while brief remarks were presented by Hon. Maxwell Charles Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, National Reconciliation, Labour and Information. The cutting of the ribbon was done by the matriarchs, Jenny Samuel and Sadie Bacchus while the opening of the main door was done by Bro. Bertram Bacchus, the first Elder and chairman of the Building Committee. The mission of the Living Streams church is to proclaim the good news of salvation to every household within its territory through preaching, teaching, and personal witnessing, thus influencing people from all walks of life to have a viable relationship with the Lord and to be ready to live in His presence. Stefan Mangroo The Top 10 most intriguing people of 2010 One tennis player never won so much by losing... When Stefan Mangroo, a Seventh-day Adventist, the son of Trinidadian parents living in the US, refused to play on Saturday, his sabbath, he and his Franklin High School doubles partner, senior Cody Buffenbarger, were disqualified from the Division II semifinals. Stefan said the decision got him closer to God and strengthened his beliefs. From the time Mangroo wakes up Saturday until bedtime, his day is filled with God things, he said. He attends Centerville Seventh-day Adventist Church with his family parents Teddy and Cheryl and siblings, Shane, 20, Sasha, 15, and Shannia, 8 then spends the rest of the day talking religion. In his words: Religion is above sports. Sure, there was some pressure, but it was an easy decision. source: page=2&more_comments=false 8 9

6 INAUGURATION OF SOUTH LEeWARD MISSION The historical event of the Inauguration of the South Leeward Mission took place on the island of Antigua during the weekend of March 5 & 6, This grand event began as hundreds gathered on Sabbath March 5th in an island-wide service of celebration, under the Theme: Celebrating our Heritage - Fulfilling our Mission. In attendance were delegates and well-wishers from the five islands which would form the new Mission Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, along with Montserrat. Mention must also be made of a small contingent that came from the South Caribbean Conference in Trinidad. Sabbath School was ably conducted by Pastor Kay White, who marshalled the troops engaged in the various aspects of praise and the study of the Word. The next phase of the morning s service moved into the introduction of the newly elected administration; Pastor Carson Greene as Secretary/Treasurer, and President of South Leeward Mission, Pastor Desmond James and his wife, Sister Aline James. The congregation applauded the new leaders as an indication of confidence and appreciation for their leadership abilities. The greatest drama of the morning came during the exchange of pleasantries by the newly elected president to his former boss, Pastor Silton Browne, President of the North Caribbean Conference. The flowery speech ended in an emotional moment of hugs and tears by the two leaders that overwhelmed and silenced the spell-bound audience. Dr. Winston Boldwin Spencer Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda President of the IAD, Dr. Israel Leito The Divine Service was the highpoint of the service. Dr. Eugene Daniel, President of the Caribbean Union was God s mouthpiece to speak to the hearts of God s people. Dr. Daniel addressed the first part of the Theme, Celebrating Our Heritage, and immediately acknowledged outstanding members of the congregation who made valuable contributions in building our heritage. Among the list of names mentioned were Pastor J.S.U. Burton and his wife who were present in the audience. Pastor Kay White His main text was 1 John 3:1,2, from which he shared a salvivic point of view that, God takes sinners into His Heritage by giving them a new nature, (not cloning) makes them legal by the blood of Jesus, transforms them into His children, and makes them heirs. Our lives will never find meaning until we find a relationship with an up-close God, was perhaps the quote of the morning s message. The service came to a close with the hope that we shall see Jesus face to face. Dame Louise Lake Tact, Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda Sunday, March 6th, brought much excitement and anticipation with the dedication of the New Administration Building of the South Leeward Mission. A large crowd gathered on site with many dignitaries including Dame Louise Lake Tact, Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda; Dr. Winston Boldwin Spencer Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda; Sir James Carlisle, former Governor General, other Ministers of Government and leaders of the church from around the Caribbean. Dr. Eugene Daniel was the keynote speaker, who focussed on the Headquarters of the Mission as God s Embassy in that part of the world. The Dedicatory Prayer was followed by the Laying of the Corner Stone and the Cutting of the Ribbon which led to the entrance and viewing of the palatial Mission Headquarters. Truly, a significant achievement. The focus then shifted to the St. John s Seventh-day Adventist Church to begin the Session. At the arrival of Dr. Israel Leito, President of the Inter American Division, the Session was called to order after the posting of flags, by the Pathfinders and the singing of the National Anthems of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis and Montserrat. It was a significant moment when Pastor Silton Browne, President of the North Caribbean Conference, challenged Pastor Desmond James to take care of the five islands transferred from the North Caribbean Conference under his care. In accepting the challenge, the flags of each nation were given to him as a symbol that South Leeward Mission was now a reality. Dr. Leito gave the keynote address and shared that as citizens, God s people are called to live a life worthy of his calling, and then gave status to South Leeward Mission. Dr. Eugene Daniel and the newly elected Secretary, Pastor Carson Greene, led in the selection of representatives on forming the organizing committee. The acceptance of the Large or organizing committee came shortly after, and business was in progress as both the Nomination of the Standing and Plans and Recommendation Committees were put in place. The anticipated delegates and members after hours of waiting, finally got the report of the Nominating Committee. Pastor and Mrs Burton A significant moment between Ps Sitlon Browne and Ps. Desmond James The report was presented as follows: Religious Liberty President Desmond James Personal Ministries & Sab. School Pastor Wayne Knowles Education & Children Ministries Dr. Eulalie Semper Health Director Mrs. Sonia Smith Youth Director Pastor Kendol Doyle The report was voted overwhelmingly by the delegates. Sis Ruth Browne did the Resolution of Gratitude to God for His leading, and after the prayer of consecration, those who endured to the end, left one by one with a sense that an era had ended, and a new day had dawned on a long awaited territory South Leeward Mission of Seventh-day Adventists! 10 11

7 The air hung heavy with anguish and the grey, overcast skies consorted with it. It was a lamentable occasion. Hundreds of smartly clad uniformed squads waited in readiness for their marching orders in the gloom of the bleaky Sunday morning. At the head of the procession stood a solemn band of clergymen; behind them came the guard of honour - on duty beside the hearse; following was an extensive train of Master Guides, Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Community Services members. In their midst was the Mercury Drum Corp and the plaintive strains of Taps (the famous military funeral bugle call) on their drums and trumpets which bore witness to two facts: it was a time of mourning, and the dead had led a life of notable service. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana was struck with grief the moment Pastor Ashton Meigwell Alleyne, one of its long serving and outstanding ministers, passed away on the night of January 22, The 55 year old worker had succumbed to prolonged illness. Pastor Alleyne is the first minister to die in active service in the Guyana Conference in the last 34 years. Ashton became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church when he was only eighteen years old. He later enrolled in the Theology programme of the Caribbean Union College in February of 1978 when he felt a call to the ministry. After he graduated, Pastor Alleyne began 27 years of unbroken service with the Guyana Conference. His dedicated service to the Guyana Conference saw Pastor Alleyne serving with distinction as Pastor of six pastoral districts, and, from the headquarters, director of the Communication, Community Services, and Youth Ministries departments. The evidence of the claim is seen in Honoring Pastor Ashton Alleyne his impact on the lives of the youth he served and mentored. In fact, with his gregarious personality and his irresistible charm, Ashton Alleyne found his way into the lives and hearts of men, women, youth and children at home and abroad. The big man had a big heart, and his genuine care for others prompted the self-sacrificial manner in which he participated in the many deep interpersonal relationships he shared. Alleyne was certainly among the most jovial of the clergy and his booming laughter will be missed. But the silence will also echo in the vacuum of a militant voice stilled, for Alleyne was also well known for his forthrightness and his determination to stand for what he believed. His deep concern for social justice was matched by his fervour and regard for the work of the church. And so, as the life of this fallen soldier had been exceptional, so with excep- He is recorded as the Conference s longest serving youth director and many would agree that here is where the value of his contribution to the Conference has been felt most. tional flair was it celebrated upon his death. Alleyne gained the distinction of receiving two funeral services; and the panache of both can measure up to, if not succeed, that of any state funeral conducted on these shores. On Sunday, January 30, the uniformed departments marched with the hearse bearing the body through an area of the city to the Olivet Adventist Church which had been one of Pastor Alleyne s congregations at the time of his death. The following day, a similar procession, en route to the Philadelphia Church for the second service, went through the town of New Amsterdam in Berbice, Pastor Alleyne s home county. As the life of Ashton Alleyne had impacted those whom he encountered in his sojourn on this earth, so the processions dispelled the quiet atmosphere; and curious eyes looked through windows and lined the streets as they followed the unusual, impressive and solemn sight. The viewing at the church was charged with emotion as Master Guides, Pathfinders, family and friends expressed the grief of their loss. Many a youth buckled in tears under the weight of the pain of losing one who had played such an instrumental role in their development. And the tributes poured in, many from notable figures of the Guyanese society and the local and overseas Adventist fraternity. These persons included the Mayor of Georgetown, the Honourable Hamilton Green; Ministerial Secretary of the Caribbean Union, Pastor Andrew Farrell; Youth Ministries Director, Dr. Clive Dottin; President of the Suriname Mission, Pastor Lyndon Gudge; and representatives from other sister Conferences and Guyanese organisations in North America. On Sunday, fading daylight brought the curtains down on the sad affair, and on Monday, by the time the body was delivered to the earth, night had already fallen. But even with our feeble attempts to immortalise him, Pastor Ashton Alleyne remains asleep in the grave, awaiting the midnight cry when Jesus comes again. The Guyana Conference expresses its deepest condolences to his family - Sister Ruby Alleyne, a woman of might who had been to him a source of encouragement and pillar of strength in his time of sickness and who he had Pastor Sheldon Nichols of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Region, assigned to the Georgetown/Fancy district, was ordained to full gospel ministry, at a very impressive service which was held at the Calder church on Sabbath, October 23, The service was well attended by family, friends, church leaders, members of the community, and the Ministerial Association. The sermon and prayer of ordination were done by Dr. Eugene Daniel, President of the Caribbean Union. In his sermon, the ordinand and congregation were challenged to bear the name of Christ and the church with deep humility, holy pride and a firm conviction in whom you believe and what you believe. He further stressed that representatives of assured so often from his hospital bed, I am ready. ; Ashton, his son, who was ceremoniously renamed Ashton senior during the funeral service by familyfriend and colleague, Pastor Charles Gittens; and his daughters and apples of his eye, Rhobyn and Rhondel. With them, we look forward to that glorious getting up morning when we will be reunited with Pastor Alleyne and all the others who went to sleep in the Lord. Barbara Savory Communications Director, Guyana Conference Ordination of Pastor Sheldon Nichols to Full Gospel Ministry Christ should live above the reproaches of this life and let the world see you as a true ambassador of heaven. The charge was given by Pastor Andrew Farrel, Ministerial Secretary of the Caribbean Union while Pastor Dermoth Baptiste, Coordinator of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Region, welcomed Pastor Nichols officially into the ranks of ordained ministers who are invested with full ecclesiastical authority to act on behalf of the church anywhere in the world. Pastor Nichols is the son of Alrick and Nina Nichols of La Croix and the husband of Sharon Myers-Nichols of Clare Valley. He has demonstrated special interest in music, audio engineering and graphics design The ordination service coincided with the celebration of Adventist Heritage Day in which, the church celebrated the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the name, Seventh-day Adventists.

8 Inter-America: Leaders call on the church to care for children and youth s spiritual growth An Impressive visit The message was loud and clear: Pray for, guide, and challenge children and the youth of the church to establish a close relationship with Jesus through a prayerful connection. It was a message which resonated across hundreds of Seventhday Adventist churches throughout Inter- America, on Mar. 12, 2011 as a week of spiritual emphasis activities concluded on the Adventist World Church s call for spiritual revival and reformation. In God s kingdom children are always first, said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, as he spoke to more than 1,000 church members at the University of Southern Caribbean (USC) Auditorium in Trinidad, one of 21 large hosts sites throughout Inter-America organized for the special program. Pastor Leito challenged church leaders and members to honor children and young people and strive to actively inspire and guide them to heaven. Brothers and sisters, we must take care of our children. Love them. God asks us to care for his inheritance, he added. Caring for the children is what Dinorah Rivera, children s ministries director for the church in Inter-America, emphasized as her words echoed in the auditorium via Skype during the program which was streamed live on the internet. Our church should make a conscious effort to better provide and invest in children, Rivera said. We must nurture the intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our children. That is why it is so important to involve them, very intentionally in being constant in prayer, in developing this special relationship with Jesus that will last for life. It s about shaping today s young generation for a committed discipleship through constant prayer and the study of the Bible, emphasized Pastor Leito. Give God a living sacrifice useful to Him, said Pastor Leito as he called on the youth for spiritual revival. Imitate Christ and live a life of love just as Christ loved us. We need this revival, we need our young people, we must deal with them with respect, challenged Pastor Leito as he addressed church leaders and members. God needs you more than you think, he added as he spoke to the youth in the congregation and online young viewers. There are currently more than 1.5 million Adventist young people in Inter-America. It s that army of thousands of young people that can be powerful, said Pastor Benjamin Carballo, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America. If we are an army constant in prayer, we can be a powerful army, said Carballo, as he addressed the youth. It s time to stand up as a new generation of young people in church. A young generation of young people powerful in prayer, a young generation of young people powerful in the Word, a young generation of young people powerful in testimony. If you make a firm and permanent decision to connect with God and have a relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study, you will be winners through the battles of life, Carballo added. The division-wide spiritual revival and reformation initiative, called Constant in Prayer, calls on all members to a constant prayerful life and study of the Word. The Constant In Prayer theme echoed throughout the worship program. Dedicatory prayers were offered for the children and the youth as well as group prayer sessions, testimonials, and numerous musical numbers led by the young people of the Caribbean Union region. Other young people from other church regions of Inter-America connected live during the webcast program to share prayer requests and testimonials. Pastor Clive Dottin, youth ministries director for the church in the Caribbean Union territory, challenged the youth to move forward and commit to serving God. He called upon the hundreds of children and young people during the worship program to catch the vision of Constant in Prayer and keep it in their hearts. Activities in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, included the distribution of more than 2,000 magazines by the young people. The magazines talk about importance of prayer in the violent and drug-infested communities throughout the city. Elsewhere throughout Inter-America, similar programs took place during the special day. From Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean to the northern tip of South America, prayer sessions, children and youth-led activities took place. In El Salvador thousands gathered at Plaza del Salvador in the capital city to pray, perform dramas and hand out fliers to onlookers. In Haiti, thousands of pathfinders and master guides marched and sang on the streets of Limbe, near Cap-Haitien, with messages of hope and invitations for prayer revival. In Colombia, young people took to the streets of Medellin to pray for motorist and anyone who needed prayer. I am convinced that the Lord is doing a mighty work through this initiative, said Pastor Roberto Herrera, coordinator for spiritual revival and reformation for the church in Inter-America. We want our children and young people to know that they are part of a church that prays for them, cares for their spiritual growth and is always looking for ways to minister to their needs, Herrera added. Pastors Jim Nix from GC, Leon Wellington from IAD with NCC Directors, Bible Worker and District Pastors On Monday January 31, through Thursday, February 3, 2011, Dr. Jim Nix, Director of the Ellen G. White Estate, and Pastor Leon Wellington, Vice President, Communication and Spirit of Prophecy Director of the Inter American Division, made an impressive visit to the North Caribbean Conference on the Island of St. Croix. Two very important meetings were conducted during this period of time by our Leaders, among other informal discussions. The first was on Tuesday, February 1st, with all the District Pastors and Bible Worker on the island of St. Croix, the Secretary of the North Caribbean Conference of SDA, Pastor Henry Peters, Departmental Directors, and Office Staff at the Conference Office. Pastor Wellington was the main presenter, who shared with us some relevant information from the Spirit of Prophecy, and clarified many statements made my Mrs. White which are used out of context. Many comments were also made during the presentation by Dr. Jim Nix, that highlighted the influence and impact that Mrs. White had on the SDA church. The next meeting was on Wednesday, February 2nd, at the Bethel SDA Church in St. Croix. The Island Constituency came out in grand fashion to hear from our Leaders. They were not disappointed. Pastor Silton Browne, President of the North Caribbean Conference was present to welcome the members, and introduced Pastor Wellington, who gave a brief devotional on Ephesians 4:11,12. The anticipated moment came when Dr. Jim Nix was introduced. Dr. Nix informed us that they were on itinerary to Puerto Rico to set up an Ellen White Research Centre, where one could now find copies of all the original writings of Mrs. White, and will be able to do all the necessary research on her writings. He then painted a picture of Mrs. White by sharing stories from individuals who personally knew her. She was a shy and very loving person who had to cope with the manner in which people stared at her because of who she was. He also told his audience, that the last known living person who knew Ellen White died in the month of January 2011 and would be buried shortly. There was also a question and answer period, where matters of plagiarism, health issues, and other versions of the Bible used by Ellen White were discussed. His final thought was that just before Ellen White died, she asked that her favourite song be sung, Jesus lover of my Soul. The meeting ended on a high note of praise that brought to an end the impressive visit of two distinguished workers of our church. Earl Daniel Communication Director, NCC

9 UNION OFFICIALS VISIT TOBAGO It was a tremendous blessing for the brethren of Tobago, when two officials from the Caribbean Union visited during the period January 14-19, Dr. Hilary Bowman, Director of Education and Mr. Bertie Henry, Treasurer were active participants in the Festival of Education. Dr. Bowman was the main speaker at the Education Convention at Scarborough on January 15. The Theme was Adventist Education, Essential and Eternal. Mr. Henry was one of the three facilitators at the workshop that was conducted COMMITMENT PAYS OFF The commitment of the Tobago delegates at the Caribbean Religious Liberty Association (CARLA) Conference held January 19-23, 2011 in Grenada was justly rewarded. Tobago Mission received two awards for its performance in The first for being the most active PARL Association in the Caribbean Union and the second for being the outstanding Association overall for The forty-one (41) delegates at the convention were elated at the good news. These accomplishments were not attained single-handedly but as a result of collaboration, co-operation and devotion to the cause of Religious Liberty by every member of the Association. To God be the glory, great things he hath done. Wilfred Desvignes PARL Director on January 16, particularly for the School Board Members, Pastors and Directors of the Tobago Mission. The other facilitators were Pastor Clyde Lewis, Treasurer of the Tobago Mission and Dr. Bowman who also conducted a Workshop for all the teachers of the Tobago Mission on Wednesday 19th January Workers and members benefitted immensely from the visit. Wilfred Desvignes Education Director YOUTH 10 HOUR TRAINING Tobago Mission President Ps. Clyde Thomas addresses the audience Youth empowering youth is a précis of the Tobago Mission of SDA s Youth 10 hour Training Program Conducted at the Harmon High School Auditorium, the program welcomed and enlightened over one hundred and fifty youth leaders and secretaries from the various Adventist churches on the island. Presentations were done on topics of Leadership, Group Dynamics, Event Planning & Coordinating, Worship, Witnessing, Mission and other pertinent issues that leaders needed to have an authority on. Seven rigorous hours of training was completed on Saturday and the other three were done on Sunday morning. Attendees were elated to be a part of the experience. They were grateful for the insightful and comprehensive information disseminated to them. The entire event culminated with a certificate presentation. Each candidate received a wallet sized Innesha De Gannes, baptized on her birthday Harmon s three Baptismal Candidates Mr. Bertrand Moses capturing the audience s attention certificate that they could use to present anywhere as evidence that they have completed the General Conference s Youth Department Training component towards investiture into the AY Leadership training program. One outstanding part of the training program was done on Sunday morning, where senior leaders joined hands to play a Santame Sezie game as the junior leaders looked on. The objective of the game was to encourage senior leaders to be in the forefront leading acceptable social programs, as guides to the junior leaders. Shakespeare said, All s well that ends well. He must have been referring to the Tobago Mission s Youth Departments 10 hour training conducted from January 22 & Pastor Lowell Kester Ottley Youth Director It was a glorious occasion for Innesha De Gannes, a Form 5 student of Harmon School of Seventh-day Adventists; when she got baptized on her birthday, Monday 7th February, 2011 at the Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church. Two other students were also baptized during the chapel programme, Reon Toby also from Form 5 Class and Lundon Duke from Form 1. Approximately three hundred (300) students witnessed the baptism which was conducted by Pas A cross section of the audience Youth Director Ps. Lowell Ottley BAPTIZED ON HER BIRTHDAY Cathy Cape receiving her certificate from Ps. Persad tor Hugo Murray, immediate past Principal and speaker for the recently concluded School s Week of Prayer. The School s Chaplain, Mrs. Anita Kirk, other teachers such as Ms. Kerleen Alexander, Mrs. Tracy Dick Noel and Mrs. Louise Wilson gave special words of encouragement to the new believers in Christ. The exercise was indeed a testimony for Adventist Christian Education Mr. Wilfred Desvignes Education Director

10 DIRECTORY OF CONFERENCES & MISSIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN UNION On May 14, 2011, The Inter-American Division along with the Publishing Ministry of the Caribbean Union Conference, will be celebrating the first Adventist Book Day. This activity was conceived by Dr Pablo Perla, president of the Inter-American Division Publishing Association, and it was voted at their Publishing Board held in Puerto Rico in 2010, as a reminder that literature still has the power to transform lives. Each member throughout the union is encouraged to purchase a book and distribute to family members, friends and neighbours. The Adventist Book Centres (ABCs) will be having special activities and discounts during the weekend of May 13-15, 2011, and we are encouraging the church members to visit them. Judith Smith Publishing Ministries Director, Caribbean Union Conference of SDA East Caribbean Conference President: Pastor David Beckles Secretary: Pastor Carl Dyal Treasurer: Sis. Sylgene Clarke P.O. Box 223, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel.: (246) Fax: (246) secretary@eastcarib.org Website: Grenada Conference President: Dr. Clinton Lewis Secretary: Pastor Nord Punch Treasurer: Bro. Donald Modeste Advent Avenue; Grand Bras, St. Andrew s, Grenada Mailing: P.O. Box 920 Grenville, St. Andrew s, Grenada. Tel.: (473) ; Fax: (473) gremiss@caribsurf.com Website: Guyana Conference President: Pastor Dr. Hiton Garnet Secretary: Pastor Stanton Adams Treasurer: Sis. Margaret Ramsarran 222 Peter Rose and Almond Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana P.O. Box Georgetown, Guyana Tel.: (592) ; Fax: (592) guycon1@gol.net.gy Website: North Caribbean Conference President: Pastor Silton Brown Secretary: Pastor Desmond James Treasurer: Sis. Sanida Mc Kenzie P.O. Box 580 Christiansted, St. Croix USVI Tel.: (340) Fax: (340) northcar@northcaribbeanconference.org Website: ST VINCENT & GRENADINES REGION Coordinator: Pastor Dermoth Baptiste St.Vincent & Grenadines Region SDA Community Service Complex Old Montrose, Kingstown St. Vincent. Phone: Fax: Website: South Caribbean Conference President: Pastor Kern Tobias Secretary: Pastor Leslie Moses Treasurer: Bro. John Mahadeo Corner Deane Street and Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine, Trinidad P.O. Box 66; Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel.: (868) ; ; Fax: (868) sccsda@tstt.net.tt Website: St. Lucia Mission President: Pastor Johnson Frederick Secretary: Bro. Eddison Alexander Treasurer: Eddison Alexander Vide Bouteille Road, Castries, St. Lucia P.O. Box GM 912 Castries, St. Lucia Telephone: (758) ; Fax: (758) adventists@stluciamission.org Website: Tobago Mission President: Pastor Clyde Thomas Sec. -Treasurer: Pastor Clyde E. Lewis Bad Hill, Plymouth Road, Tobago Trinidad and Tobago P.O. Box 311 Bad Hill, Plymouth Road, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Telephone: (868) ; Fax: (868) tobagomission@tstt.net.tt Website: Suriname Mission President: Pastor Lyndon Gudge Secretary: Pastor Edward Blackman Treasurer: Leslie Koorndijk 8 Madeliefjesstraat, Paramaribo, P.O. Box 1909 Paramaribo, Suriname Telephone: (597) Fax: (597) zdasurin@sr.net Cable: Adventisten, Paramaribo, Suriname Website: South Leeward Mission President: Pastor Desmond James Secretary/Treasurer: Pastor Carson Greene P.O. Box 109, St. Johns, Antigua Telephone: (268) April 2011 CALENDAR OF SPECIAL DAYS AND EVENTS (2nd Quarter) May June 2-30 Education Evangelism 2 Missionary Magazines 9 Adventist Mission Emphasis (Offering) 9 Youth Spiritual Commitment Celebration (Northern Hemisphere) 16 Literature Evangelism Rally 23 Christian Education Day 23 Spiritual Revival Emphasis 26 Spiritual Emphasis Educational Institutions 26 Schools of Prayer in IAD Territory 30 Prayers for Pastors and Elders 1-31 Drug Awareness Month 7* Day of the SDA Books 7 Community Services Evangelism 7* Disaster and Famine Relief Emphasis 14* Tell the World: Big Cities 21* Sabbath of Hope 4 Bible Correspondence School Emphasis 10 Prayer in the Family 11 Baptisms in all Unions 11* Women s Ministry Emphasis 18 Adventist Laypersons Service and Industries (ASI) Day 25 13th Sabbath Offering (Euro-Asia Division) * programme provided by the GC or by the IAD