Around THE UNIONS
B. W. J.
—
Welfare Work in the Bahamas
Mission
In every section of the British
West Indies Union there is a growing
interest in the welfare work. Our
workers and members are becoming
conscious of this God-given oppor-
tunity of opening doors that have -
been closed against us. A statement
like this has made a profound im-
pression on our laity: “This work is
the door through which the truth is
to find entrance to the large cities.”
—Welfare Ministry, p. 138.
It was the privilege of the writer
to be present at the Stone Laying
Service of the Grants Town Welfare
Center in Nassau on Sunday, Novem-
ber 17, 1957. It was a simple but
well-arranged ceremony. Pastor T, O.
Shaw presided. Brother L. Mullings,
secretary-treasurer of the Bahamas
Mission, and Brother W. Nairn, home
missionary secretary, were present
and took part in the service. The
writer gave a short address on the
welfare work of the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist church. A prominent citizen
who was present stated that he had
come prepared to make a contribution
but he was so impressed that he asked
that the church allow him to mail a
check for a larger contribution.
The Grants Town Welfare Center
is being erected on the eastern sdie
of the church. It is the plan of the
members to have this completed
shortly so that it can be of service
to a large section of that growing
community. After the religious fea-
ture of the ceremony was completed,
a number of prominent citizens and
church members laid stones. Among
them were Mr. L. O. Pindling, a
barrister-of-lJaw. He spoke very elo-
quently about our work. He said
that when a Seventh-day Adventist
speaks he feels that he is under an
obligation to listen attentively. Mr.
Carl Claridge, a prominent business-
man, alsg laid a stone. The Hon.
A. R. Braynan, member of the House
To
of Representatives, member of the
Executive Council and chairman of
the Prison Boards as well as chairman
of the Public Board of Works, laid.
a stone and gave a short address. Lis-
ening to him one would be inclined
to conclude that he was a Seventh-
day Adventist. He has been a friend
of the Adventist body for many years.
Pastor H. D. Colburn, president of
the Bahamas Mission, having been
delayed at a funeral, arrived in time
to lay a stone. It was a very impres-
sive scene to see a number of mem-
bers stepping forward with their
contributions and laying stones so
that this project can be completed
in the shortest possible time.
The following evening there was a
meeting of the members of the
churches of Nassau at the Grants
Town Church, when there was a very
enthusiastic discussion on the benefits
of the welfare work. The members
pledged their wholehearted support.
The pastor then announced to the
congregation that over one hundred
pounds came in from the Stone Lay-
ing Service. We are confident that
under God a great work will be ac-
complished in this part of His
vineyard. Brother William Nairn has
informed us that a constitution has
been approved and the mission is
now ready to undertake the pro-
gram of promoting the welfare
work throughout the Bahamas Mis-
sion. We want to wish them
abundant success in this wonderful
undertaking.
—M. G. Nembhard
Central Umetican
NEWS NOTES
The active International Temper-
ance Association in Central America
continues its work of awakening these
countries to the reality of the danger
of intemperance through the press,
the radio, and the magazines, El
Centinela and Alert. This vigorous
campaign of prevention and educa-
tion has the frank and generous back-
ing of many government officials.
When we delivered the 5,000
copies of El Centinela to the presi-
dent of El Salvador in December, we
encouraged him to purchase 10,000
copies of the temperance magazine
Alert and very soon we shall have
the privilege of taking them to him
for he wishes to give them away and
strengthen the principles of his com-
panions in office.
The government of El Salvador has
eliminated all sales of intoxicating
drinks on Saturday afternoon and
evening and all day Sunday as well
as on holidays.
J. Escandon
Colombia - Venezuela
First Biennial Session in the
Atlantic Mission
The Atlantic Mission is the pioneer
of the Adventist movement in
Colombia since its organization as a
missionary center dates from the 9th
of July, 1925. This year, having
reached its 33rd anniversary, it cele-
brated its first biennial session with
the attendance of the leaders of the
Colombia-Venezuela Union, the work"
ers from the Atlantic coast and 34
delegates from the churches.
Under the motto: “God . . . Will
Prosper Us” and the goal “Let Us
Arise and Build,” which were adorn-
ing the hall, vigorous plans for the
onward march of the work in this
section of the country were made.
The plan of action calls for the bap-
tism of 400 persons, for reaching
$96,000 Colombian pesos in tithe, for
giving an offering for world-wide
evangelism of $3,500 pesos, for rais-
ing the Ingathering goal to $10,000
pesos and for the construction of six
churches for worshiping God.
Last year the Lord helped wus
wonderfully in spite of the terrible
economic situation caused by the de-
valuation of the currency and the
increased cost of living, In spite of
the difficult situation the tithes and
offerings increased considerably; the
central church in Barranquilla was
dedicated free from debt; two lots for
MESSENGER