Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas…[Barrington Brennen/IAD]
On Sunday, March 20, leaders and church members gathered on Beach Way Drive in Grand Bahama to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of their new headquarters. The new office will house the administrative office of the North Bahamas Mission of Seventh-day Adventists which coordinates the many ministries in Grand Bahama and the island of Abaco.
Dr. Patrick Allen , president of the West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventists, presented the keynote address. He underscored the point that the creation of the North Bahamas Mission is the result of the growth of Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Bahamas and the view that a more efficient coordination of the churches in the North required the formation of an administrative structure to attend to their specific needs, as well facilitate greater expansion throughout the region.
Other remarks were given by Mrs. Willie Moss, president of the Grand Port of Authority, who applauded the Adventist Church for its work in Grand Bahama. Miss Pleasant Bridgewater, Member of Parliament for Marco City, also spoke.
According to Pastor Keith D. Albury, president of the Mission, the building of the new Mission headquarters is one of several projects planned by the church as part o its seven-year strategic plan which was voted in June of last year. The other projects include, but are not limited, to the establishment of a youth campsite which will be open to other Christian civic groups, and the completion of the second phase of Grand Bahama Academy.
“It is my hope,” says Pastor Albury, “that this complex will facilitate greater coordination of the various ministries in all of our churches so that our impact on the community would be more focused and effective as we seek to share the love of Christ with men and women, boys and girls, in this region.”
The project is expected to be completed within 18 months from commencement.
