Vol. XXIV, No. 31 May 05, 2013 A MANDATE FOR FRUITFULNESS

Baptist Circuit of Churches, ECBM
P.O. Box 2678  St. John’s  Antigua & Barbuda
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.baptistantigua.org

Dr. Hensworth W. C. Jonas, Presiding Elder

Vol. XXIV, No. 31 May 05, 2013

A MANDATE FOR FRUITFULNESS

“And you, be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in  Bro. Rolando Lewis will preach at the 8:00 a.m.

it” (Gen. 9:7).

A biblical theme that is closely related to marriage is the family, and service at the Covenant Baptist Church (Friars
that will be our focus for the next few days as we consider how Hill Road) on the topic “Saving Faith: True or
Scripture develops this theme throughout the canon. Today’s pas- False?” based on James 2:14-26.
sage is an important one for this topic, as it restates God’s intention
that the human race would multiply and cover the earth after the  Pastor Joshua Jonas will preach at the 8:00 a.m.

great flood in the days of Noah (Gen. 1:28; 6:9–9:17). service at the Tyrells Baptist Church (Tyrells
Main Road) on the topic “Sowing And Reaping”

based on Galatians 6:6-10.

The original meaning of Genesis 9:7 is easy to discern; clearly,  Pastor Dr. H.W.C. Jonas will preach at the
every physically able married couple is expected to have children,
increasing the number of divine image-bearers on the planet. In a 10:00 a.m. service at the Central Baptist Church
day when children are increasingly seen as a burden that keeps (Radio Range) on the topic “Teach The Children”
parents from fully enjoying the fruits of their labor and achieving
based on Ephesians 6:1-4. He will also preach at

personal aspirations, this word on the importance of raising godly the 6:00 p.m. joint service at the Tyrells Baptist

families needs to be heard anew. Governmental officials may en- Church (Tyrells Main Road) on the topic

courage us to have fewer children to “save tax dollars,” and couples “Deceitful Fellowship” based on 1 John 1:6-10.

may decide against kids because they “cramp their style,” but

Scripture knows nothing of couples who intentionally decide, that these situations can cause, the church must minister with love
though they are fertile, against having any children — except per- to these couples. At the same time, adoption and helping other
haps in extremely difficult ministry contexts. If it is good in some parents with their children are ways even couples who cannot bear
cases to remain single for the sake of ministry (1 Cor. 7:25–40), it children can fulfill the mandate to be fruitful and multiply.
may be that there are select instances when couples might forgo

bearing children for the same reason. Coram Deo

Given the scourge of abortion in the West today, adopting children

This is the exception rather than the rule, for most Christian hus- is a worthy vocation for all couples whether they are fertile or infer-
bands and wives are simply not working in ministry contexts where tile. Even couples who are unable to adopt can help provide finan-
kids might adversely affect their ability to minister. These should cially for those who want to rescue an “unwanted” child. There are
heed the many biblical passages that point to a house filled with adoption funds and crisis pregnancy centers that can benefit from
sons and daughters as God’s ideal for married people (Ps. 127:3– gifts given in order to save lives, thereby furthering the call to be
5). John Calvin writes, “That pure and lawful method of increase, fruitful and multiply in this world.

which God ordained from the beginning, remains firm; this is the Passages for Further Study: Genesis 30:22–24; Deuteronomy
law of nature which common sense declares to be inviola- 28:1–14; Psalm 115:14–15; Galatians 4:21–31

ble” (commentary on Gen. 1:28).

Of course, some couples cannot bear children physically due to —http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals
advanced age or infertility. Recognizing the emotional difficulties

FAMILY NEWS—Vol. XXIV, No. 31 Website: www.baptistantigua.org May 05, 2013

We give God thanks for giving Sis. Linda-Shea Prayer Warrior Ministry
Samuel the opportunity to further her studies at
Isla Grande Flying School in Puerto Rico. She  Your request will be the focus of our prayers at each
travelled yesterday. She will be abroad for a year
as she takes a Private Pilot Course. We pray that Noonday Prayer Meeting.
the Lord will continue to bless her in her future
endeavours.  The e-mail address for this is [email protected].
Pray without ceasing. —1 Thessalonians 5:17
Please pray for Sis. Michelle Thomas on the
dedication of her baby girl, Gabrielle Makayla
Alison Spencer, today. Gabrielle was born on
February 5, 2013.

BEREAVEMENT ~7th~
Bro. Andrew Joseph - Central
The Elders and members of the ECBM—Baptist Circuit Sis. Maxime James - Covenant
of Churches extend sincere condolences to Sis. Velma
Braithwaite and Sis. Ronda Frederick and her family ~9th~
upon the death of their cousin, Yvette Tomlinson. Sis. Sherline Dorsurin - Tyrells
Also to Sis. Anne-Marie Pilgrim on the death of her aunt,
Hyacinth James. The funeral will be held at the ~10th~
St. Andrew’s Anglican church on Thursday, 9th May, Sis. Edith McCoy - Central
2013 at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Zorol Barthley - Tyrells
Pray that the Lord will comfort these families and use
these deaths to remind everyone of their mortality and ~11th~
need for the Saviour. Sis. Nicola Davis- Tyrells
Jenee Henry - Central
Sunday School Adult & Youth Reading
Prepare for next week… ~5th~
Bro. Edy & Sis. Wilna Amisial
Study Guide: A Catechism by C. H. Spurgeon
~7th~
Question 19: Did God leave all mankind to perish in Bro. Charlesworth & Sis. Suzette Dowdie
the state of sin and misery? (Concluded)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman ~11th~
that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word Mr. Wilson & Sis. Julie Barnes
of truth. —II Timothy 2:15

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May 05, 2013 Website: www.baptistantigua.org FAMILY NEWS—Vol. XXIV, No. 31

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS 9. NOONDAY PRAYER
All church members are encouraged to pick at least one noonday

1. ECBM EVANGELISM GOALS this week, Monday through Saturday, between 12:00 noon and
1:00 p.m. for prayer. You are not limited to one session. You do not
 Each member aims at adding one soul to the church
family each church year. have to stay for the entire hour. Just give what time you can afford
from your lunch hour. Let us do it for Jesus. Let us demonstrate
 Each vehicle that comes to church aims at bringing a some solidarity in approaching the throne of grace that our Sover-
school aged soul to church who is not a part of their eign Lord will send us revival. Let us back up the Prayer Warriors,
household. even for a few minutes. Be there!

 Each member invites a soul to church each day. 10. SATURDAY YOUTH EVANGELISM

2. BELIEVER’S BAPTISM AT 5:30 P.M. All baptized believers among the Acteens and Royal Ambassadors
All members are advised that we will be observing the ordinance are reminded of the evangelistic effort this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at
of Believers’ Baptism this afternoon at the Tyrells Baptist the three churches of the Circuit.
Church. Please be in your places to support and encourage
these new converts. 11. ACTEENS CLUB
All teenage girls are advised of their regular club meeting this
3. JOINT SERVICE TONIGHT Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church. Be sure to
All church members are advised that this evening’s service will be bring your Bible, notebook and pen and your aprons.
a joint service of the Baptist Circuit of Churches—ECBM at the
Tyrells Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m. Avail yourself to this means 12. ROYAL AMBASSADORS CLUB
of grace. All teenage boys are advised of their regular club meeting this
Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church. Be sure to
4. TRUSTEES MEETING ON TUESDAY bring your Bible, notebook and pen.
All members of the trustees are reminded of their meeting this
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Please be punctual. 13. PROVE THE TITHE
All church members are encouraged to be faithful with the
5. MONTHLY CIRCUIT STEWARDSHIP MEETING giving of their tithes (10% of gross income) in accordance with the
All church members are reminded of the monthly Circuit Steward- teaching of Malachi 3:8-10, as well as the Missions Offering as the
ship meeting that will be held this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Lord blesses you. The former supports our local church
Central Baptist Church. Each member is expected to attend this programmes and the latter our outreach beyond the walls of our
important meeting. churches. Let us give cheerfully, in obedience to Christ, and keep

6. NEW MEMBERS’ FORUM the work of the ministry strong and efficient.

All members who have not completed 12 months of membership 14. CHURCH ATTENDANCE
in our churches are expected to attend the New Members’ Forum All members of the Circuit are reminded of their Covenant Respon-
to be held on Saturday, 11th May, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. at sibility to attend all the stated meetings of the church unless provi-
the Central Baptist Church Fellowship Hall/Canteen. It will be dentially hindered by illness, unusual working conditions that do not
a time of fellowship and encouragement in the Word. violate the Lord’s Day, and other such circumstances (Heb. 10:24,

7. YOUTH CAMP FUND 25). The stated meetings of the church are as follows: All services

All members are kindly asked to invest in the life of one or more of on the Lord’s Day (Sunday School, morning and evening worship),
our young people by making a generous contribution to the Youth Midweek Prayer Services; Church Stewardship (business) Meet-
Camp Fund. This fund is to facilitate our young people attending ings; and any special meetings that the elders shall deem neces-
the annual Summer Youth Camp 2013. The cost of sponsoring sary. Please be reminded that you are expected to advise the elder
a youth is $220.00. You may collect a special envelope from the who is resident at your congregation of any providential hindrances.

ushers. Invest in the kingdom of God and support our young 15. TRUE LOVE WAITS TRAINING SESSION CANCELLED
people. All youth leaders are advised that the True Love Waits session is

8. CARIBBEAN BAPTIST HERITAGE CONFERENCE 2013 cancelled until Monday, 13th May, 2013.

This year's conference is jointly hosted by the May Pen & Sandy

Baptist Circuit of Churches (Clarendon Parish) and the Buff Bay

Baptist Circuit of Churches (Portland Parish). The theme is "Year

of Jubilee… Leviticus 25:8-28". All members are asked to pray

for all aspects of the conference.

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FAMILY NEWS—Vol. XXIV, No. 31 Website: www.baptistantigua.org May 05, 2013

Sun. 8:00 a.m. Sovereign Grace Hour (ABS TV) GENERAL MINISTRY NEEDS
8:00 a.m. Worship: Tyrells & Covenant Elders, Deacons, and their families
9:00 a.m. Sunday School: Central Baptist Academy of Antigua
9:45 a.m. Sunday School: Tyrells & Covenant E.C.B.M. Ministries & Staff
10:00 a.m. Worship: Central Evangelistic Ministries
5:30 p.m. Believers’ Baptism: Tyrells “Sovereign Grace Hour” (ABS TV & Abundant Life Radio)
6:00 p.m. Joint Service: Tyrells CHURCH FAMILY
HEALTH: Dr. Hensworth W. C. Jonas, Sis. Jean Edwards,
Mon. 12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting
Sis. Shirley Andrew, Bro. Nigel Pilgrim, Sis. Rosalind Ferris,
Tues. 12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting Sis. Paula Skerritt, Sis. Cassilda Williams, Sis. Margaret
3:00 p.m. Sovereign Grace Hour (ALR 103.9 FM) Joseph, Sis. Clytie Francis, Bro. Wilfred Irish
6:30 p.m. Trustees Meeting: Central PRIVATE CONCERNS: Sis. Muriel Martin, Sis. Dianne Joseph,
Sis. Tamisha Blair, Sis. Aline Marcellus, Sis. Louise Pilgrim
Wed. 12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting THANKSGIVING: Sis. Abiola Anthony, Sis. Jean Edwards,
7:00 p.m. Circuit Stewardship Meeting: Central Bro. Barthelemy Dorsurin, Bro. Charlesworth & Sis. Suzette
Dowdie, Bro. Roderick Benn, Sis. Nicole Henry, Sis. Pamela
Thurs.12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting Walcott, Sis. Jean Edwards, Sis. Juilette Dorsette
NEW MEMBERS: Bro. Rene Rivert, Bro. Jamil Ambrose,
Fri. 9:00 a.m. Sovereign Grace Hour (ALR 103.9 FM) Sis. Christine Marcellus, Bro. Noah Hurst, Bro. Devon
12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting McCoy, Sis. Lettitia Lamothe, Sis. Daphne Santhosh,
6:30 p.m. Acteens Club: Central Sis. Clytie Francis, Sis. Lisa “June” Carr, Sis. Akiela Simon,
6:30 p.m. Royal Ambassadors Club: Central Sis. Shenika Thompson, Sis. Monique Bowen, Sis. T’Schea
Stevens, Sis. Barisa Chambers, Bro. Heraldo Mascary,
Sat. 12:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Meeting Sis. Chiamaka Joy Ofoh, Sis. Inovia Oreste, Sis. Ghislaine
3:00 p.m. Youth Evangelism: All Churches Fileus
7:00 p.m. New Members’ Forum: Central WATCH CARE: Bro. Isaiah James, Sis. Irene Jonas, Sis. Diana
Richards, Bro. Charles Richards
Today SHUT IN: Sis. Enid Matthew, Sis. Edith McCoy
5:30 p.m. @ Tyrells OTHER CONCERNS
SAVING GRACE: Theo Blair, Sandray Williams, Kiz Nathaniel,
ECBM DIRECTORY Kinda Morgan, Lisa Lawrence, Yvette Henry, Jerrell Joseph,
Victoria Warner, Mitchell Edwards, Latoya Edwards, Mandela
Central Baptist Church 462-2894 Edwards, Ajani Dowdie, George Browne, Khalid Browne,
Tyrells Baptist Church 460-3557 Hamadi Browne, Celestine Agard, Leroy Adams, Esther
Covenant Baptist Church 561-4022 Tonge, Shari Irish, Reisah Irish, Natasha Richards, Eustace
Baptist Academy 462-2894 Harrigan, Keethly Spencer, Adrian Gordon Jr., Christophe
Baptist Retreat Centre 463-8801 Marcellus, Milbert Joseph, Gloria Lewis, Donald Lewis,
Jonathan Wehner, Shauna Wehner, Thea-- Lee Hurst
Eldership 771-4888 NEW MEMBER APPLICANTS: Lena Ibrahim (Central),
Hensworth W. C. Jonas (Presiding) 764-1491 Linette Robinson (Covenant), Wayne Friday (Covenant),
Ivor J. Walker (Associate) 464-1014 Kimley Athanaze (Covenant), Shamoy Carty (Central),
Orvin D. E. Paige (Associate) 728-9556 Genevieve Leo (Central-restoration), Orville Joseph
Joshua M. Jonas (Staff Associate) (Covenant)

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

Diaconate 464-7477 Pre-school — Matthew 1: 21
David S. Jarvis (Chairman) 722-4313 Elementary — Romans 6:23
Earl W. F. Skerritt 724-6010 Secondary & Adults — Matthew 5:3-5
Ian J. Blair 786-7957
John Patrick Tomlinson

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