Last Monday evening I rang the doorbells of twenty of my closest neighbors.

Was I nervous? Yes, even though I’ve done things like this hundreds of times before.

So why did I do it? Three main reasons.

1. I really believe Jesus is coming soon and I want my neighbors to have the best chance possible to be ready for that universe-shattering event.
2. During a recent Week of Prayer here at the NPUC office I updated my special prayer list. I asked God to impress me with who I should invite to accept Him as Savior and Lord, embrace all Bible truths and unite with a vibrant Adventist group. The Lord impressed me to list the names of many of my neighbors, some by name and others by description (“big boat neighbors”, “loud neighbors”, “new neighbors”, “borrowed ladder from neighbors”, etc.). As I have prayed for the people on the list, God has put a growing urgency in my heart to somehow connect with them.
3. I have recently been reading Christian Service and came across statements like this–
   • “If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures.” p145
   • “Let every believer scatter broadcast tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time.” p145
   • “publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished by the ministry of the word alone.” p145
   • “Let not the canvassing work be left to languish… The presidents of our conferences and others in responsible positions have a duty to do in this matter.” p145
   • “Our publications are to show that the end of all things is at hand.” p146
   • “Whole churches have been raised up as a result of their circulation.” p146
   • “Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. p151
   • “In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth most readily.” p153

Before leaving the comforts of home (from 6:30-7:30pm) I prayed again and wrote my name and cell phone number on the back of the twenty Amazing Facts lesson #1 tracts that I had picked up at work (Our Ministerial Department stocks a literature stand for anyone in the NPUC office that would like some). Then I practiced what I’d say at the doors.

[Smile] “Hi I’m Dan Serns, your neighbor over there [pointing in the direction of our house]. I giving these out to each of our neighbors [handing them the tract]. If you have any questions my name and phone number are on the back. If you like it I’ll be back next week to give you another one.”

The responses? I left literature on the five doors where no one answered. Of the fifteen where people answered all fifteen accepted the tract! Most said “Thank you” (including “big boat neighbors” and ”loud neighbors”!). One said “Are you still having those Bible studies at your house?” (We had passed out invitations 2 1/2 years ago!). And I came home pumped up spiritually, wondering why I had been so fearful at the beginning.

Several of our NPUC conferences have hired young people to serve as the Conference Literature Ministries Coordinator. This is a vital part of our ministry, both as a church and as individuals.

• “Satan is busy…scattering literature which is debasing the morals and poisoning the minds of the young….Why should not every member of the church be as deeply interested in sending forth publications that will elevate the minds of the people, and bring the truth directly before them?” p146
• “I was shown men and women studying with intense interest papers and few pages of tracts upon present truth… I saw them holding papers and tracts in one hand and the Bible in the other, while their cheeks were wet with tears; and bowing before God in earnest, humble prayer, to be guided into all truth… And when the truth was received in their hearts, and they saw the harmonious chain of truth, the Bible was to them a new book; the hugged it to their hearts with grateful joy, while their countenances were all aglow with happiness and holy joy… they began to work for others…” p149-150

I’m looking forward to next Monday evening about 6:30pm when I take Amazing Facts Lesson #2 around to the same twenty homes. The cover should be great just in time for Halloween! Why not try it in your neighborhood?

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

The Bible says that there is a feast in heaven when a sinner repents. This year we will be celebrating a great feast from the 23rd -31st of October; a feast I like to refer to as a party for God. It’s a great celebration which will include music, prayers, gifts, exposure to God’s word but above all, we will witness the birth of hundreds of people who will give their lives to God. I invite you to begin to pray for 3 people who you wish to see in the kingdom of heaven. I ask that you not only pray, but also invite these people to study the Bible, to join a small group, and to participate in this special festival where you will see God working miracles through His word.

The 2009 Net  meetings began on Friday evening, October 23. Free medical consultations will also be available each day. On hand are Dentists, Phychologists, Chiropractors, and more. They are offering general medical help, diabetes exams, cholesterol screening, and other free classes.

Please keep these meetings in your prayers.

Last year several people in our congregation accepted the challenge put forth by the Folkenberg’s to reach out and “ShareHim”. There were about 10 of us who attended a ShareHim Rally in Walla Walla, WA. Later a young couple, Dan and Stacey Brown, went to the Boot Camp. When Dan shared that he wanted to be a part of preaching a series of meetings in our home church, I was thrilled.

We tentatively set the date for the fall of 2008. However it became clear that our church as a whole was not ready for that. We prayed about what God would have us to do. At a pastors retreat in the summer of 2008, Elder Lee Venden announced that he and and his wife Marji had been called to be the revivalists for the Upper Columbia Conference and he was now ready to accept invitations. The Lord impressed me to ask Lee to come to Sandpoint. I thought that probably dozens of other pastors had already asked him but it turned out that was not the case. He was happy to tell me that the Sandpoint Adventist Church would be his first revival series!

I sensed God was blessing in this since I felt our church needed more spiritual preparation to engage in an evangelistic series. As Lee and Marji lifted up Jesus Christ in a real and refreshing way I saw transformations take place in many of our members, especially our young adults. Several small groups were revived or began after the Venden’s series. A real desire to know Jesus as a close and personal friend grew in the hearts of many members, and I sensed that now we could move forward with plans for evangelism in the spring of 2009.

The devil tried to thwart our plans. I spoke with Dan and his wife Stacey one day as we were facing some obstacles. “This may not be the right time to do this,” I told them. “Pastor”, they replied, “This is what God wants us to do!” I was strengthened by the courage they showed. Dan and I agreed that we would co-present using the ShareHim materials. We would title the series, “Quest For Truth”.

These meetings ran from Friday, March 21 through Saturday, April 11 with some follow up Sabbaths later. There were two presentations on Friday evening, one on Sabbath morning, and two on Saturday evening. We had table groups set up to provide for a social atmosphere and discussions. Our goal was to simply do what God had called us to do, leaving the results up to Him.

Attendance at the nightly meetings was 30-35. The majority of those were members of our church, however, a total of seven individuals who were from the community attended over the course of the meetings.

• We have at this point not witnessed any baptisms as a result of this series, but here is what is encouraging.
• There were some members who have not attended church any more who came to at least one meeting and at least one member has shown a renewed commitment to Christ.
• A total of 35 plus members were involved as part of one of the teams (Greeters, Audio/Visual, Table Hosts, Registration, Child care, etc.) for Quest For Truth.
• Some of the most loyal participants in the entire process were the young adults of our church.
• God has shown us that we CAN do evangelism in Sandpoint! I pray for a culture of evangelism to develop and grow stronger and stronger here.

by Pastor Matt Lombard

One Sabbath, when I had preached, a man came up to me after church and wanted to talk with me. He was visiting that week because his daughter was in a music group that performed that day. He told me that he works at the state penitentiary and confessed that he had been questioning his ministry with the prisoners there. He said that he had been wondering if what he was doing had any point, and he sounded as though he had been discouraged in his profession, possibly seeking to do something else.

But what he said next showed that the Holy Spirit had been hard at work that morning. When I first began working on my sermon that I titled “Fishers of Men” I had no idea how direct of an impact it would make. He told me that something in the sermon had hit him hard. When I had talked about Luke 4:18-19 and how we should follow Jesus’ example he had taken it to heart, realizing a new purpose and renewing his passion for working with the prisoners. He said that he had never thought about Jesus’ statement that God had sent him “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners” in the way he had that morning. I was excited that he was going to go forth and proclaim a spiritual freedom to the incarcerated.

Later, I ran into the man’s wife, and she told me that he was continually talking about the sermon, and all the depths and intricacies that had so surprised him coming from a young student preacher. I know that the Holy Spirit was working because there is no way that by the power of my own words anything such as this could have taken place. This experience validated his career, and it further cemented my decision to be a pastor. God showed me once again that nothing, but ministry will fulfill my cravings and longings for more than this world has to offer.

Landon Paul Schnabel

Bicycle donation to the Cambodian Mission workers

When you hear the word BMW, you immediately may think of fancy cars. But I would like to introduce you to a different BMW: Bicycle Mission to the World. This pioneering mission group within Korean Church Association in the States has been actively at work abroad several times thus far, already having gone 18 times.

I began participating in this mission activity since 2007, this year, I have been to Cambodia and Vietnam.

In Cambodia, there is an orphanage run by an Adventist lay elder, Mr. Choi. There the missionary members established the base camp and gave medical treatment(including oriental medicine) and conducted evangelistic meetings morning and evening. Read More

On Sabbath October 17, 2009 I had the privilege of meeting with one of our newer church plants in the Washington Conference, the Southcenter Adventist Company.

Here are a few of my observations from that wonderful experience–

• Multi-cultural Group- “Since heaven will be multicultural we decided we ought to prepare for it here” one of the church leaders said with a smile. “Although many of us came from the Korean church we now represent many cultures and countries.” The pastor is Filipino, the elder if Chinese and the deacon is Korean. A number of other Asian, African and American groups are represented, all bringing something unique to the congregation. During the World Missions time in Sabbath School several members were able to tell direct personal stories of recent visits to relatives in China, etc.
• Youthful, Family-focused Church- The congregation has a feeling of life and energy as infants, toddlers and adolescents participate in their children’s Sabbath School classes, the worship service and, of course, potluck. I had been asked specifically to preach about how to strengthen the home and family through family worship and other activities.
• Warm and friendly- I was greeted by several young men at the door as I entered the church. The three Sabbath School adult groups all reached out to those who came a little late, inviting them to join their group. One young man who was in his fifth day off drugs was encouraged and affirmed throughout Sabbath School and the worship service as he went through the stress of overcoming an addiction.
• Great Location- The group meets at the Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Headquarters just a few blocks off I-5. When the new office was built a few years ago the church leaders had enough foresight to include easy access to a conference/community room for outreach activities. Southcenter is the second church planted in this location.
• Eager to Learn and Grow- After a delicious potluck about forty people stayed for two hours of training in how to share your faith in Jesus more effectively (The Andrew TEAM training) and how to develop a simple framework of relationships to be sure every family in the congregation receives regular ministry, discipleship and mentoring (The Jethro TEAM training).

I believe we will continue to hear stories of God’s transforming power in and through the lives of the Southcenter Adventist Company.

Pastor Alvaro Sauza of the Missoula, Montana Seventh-day Adventist Church District looks for every way possible to reach his community with the Adventist message.

Two key ingredients of everything he does are–

1. Young people- Last year Alvaro was impressed that many of the teenagers in his district should go on the 2009 Dominican Republic Mission Trip and preach a series of Bible meetings. Although it looked impossible financially he challenged the young people, their families and the church family to see if it could happen. As a result many young people and parents participated in the mission experience. (Read one teenager’s testimony).

When the local church school was forced to close because of financial challenges Alvaro appealed for only a temporary closure. As a result the school board continues to meet and the church continues to provide subsidy in anticipation of the school re-opening next year. And the school grounds are being used this fall for a giant maze, raising awareness of Seventh-day Adventists and their school in the community as well as money for three non-profits from the proceeds. Over a thousand are expected to participate in the maze.

2. Non-stop soul winning- The young people who went on the Domincan Republic Mission Trip this spring have just completed a ShareHim evangelistic series this fall, resulting in a number of good interests. A few weeks later Alvaro began another series of meetings for the interests so they would not lose their interest! This December there will be Bible instructor training for the members and in February and March 2010 the Missoula church will host the Momentum Reaping Meetings with Brian McMahon.

“God will save every human that truly wants to be saved. But as far as we’re concerned, we need to operate under the assumption that every person is lost until he hears the gospel. And we can hasten the 2nd Coming, but there comes a point beyond which we cannot delay it.”

                                       — Mark Finley, Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Mark Finley has preached over 150 evangelistics series in more than 80 countries in addition to preaching satellite NET series. For many years he also preached each week as the Director/Speaker for It Is Written TV Ministries. He has truly acted on his belief that everybody needs to hear the gospel. He Know What He’s Talking About (H.K.W.H.T.A).

In 1903 Seventh-day Adventists were given this counsel.

“Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.” {Education p. 210.3 from the chapter “Recreation“}

Now, over 100 years later, professional sports are huge business, dominating the thinking and media outlets of America and the world. Colleges and High Schools groom their students to try to make it into the big leagues. Even elementary students have become a part of a system that rarely anyone questions. This segment on 60 Minutes newsmagazine October 11, 2009, “A Blow the the Brain“,  is one of the few that asks if the system is good for kids.

• News- Aging well starts in womb, as mom’s choices affect whole life USA Today 6/30/2009
• Inspired Insight (1910)- The reform should begin with the mother before the birth of her children; and if God’s instructions were faithfully obeyed, intemperance would not exist. It should be the constant effort of every mother to conform her habits to God’s will, that she may work in harmony with Him to preserve her children from the health and life destroying vices of the present day. Let mothers place themselves without delay in right relations to their Creator, that they may by His assisting grace build around their children a bulwark against dissipation and intemperance. If mothers would but follow such a course, they might see their children, like the youthful Daniel, reach a high standard in moral and intellectual attainments, becoming a blessing to society and an honor to their Creator. {Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 225-226}

• News- 12 Reasons to Really Quit Smoking  US News & World Report November 14, 2008
• Inspired Insight (1864)- Tobacco, in whatever form it is used, tells upon the constitution. It is a slow poison. It affects the brain and benumbs the sensibilities, so that the mind cannot clearly discern spiritual things, especially those truths which would have a tendency to correct this filthy indulgence. Those who use tobacco in any form are not clear before God. In such a filthy practice it is impossible for them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits which are His. And while they are using slow and sure poisons, which are ruining their health and debasing the faculties of the mind, God cannot approbate them. He may be merciful to them while they indulge in this pernicious habit in ignorance of the injury it is doing them, but when the matter is set before them in its true light, then they are guilty before God if they continue to indulge this gross appetite. {Counsels on Health p.  81.1}

• News- Vigorous Exercise Cuts Breast Cancer Risk eFlux Media November 3, 2008
• Inspired Insight (1903)- Healthful exercise in the open air will strengthen the muscles, encourage a proper circulation of blood, help to preserve the body from disease, and will be a great help in spirituality. {Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 26}

• News- 10 Things the Food Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know US News & World Report, October 17, 2008
• Inspired Insight (1890)- God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth, — a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body, and give a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet. {Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 47.1}

• News- Women Who Quit Smoking Lower Heart Risks Quickly Washington Post, May 13, 2008
• Inspired Insight (1890)- God requires of His people continual advancement. We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. With all our profession of health reform, many of us eat improperly. Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies largely at the foundation of feebleness and premature death. Let the individual who is seeking to possess purity of spirit bear in mind that in Christ there is power to control the appetite. {Counsels on Health p. 130.1}

“This is the best, most spiritual book on dealing with church conflict I have ever read,” said John Freedman, Washington Conference President a couple weeks ago to all of his pastors. “That’s why we’re giving a free copy to each pastor in the conference.”

The book Making Peace: A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict is published by Moody Press and is available on Amazon.com.

Here is a review, by Pastor Tom James of the Centralia Seventh-day Adventist Church District, that was read to the pastors.

“Making Peace is more about Spiritual Growth than about conflict. Van Yperen is a skillful writer who argues that conflict in the church is controlled by God to bring about Spiritual Growth and Renewal. Rather than viewing conflict as the problem, Van Yperen shows that conflict is the vehicle that brings us closer to God and to each other.

The book relies heavily on the author’s experiences as a designated interim Pastor. In this role, Van Yperen demonstrates from years of conflict resolution in churches as a guide for the reader to a deeper understanding of how God activates the tools of His Spirit, His

Word and His People to turn the Devil’s plot of Disruption into Spiritual Victory.

The book is a significant blessing to me by pointing out weaknesses in my ministry. I have never questioned my relationship with The Lord, or my confidence in His Word, but I have often demonstrated a lack of faith in His People. This what I gained the most from this book. The Community of Faith is empowered by God to bring about Spiritual Healing by applying biblical principles in conflict.

Van Yperen skillfully demonstrates these principles by first showing examples that do not work. He then guides the reader to simple and practical ways of accountability that brings healing and community back to a hurting church.

I recommend this book and also plan to implement its principles into my church management style.”

Here are excerpts from the Introduction (p10-15) “It was Sunday morning, the day after our report of findings to First Church. I was making my way to the pupit to give announcements and welcome visitors to morning worship…. First Church was in deep crisis…. The night before I had asked the entire governing board to resign and for the church to be placed on emergency rehabilitation status under the direction of the denomination. It was now my task to lead the church through the process of confronting, confessing and reconciling the conflict. I made my way to the lectern with two concerns: first, that the church face the crisis honestly and directly, and, second, to see the coming weeks as an opportunity to see God work…”

He was a pastor. She was a Christian therapist. They looked happily married but they were really…

Desperate to find healing for their family. When both marriage and ministry came to a breaking point, Richie walked away from financial security in order to pursue the answers to three questions: Could he find a power filled walk with God? Could God heal his marriage?

Was it possible to have a Godly family? Since that time, they have seen miracle after miracle as God has done for their family what no one else could do. 

As Richie and Timi Brower share the stories of how God is restoring their family, audiences find themselves relating to the transparent narrative of their struggles with anger, intimacy, priorities and trust. You will find hope as they share the practical steps to connecting with God and others that can transform your life.

• Website- www.elijahnow.com
• Information & Contact Sheet
• Local Church Recommendation Letter
• Local Conference Recommendation Letter

Robert L. Sweezey- to Sleeping in Jesus, from President, Adventist Risk Management (ARM).

Here is the press release and an announcement about the Memorial Service from ARM

It is with deep sadness that Adventist Risk Management, Inc., announces the passing of our president, Robert L. Sweezey, on Friday, October 16, 2009. Sweezey became the executive director for the church’s insurance and risk management services in December 1992, and president of the Gencon Companies.

As the risk manager for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, he served as president of Gencon Insurance Company of Vermont (GICV), the church’s captive insurer, and Gencon Insurance Company International, Ltd (GICI). Sweezey had 28 years of risk management experience with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was qualified to handle the full range of church risks, managing exposures in liability, property and employee benefits.

A man of vision and direction, Sweezey moved Gencon Insurance Company of Vermont from challenging financial deficits in 1992 to a financially strong company today. He worked to provide a full-service structure for the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, underwriting policies through Gencon Insurance Companies (GICV and GICI) that ensure more than 90 percent of facilities and institutions in countries all around the world.

A graduate of Walla  class=”hiddenSpellError” pre=”Walla “>Walla College (university) in College Place, Wa. in 1980, Sweezey received Bachelors degrees in business and theology. In 1987 he earned an MBA from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, Ca., and a Juris Doctorate in 1992 from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta, Ga. He was admitted to the following state bars: Georgia, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Colorado. His honors also included being a member of the Moot Court Board.

As a professional risk manager, Sweezey distinguished himself as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter by the American Institute for Property Liability Underwriters (CPCU), and the Life Underwriter (CLU) from the American College, and an Associate in Risk Management designation from the Insurance Institute of America in Malvern, Pa. Sweezey was also a licensed Insurance broker, and licensed as a Registered Representative (series 6) and a Registered Principal (series 26). He was a Risk Management Fellow of the Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS).

Sweezey’s passion for risk management took him from the boardroom to the schoolroom. As part-time Instructor, he taught classes in Insurance and Risk Management at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga, and Columbia Union College (Washington Adventist University) in Takoma Park, Md. In this setting he was able to share his professional experience with students who were interested in a career in risk management.

A fourth-generation Seventh-day Adventist, Sweezey was committed to his church and his local community. He served as first elder for the Baltimore First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ellicott City, Md, and was a member of the church’s school board. He believed that education should come first, and that every child should have the opportunity to get an education. This theme was also carried into the workplace where he encouraged his staff at Adventist Risk Management to seek annual professional development and growth. His passion for education led him to enter a PhD program studying International Business at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. At the time of his death he was a few months away from writing his doctoral thesis.

A family man, Sweezey was married to Karen “Muffy” Piper, M.D., a family practician with Kaiser Permanente in Baltimore, Md. He leaves to mourn his wife and three children: Herb, Katie, and Benny, along with a host of relatives and close friends.

Adventist Risk Management, Inc., pays tribute to man who loved his church and dedicated his life to doing everything possible to protect the assets that God had entrusted to his people. We thank God for Sweezey’s leadership over the past 17 years and for the legacy he leaves behind. We all know life is a precious gift that can be taken at any moment. May we each find strength in the assurance of the Blessed Hope. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

## END ##

Memorial Service For Robert L. Sweezey

(Silver Spring, Md) A memorial service for Adventist Risk Management’s president, Robert L. Sweezey will be held on Friday, October 23, 2010 at the Baltimore First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ellicott City, Md. The family will receive guests at the church starting at 3 p.m. with the services commencing at 4 p.m. The family would also like to invite guests to a repass from 5-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church.

Address:

• 3291 Saint Johns Lane
• Ellicott City, MD 21042
• 410-465-6864

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the following institutions:

• Crossroads Adventist School
• RE: Field Equipment
• P.O. Box 126
• Ellicott City, MD 21042
• 886-715-7752
• http://www.crossroadsadventist.org

• Walla Walla University
• RE: Theology Department
• 204 South College Avenue
• College Place, WA 99324
• 509-527-2615
• http://www.wallawalla.edu

Please send cards and well wishes in care of the family to Adventist Risk Management, Inc. 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Md. 20904. You can also visit our web site and sign our e-condolence book: www.adventistrisk.org. On behalf of the Sweezey family and the staff of ARM, we thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. 

Unless your church has some other major soul winning scheduled this fall, why not schedule a Week of Reaping the last full week of October? Just put it on the calendar and start asking God to show you and your church family (-ies) who is ripe to make decisions for Jesus and His church.

Here are some simple steps to make this Week of Reaping a reality and productive–

1. Calendar. By faith, put the Week of Reaping on your own calenar and the church calendar. It can be held in the church sanctuary or fellowship hall, in a neutral hall or location or even in the home of a member or an interest.
2. Top Ten Interests Lists. Make a list of your top ten interests. If you are a pastor or elder, at your next church board meeting ask each person to do the same. Then compare lists and pray for all interests, especially those who show up on more than one list. If you are a lay member then do this with a group of friends.
3. Intensify Visitation and Baptism Invitations. Intensify your visits to your top ten interests. Say (by faith) “We are going to have a special week of meetings and baptismal celebrations October 24-31. You love Jesus with all of your heart and want to follow Him in every area of your life, don’t you? Is there anything that would make it difficult for you to be baptized during that week and unite with God’s final worldwide movement?” Listen to the respoonses, show how God can solve any problem, and let the people know that at baptism not only are they committing to God but God and the church family are committing to them to help them succeed in their new walk with Jesus. For the first person who says they are willing to follow Jesus let them know they can plan to be baptized the first night of the Week of Reaping. See if there are enough people to have a baptism each evening of the week. At the time of the baptism take time to interview the new believer on how Jesus led them to this point in their life. If there is not a baptistry at your location you may need to have all baptisms on a Sabbath morning.
4. Plan the program.  Keep it simple. A few lively joyful songs, an interview of a changed life (the person being baptized or one of the members), a Bible presentation (you can use the Radical Teachings of Jesus DVD by Derek Morris- available from your Conference Ministerial Director- or other simple materials), a simple appeal to follow Jesus in this area of life, and a short season of prayer.
5. Coversions vs. Attendance.  Rather than measure the success of the Week of Reaping based on how many members or interests attended, think instead of how each conversion, baptism and new member causes great rejoicing in heaven. Even if only one person is baptized as a result of these efforts at this time God will bring revival to those who participate and a lifetime of blessings to those who take their stand for Jesus and the Adventist message.

Why not take the step of faith and put it on the calendar now?

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

God is showing dreams to Lutherans, people from the Assemblies of God are asking for Bible studies on prophecy, lots of reaping meetings large and small have begun or are beginning soon, and a major field school of evangelism is taking place where half the population is Mormon. (Read more)