Given the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s history and distinctive focus on the second coming of Jesus Christ, it’s not surprising that, during tough economic times, after natural disasters or amid seasons of great uncertainty, many members speculate how “near” the end is. The Visitor team talked with four pastors and captured excerpts of their perspectives.
Cesar Gonzalez, pastor of Chesapeake Conference’s Cambridge and Beacon of Light churches on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
“Scripture is full of examples of how the most insignificant and humble acts of faith become the spark that releases the miraculous acts of God’s power,” says Ramos. “There are no circumstances so dark and overwhelming that God’s people, advancing under His command, cannot overcome.”
Story by Andre Hastick
Recently, the Williamsport (Md.) church held Sabbath School Alive, a one-day training seminar to equip Sabbath School leaders to create more engaging experiences for class attendees by focusing on prayer, Bible study, fellowship and mission. Guest speaker Ramon J. Canals (pictured), director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the General Conference, trained participants by helping them develop practical plans to make each Sabbath School class vibrant.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105, NKJV).
Friday was almost over. Our Pathfinder club had settled in a beautiful open field close to a stream with just a few feet of forest between our camp and the creek.
My friend and I volunteered to get water for the evening’s activities. But soon the sun started to set, and the forest got dark fast. By the time we filled our buckets, the forest was pitch black.
by Andre Hastick
The Hispanic Ministries Department of the Chesapeake Conference recently started a weekly food bank, in partnership with 4MyCity, a nonprofit organization. During that time, they helped distribute 40,000 boxes of food throughout the southern, northern and eastern regions of the conference.
“This has been an enriching experience,” says Orlando Rosales, Hispanic Ministries director for the Chesapeake Conference. “You get to see and feel the gratitude of the people, as well as their interest in knowing more about our church. People are asking for intercessory prayer for their needs, and, so far, seven families have begun attending our worship meetings.”