The church service in the Laurelbrook Seventh-day Adventist Church on May 18, 2019 began with Rich Sutton introducing two ladies from South America who are part of a group who are being introduced to the Bible worker program Laurelbrook has just started and to the small group evangelism Pastor Richie Perez is conducting for Spanish-speaking people in Laurelbrook’s area. Eventually they will go to Florida to help plant a church and ultimately go back to their home countries and raise up churches. Rich Sutton then mentioned that eventually the small group evangelism will be done for English-speaking people as well.
Rodney Herra welcomed everyone and made announcements. Church next week will be in the auditorium since it will be Graduation Weekend.
Leilani (junior) played an introit on the piano. Rich Sutton had the invocation. The congregation sang “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, accompanied by Benny (sophomore) and his father on brass instruments as well as the piano. Rodney Herra had the main prayer.
Rodney Herra called for the offering, which will go to the local church budget. Sebastian Roy-Lavallee and Daryen (junior) collected the church offerings. Rodney Herra then prayed for the offering.
Pam Sutton told the children a story about the difficulties of finding housing so one son could attend church school. God supplied their need. Cesia (junior)and Luis (junior) sang a Spanish duet for special music, accompanied by Asher (sophomore) on the piano. Yzzynne (freshman) read Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Rich Sutton then spoke on the topic “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” The congregation sang “Faith Is the Victory”. Rich Sutton had the closing prayer.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Rich Sutton – Laurelbrook president
Rodney Herra – local head church elder / operates an auto repair business on State Highway 30
Sebastian Roy-Lavallee – Laurelbrook men’s work coordinator
Following are some notes from the sermon:
- Graduation is almost here. This is the best year so far of the five years I’ve been here.
- Exodus 14:23 “And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, [even] all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
- This parting of the sea was most unusual. The Jewish people moved forward, and the sea parted.
- We should expect great things from God because He is a Great God.
- On one Mexican trip, Rich expected to build four churches at the most. He wound up building seven churches, the last one because a developer gave the church the necessary land.
- There weren’t enough blocks for the sixth and seventh churches, and the blocks had to come via a twisting mountain road. Then the truck broke down.
- There is a special unity in Mexico Missions because God is in it.
- We need a new shop building so ASI provided money and a dedicated student to help Andrew Sharon do the work. Seniors make a difference.
- We are losing our seniors, but the juniors will step up to take their places. God has a plan.
- One person gave his trees and $500 so the church could have a publishing house in Battle Creek. Then he gave his oxen so the publishing house could get a steam press.
- God has a plan, and we can help. What are you doing for Jesus today?
- Is there anything too hard for the Lord?