The Sabbath services on November 24, 2018 began with a song service led by Gustavo and Dafne (juniors), accompanied by Leilani (junior) on the piano. The opening song was “I’m a Pilgrim”.
Beth Brandt welcomed everyone, had prayer, and read the scripture reading – Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
Sandy Roberts read a mission story about a young man in his twenties who is a Bible worker in Saipan. As he travelled to the island, the island suffered a typhoon. So for two months he helped the Adventist Community Services distribute food. He met Joel, another young man whose family was desperate for food. Eventually he started giving Bible studies to Joel, who confessed he was not satisfied with his life. Joel, who was from the Philippines, had to return home when his work ended. The Bible worker eventually learned that Joel had died. About a year later, Joel’s sister told the Bible worker that Joel had changed; she attended some evangelistic meetings and was baptized.
Beth Brandt then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Hayden and Mahary (juniors) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.
Clayton Brandt had the theme talk on Bible biographies, had the closing prayer, and announced the classes. Rodney Herra led the lesson study in the main sanctuary,
Personnel Other Than Students:
Beth Brandt – wife of Clayton Brandt
Clayton Brandt – works with Laurelbrook’s heavy equipment as well as general maintenance
Rodney Herra – former Laurelbrook staff member presently engaged in a car repair business with his son Bubba / local head elder
Sandy Roberts – caregiver for Laura Mae Zollinger, a retired nurse living on the Laurelbrook campus
Following are a few notes from Clayton Brandt’s presentation:
- Ellen White says a very valuable part of the Bible are the biographies.
- These stories show that what happens to us is a result of the choices we make.
- Isaiah 3:10-11 “10 Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.”
- Jacob wanted to do right and aspired to be the head of the family and ancestor of the Messiah. But his mother got him to deceive his father, leading to a lifetime of repentance.
- After his hard work for his Rachel, Jacob was deceived by Laban, who gave him the older sister instead.
- But after all his family troubles, he ended his life in peace.
- This story illustrates that God can turn curses into blessings.
- Levi was one of the cruelest of Jacob’s sons; as a resulted, he was to be cursed with a scattering in Israel. But this curse led to this tribe acting as priests in Israel when Levi’s descendants kept close to God.
- Moses was destined to be the Pharaoh in Egypt and had excellent physical characteristics and was Egypt’s pride.
- But he chose not to be Egypt’s ruler due in part to the influence of his mother. He could have become a mummy, but his choice led to residence in heaven with the angels.
- Solomon started with great promise with no suffering and great knowledge that had the world wondering.
- But Solomon changed with all the prosperity he enjoyed, ruined in body.
- These stories were given to us to learn and avoid the problems these people endured or enjoy the great peace that those who followed God enjoyed.
- These stories should inspire us to walk with God.