The Sabbath services on September 22, 2018 began with a song service led by Rebecca Nowdesha, accompanied by Samantha (junior) on the piano and Leilani (junior) on her flute. The opening song was “At First I Prayed for Light”.
David Smith welcomed everyone, had prayer, and read the scripture reading – Proverbs 15:8 “The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.”
David Smith then read a mission story about a young man trained to be a math teacher. But Peter failed to pass the medical exam and even a second exam so he was disqualified from teaching. He considered ending his life, but his parents persuaded him to check into a local hospital. His mother went to church and happened to stray into an Adventist church. An elderly woman advised her – and later Peter – to trust in God, which Peter did. He left the hospital – even his medicine.
Peter went to an Adventist sanitarium in a nearby village. After two months, Peter received a clean bill of health due to his trust in God. Today he is a 40 year old Bible worker in China.
He then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Holden (sophomore) and Jakob (junior) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.
Pastor Richi’s daughter sang a vocal solo in Spanish, her mother assisting her. David Smith had the theme talk on “Prayer”, had the closing prayer, and announced the classes. Clifton Brandt led the lesson study in the main sanctuary. The students had their Sabbath School class in the nearby boys’ dormitory because the area “behind the glass” in the church was being reconstructed.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Clifton Brandt – works with Laurelbrook’s sewer, water, and boiler systems
David Smith – husband of Juanita Smith, who directs the academy classroom program / helps with nursing home resident transportation
Pastor Richi (Richar Perez) – academy boys’ dean / campus chaplain
Rebecca Nowdesha – assistant girls’ dean / student vocational coordinator
Following are a few notes from David Smith’s presentation:
- The stabilizing power of the Holy Spirit can often be seen on a person who is not that interested in God.
- We can pray for the forgiveness of the sins of others.
- Satan and his angels are redoubling their efforts to keep people in bondage to sin until there is no hope of redemption.