The Sabbath services on September 8, 2018 began with a song service led by Leilani (junior) and Samantha (junior) accompanied by Jeremy Westcott on the piano. The opening song was “Work, for the Night Is Coming”.
Jean Talley welcomed everyone. Kaydence (9th grader) had prayer and read the scripture reading – Ephesians 5:14-16 “14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Lois Davis then read “World’s Best Job” for the mission story. Mongolia, a country north of China, has 2177 Adventists in a population of over three million people. Most Mongolian Adventists are young people doing a great work for the Lord. The young man in the story worked for the Lord for seven years but decided serving the Lord was pointless and quit church activities. He felt that the Lord was always looking for ways to punish people. But the Lord blessed him with a good job with the Mongolian television channel. But even that job didn’t satisfy.
God told him he should be a missionary, and the Adventist leaders offered him a job as a Global Mission Pioneer, working with a dying Adventist church. One person who showed up had the problem of cheating on his wife. He broke up with his interest and told his wife. She forgave him, and he became a faithful member. Another man was tested about giving tithe. When he gave his tithe, the government increased his pension.
Being a missionary is the best job in the world.
She then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Ashur (sophomore) and Mark (junior) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips.
Benny (sophomore) played a trumpet solo for special music. Jean Talley had the theme talk on “Time”, had the closing prayer, and announced the classes. Ruan Swanapol led the lesson study in the main sanctuary, Rich Sutton in the nearby boys’ dorm, and Pedro Arce (Bob and Michelle Gustafson substituted) “behind the glass” in the rear of the church sanctuary.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Bob and Michelle Gustafson – former staff members
Jean Talley – works part-time in the academy office
Jeremy Westcott – one of the academy teachers, teaching mostly English
Lois Davis – secretary to Rich Sutton, Laurelbrook’s president
Pedro Arce – heads up Laurelbrook’s music program
Ruan Swanapol – Laurelbrook farm manager
Following are a few notes from Jean Talley’s presentation: