On September 14, 2019, Laurelbrook’s church services began with a Sabbath School song service led by Gustavo (junior), Iram (senior), and Jafet (sophomore), accompanied on the piano by Freddy (sophomore). The opening song was “Don’t Forget the Sabbath”. Wilmer (9th grader) welcomed everyone and had prayer.
Freddy (sophomore) then read a mission story about Joeli Rabo, an insurance agent in Fiji who was inspired to build a Seventh-day Adventist church building in his home village. Despite a serious car accident, it was done. He went on to build a second church building and plan yet a third building despite setbacks.
He called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Wilmer and Naythan (freshmen).
Michael (senior) had the theme talk, a personal testimony and announced the classes. Clifton Brandt taught the adult Sabbath School class in the main sanctuary, Warren McDaniels the student class “behind the glass” at the rear of the church sanctuary and Harry Varmaak a student class in the boys’ dorm lobby.
Notes from Michael’s talk:
- His Mexican mother came to the U.S. really not knowing any English and very poor. But she always went to the Adventist church. She hoped to find happiness and security in the U.S.
- His mother put each of her children – Michael and his three brothers – in the care of the Lord. She made sure that her children did their share of the house work.
- She wanted Michael to put God first in his life.
- Every summer she would go to Mexico, but towards the end of her study for a science degree she took her family with her.
- Michael’s relationship with God cooled considerably.
- Eventually he was the only family member left in Mexico. He had a group of friends and majored in extra-curricular activities. But his school work suffered.
- One night his mother called and said she was getting a divorce. It hit him.
- His mother cried a lot, but she still trusted in God, giving Michael a good example.
- Michael wasn’t sure about God’s role in his life. One night he gave himself to the Lord, and the Lord told him to leave his Mexican school. Through his relatives, he was directed to Laurelbrook.
- He has learned here how to have a personal relationship with God. He can count on God helping him when he asks.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Clifton Brandt – works with the institution’s water and sewer system as well as specialized repair work
Harry Varmaak – works with the Laurelbrook agriculture program
Warren McDaniels – Laurelbrook president