On Sabbath, November 23, 2019, Laurelbrook’s Sabbath services began with a song service led by Arielle Pierce, accompanied on the piano by Felix (senior). The opening song was “Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”.
Arielle Pierce welcomed everyone. Freddy (sophomore) had prayer and read the scripture reading – Matthew 24:30 “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
Mark (senior) read a mission story from China. A teen from a home that centered on spirit worship heard a pastor speaking about Jesus’ virgin birth. He became a Christian and eventually was impressed to buy a volleyball. When young people wanted to join the game, they had to memorize passages from the Bible. Daryen and Michell (seniors) collected the Laurelbrook Missions Offering. Yzzynne (freshman) sang a vocal duet with Leilani (senior) for special music, Yzzyne accompanying herself and Leilani on the guitar.
Rebecca Nowdesha had the theme talk and had the closing prayer. The congregation divided into three Sabbath School classes, a class in the main church sanctuary taught by James Brenneman, a student class “behind the glass” taught by Sergio Bellani, and a student class in the nearby boys’ dorm lobby taught by Gerrie Vermaak.
Some notes on the theme talk:
- When travelling, people miss many things. But the climactic moment comes when they return home.
- Matthew 24:30 “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
- Why does Jesus have to face mourning?
- Adam and Eve feel guilt due to sin and don’t want to see Jesus.
- The plan of salvation is coming back into harmony with Jesus.
- Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
- But what if people have not heard about salvation? What if they believed that you come back into another and another life until you reach a life of nothingness?
- This is the reason that people go to share the love of Jesus with those who don’t know. God is calling us for this purpose.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Gerrie Vermaak – organizes Laurelbrook’s vocational program
James Brenneman – one of the academy history and English teachers
Rebecca Nowdesha – temporarily the academy girls’ dean
Sergio Ballani – Laurelbrook marketing director