Services in the Laurelbrook Seventh-day Adventist Church on August 3, 2019 began with a song service led by Daryen (senior) and Eldric (junior). The opening song was “As Water to the Thirsty”, accompanied on the piano by Felix (senior).
Santy Roberts welcomed everyone and had prayer. She read the scripture reading – Psalm 68:1-6“1 ¶ « To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. » Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. 2 As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. 4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation. 6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land].” Dorin Bacata translated the scripture reading into Spanish.
Sandy Roberts then talked about her experiences in the Philippines in March. She then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Daryen (senior) and Daniel (freshman).
Students met behind the glass for their Sabbath School class with Gerrie Vermaak as their teacher. James Brenneman taught the Sabbath School class in the church sanctuary.
Following are a few notes on the mission talk:
- She visited the Adventist Institute for Advanced Studies and an orphanage northeast of Manilla.
- The orphanage is entered via a bridge over a huge ditch. They have a school – Happy Valley Elementary School – that serves both the orphans and the community.
- Right now there are 12 boys and seven girls.
- Students take off their shoes before going into the classroom.
- The orphanage had been receiving money from Australia, but this funding had ceased so staff members hadn’t been paid for months.
- An Adventist academy is nearby. Seven orphans attend.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Dorin Bacata – boys’ dean / husband of Academy Principal Ana Bacata
Gerrie Vermaak – works on the school farm
James Brenneman – one of the academy history and English teachers
Sandy Roberts – Laura Mae Zollinger’s caretaker