Identity Newsletter

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Issue 1| Volume 1| Summer 2010 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross...Do all things without complaining or disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and per versed generation, among whom you shall shine lights in the world., hold fast to the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain. Adventist Young Adult Publication GAL 2:20 PSA 46:10 MATT 28:1820

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Adventist Young Adult Newsletter

Transcript of Identity Newsletter

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Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross...Do all things without complaining or disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and per versed generation, among whom you shall shine lights in the world., hold fast to the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.

Adventist Young Adult Publication

GAL 2:20

PSA 46:10

MATT 28:18-­20

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UPCOMING EVENT

11/12-14/2010

This AYA retreat aims to call to remembrance how the Lord has led us in the past, and where He plans to lead us today.

GO, BE A MISSIONARY! So the Lord impresses us to be missionar-­

asked questions on being a missionary and the responses from two mission organiza-­tions.

What guidance is there with regards to camp meeting? Can camp meetings have a positive effect on your health? Read more... MEET YOUR AYA LEADERSHIP Understanding who is apart of your leader-­ship allows you to not only ask the right question to the right individuals but realize that there is an army of young people, de-­siring to complete the work set before us in

sage. What are you doing, today? EXPERIENCING GYC

one people will never forget. It acts as a

with Christ. Read their experiences. Maybe, this year, you might have a chance to attend. AYA SPOTLIGHT: DRAYTON VALLEY

plan. ACTS Read the life transforming story of an Christ Conference held in Vancouver, BC.

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IDENTITY

Identity Also, send us your reviews on the books and events, Bible studies, etc!*

*Restriction and guidelines set by AYA on the submitted entries and advertisements do apply. Please contact the VP of Communications and VP of Networking for more information.

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A l b e r t a C a m p m e e t i n g 2 0 1 0

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ARE YOU HERE?

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IDENTITY

A Testimony

by: Eric Anderson, student

The morning was cold in

the temperature very much;; partially because I was half awake, and par-­tially because I was about to embark on a very unfa-­miliar and exciting experi-­ence. It was a week before Christmas and I was leav-­ing Canada on a three

week mission trip with the Manitoba-­Saskatchewan Conference to Belize.

The trip turned out to be anything but un-­eventful;; tarantulas in the hotel, jumping off water-­falls, preaching, baptisms, and it seemed to me at the time that this would not be the last of my interna-­tional ventures. Thus it was no surprise to me when almost exactly a year later I signed the commitment agree-­ment with Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM) to go to Benin, West Africa (I had never heard of Benin before!). It had always been a dream of mine to spend a whole school year out on the frontlines of missions (I ended up spending 15 months total,

in Cameroon, when she was a teenager and I had seen the pictures of their many adventures. I grew up hearing and reading story books like Nila and the Crocodile, Invisible Escort, Demon of Padeng, Dr. Rabbit, and more. Then as a middle school and high school student I had the opportunity of living on

hearing about all the inspiring stories of other student missionaries. One story which I particu-­larly remember was presented by Landon Sayler, he really emanated the excitement and joy of his experience overseas and to this day continues to be a friend and an inspiration to me. It seemed I was ready for such this overseas

Standard Version) Well thank goodness God is patient. September 1, 2008 is when I stepped off the plane into the humid coastal air of Benin. I

-­corrupt ways as I sailed easily through customs. Wait-­ing for me, was one of the missionaries I would be working with and one other missionary from another AFM project. My first two weeks were spent in the big city of Cotonou, and then I was off to Natitingou where the Otammari project resides. I was the Child and Teen Ministry Di-­rector in charge of Pathfinders and Youth Minis-­try at the local church. I also worked as a Friendship Evangelist with the local youth. I was an Adventure Based Counselling major at CUC, no sweat. The sweat, though, was not from my lack of ability and God-­given talents but came from my lack of dependence. Perhaps you can guess on whom I was not depending enough.

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Have you ever contemplated serving the Lord overseas? Is there a desire upon your heart to be a short-­term or long-­term missionary in another country? The Gospel Commis-­

28:19) Are you unsure of where and how? Adventist World Aviation (AWA) and Ad-­ventist Frontier Missions (AFM) are just two of many overseas missionary opportunities available to someone like you!

Adventist World Aviation (AWA)

Q: Based on the name of this missionary organization, it would seem that aviation personnel are needed. know anything about airplanes;; can I still help in any way?

A: AWA has a need of aviation majors who would like to work around a mission aviation operation, with a special emphasis on aviation maintenance need. Pilots are numerous and easier to recruit. Mechan-­ics, on the other hand, are in desperate need. With that said, all-­purpose student missionaries have been involved in AWA in the past and are still needed in areas ranging from construction to Bible work to homeschool teaching to health-­related activities.

Q: Where does AWA currently have a mission presence?

A: AWA has numerous projects around the world. Some of these projects currently include Alaska, Philippines, Guyana, and Papua New Guinea. AWA also has training centers for those interested in preparing for mission aviation. Two of these centers are located in Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Q: When choosing to serve with AWA is there a specific time of year that applicants must apply by?

A: Because AWA serves around the world under various school and organizational schedules, timing is necessarily on a case-­by-­case basis. That said, it is ideal if student mis-­sionaries attend summer training with Adventist Frontier Mis-­sions (in Michigan) before deploying.

Q: How long are student missionary placements?

A: Again, this is a case-­by-­case basis. Because AWA has worked mostly with North American student missionaries, the placements tend to follow the collegiate school year.

Q: Can married couples be sent on student missionary as-­signments?

A: Yes! One married couple from Walla Walla joined AWA as student missionaries in the Philippines about five years ago. They have now graduated and are embarking on a mission aviation venture of their own in the Kiribati Islands with Search for One.

Q: Are student missionaries responsible for raising their own funds?

A: Yes, AWA works up a budget for each student missionary because the positions and locations are so varied in their requirements.

Q: What is the best way to find out more information if I am interested in serving with AWA?

A: General information about AWA can be found at www.flyawa.org. For those interested in the possibility of serving with AWA, direct email and/or phone contact is necessary. Contact information is found on the website under Contact AWA.

Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM)

Q: What exactly is AFM?

A: AFM is a Seventh-­day Adventist Christian lay ministry that is dedicated to establishing church-­planting movements around the world among people groups with no current Adventist presence.

Q: What opportunities are available for someone who de-­cides to serve with AFM?

A: Short-­term and students missionaries can expect ministry activities such as: outreach/evangelism, basic medical work, homeschooling of missionary children, agricultural work, con-­struction, and more. Short-­term and student missionary place-­ments last between 9 months and 2 years. Long-­term mission-­ary placements are also available. As a career missionary, the first year or two is spent learning the culture and language of the people group you will be working with. Once trust rela-­tionships are built with the people, you can introduce them to Jesus and begin establishing a church. The project is com-­plete once the newly established church functions independ-­ently of the missionaries and has planted a daughter and granddaughter church.

IDENTITY

By Christine Koch, Missionary

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Q: When do I need to apply by? What is the time frame for service for AFM student missionaries? A: AFM operates its student missionary program to coincide with the academic year in order to make it as convenient as possible for young peo-­ple to go and serve. AFM asks that applications be sent in no later than the end of April. How-­ever, the sooner applications are completed and sent in the better;; this allows student missionaries to select which call they want to take and where they want to serve. This is done on a first come first serve basis, and some calls are taken very fast. program begins in Michigan in July and runs for one month. Students are then sent overseas to their various placements. Some young people have said that this training program alone was worth the student missions experience and then they have life-­changing experiences in the field as well! Q: What about fundraising? A: Student missionaries are currently being asked to raise US$4,200. These costs include the ex-­penses related to training, travel, health insur-­ance, stipend, lodging, and materials.

Q: Are married couples sent as student missionaries? A: AFM does send married couples as student missionaries. Couples need to have been married for at least a year before going out (see Deut. 24:5). Both parties need to fulfill a role on a pro-­ject, and they should not have children at this time. AFM does want couples who have children to go and serve, however because of the logistics of sending over a family, AFM requires families with children to serve on a long-­term basis. Q: Where can I learn more about AFM? A: www.afmonline.org) contains more information about AFM as well as a list of current AFM short-­term and long-­term opportuni-­ties for service. Interest forms for anyone inter-­ested in serving with AFM can also be filled out on the website. Q: How do I know if God is calling me to serve? A: about whether God might be calling you, I be-­

sources Director)

gatherings. All should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privileges which He has provided for them to become strong in Him and in the power of His grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all to Him. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast; He will be present, and will do for you that which you need most to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul. All the treasures you possess, be they ever so valuable, would not be rich enough to buy you peace and hope, which would be infinite gain at the cost of all you have and the toils and sufferings of a lifetime. A strong, clear sense of eternal things, and a heart willing to yield all to Christ, are blessings of more value than all the riches and pleasures and glories of this world.

These camp meetings are of importance.

They cost something. The servants of God are wearing out their lives to help the people, while many of them appear as if they did not want

gain, some let these precious privileges come and go as though they were of but very little importance. Let all who profess to believe the truth respect every privilege that God offers them to obtain clearer views of His truth and His requirements, and the necessary preparation for His coming. A calm, cheerful, and obedient trust in God is what He requires.

You need not weary yourselves with busy anxieties and needless cares. Work on for the

dence assigns you, and He will have a care for you. Jesus will deepen and widen your blessings. You must make efforts if you have salvation at last. Come to these meetings prepared to work. Leave your home cares, and come to find Jesus, and He will be found of you. Come with your offerings as God has blessed you. Show your

gratitude to your Creator, the Giver of all your benefits, by a freewill offering. Let none who are able to give come empty-­‐the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now here-­‐with, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. The object of a camp meeting is to lead all to separate from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days exclusively to seeking the Lord. We should occupy the time in self-­‐examination, close searching of heart, peniten-­‐tial confession of sins, and renewing our vows to the Most High. If any come to these meetings for less worthy objects, we hope the character of the meetings will be such as to bring their minds

*

*Testimones to the Church Vol 2 pp 600-­‐602

what guidance is there with regards to camp meeting? Can Camp Meetings have a positive effect on my health?

IDENTITY

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Tag us at Camp Meeting to find out how you can get involved!

Christine Koch Vice President for Missions

Diana Lara Vice President for Evangelism

Raquel Lara Executive Secretary

Andrea Gray Vice President for Communications

Steve Simon Vice President for Networking

Landon Sayler President

Caleb Smith Vice President for Logistics

Jon-­Ross Ennest Vice President for Programming

Putting the pieces together.

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These words never actually left my lips, but many times in the past they were spoken daily through my actions. Before attending GYC I considered myself to be a good Christian. I faithfully attended church every Sab-­bath, I strived daily to draw closer to God, I was half-­heartedly involved in different ministries, and quietly prepared for Christ's soon return. But, I'm happy to say my life has been tremendously changed since I made the commitment to take time off of work, and travel 48 hours to GYC in Kentucky while learning all the different sleep positions possible on a coach bus! I first heard about GYC two years ago when the Lord opened up a way for my sister to attend at the last moment. Since then I listened to the audio presenta-­tions of the sessions online, but I was determined to someday attend in person. Last year the opportunity presented itself, I did not think twice about signing up and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Jesus knew that of all the GYC's in the past this was the one I needed to attend! Even though I had read Romans 1:16 before, I never fully took the time to truly understand what being "unashamed" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ meant. Every session I attended from Sebastian Braxton to Ron Clouzet, and David Asscherick, exposed not only my need for Christ but His need for me. Christ needs me to be dead to my sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). He needs me to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), to take up my cross and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23), and go and spread His Gospel to the world. My love for Christ has grown and is continuing to grow day by day since GYC. And now that He's shown me all He has done for me and requires of me, I am prayerfully living everyday unashamed of Christ!

IDENTITY

by Shanelle Adams , Secretary for A Better World / Student

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The Lord lead me to GYC. Despite not having worked for many months at the time, when I made the commitment to go, the funds were pro-­vided for Amanda and myself to attend. While there I attended Paul Ratsarra's session on Power Spirituality, which allowed me to understand where I was going wrong in my prayer life. Also, the powerful sermons and devotional times brought conviction that I was not working for God as I should be. The whole GYC experience left me motivated but without direction. I prayed for direction on the bus ride back (Two days provide for a lot of reflection and prayer time!), and God did something wonderful. A pastor friend of mine called one Sunday night after GYC, and with Spirit filled admonitions, he gave me marching orders correlating to what I had been praying for. I will be starting a systematic outreach in Moose Jaw. Initial plans are to offer Bible studies. The next step will be to ar-­range simple vegan cooking classes to flex the right arm of the Gospel Message! I am praying that when the church sees the results of these efforts it will shake them awake too! Please keep Moose Jaw in your prayers. I am praying for power to prevail over the hearts and minds of the city folk so we can all honour God through praise and adoration.

Being able to go to GYC was a blessing and miracle all in itself for my husband and I but there was more! I was strength-­ened and encouraged by what I heard and saw and from the conversations with people that I had. Being missionaries has been on our minds for a while and the call, at GYC, seemed to be confirmed . Among all the great things that happened there, my family coming was the biggest miracle. Because my family from back home lives near Kentucky, they came to visit us. My little brother came for the whole thing and my parents, older brother, sister in law, and three-­year-­old niece came for the weekend (Friday through Sunday). My older brother (who is not an Adventist) heard and really liked David Assherick. My sister in law (who has never been a Christian) was amazed at the friendliness there and wants to attend the next one. Even my parents left with the thought that they are not doing enough at their little church at home and want to start doing things like Bible studies! God is working on hearts everywhere and it is ex-­citing to see how He is leading His people!

I hear throughout the week that I must be unashamed and I am be-­ginning to do so. However, during the altar call, the speaker suggests

know I want to go forward with all my heart, but I am not ready. I know that if I am to go forward I am be doing nothing but lying to my-­self, So I remain seated. I blatantly tell God that I am not going to get up because I know it is nothing but a lie to make everyone continue to think that I have it all together. So there I sit, with tears in my eyes, re-­fusing to get up. But God could not have shown me what I needed to see had I gotten up. As Asscherick speaks to everyone I glance down at my Bible and think

miah. I read how Nehemiah stood up for what he believed. He be-­comes upset with the people who were selling things in the temple and later telling them to clean it all up. I begin to wonder to myself, in

with him I have Decided to Follow Jesushe motions them to sing it like they meant it to sing with all their heart. Just as I finish my thought I hear the words ring in and out of my

I have decided... This really hits me because it is like God planned it all. He shows me the chapter I need to read and as I get to the point where I know why I

What I read is I need to hear;; the words they sing are the words I need

mon, but God uses one altar call, which I despise so much, to tell me the whole theme of the weekend decide to be unashamed and then be unashamed.

IDENTITY

by William Ennest, Teacher

by Erin Tait, College Student by Kimberly McKay , College Student

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I pray that this letter finds you well, happy, and serving the Lord.

Generation of Youth for Christ is a movement that has changed my life. Feeling the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, unleashed at GYC, change my heart will remain one of my most beautiful experiences. I would like to share two testimonial episodes that have happened since we arrived home from Kentucky. I believe that all of us who traveled to Louisville understood that once we had made commitments to God and surrendered our wills to Him there that the Devil would be angry and that we would have to endure some of Satan's attacks. It was amazing to me how quickly it came. Immediately after coming home I realized that somehow my car had been left unlocked and that it had been rifled through. Thankfully God refused to let the thief's eyes see the computer case that was in the trunk, but the thief did manage to get away with my camera bag. This in-­cluded my digital SLR camera, a video camera, and a couple of lenses -­ about $3000 of equipment in total. Before GYC, I would have let this loss really disturb me, in fact it would have been enough to depress me for quite some time. However, God immediately opened my eyes to this tactic of Satan's and instead I found myself rejoicing that Satan would count me enough of an enemy to bother trying to discourage and stop me. Mrs. White wrote a Signs of The Times article in 1891, that I found appropriate and will quote it here:

I am thanking God for His grace in preparing me for this particu-­

of it.

The other short story I would like to share, happened this past Sabbath. In the morning I got up to have some devotional time and concluded it by reading from the Roger Morneau book about the power of prayer. One quote seemed to jump out at me he was speaking about the necessity of memorizing scrip-­ture with its reference so that the Holy Spirit could enable us to remember certain texts when speaking to other people...texts they need to hear. It then seemed as if God was asking me

I could, but feel so woefully inadequate and unprepared. I thought of the many scripture verses that I can quote but not find instantly, and many more that I cannot quote accurately at all. Well, that appeared to be the end of that and I headed off to church, but before I left I spontaneously tucked my GYC notebook into my bag, thinking if no one wished to spend the Sabbath afternoon with me I would find a place in one of the parks around here (I am away from home doing some tempo-­rary work) to do some thinking and writing. Upon arriving at this small (extremely so) church I met some beautiful people and we had a lovely Sabbath school study and then it was time for the Divine service. Interestingly, they

sermon from GYC The instant they began to play the DVD it began to squeal and buzz incessantly, and the audio was broken up. We tried several things to stop the noise and play the DVD normally but eventu-­ally gave up, and it was then that I knew what God was calling

just like I had heard Him earlier that morning. Let me make it very clear to you that I would have never done this before GYC, nevertheless, with a quick prayer and a nervous spirit I asked the people if they wished me to share at least the main points of this powerful ser-­mon. They were all eager that I did so and I ran to my car to get my GYC notebook. Praise God in His wisdom He had prompted me to stick that notebook (last-­minute) in my bag, understanding that I still was too weak to simply preach with no preparation. I proceeded to convey, as best as I could, the sermon that Pastor Asscherick had delivered with such strength, sharing some of my own reflections on the texts and points he had made. I know that my words were stumbling and unre-­markable but I am just as sure that God used them and trans-­

intended them to. A number of the congregation were in tears, and some remarked that it was just what they needed to hear. Again I say -­ praise God! He can take what the devil has meant for evil and turn it to good for those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

The claims upon the Christians are the same now as ever,-­-­perfect obedi-­

ence,-­-­but Satan's attacks are more deceptive. His manner of warfare is so

different from that expected that, unless the senses are sharpened to

comprehend his plans, we shall not be prepared for defense. Satan has

many wily agents who will avail them-­selves of every means to assault those

who vindicate the claims of God's law. They may not meet them in open warfare, with arguments, but will work with all their power to press them into difficult places, to restrict their privi-­leges and liberties, and to annoy

them in other ways.

ST, September 7, 1891 par. 4

IDENTITY

by Alexandra Rayne, Teacher

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Ever since I was knee-­high to a grasshopper, so to speak, ministry in the church has been a part of my life. I have never lived farther than 15 minutes walking distance from an Adventist Church (even in

just the problem. Jesus was pretty clear when He

righteousness, and all these things will be added to

and I amaze myself at how adept I am at building the Kingdom of Eric, but how far from the ideal of

people appreciated my ministry. I was making friends, all appearances were great, but the ques-­tion that had been with me for so many years was still with me: what was I working for? Was I work-­ing, serving, living to gain salvation or was I work-­ing, serving, living in thanks for salvation? Am I the employer or the employee? As the resources of the Kingdom of Eric began drying up, I was getting

walls last against the enemy with my own strength (Psalm 127:1)? The fact is I am only alive because God keeps my heart beating;; my sins left on me would kill me like a ton of dynamite (Romans 6:23).

Whether you have been an Adventist for one week or all your life, the idea of being justified

is not easy to come to grips with. To realize that all I do is in honour of what has already been done for me;; that I simply accept a gift and live. I work for

-­inspiring concept. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to come to grips with this while I was overseas, though I, like Paul cannot say that I have arrived completely, I am ever growing in Christ (Philippians 3:12). What makes me even more ex-­cited is that God is waiting to do this for everyone, everywhere, anytime. There is no place on earth where God cannot reach you, will you let Him in?

Eric Anderson is a recently returned student missionary with Adventist Frontier Missions to the Otammari Project in Benin. He will be an Adventure Based Counselling ma-­jor this fall at CUC.

IDENTITY

Calgary. His plans for me were not so.

Shortly after summer vacation began, I found myself moving 3.5 hours north to a town of 6000, the town of Drayton Valley. I was absolutely AMAZED how in the course of 2 weeks the Lord provided a job and a place for me to live. As things fell into place I was given peace and assurance that I was following His will and not my own.

I moved to Drayton Valley, knowing only the school principal and his wife. My first month in town was one of adjustment. I searched the town directory for the local Seventh Day Adventist church and discovered there was none. For the first month I commuted to vari-­ous churches in Alberta on the Sabbath. Although I enjoyed visiting other churches, I longed to fellowship with like-­minded believers in my community.

I prayed earnestly and asked for the Lord to reveal His will for me.

ventists in town? Why had He sent me away from my friends and family?

I received an answer to prayer within the week! A friend in Calgary informed me of an Adventist couple in Drayton Valley that held church in their home on Sabbaths. I contacted the couple immedi-­ately and we spent a wonderful Sabbath together. I learned that Derald and Teresa Kisser had been trying to start an Adventist church in town for years they felt called by the Lord. I was excited! The Lord willed for me to be a part of this;; to help Derald and Teresa in some capacity. I felt inadequate and undeserving, but I knew the Lord would only provide me with what I could handle.

In the meantime, I had begun to form friendships at work. My col-­leagues were welcoming and loving. In the course of our discussions

versations have been a blessing to me. I am thankful for her friend-­ship and praise the Lord for her.

Part way through the year my sister, Diana, came to live with me. I knew the Lord had sent her for a special purpose and wonderful things began to take place. I have seen how the Lord is working in the town of Drayton Valley, I pray for the community and their ac-­

plans continue to unfold.

by Raquel and Diana Lara, Teacher and Bible Worker

Drayton Valley

Middle: Julie Bigelow, Kacie, and Barry Bigelow Front: Derald & Teresa Kisser, Shelley Dorigo, Jamie, Diana Lara and Brennen Vannech

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As strange as this may sound door to door witnessing has always been something that I have looked forward to with more eager anticipation than nervous anxiety. Without doubt door to door witnessing has in my own spiritual experi-­ence yield the fastest answers to prayer and given me a tangible and real understanding of the hope that I have. However, having said this, I can safely say that without reser-­vation the door to door witnessing experience I had at ACTS 2010 was the worse I have experience. It may have been perception, but that is how it felt. Perhaps it was not a failure from Gods point of view, as his word never goes out and 'comes back void' (Isa 55:11). I suppose that I was looking at the tangible immedi-­ate present, where as God looks at the souls we are privileged to witness to from the perspective of eternity. My faith going out was based on the visible positive re-­sponses of my past experience (which were important to remember) but the experiences of the past will never suffice for what God was teaching me for that instant. I leant an important lesson that Sabbath afternoon. There is a fine line between stepping out and doing God's will by faith and going out in one's own strength because you know and have memorised scripture or can speak elo-­quently. The spirit in which we approach the work of God is as important, if not, more important than the work itself. 'Not

by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord'. It is a lesson that God has thought me before and it would serve my Christian experience well not to forget it again. For the Bible is full of people who thought that their own real, un-­sanctified, God given abilities could supersede the invisible faith requirements of God when it came to evangelism. The spiritual person to person experiences that I had were

also a very important part of my ACTS ex-­perience. It is amazing how the living per-­sonal testimony of others can strengthen us and how seeing the rapid changes God makes in the lives of others can strengthen us on our spiritual journey, causing us to re-­member where we have come from as a help in future battles. God can make any change in the willing individual instantane-­

changing grace, and thus the process becomes unneces-­sarily protracted. We know these things and I would hope that more than knowing them we experience them. But wit-­

helped to lift my spirits like nothing else could do at ACTS.

word of their testimony' (Rev 12:11).

stepping out and doing God's will, by faith, and go-­ing out in one's own strength

because you know and have memorised scripture

by Steve Simon, Architect

My plan was to continue bible working in Edmonton until June when suddenly I was told that church funds could only employ me until the end of January. I prayed earnestly for God to show me His will. My sister told me of an Educational Assistant position in Drayton Val-­

little town. Within a few days I was off to my new job and home in Drayton Val-­ley. God had a bigger plan than I imagined. I began attending a home church with my sister;; many times we made up half the con-­gregation. Through much prayer and the faithfulness of Derald and Teresa, we grew from 4 members to a consistent 12 in the course of a month. The week after I moved to town, the Adventist church of Warburg

held an evangelistic series in Drayton Valley. The last series held in town had oc-­curred 10 years prior, not one visitor attended. During the series I was blessed to see the dedication of be-­lievers, some who drove an hour every night to help and attend the meetings. I was privileged to go door to door before the

meetings in Drayton and I met some very excited people. The series concluded with five baptisms and a few rededications of SDA believers. The meetings were a blessing and by the end of the

followers of Christ in attendance. The most beautiful part of this ex-­perience was watching our group become a family. The new and old members are currently spreading the gospel mes-­sage to many and we have been blessed with a group of children, some from non-­Christian homes, who regularly come to church on their own because they love learning about Jesus. God was able to use my sister and I to help reach people in the community and to help start a church plant in Drayton Valley. Mostly, the Lord transformed us and taught us so many valuable lessons. Our home church has now moved to the Pembina Educational Consortium, a community building in town. We have met with the Alberta Conference president and have applied for company status. Even though there is strong opposition from other churches in the community, our church has continued to grow strong in Christ. Originally, I was frustrated and did not understand why my plans changed in an instant. Now, I am so blessed to know that God had better plans for me and He truly used this experience to mould my character.

Drayton Valley

Baptism of Horst & Oksana Gisbertz with Pastor John Gilbert

IDENTITY

Page 12: Identity Newsletter

12

Ad

ventist Young Ad

ults

Please visit our website for more information on AYA, and or other Information regarding Young Adults in Alberta:

www.albertayoungadults.org

Also, email your entries for the newsletter to the address below:

[email protected]

Our Vision:

Our Objective: It is our objective to seek (1) to train the [young adults] to work for other [young adults], (2) recruit

Signs of the Times, May 29, 1893)

Our Mission: In seeking to reach these objective the [young adults] are called upon to:

pray together, study the Word together, fellowship in Christian social interaction, act together in small groups to carry out well-­laid plans for witnessing,

encourage one another in spiritual growth.

See you November 12

-14, 2010!