Watching God from the Front Row

Transcription

1 I wish you could have attended the NAD year end Meetings last week at the church headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. I have been attending these annual administrative sessions for many years, but I've never attended one like this one. It was truly a memorable occasion. Let me tell you some of the reasons I say that. First, some very significant decisions were made, regarding women in ministry as well as some other decisions you may have heard about. The most important thing that happened during the entire time, though, was the obvious emphasis on prayer...seeking spiritual resources to guide the business of the church. Each day began at 7:15 with a group in the auditorium earnestly interceding for the direction of God in the business that would follow; and that was even before the morning devotional service! As the business sessions began it was immediately evident that God's presence was going to oversee each discussion and each decision. Two young ladies (in their 20's) from Canada were given the authority and responsibility of stopping the discussions at any time - to call the entire group to prayer. It was a strategic decision. These two young adults took their assignment seriously and stopped the deliberations many times. They asked the president, Elder Dan Jackson to pray, or other leaders would pray, as the group earnestly sought to know the mind of God. There were reports from all ministries - including Prayer Ministries. Our Prayer Ministries team had opportunities to pray individually with many of the nearly 300 leaders who were there, and we provided a table in the atrium area loaded with resources which disappeared as various leaders came by to pick up what they needed. (The Prayer team consisted of Stanley Ponniah, (from the General Conference/NAD Treasury office), Gary Burns, from the Lake Union, Kelly Veilleux, from the Atlantic Union, Janet Lui, from the Pacific Union, and Sedley Johnson and Rick Remmers, from the Columbia Union, and I, (Ruthie) represented NAD. In addition to this Prayer Ministries presence, a wonderful little group of local volunteers came to the building each day to pray - either in the auditorium (during the devotional service), or in the chapel upstairs all during the day as the meetings convened in the auditorium. No wonder there was such a sweet spirit - in the hallways, in the dining room, in the auditorium, and offices. God's presence was constantly being invited, and He is faithful. Many of you were praying too, from all over North America, and we cannot tell you how significant it was. I wish you could have heard the powerful prayers ascending. All true prayer originates in the heart of God, and we could see that He was, by His Spirit, giving wisdom and a spirit of unity. If you could ask the delegates who were there I think most of them would tell you that it was very much akin to a Pentecost experience. On another topic, I hope you will plan now to come to Florida, January (and stay through the Ministries Convention Jan , if possible). During the convention, we will have Prayer Ministries Seminars to give you strong new tools for prayer ministry where you serve, and then our Advisory is on Wednesday where we look to God for His direction for the new year. This is always an important time together. Bring as many from your church and conference as possible. It promises to be a life-changing weekend. Blessings to you, and appreciation for all you and the Lord are accomplishing together, Ruthie November 2011 Be a Prayer Warrior for Evangelism sign up at

2 Page 2 NAD Day of Prayer January 7, 2012 At the beginning of each New Year, the North American Division family joins together setting aside the first Sabbath as the NAD Day of Prayer. Some begin on Friday night, and finish with a Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning. In many places it has become a power-packed weekend of fellowship and intercessory prayer as God's people join hearts with His family all across this vast continent on the first Sabbath (in some cases, it may be the second or third Sabbath) to pray together for our countries, our communities, our churches, and our own needy hearts. Whether your fellowship decides on the full weekend, or a special prayer emphasis on Sabbath, - join with your family all across this Division at this crucial time in our history. Is there a better way to begin the New Year, than to come together in dependence on our God. The format for the Sabbath or weekend may vary according to the needs and purposes in your communities, but one component that is always appreciated, is a time of prayer and blessing for our pastors, and conference, union, and Division leadership. Pray for those in your area by name, asking God for specific help and blessing. Let's stand on His Word and claim promises for the needs of our hearts and those of others. There's an amazing quote from the beautiful book, Desire of Ages, which says, God is well pleased when His children make the very highest demands of Him, that we may glorify His name. We may expect large things if we have faith in His promises. p. 668 As you look ahead, what great prayers would God lead you to pray? Why not ask Him to help you pray really big prayers? What is on His heart? How would He like to expand your horizon to include some of the people and needs you may not be praying for? Your prayers profoundly effect the dark and hopeless places of the world because prayer is great, and one person's prayer has great effectiveness. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16 Touchpoint Bible So how can we break through the darkness in the least evangelized nations and the dark places in our nations of North America? The answer is prayer. Here are some ideas you may want to discuss with your prayer/leadership committee. Incidentally, you'll want to have a planning/prayer committee which meets regularly to consider the needs of the church and community. 1. Seminars on Prayer walking, How to pray for an hour, or How to pray for your pastor and/or Church leaders. These can precede the weekend, or be offered on Sabbath afternoon. 2. Some will have an all-night prayer service, or a come and go attendance through the night. If that's your plan, you may want to begin at sundown with a special vespers to open the Sabbath, and each hour until midnight or later, could be planned by a different person, family, or department in the church. 3. Invite pastors of other denominations to join you for this evening service. They may even wish to help with the planning. Provide for families with children to participate early in the evening. 4. You'll want to provide time for youth to sing, share, and pray. A personal testimony is not only an encouragement to others, but a strength for those sharing. Everyone has a story that can inspire someone. 5. Small group Bible studies with sharing and discussion of discoveries from each group is a memorable and inspirational experience. We learn from one another as we study and pray together.

3 Page 3 NAD Day of Prayer (Continued) 6. Some will plan some form of community outreach for the Sabbath prayerwalking, visiting shutins, nursing homes, hospital patients, etc. This can be done in a small group (Bible study group, SS class, etc.) Try to randomize the groups formed so that families and friends have an opportunity to meet and work with others. 7. Some plan for a baptismal service, special communion service, or Agape fellowship. 8. Some pray through the church directory, and prayerwalk through the church, praying for each department and ministry. 9. Pray for your school and/or academies, colleges and universities in your community and conference. 10. Pray for churches of all denominations in your community. Do you have a request that seems impossible? You're not alone; you're in good company. Abraham was there too, but his faith never wavered (Rom.4:20). NAD Prayer Conference January 12-15, 2012 The North American Division Prayer Conference will be at Innisbrook, Florida. The theme - Revolution on our Knees - was chosen because we want God to take away any mediocrity, and take us to another level of faith and blessing. Ask God to recharge your prayer life, and as we experience time in God's presence together I believe we'll be challenged and equipped to go deeper in His will. God has provided amazing and wonderful speakers for us, Elder Dan Jackson, President of NAD, will be speaking, Jose Rojas, Pavel Goia, Jonathon Henderson and others, but the most valuable time will be in HIS presence because HE tailors His blessings to His dear children personally and individually. You may register at You may want to plan to stay through to Jan. 18 to the completion of the NAD Ministries Convention. There are Prayer Ministries Seminars and our Advisory Board, so we will need to have you there. Registration Fees: All registration fees are per person. $139 Early-bird now through December 8, 2011 $149 Regular December 9, 2011 through January 5, 2012 $129 Spouse/Students now through January 5, 2012 (Student ID # Required for student registration) $128 Early-bird Group of Four now through January 5, 2012 $100 Designated Conference Prayer Coordinators Only now through January 5, 2012 Meals: The registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch on Sabbath; and breakfast on Sunday. Lodging: Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club Each registrant is responsible for securing their lodging online or by calling (800) Please ask for the "Seventh-day Adventist" rate. These special rates are good through December 23, Each room includes complimentary Internet access, use of the fitness center, pool and spa, complimentary on-site shuttle service, and complimentary parking. Cost per night: $119 for hotel room with 2 queen beds $129 for executive suite with one king or two queen beds $139 for a one bedroom suite

4 Page 4 Update on Prophecies Decoded Ron Clouzet 1. At the live site in Nashville, the list of people making decisions kept growing with 120 decisions for baptism so far. Good reports have come from the different host sites: 650 churches world wide hosted the series More non-member than members attended and stayed for the whole program Many churches reported a higher attendance than any previous NET series 2. In the last two nights, God worked things out so I suddenly had unexpected extra minutes to fill in for broadcast time. This allowed me the opportunity for unplanned calls, producing decisions made by people whom we weren t sure would move forward. 3. The 85 year-old mother of a member had been attending the church for years without ever choosing to join the church. On Tuesday, this gracious Southern belle came forward, only with the help of her cane, to join the remnant church. 4. The 24 year-old son of a member who d explored history and philosophy to know the answers to life s greatest questions, a careful thinker with a naturally skeptical mind, came forward, overcome by the love of God for his soul. 5. The 40-something woman, harassed her entire life by very sad circumstances, who never thought she could trust anything related to religion again, came forward, seeking baptism in the remnant church. 6. The 50-something former musician and minister in a charismatic church, recently out of a life of desperation, came forward to be baptized. His musician mother, a well-known personality among movers and shakers in the state, will join him by Profession of Faith. 7. The 25 year-old former drug addict who for years was visited by demons, was anointed and prayed for last week for the darkness to leave and never return. Since that day, he has daily repeated his new life slogan: I belong to Jesus, and his entire face, habits, and demeanor have changed. He will marry his live-in girlfriend and both will join the remnant church. 8. The 60-something evangelical woman, drinking the Bible with relish every night, will join the church. Her therapist told her three days ago: You are really changing. You are at peace with yourself; you seem happier than ever before.

5 Page Oregon Conference Prayer Retreat March 30 - April 1, 2012, Grove Christian Camp, Dorena, Oregon "The Prayer Life of the End Time Generation" Speaker: Ty Gibson Speaker and Co-director of Light Bearers Ministry Ty is seen weekly on 3ABN leading viewers through the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation as well as other books of the Bible. He has authored eight books, including the bestsellers See With New Eyes, An Endless Falling in Love, and his newest release, A God Named Desire. Contact for more info: Donna Koehn waldheim1934@hotmail.com Registration fees: $100 per person $85 Early Bird fee before January 31, 2012 Register online at PlusLine Or call Download brochure at: Visit Grove Christian Camp at Visit Light Bearers Ministry at