THE SABBATH EXPRESS-Online
Mid 1998
Carmelo Mercado, Pastor
Pastor's CornerA funny thing happened to me a few days that I still wonder about. I was at the gas station pumping gas late one night when a man came up to me who was also pumping gas at a nearby pump. He walked up to me and asked about my car(actually my wife's car) and how did it run. He said he was thinking of getting a car with a V-6. Then he asked me what I did for a living and I told him I was a minister. Then he asked about our church and what we believed. I of course made a special point of speaking on our Sabbath belief. He then told me he was a United Methodist by profession but that he was searching for something more. He then asked for my card and he gave me his. I then suggested that he enroll in our Discovery course which we run from our church. I did not have an enrollment card in the car (I usually carry them in my own car) so I said I could send one to him. He seemed very open to the idea and so the very next day I sent him a card, a couple of tracts and a note encouraging him to take the course. The thing that is striking to me is that the man came up to ME and started talking. At first I was not sure of his intentions but then at the end I saw that this man just wanted to talk, even if it was with a perfect stranger. At the end I offered up a prayer on his behalf asking God to show him His way.You know one of the signs of the end is to see the clear contrast between those who are really searching and those who do not care. It is not up to us to decide who those people are but God does know. We are a people blessed with such a hope for man today - in the midst of so many tragedies I cannot help but think that there are many people searching for answers. God calls us ALL to do our part to serve him and share what God has given us to others. Let me suggest that you carry a few Discovery enrollment cards with you(ask Mary Squires for some) and the next time you pump gas, buy groceries or are waiting at your doctor's office, ask yourself this - is there someone here searching for truth? You might be surprised at what God will do for you and the ones you touch! |
Youth Basketball Game a SuccessThe recent Youth vs. Adult basketball game at the YWCA on April 18th was a smash hit. Several teams, and numerous spectators showed up to root on the skilled players.There was lots of food, and plenty of excitement as the teams thundered down the court. Several adult teams won, but the youth were not without wins. It is rumored that an obnoxious giraffe made an appearance, though this suspician is not confirmed. Thanks to all Youth Council members and the volunteers who made this event possible! Stay tuned for more upcoming youth group events... PlusLine MinistriesFor those of you who haven´t heard of it, PlusLine Ministries is a useful resource for Adventists. WHY you ask? Simply call 1-800- SDA-PLUS and they will hook you up with just about any information you need regarding Adventist things. Their database of information includes FAQ (frequently asked questions) regarding Adventism, as well as listings of Adventist: 800 numbers, other telephone numbers, Academies & their locations, bed & breakfasts, health issues, people, conferences and meetings, books, organizations and their organizers. As you can see, this can be a very beneficial resource for us all.Attention Leader-Type peoplesI would like for leaders of groups like Mens & Women´s Ministries, and other groups to give me occastional updates and reports regarding their groups so people can stay informed. The Editor of this newsletter has threatened to publish recipes or worse yet some of his own writings. In order to prevent this, please submit a summary every now and then to help him out. Thanks!Upcoming Youth EventsThere are several upcoming youth activities including “Pamper your Mom” Mother´s Day, an Adventist History tour in June and a trip to Cedar Point in July. All youth are invited to participate in these. |