On a visit to our son in Pennsylvania earlier this year, we found ourselves looking for an Adventist church to attend on Sabbath. We spotted a church surrounded by green trees and well-kept lawns. Just what we were looking for!
Our son’s sweetheart wanted to go with us, and we assured her that she was welcome. The next morning was Sabbath. We got up early, and the three of us drove about 35 miles to the church. As we arrived, we discovered that we were the only ones there.
We waited for almost two hours, and no one showed up. We found no notice anywhere giving worship times—and nothing to indicate a special reason for closure. Disappointed, we finally left. It was tough trying to explain what might have happened to our non-Adventist guest, who had been excited about attending an Adventist church for the first time.
When we got back to our church in northern California, we discovered that we didn’t have the hour of worship on our sign or front door. We told the Pennsylvania story at our church; and the next week we had a notice posted by the front door with our worship hours. Our church has vowed never to lock the doors on a Sabbath morning, except in extreme situations.
My wife and I still wonder where the people were at that Pennsylvania church.
—Roger Williams, Orleans, California
In December 2013 we asked our Facebook friends which Old Testament prophet they most identified with and why. Here are a few of their answers:
Caleb. There is a huge generational gap in Adventists in my community. The elders are reluctant in regard to evangelism, but young adults want to go ahead. This is dividing the church and the work.
—Tara, Philippines
Jeremiah, for both message and person. I feel as if I’ve always had his personality; very black and white on God’s truth. And I feel the message that was put forth at that time is quite pertinent to today’s situation, especially within the confines of the Adventist community.
—Adam, United States
Habakkuk. I just love Habakkuk 3:17, 18. It teaches me that no matter my situation, I should never cease to rejoice in my Lord.
—Micky, South Africa
“The Godhead was forever changed—How much God really gave when He gave His Son!”
—Pastor Samuel Riemersma, at the Montgomery, Alabama, First Seventh-day Adventist Church
Hi, kids! Herald’s trumpet is once again hidden somewhere in this magazine. If you find it, send a postcard telling us where. Include your name and address! We’ll randomly choose three winning postcards.
In our last contest (Oct. 24, 2013) we had 12 entries! Our three winners were Martessa Davis, from Washougal, Washington; Joshua Kim, from Hendersonville, North Carolina; and Kelsi Nash, from Chico, California. Each received a book from Pacific Press. Where was the trumpet? On page 3.
If you can find the trumpet this time, send your postcard to Herald’s Trumpet, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. The prize will be a book! Look for the three winners’ names in the April 24, 2014, edition of the Adventist Review. Have fun searching and keep trumpeting Jesus’ love—and His second coming!
