he world in which we live is fragmented by ethnic and racial prejudice, crime and murder, abuse of women and children, religious intolerance, and even oppressive governments. The fissures run deep in society in general and in the hearts of those who suffer the consequences of that fragmentation. In the midst of a convoluted world of dissension and strife we find the Adventist movement standing tall, with a message of unity in fellowship with God through Christ and with one another. Preserving that fundamental unity in a world church that is rapidly growing is a miracle of the Spirit.

But God wants to use the leaders of the church and each church member in nurturing that unity. Under the guidance of the Spirit we should create an environment in our local churches and in all our institutions that will foster that fellowship. This unity includes visible structures, but it is at heart--and fundamentally--of a spiritual nature. It is based on a commitment to "one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph. 4:4-6, NIV).

It is time for all of us to emphasize that which holds us together as a people, as the end-time remnant people of God. The readings for this Week of Prayer identify some of those elements: We are united in the fellowship created by the cross--by the death and resurrection of Christ and by the hope of His return in glory. Our common faith and mission belong to the center of our fellowship constituting us into a global family. Our joy in Christ, together with our trials, binds us together around the world. This fellowship expresses itself during worship, particularly in the rite of humility and the Lord's Supper, and is nurtured through the study of the Bible.

May God bless and guide each one of you as you seek to strengthen the unity of the church through fellowship with Christ. Finally, "if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, . . . make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Phil. 2:1, 2, NIV).