Fishing for People
July 30, 2010
Source: ScripShot Photo devotionals
| "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind." (Matthew 13:47) NLT Context |
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Fishing Nets - by Mira Pavlakovic © 2010 |
Center for Creative Ministry © 2010. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION ® Respond to this image. |
Original Post: http://creativeministry.org/article.php?id=915
Adventist World Radio selects its financial officer as new president
July 30, 2010
Source: Adventist News Network
The Adventist World Radio board yesterday selected the ministry's vice president for finance, Dowell Chow, to serve as its new president.
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Chow replaces Benjamin Schoun, who last month was appointed a general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church. In his new role, Schoun will still serve AWR as its board chair.
Chow, 66, has served as AWR's vice president for finance since 2005, and previously served in several roles as an Adventist Church finance officer and administrator.
AWR provides thousands of hours a day in broadcasting in 107 languages over AM, FM, shortwave, Internet and podcasting. Based at the church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, AWR employs 31 people, including staff in offices overseeing operations in Europe, Africa and Asia. Most of the hundreds of local studio and engineering staff worldwide are employed by local church entities.
"My aim is to build on what Ben has done in the field and keep moving ahead," Chow said. "We want to continue to strengthen our partnerships and partner with other media ministries. This ministry is about using technology to spread the gospel."
Before joining AWR, Chow served as treasurer of the church's Columbia Union Conference, the Maryland-based administration for the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region, and president of the church in the state of New Jersey. He also served as a pastor in Puerto Rico and an administrator of a publishing house in Venezuela.
Chow also currently serves on the boards of the Takoma Park, Maryland-based Washington Adventist University, Washington Adventist Hospital, and Rockville, Maryland-based Adventist Healthcare.
Chow said some of AWR's key operations include its extensive network of FM radio stations, training for local partners and the ministry's offerings of podcasting -- last month the organization launched a website with podcasts in more than 80 languages.
For more information, visit awr.org.
Original Post: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ann-en/~3/4LwJ20K6zQk/adventist-world-radi.html
BRI Newsletter – GC Reports
July 29, 2010
The Biblical Research Institute just issued it’s latest newsletter, which includes their perspectives on the GC Session in Atlanta, and other articles.
Click on this link…
This is the Day
July 28, 2010
Source: ScripShot Photo devotionals
| "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) NASB Context |
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Blue Skies - by Studiomill © 2010 |
| Center for Creative Ministry © 2010. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®Respond to this image. |
Original Post: http://creativeministry.org/article.php?id=670
Glaring Notices
July 28, 2010
Source: Bible Says
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| Photo: Sean Ealy |
The Bible talks about glaring notices. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk questions God’s use of the Babylonians in punishing Israel. When Habakkuk asks God to explain, the Lord said, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2). In other words, God’s warnings can be short and sweet. They can be glaring notices meant to get our attention.
I recently sat with a group of Christian leaders who were planning a special event for our city. The theme for the occasion was the second coming of Christ. As we discussed how to communicate this event, one person questioned the interest people might have in Jesus’ coming. Another member of our group quickly responded, “I find many people I connect with sensing that this world is coming apart at the seams. And they are wondering if the end of the world is going to happen soon. Think of events that have taken place just recently.”
Intensifying Crisis
Our group began ticking off world issues that were causing concern for many: The BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, rioting in Greece, a bomb threat in New York, flooding in Tennessee, the failing economy in the United States, the earthquake in Haiti, the volcano eruption in Iceland, protests in Bangkok just to name a few. What struck me was how easy it is to create a list of major crises without much thought. It seems the events around the world are intensifying.
One day Jesus was talking with a group of religious teachers who wanted to see a “sign” from Christ. Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2, 3). It is as if Christ is saying, “I’ve given you notices of My soon coming, but you can’t see them.”
The world does appear to be falling apart at the seams. Are these “glaring notices” pointing at something that will soon happen? For those who are studying the Bible, we will see the signs of the times and be ready. For those who toss them aside, Christ will come as a surprise (1 Thessalonians 5:2). There’s a notice on your door. Can you see it? Are you ready?
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By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3717
Glaring Notices
July 28, 2010
Source: Bible Says
|
| Photo: Sean Ealy |
The Bible talks about glaring notices. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk questions God’s use of the Babylonians in punishing Israel. When Habakkuk asks God to explain, the Lord said, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2). In other words, God’s warnings can be short and sweet. They can be glaring notices meant to get our attention.
I recently sat with a group of Christian leaders who were planning a special event for our city. The theme for the occasion was the second coming of Christ. As we discussed how to communicate this event, one person questioned the interest people might have in Jesus’ coming. Another member of our group quickly responded, “I find many people I connect with sensing that this world is coming apart at the seams. And they are wondering if the end of the world is going to happen soon. Think of events that have taken place just recently.”
Intensifying Crisis
Our group began ticking off world issues that were causing concern for many: The BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, rioting in Greece, a bomb threat in New York, flooding in Tennessee, the failing economy in the United States, the earthquake in Haiti, the volcano eruption in Iceland, protests in Bangkok just to name a few. What struck me was how easy it is to create a list of major crises without much thought. It seems the events around the world are intensifying.
One day Jesus was talking with a group of religious teachers who wanted to see a “sign” from Christ. Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2, 3). It is as if Christ is saying, “I’ve given you notices of My soon coming, but you can’t see them.”
The world does appear to be falling apart at the seams. Are these “glaring notices” pointing at something that will soon happen? For those who are studying the Bible, we will see the signs of the times and be ready. For those who toss them aside, Christ will come as a surprise (1 Thessalonians 5:2). There’s a notice on your door. Can you see it? Are you ready?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3717
MS Camp Meeting Native Culture Workshop
July 28, 2010
Canadian Native Ministry Director Ed Dunn, will be attending the 2010 Man-Sask Camp Meeting this year. He will be hosting a 2-day Native Culture workshop on Monday and Tuesday in the Junior Building on the campgrounds from 1:15 – 2:15pm.
His objectives are to:
- prepare participants to compassionately minister to Aboriginal Peoples
- acquaint participants with culturally appropriate ministry tools
- discuss ministry ideas
- share ministry experiences
If you are active or considering a ministry to Aboriginal Peoples you will want to attend these two sessions.
The 2010 Man-Sask Camp Meeting is at our Camp Whitesand near Theodore SK from August 6-14.
Ed Dunn will be at Camp Meeting from Sabbath August 7 until Tuesday August 10th.
New Adventist president envisions a church marked by prayer, revival
July 28, 2010
Source: Adventist News Network
In his first address to employees at Seventh-day Adventist world church headquarters, church President Ted N. C. Wilson outlined a strategic plan for the denomination meant to spur a renewal of members' commitment to the church's mission.
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An emphasis on personal and corporate prayer and the launch of a Revival and Reformation Committee at church headquarters featured prominently in the plan.
The belief that Christians cannot "hasten or delay" the Second Coming is a misconception, Wilson said. While the "manufacture" of programs or activities at church headquarters cannot "force" Christ's return, a "revival of true godliness" and "humble submission to God" among Christians can, he said, citing a quote by church co-founder Ellen G. White.
In the New Testament book of Acts, Wilson said the apostles are described as being "of one accord" and "in one place" -- conditions he cited as responsible for the outpouring of God's spirit. God is looking for a similar mindset among Adventists today, he said.
Wilson said he recently received an email in which someone expressed concern that a push for revival among Adventists might usher in legalism or an exclusivist spirit.
Not so, Wilson assured more than 400 employees gathered in the auditorium of church headquarters today for the address. "This is not a legalistic message; this is a message of love, of hope and of encouragement ... God has given us this message, and we are to share it, being as inclusive as possible," he said.
Sharing that message hinges on prayer, Wilson said, urging employees to embrace an emphasis on personal and corporate prayer.
"You are dedicated, educated, consecrated people," Wilson said, "but if we're not praying in humility ... our talents are worth virtually nothing,"
No single prayer style is mandatory, Wilson said. "If you don't feel comfortable praying out loud, you don't have to -- you can just pray in your own mind. We're not trying to force people into a certain 'shoe' and make it fit. But we're to pray. I don't know what people do without prayer," he said.
Prayer is also expected to punctuate the meetings of the new Revival and Reformation Committee, Wilson said. "Don't let the name put you off. Committees don't necessarily kill everything," he said. The committee is expected to gather "earnest" people striving to "help God's people prepare a setting for [his] spirit to do his work," Wilson said.
Armando Miranda, a world church general vice president, was named chair of the committee, with recently retired General Vice President Mark Finley serving as vice-chair in his new role as an assistant to the president for evangelism.
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Wilson outlined some specific expectations for the next five years. He introduced the launch of international Bible and mission conferences, hubs where pastors, teachers, Health Ministries workers and others can convene to study the bible together to better grasp the church's "spiritual destiny." Ideally, Wilson said, the meetings will spur outreach. "We're not just to sit there and draw everything in, but to go out," he said.
The next five years will also see a continued emphasis on outreach through technology, Wilson said, citing the impact of the Hope Channel, Adventist World Radio, the Global Internet Evangelism Network and the church's many Web-based ministries.
Wilson said the church under his watch would also safeguard core emphases such as Adventist education and Health Ministries. "Redoubling" the Connecting with Jesus project, in which Ellen G. White books are distributed to members worldwide, is also a priority, he said. Headquarters employees participated in the project this morning -- a collection was taken to send copies of White's book The Great Controversy to every household in the surrounding postal district.
Wilson also said involving young people in the church's mission was his goal -- "not just putting them on a committee, but going far beyond that."
A focus on both evangelism and stewardship is expected to be the catalyst for the church's success the next five years, Wilson said. "When you have those two things heading in the right direction, everything else falls into place."
The strategic plan is not comprehensive or concrete, and is open to suggestion, Wilson said. "The Adventist Church is not an organization that promotes 'kingly power.' We don't just have someone at the head who says, 'That's it, do it,' and it happens ... The best way is to come together in prayer in a setting where a multitude of counselors brings wisdom," he said.
Soliciting the prayers and participation of employees as the church moves forward, Wilson said he wanted "open communication" throughout the building and the church. "My office is open. If you have an idea or suggestion -- I don't care how small or large it is -- you can contact me and talk to me."
Original Post: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ann-en/~3/eSUae4YDTUk/new-adventist-presid-1.html
Childhood Games
July 27, 2010
Source: Hope Generation
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| Photo: Richard Styles |
Hide and seek. It’s a concept, a “game,” that still translates to many of us today. Children aren’t the only ones who play this game. A lot of us are still hiding. Hiding from our past. Hiding from our future. Hiding secrets. Some of us are even hiding from ourselves. The truth is that as scary as it sounds to hide, it can be so comforting at times. You can get lost in your “world”, under the bed or wherever your hiding spot may be. You become familiar with it. You become comfortable. You begin to like the thrill of hiding.
Seeking
But Hide and Seek isn’t just about hiding. There is someone who’s seeking. Someone who’s looking for you. And I think there’s a seeker in every one of us. All of us, whether believers or unbelievers, are looking for something. We are searching for something to fill our void, to give us purpose, to give us happiness. Be it money, be it relationships, be it the perfect job. In the end, we’re all seeking. In the end, you get tired of hiding and you want to start doing the finding and the seeking.
God, in his infinite mercy, seeks us out every day. And I can only hope that one day we can stop hiding and begin seeking God in return. If you need to hide, hide long enough to where you find yourself right in the place where you can be found only by Him, whose seeking is relentless and passionately radical. Or if you feel courageous stop your hiding and start seeking the One person who will never stop seeking you.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments______________________________
By Andrea Torres. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1882
Childhood Games
July 27, 2010
Source: Hope Generation
|
| Photo: Richard Styles |
Hide and seek. It’s a concept, a “game,” that still translates to many of us today. Children aren’t the only ones who play this game. A lot of us are still hiding. Hiding from our past. Hiding from our future. Hiding secrets. Some of us are even hiding from ourselves. The truth is that as scary as it sounds to hide, it can be so comforting at times. You can get lost in your “world”, under the bed or wherever your hiding spot may be. You become familiar with it. You become comfortable. You begin to like the thrill of hiding.
Seeking
But Hide and Seek isn’t just about hiding. There is someone who’s seeking. Someone who’s looking for you. And I think there’s a seeker in every one of us. All of us, whether believers or unbelievers, are looking for something. We are searching for something to fill our void, to give us purpose, to give us happiness. Be it money, be it relationships, be it the perfect job. In the end, we’re all seeking. In the end, you get tired of hiding and you want to start doing the finding and the seeking.
God, in his infinite mercy, seeks us out every day. And I can only hope that one day we can stop hiding and begin seeking God in return. If you need to hide, hide long enough to where you find yourself right in the place where you can be found only by Him, whose seeking is relentless and passionately radical. Or if you feel courageous stop your hiding and start seeking the One person who will never stop seeking you.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments______________________________
By Andrea Torres. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1882
