“When God looks at us… He sees… generations. Christ did not just die to save one individual or two; Christ died to save families… He died to save children… wives, husbands, parents, grandparents. He died so that generations can be saved.”
Speaking at the Grace Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tottenham, Pastor Dr Kirk Thomas described this as the inspiration for the ‘Generation to Generation’ campaign. Running from Sabbath 7th to Sabbath 21st September, this was Pastor Thomas’ first campaign since becoming President of the South England Conference (SEC) in 2023. Addressing the church as “The University of Holcombe Road” (in reference to their location), the President delivered a powerful combination of preaching and teaching so that messages could be understood by all. Under titles such as: “Attitudes Most Parents Want Their Children to Have”, “What Really Happens When Someone Dies” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, he covered many foundations of Adventist beliefs and Christian lifestyle. Yet, a spotlight on home life, church, and relationships added a distinct emphasis on family as a fulcrum of lasting revival and reformation. In a catalogue of messages, Pastor Thomas presented many nuggets of truth relevant to our times: here are just a few.
There is no perfect family, but just as we do with babies taking their first steps, we need to spiritually train (Proverbs 22:6) and nurture our loved ones with patience. Pastor Thomas encouraged us to explain salvation simply, based on the concept of a relationship with a God whom we can go to for forgiveness: “By understanding that, we would be a better church and better people, able to embrace others with love.”
Reflecting on the moment Moses, an archetypal leader and the world’s humblest, found himself losing his temper, resulting in him forfeiting the Promised Land, Pastor Thomas linked this episode to a strategy he called “extinction” and “reward.” This involved starving attitudes you would like to discourage in children into extinction while reinforcing desirable patterns through rewards and sanctions. It was sad Moses didn’t enter the land at that time, and similarly, it may “break your heart” as a parent to give children 'time out’ or confiscate their phones, but in His dealings with His people, “reward and extinction” was an approach modelled by God.
Commenting on social media, the President referred to research that showed many of our children are not being monitored and how this leaves them open to problematic messaging. He noted that some videos, watched by millions, are without any meaningful, spiritually-constructive content and expressed the sentiment that if only God could catch the attention of humankind to this extent!
“Young people receive the message that you have to look a certain way to be accepted, so today we have problems with image shaming, body shaming and young people not being satisfied with who God made them to be.” This was where stories about our origins were key and, in contrast to the idea that we evolved from primates, the Sabbath, as upheld by Jesus and the Apostles, reminds us of the Creation account in Genesis, who our Creator is, where we came from, and where we are going.
The SEC President highlighted the effect of habits relating to eating breakfast, drinking water, and the consumption of junk food versus vegetables on decision-making and academic life, as well as a tendency for families to be scattered. Therefore, quality time was key: people should “eat together as families rather than isolating themselves.”
Likewise, Pastor Thomas advocated for the examination of other habits and practices taking place in our homes that we need to be aware of. This included the need to be aware of our family histories: patterns we either wish to continue, those we wish to end, or new ones we would like to establish. For example, making books available at home to support young people’s interests within education and not accumulating too many belongings in the environment so children have space to play freely. Others included not being too busy for children, having conversations with them, and helping them organise themselves, their studies, and relaxation, so they learn to do it themselves. Preparing children for changes so they are ready for the next step was also encouraged. In all, he said to treat them as individuals rather than beings without status, as they were in antiquity.
Marriage was an opportunity for (potential) husbands and wives to study each other, so Pastor Thomas outlined the common needs of spouses. Furthermore, when we communicate in healthy ways, a spouse’s honesty about their feelings builds their own ability to empathise with others and invites empathy from the other spouse too.
Managing conflict required recognising that each party is made in God’s image, and furthermore, not being self-centred, set in our own opinions, and self-righteous, but instead, living humbly as Christians. Sorting out differences before the end of the day so as not to leave room for the enemy was also helpful to having a good quality marriage and family life (Genesis 1:27; Romans 12:16; and Ephesians 4:26).
"Some of us have been in this church for ages and we still have not discovered our purpose," Pastor Thomas observed. "When you get up in the morning, what drives you?... We must come to the place where nothing else matters, only God." Explanations of distinctive SDA teachings and prophecy, such as that of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the church history traced by these passages, deepened understanding.
He explored faith-building prophecies about Jesus made even 1,000 years before His birth (Psalm 41:9). “The world is in a crazy place, but we can trust Jesus has not abandoned us,” he assured us. “Jesus says ‘Let not your heart be troubled… I will come again’ (John 14:3). Nothing can be compared to the glory when Jesus Christ comes again.”
Quoting the song “Faithful is our God” and the words: “I’m taking back what the devil stole from me… I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all,” Pastor Thomas explained that as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, God is counting on us to “stand in the gap” for our loved ones, our children, and grandchildren. His prayer was that God will break chains and our relationship with Him will become serious. “When things work well in the family, people may not know the tears, prayers, and the fasting that was done on their behalf…” He encouraged us to have faith today that God has taken hold of the minds of our loved ones: “The devil has lost the battle for your mind,” your children, mother, father. "You’ve got to live it, you've got to believe it.” Because God can “turn things around for ourselves and our generations.”
The President, who baptised his mother, stepfather, and, recently, the youngest of his four children, spoke of these moments as wonderful days in his ministry. “It took 10 years for me to pray my mother into the kingdom… He urged everyone to “cry, fast, and ask God to do something for our children and family members… I pray that something new will be done in their hearts.”
People came to the altar to represent their generations, and President Thomas prayed that we will see a generation that will stand on the word of God. The emphasis on prayer was certainly a key highpoint. President Thomas, Mohan Abbadasari, Pastor of Grace Community Church, and his Elders also made anointing available for those in need. There were soon reports of answered prayers.
‘Generation to Generation’ was a holistic experience laced with real-world issues in a way that touched people in many areas of their lives, encouraging holistic transformation. This included nightly health spots promoting optimum health and well-being, presented by Dr Chidi Ngwaba, former SEC Health Director, and Grace Community Church members. Their talents and hospitality were noted and very much appreciated, as also evidenced in the musicianship of the praise team and Sister Omega, the Singing Evangelist, who especially cleared her timetable so that she could be present to deliver a message in song every day.
Meetings were well-attended both online and in person throughout the two weeks: a pleasant surprise. The campaign’s two-week journey ended with new beginnings: the baptism of three souls into the Kingdom of God, two of whom were young people. Others also made the decision to prepare for baptism, which they are already looking forward to having Pastor Thomas again!
Now in his 30th year of pastoring, the SEC President’s relational, straightforward manner brought a dimension of authenticity attendees valued. On behalf of the church, Pastor Abbadasari expressed appreciation for the time he dedicated to spreading the message at Grace Community. Presentations were described as “simple,” “easy to understand,” yet profound.”
For member Nicole Puranda, the generational theme was particularly “instrumental”: “That has been… my battle, and it is something that I have had to tackle head-on…. It is so important moving forward (for) my children and grandchildren. In the last few years, I have discovered so much about my own family and myself… and I understand how important it is to understand your past so we can move forward in a positive way.”
Doctor Segun Agbalagobi said the messages were “very, very good” and was already putting new learning into practice to strengthen his marriage.
Homal Ellis, Head Deacon, was very pleased with the event because of Pastor Thomas’ humility and the way he put the message across. “We had a week of revival, actually, and people made the effort to come out and listen to the word because we recognise that Pastor Thomas travelled every evening… He truly reached out to us, and as a result, hearts have been changed…. So we appreciate him…. And we pray God’s blessing on him and his family continuously.”
“Over the last two weeks, it has been a wonderful, very dynamic campaign by Pastor Kirk Thomas,” said Elder Nunes. “The messages were powerful, hit home, were scripturally based, and presented the end-time message, reminding us that as families, we need to come together and prepare for the Time of Trouble which is coming…. And to make it to the Kingdom… We give God praise.”
After the event closed, blessings evidently remained. Led by musicians, the enthused and encouraged attendees continued in worship by singing an old favourite with appropriate sentiments to end this family-orientated, faith-filled campaign: “Side by side we stand … See you in heaven…”