The rich, vibrant cultural diversity that we enjoy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church was celebrated at Tottenham Lighthouse Church on Sabbath, 12th October 2024. Our divine hour speaker, Pastor Dr Emmanuel Osei, Past President of the SEC, and his wife, Sister Laura Osei, flew in from Ghana to be with us, making it a truly 'International Day.' Sister Osei was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Elders Janet Joseph and Jacqueline Edwards. Those in attendance were dressed in their national attire and colours, and the sanctuary was beautifully decorated with flags from different countries.
The Divine Service started on a high note with three of Tottenham Lighthouse’s Praise Teams marching from the front door, winding their way around the sanctuary to the platform, praising God as they sang, “Come and see what the Lord has done for me.” They also sang during the service, lifting our thoughts heavenward and preparing us for worshipping the King of kings and Lord of lords. There were other musical items - Brother Terrence Blackman sang, “We Will Stand,” and the London Ghana Choir sang, “Who am I that Jesus shed His blood for me.” Pastor Osei was introduced by Sister Janine Thorpe.
Pastor Osei was very thankful for the invitation extended to him and his wife by Tottenham Lighthouse Church. The illusion was soon shattered when we heard that he was not basking in the Ghanaian sunshine, taking it easy during his retirement. Instead, the brethren in Ghana, knowing the calibre of person he is and his wealth of experience, assigned him two teaching classes at Valley View University – ‘Biblical Preaching’ and the ‘Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.’ In addition, he is the Pastor of the University Church.
The title of his message was, “It’s Supper Time.” He began by discussing the decision made in heaven to put a Plan of Salvation in place, then moved to Genesis, addressing the fall of the human race and the promise of the Woman’s Seed that would come. Pastor Osei used scripture to show how the promise was kept alive by the patriarchs and prophets, and how that promise was fulfilled ‘in the fullness of time.’ The Biblical journey led us to the Book of Revelation. Using various texts, he highlighted that what John hears is different from what he sees. The passage that got us all excited was Revelation 7:4, “I heard the number of them which were sealed... an hundred and forty-four thousand...” Just a few verses down, in verse 9, we notice that what John hears is different from what he sees: “...I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues...” These people were there because they had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They were then able to receive the special invitation, “...Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...” (Revelation 19:9). The full message can be watched at the link below: Watch the full sermon.
After lunch, we had an ‘International Concert.’ Pastor Osei said the opening prayer and Pastor Jude Jeanville gave the closing prayer. The concert was hosted by Nana Yaa Nyarko, formerly a member of our church but now attending the London Ghana Church. The first performance was from the ‘Golden Chords.’ It was an emotional moment for many of us, as one member of the group, Elder Orville Fuller from Tottenham Lighthouse, was missing. He had been laid to rest on Monday, 23rd September 2024. The Golden Chords sang two other songs. We had many wonderful musical items from: The Lighthouse Community SDA Church Choir, Tottenham Lighthouse Praise Teams, Sisters Adaia Bwoga, Meriam Veerapen, Maureen Clarke, Janine Thorpe, Tashae Waldron and daughter, and the Roro Brothers – Yeron, Kena, and Beka (Kena and Beka were part of the group of 16 people who got baptised on Sabbath, 27th September). We all want to thank Dr Audrey Soyam and her team for being used by God to plan a programme that blessed His people.
Jesus is coming soon. Let us not neglect this precious gift of eternal life offered to us. Jesus Himself has gone to prepare a place for us all. All we need to do is accept His invitation to the marriage supper. By God’s grace, I hope to be there. What about you?