Dear Friend,
I confess that this edition of Messenger was designed with no single theme in mind; but, when reviewing it from cover to cover, what I see shining brightly as ever is mission, and I hope that this is what you see too.
From the Leader’s Corner, Pastor Raafat Kamal challenges us not to miss the opportunities for renewal our current circumstances provide (page 2). Once upon a time, the ‘You Are What You Eat’ principle was put to the test in a most surprising way! See the editorial (page 3). At the beginning of 2020, Pastor Terry Messenger was called to serve as the senior pastor of Stanborough Park Church. The editor recently caught up with him for a chat. ‘Ours is a team ministry, working together . . . for one purpose: to help those who do not know Christ to know Him’ (page 4). To be born of both the water and the Spirit is necessary to be a disciple of Christ – but both are miraculous. Dr Michael Mbui explains further in this extract from his book, Making Discipleship Simple (pages 5 & 6). There’s interesting news from the Irish Mission – a report from Cork and Newmarket-on-Fergus where the churches have reopened – and the Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry district has a new pastor (pages 8 & 9). From Crieff, a loving act of kindness long ago is remembered, with another request (page 10). Cathy Anthony Boldeau reports on collaboration between the Trans-European Division and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (page 10). Sharon Platt-McDonald checks up on Messenger readers! Are you sitting comfortably, having a good read? ‘Hmm,’ says Sharon. For the good of your health – get moving! (Page 11.) In our ‘Time to listen’ section, we share another excerpt from Christ’s Object Lessons. Why didn’t the Levite stop to help the traveller? That is followed by the testimony of Grantham member Kathleen Weekes, who was called to give advice to the Permanent Secretary. A number of members have been laid to rest. Their obituaries are found on pages 14 & 15.
Messenger is taking a break for a few weeks and will be back in mid-August. Keep a lookout, however, for Messenger Extra! If something stirs, we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop!
Oh, and the message on the front cover of this edition? It’s worth taking to heart . . .
Best wishes,
David