September/October 2008 News

Konnarock Seventh-Day Adventist Church

September/October 2008

Pastor’s Corner

“Soon He will Return”

We are looking into the near future when we will celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior and King. It is a wonderful time of year, to have Thanksgiving and reflect on the birth of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. But suppose for a minute, we reflect on the time when Jesus has come, the thousand years of reflection has past and the New Earth is created for us, the New Jerusalem has descended and we are at home for eternity, home on this recreated earth that will be the capital of all of God’s creation for all time to come. PTL. What will that be like you say, let’s look at it from the view of God’s messenger, Sister Ellen White:

Visions of Future Glory.--With Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We all cried out, "The city, the great city, it's coming, it's coming down from God out of heaven!" And it came and settled on the place where we stood. Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city.

There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. These were to be inhabited by the saints. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here--no, no. A glorious light shone all about their heads, and they were continually shouting and offering praises to God.

I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, "They will never fade!" Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green and had a reflection of silver and gold as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts--the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here--no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees moved to and fro, and we all cried out, "We will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods." {AH 547.1}

May our God be ever so precious to us, so that we will let Him mold us into His wonderful and Holy image. Be faithful unto the end, by His Grace! - Pastor David Tripp

Messiah's Mansion was recently in our area and perhaps you had the chance to tour it. What a wonderful view of what God was doing in Biblical times to show us of His love. Let us look into the future and see what God is preparing for all who will be faithful unto the end!

Reports from Camp Meeting and Messiah’s Mansion

The Messiah’s Mansion was a huge success! 3,400 people of many denominations came, saw, and were very impressed. The only complaint that we had from participants was that there needed to be more lecture
time for the tour guides between each station! Many participants commented about the young people and how wonderful it was to see them doing the tours and speaking so knowledgeably about spiritual things.
There were 578 requests for Bible Studies and many more for cooking/healthy living classes, stop smoking classes, diabetes education classes, etc. There were 47 requests from the Konnarock District.

Some churches that attended the exhibit were: Adventists, Baptists, Catholics, Pentecostals, Church of God, United Methodist, Bible Church, Lutheran, Abundant Life Ministries, Peak Creek Mission, Christian Fellowship, Cornerstone House of Prayer, Bland Circuit Youth, Mt. Carmel Christian, Christ’s Episcopal, Chilhowie Christ Church, Pulaski Church of the Brethren, Royal Oak Presbyterian, Crockett Tabernacle, Little Vine Community Church, Faith Tabernacle, River of Life, Lake Whitten Worship Center, Blood Bought Baptist, Apostolic Church of Rural Retreat, Impact International Church of Marion.

Some home schools and private schools were: Porter Home School, Valley View SDA Church School, W. VA, Greater Bedford Christian Home School, Roanoke SDA Church School, Covenant Christian Academy, Abingdon Methodist Youth Fellowship.

There were many more churches of various denominations that came from south of Abingdon to north of Roanoke; from Mooresville, NC to west of Princeton, W. VA!

Testimonies: Many stories of the Holy Spirit’s leading were told about the participants’ reaction to the exhibit; how the students could see it working on their faces! Students would run to the “Prayer Trailer” and quickly ask that the prayer staff petition the Lord for a particular person!

Scott related a scene where a group of Mennonites, after viewing the exhibit, had lunch at the picnic tables at the fairgrounds. Afterward they had a short worship service outside the gate in the parking area. As they gathered, men, women and children formed a circle and held hands, prayed, and then broke into songs of praise, a cappella singing in parts, even the children!

It was a beautiful scene to behold as the voices seemed to float over the fairgrounds and fill the ears of those listening. What a blessing the listeners received! How often is it that different denominations cross the barriers of prejudice to learn about God’s grace? We all received such a blessing from this congregation of Mennonites! Praise Him for all blessings in every situation, Amen?

Of all the phone calls received to schedule tours, it was reported that at least 90% said that, “we’re studying the Tabernacle”, or “we’re starting classes on the Sanctuary Service”. It was an exciting experience for Roxy to talk to people over the telephone! There seemed to be no ill will or prejudice at all when she told them that the 16 SW VA SDA churches were the sponsors when the question was asked. In fact, some seemed amazed that we’d take on such an event for them, and were very appreciative. That was before they even saw it! Also, there was never any negative feedback when our church was listed as the sponsor on the bottom of all 10 billboards! The way it came together was a wonder to behold! God is a Wonder! Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Camp meeting ended all too soon. We were wonderfully and spiritually fed by our guest speakers, Elder Jorge Ramirez, Dr. Ron du Preez, and Frank Fournier.

Elder Jorge Ramirez talked about our spiritual conversion, not to be just "an ornament" in the church, but to be a living witness to others, telling them that Jesus is coming soon. He preached with fire and conviction. Based on the response of the "Amens" from the congregation, I believe the Holy Spirit was reaching out to us, to shake us, and wake us! Elder Ramirez was a wonderful inspiration to us in kicking off our camp meeting on a wonderful and spirit-filled note. We thank the Potomac Conference for sending him to bless us! Elder Don Wood, our Communications Director, and Elder Kurt Allen, Treasurer, were also with us to lend support, and cover events.

Following Elder Ramirez, was Dr. Ron du Preez, Professor of Theology of Weimar Institute in California. He delivered three messages that weekend, but the one that impressed me the most was the Sabbath evening sermon, part two of the life of Judah. God's amazing grace was shown by the contrast in the story of his and Joseph's. We all know the story of Joseph but never spend much time on Judah's. Joseph ran away from sin
(Potiphar's wife) while Judah ran toward it (selling Joseph into slavery). But God showed His amazing grace with Judah. Not only did he forgive him but He gave him the blessing of receiving what should have been Rubin's. Thus we know that the family lineage of Judah was the one that brought forth the Messiah. This story should touch our hearts when we realize that sinners like us can not only be forgiven but can receive untold blessings.

Elder Frank Fournier, President of Eden Valley Institute, Loveland, Colorado was a blessing to us all when he spoke to us after the Fountain View mini concert on Sabbath afternoon. “The Sealing Time” was about God’s character being reproduced in His people before the sealing time. Sunday morning his topic was “There is a Price to Pay” about receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, why we haven’t received it in full power, and what we need to do to receive it. This was an excellent sermon and there were many comments from attendees about the blessings received from it.

We were truly blessed by the wonderful music of the Fountain View Academy students from Lillooet, BC, Canada! After sundown Sabbath, there was a mad rush to purchase their 2008 Christmas CD. I believe we could say that it was the first and earliest "Christmas Rush" shopping spree of the season!! It did not take them long to wipe out the boxes of the 400 DVD's! God blessed as a love offering was taken. Sufficient donations were received to be able to pay for the rest of their travel expenses! Can we say, "Praise God?"

But the event that will go down in infamy was our own little "9-11" accident when the wind literally "blew up" the tent, letting loose a tent pole that failed to be secured, and hit Nami Brown in the neck, then hitting Dave Daley on the back of his head, and as he hit the ground with a “thud”, he was unconscious for several minutes! Both of them were transported by ambulance to the local hospital in Wytheville!

We prayed for them as they were carried away. By God’s grace they were there once again to attend Dr. du Preez's closing sermon for that evening! Brother Dave had some deep stitches and 19 outer ones, and has
to wear a neck collar for awhile, and Sister Nami was okay as well.

In the meeting that evening, Dr. du Preez started his sermon by asking if anyone had heard how Brother Dave was doing. From the back of the audience a Bible-raised hand came forth in the air waving like a flag in
the breeze. You guessed it, our First Aide/Night Security Guard, Brother Dave, was back among the living! Dr. du Preez said, "Praise God", and the congregation stood for a prayer of praise and thanks to God for delivering Dave back to us! Roxy St.Clair, Roving Reporter, signing off!

Contributors to this report: Fred St.Clair, Anita Huffman, Eric Huffman