The meetings on Thursday night and Friday morning were conducted in a large tent on the property of Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek Michigan.
Greeting me at the door were fellow Adventists dressed in the garb of our Pioneers. It really sets the mood, a mood somewhere between solemn and appreciative. Appreciative of the sacrifices and dedication of our pioneers, and the solemn realization that we are carrying a torch that they handed us.
Elder Wilson opened the meeting, dressed in an 1800’s-style suit. There are more beards here than I have seen since the Annual Conference of my former people (Old German Baptist Brethren) in Bradford, Ohio this year. Ever the good sport, I have one myself (I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to not shave).
On Friday, there was communion service for those who wished to participate. As I sit here in my Hotel room typing this, I wish I would have made time for the communion. But there are other ways to commune, among them speaking a word of encouragement to delegates as I mingle among them. I have spoken to several individuals today that are probably on the other side of an issue that will be dealt with on Sunday. That shouldn’t keep us from loving each other. Let us love one another, and hold each other accountable in that love, for true love reveals itself in action (1 John 3:18). Love also disciplines, at times, and it is needed now (Hebrews 12:11).
Tomorrow, there will be Church at Battle Creek Tabernacle. In the spirit of our Pioneers, sisters are encouraged to wear shawls (shawls provided) and the men—string ties. There will be a neat group picture taken of all the delegates & attendees. That should be fun.
Quote of the day: “Lord we are not here to command, but to humbly seek your will in Scripture and follow it” (Elder Ted Wilson).
There have been a couple presentations on Adventist missionaries. Lord forgive us, where we have forgotten them. G.T. Ng presented a stirring message on lessons learned from the Battle Creek Sanitarium.
Andy Weaver from West Salem Mission will be giving his testimony on Monday. Andy brings a wonderful testimony, a delightful family, a great sense of humor, and a tremendous beard to Battle Creek. Pick it up on the livestream, if you have an opportunity! :)
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
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