Given the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s history and distinctive focus on the second coming of Jesus Christ, it’s not surprising that, during tough economic times, after natural disasters or amid seasons of great uncertainty, many members speculate how “near” the end is. The Visitor team talked with four pastors and captured excerpts of their perspectives.
Cesar Gonzalez, pastor of Chesapeake Conference’s Cambridge and Beacon of Light churches on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
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“Scripture is full of examples of how the most insignificant and humble acts of faith become the spark that releases the miraculous acts of God’s power,” says Ramos. “There are no circumstances so dark and overwhelming that God’s people, advancing under His command, cannot overcome.”
Story by Cynthia Mendoza
Do you have a desire to be used by God for the building of His kingdom, but you’re not sure where to start? He is ready and willing to give you what you need. Here are a few simple ways, gleaned from Rubén Ramos, vice president of Multilingual Ministries for the Columbia Union Conference and other leaders to get started.
Pray. A lot.
Before doing anything else, start by praying intentionally. Ask God to impress on your heart who to pray for, and what to pray for. Ask for His guidance in determining how He wants to use you. And then be open to His leading. Don’t compare yourself to what anyone else may be doing. God uses every person in different ways.
For such a time as this
Story by Cynthia Mendoza
A little over five years ago Victor Rivera was given one of the most dreaded diagnoses; cancer. He was given no more than six months to live.Though at the time he did not belong to any denomination, Rivera asked God for a seemingly impossible blessing: that God would give him five more years, long enough to see his son grow to at least eight years of age. Against all medical odds, Rivera didn’t die after six months.