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| One
Step at a Time |
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In
this modern world, with so much emphasis on education, we are not surprised
when Ellen White admonishes us, "Those who desire to give themselves
to the work of God should receive an education and training for this work,
that they may be prepared to engage in it intelligently. They should not
feel that they can step at once upon the higher rounds of the ladder; those
who would succeed must begin at the first round, and climb upward step by
step." GW73 |
| Vernon
B Parmenter, Associate Secretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
and Director, Adventist Volunteer Center. |
On
the other hand Ellen White indicates that, "Many of the barren, unworked
fields must be entered by beginners." EV48. I personally believe that
God uses humble "beginners" in a mighty way, individuals who are
willing, with some training, to move step by step at the prompting of His
Spirit. God will use individuals who recognize their needs far more than
He will those who do not recognize that they have needs. |
| This is
why it is so important for the church to become involved in training. Not
just because Ellen White tells us it is important but because we have seen
the difference it makes when an individual recognizes the need and takes
the time to learn how to be an effective worker. And this is why we take
the time to conduct orientation programs, institutes and seminars while
at the same time offering "do it yourself" courses like Passport
to Mission. |
| We hope
that this edition of Mission Post will open the window a little for you
so that you can see what is being done in several places to prepare our
volunteers for service. Many of our worldwide divisions conduct training
programs for missionaries and you may like to contact your volunteer director
to find out what is being offered for individuals who want to become involved
in a practical way in the mission of the church. |
| These training
opportunities not only teach you how to be an effective missionary but they
offer fellowship with others who are compelled to let their light shine.
This alone delivers a dynamic like no other to these occasions! If you could
only catch the spirit of these convocations like I have you would find them
life-changing. I am privileged indeed as so many others are also. |
| Various
topics are addressed at each program teaching the missionary to be sensitive
in ministry to cultural issues, showing how to focus on mission, and seizing
every opportunity to share the gospel by identifying interested seekers
for truth. |
| But the
highlights of these times together are the occasions when various speakers
share the depth of their spiritual experience in the Word of God. And when
the Spirit of God moves upon the hearts of these "beginners" they
respond with some of the most beautiful testimonies one could ever hear
on this earth. God's name is always praised for the "miracles"
He has wrought in the hearts of these dedicated men and women and young
people. There is no other word for it! The changes God has wrought in the
hearts of these dedicated missionaries is nothing short of a "miracle." |
| If
God is working on your heart and you cannot keep the good news to yourself
and you just have to tell someone, why not apply now and give God a chunk
of your life in full time volunteer service. You will never regret it. It
will be the best decision you have ever made - a life-changing one. It is
only then that you will begin to climb one step at a time! |
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