Chesapeake Conference | Seventh-day Adventist Church

February 9, 2021: A Foggy Start

“From the ends of the earth ... You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you” (Isa. 41:9–10, NKJV).

Loneliness settled among my thoughts like a heavy winter fog. I had recently moved across the continent to begin graduate studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. While excited about the research opportunities ahead, I missed my family and community back home in the United States. I had no relatives or friends in this new city along the Pacific coast. I remember thinking, What have I done? I just moved across an entire continent to the end of North America! Anxiety always exaggerates trouble, doesn’t it?

January 31, 2021: Keep on Praying

“Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7, TLB).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained to His disciples that prayer is a lifestyle, not just a group of moments in life. Jesus used a continuous tense for the three verbs here: “ask,” “seek” and “knock.” These verbs translate to “keep on asking,” “keep on seeking” and “keep on knocking.” These actions show us the different prayers we need in different situations in our lives.

“Keep on asking” refers to our needs, wants and wishes that reflect the Lord’s will in our lives. It is not pushing buttons to get what we want.

Soon and Very Soon?

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

Small Steps, Big Miracles

“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.”

Williamsport Hosts Sabbath School Alive Seminar

Williamsport SDA Church, Ramon J. Canals

Story by Andre Hastick

Recently, the Williamsport (Md.) church held Sabbath School Alive, a one-day training seminar to equip Sabbath School leaders to create more engaging experiences for class attendees by focusing on prayer, Bible study, fellowship and mission. Guest speaker Ramon J. Canals (pictured), director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the General Conference, trained participants by helping them develop practical plans to make each Sabbath School class vibrant.