North American Division News
this NAD update by Bruce Wilkinson
We are coming to the halfway point of our first year in the new structure of Native Ministries Seven Unions. The intention of this report is to give an indication of the direction, development, and growth we are experiencing.
In the initial Native Advisory Board Meeting that launched our new structure, it was expected that in the first year we would enter a development phase and grow as we progress. We also decided to make Oklahoma our first training site. The following is a record of progress from the training field.
With the blessing of the Oklahoma Conference officers we held our first training weekend at the Blessed Hope Church in Moore, Oklahoma, with Pastor Jason Watts. Our Friday night pep rally brought courage to a good congregation. The Sabbath sermon helped build confidence in the hearts of all those willing to participate in the outreach projects. The Sabbath afternoon seminar was attended well. Four projects were launched including:
· An outreach ministry for timid members who have a desire to actively serve the Lord but are fearful or uncertain of what ministry to pursue.
· A county-wide survey ministry that generates contact information on people with an interest in various future programs the church would provide.
· Instructions on how to run a church-sponsored Magabook Book fair.
· A one-hour community “Think Tank” inviting city officials, business owners, and workers within the local municipal offices to discuss ways to better the community. A 10-question PowerPoint presentation guided the discussion while notes were taken to outline solutions for local problems and community needs.
Four project coordinators and one general coordinator were appointed at the seminar. On Sunday morning several church members, young and old, arrived for field training. Each received experience in meeting people in a witnessing setting.
Two months later we held a miniseries with 15 non-Adventists attending every night for a week. Two hundred dollars was brought in at the book fair. An ongoing outreach ministry convinced a group of timid members and children that they could communicate with people in the general public. Several hundred dollars have also been generated toward church school playground equipment from this project.
Between the two Moore programs a weekend was held at the Ardmore church with Pastor Dave. Several willing people are working the projects presented with willing coordinators leading out. A very successful “Think Tank” project has connected our church with the internal operation of the local city government. We are now seen as a healing agency in the community. It was also voted by the “Think Tank” group to hold two sessions per year at the church.
Two children’s projects were presented:
- Parkview Adventist Academy
- Southern Hills Church pathfinders
Young people are especially effective in outreach projects because of their willing, innocent hearts and minimal inhibitions and fear. Contacts were made by these young people in preparation for the Oklahoma City church evangelistic meetings held by Elder Moyer.
In February, the weekend training was held at the Oklahoma City church, and a group was formed for outreach. One new Adventist and a church school teacher are coordinating.
Two reports were given to the Oklahoma Conference ministers. Much interest was generated after the Ardmore pastor spoke. A Tulsa project is now scheduled for all five Tulsa churches. That weekend is scheduled for the end of this month. They have entitled it, “Project Win-A-Friend.” Also a group of young colporteurs are to be trained.
In the Southern Union, a weekend of training was spent with the Premos Natives in Saluda and Columbia, South Carolina. They have taken the projects to heart and have already generated 20 baptisms among their people.
In South Bend, Indiana, where we have a strong Native presence, Bruce Wilkinson had a baptism and made plans to coordinate with the pastor to launch an intense weekend seminar, outreach project, and evangelistic week.
Elder Jim Stevens invited Pastor Wilkinson to speak to the Texico pastors explaining our training program. He will be working through Brother Lee-Roy Chacon, the Ministerial Director, to coordinate the work in New Mexico. One minister insists we begin right away in his district having a large Native presence but our calendar is rapidly filling.
At Onondaga, New York, our Native church launched its evangelistic week with a full church and 6 non-Adventist’s attending. Some of our Native members are participating by speaking. Ben Bernard, our Bible Worker, is very active training members.
In Tampa, Florida, using two interpreters, a weekend training seminar with the Tzotzil Natives was quite successful. A group of 30 young men willingly participated in the outreach projects, and plans are being made for 50 baptisms to be generated by August at ASI. Elder Tompsen is investigating our having two portable baptisteries. Lisa Hodges, an ASI director, realizes our strong Native work in Arizona and has asked for the Youth For Jesus Bible workers to be trained by us in preparation for ASI next year.
Two upcoming projects are planned for Holbrook, and Wisconsin. There are two reaping meetings scheduled before next year as directed by our Advisory committee and pray God will bring success.
There is a great sense of accomplishment as the laymen are picking up the work around the Division. People have a burden and desire to finish the work but just need direction.
The Lord is blessing our ministry!
The Lord is blessing our ministry!