April 17th & 18th, 2021
What a blessed time the youth and (those young at heart) experienced this weekend! We began on Sabbath, where we were blessed to spend the day at the Melton community church, thanks to the Batger family. What made the day so special is that it was run by the youth!
We began the day as every day should, worshiping and praising God with song. It was a cold day, but our voices filled our hearts and the humble room with warmth. Many songs later, the youth began Sabbath School, directed by Caleb Wiseman. We were asked to try and focus on making our Bible lesson presentations engaging and promoting discussion. Though most of us are shy and coming out of our shells, it is an important skill to learn (and something that I know many youth want to grow stronger in) to have confidence and boldness for the truth and evangelising.
After Sabbath School and more singing, Sam Batger had a thought-provoking and eye-opening Bible study to share, titled “Living a Life that Matters.” He discussed about our human nature and asked if there was a difference between human nature and sinful nature. Most, including myself, said no, but he challenged our thoughts—and what a spiritual advancement we all made! In short, I learnt that we were created perfect in the beginning. When Jesus came to this earth, He was both God and human. Our human nature can be like Jesus’ nature, once we have accepted His sacrifice and let His strength, and only His strength, help us be as He was, tempted in all points, yet without sin.
Our dear sisters helped with preparing delicious haystacks for lunch and enjoyed fellowship with so many new faces! Shortly after lunch we split up into groups and went letterboxing around the Melton area, spreading papers offering free copies of The Great Controversy. We pray that the book will be a light and provide a new perspective to those who request a copy.
As night was approaching, we were very thankful to have the close of Sabbath and dinner at Sister Esther and Brother John Boje’s house, where the youth had more meaningful conversations and played fun games!
After a long day, we were all up again to continue our missionary work. The effort made by all the youth to come down to Melton again early Sunday morning was an inspiration! On a warm and sunny morning there were around 20 there to help one of our disadvantaged neighbours, and what an awesome experience we all shared.
Everyone got to work cutting plants, trimming trees, pulling out thick roots and mowing the lawn. We got rid of endless bags of rubbish, swept, washed, cleared, scrubbed, and you know what… every single person there had a great time doing it.
We had an amazing, rewarding feeling seeing our neighbour become so emotional that young people would take time from their weekend to willingly help someone. And this was our mission, our goal and our theme, James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
The memorable quote we all took from a famous Chinese proverb states—
If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month, get married.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody else.
We are called to deny ourselves, let go of all pride and selfishness and become meek, humble and selfless servants. This was demonstrated this weekend; it truly made us all so happy to help somebody else.
When we want to work for the Lord, He gives us an endless stream of opportunities. If we continue to work together, press together, and lift each other up, we can all reach heaven so soon! It was really heartening to see the youth genuinely passionate about this, hearing that they cannot wait for another experience like this—to experience the light, glory and prosperity that God promises us when we help others.
I end with this verse, Isaiah 58:7, 8: “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.”
This is the work of Christ. This is the work He left for us to carry out. We pray the Lord will help us and open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit so we can continue looking after our neighbours and loving each other just as Christ loves us.
~ Victoria Kornja