Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.

Offering

Saturday, March 07, 2020
Program: 
Introit
The Pure in Heart • Patrick Hawes
Songs of Praise
Open The Eyes Of My Heart • I Am A Friend of God • Living Hope
Prayer
Amen • Patrick Hawes
Pioneer Life
Rodlie Ortiz
Children's Story
Kum Ba Yah (Come by Here) • Philip Jones
Nathan Fernandez
Worship in Music
Jubilate Deo (Rejoice in God) • Dan Forrest
Homily
“PREPARED?—Turning Young Parents Into Vital Mentors”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Pioneer Operating Budget
Hymn of Commitment
Lead Them, My God, to Thee • 653
Benediction

PREPARED?—Turning Young Parents into Vital Mentors
www.newperceptions.tv

 

7 Mentoring Practices for Parents with Children

• Practice #1—Parents must worship the of the child. (Luke 1:67-68)

—It’s one of the great laws of parenting: You can’t pass on what you don’t .

• Practice #2—Parents must declare the of the child. (Luke 1:60-63)

• Practice #3—Parents must pronounce the of the child. (Luke 1:76)

—Gary Smalley and John Trent: “Before the children can walk, they should be carried on the Sabbath and on the Holy Days to their father and mother to receive their blessing. After they are able to walk, they should go to them of their own accord, with body bent and with head bowed, to receive the Blessing.” (The Blessing 33)

• #4—Parents must focus on the of the child. (Luke 1:68-79)

—Donna Habenicht (How to Help Your Child Really Love Jesus):

• Show your children Jesus’ love through love: Hug your baby while you say, “Mommy loves you and Jesus loves you.”

• Paint a   picture of Jesus: Instead of “Oh my, how sad you have made Jesus,” emphasize a smiling Jesus, “How happy Jesus is with what you have just done.”

• Encourage spontaneous with Jesus: “Jesus Christie feels so sad . . . please help her to feel happy soon.”

• Joyfully introduce Jesus through   and pictures about His life: My Bible Friends is a beautiful way for youngsters to meet Jesus, and so is a picture of Jesus surrounded by children hanging in your child’s bedroom.

• “Remind them that Jesus hurts when they hurt. That He would love to take them in His arms and comfort them. Tell them Jesus can be their best friend, their forever friend . . . who never abandons them.” (130)

• “The most important and impressive thing you can do is to show your children openly how much love Jesus, and they will learn to love Him, too.” (130)

• Practice #5—Parents must confirm the of the child. (Luke 1:76-79)

—Re John the Baptist: “From childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he had accepted the holy trust.” (Desire of Ages 101)

• Practice #6—Parents must seek the Spirit’s of the child. (Luke 1:67, 80)

Desire of Ages: “Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.” (512)

• Practice #7—Parents must control the of the child. (Luke 1:15, 80)

—Q: How can parents today create a “wilderness environment” for their children? A: You control what comes into your .

—The very word “wilderness” suggests “less” is better.

• Less .

• Less .

• Less .

 

“Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

 

Offering for July 12, 2025

World Budget – Digital Strategy for Mission

We thank God for the growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since Global Mission began some three decades ago. We’ve reached many new people groups and entered new countries. We’ve planted thousands of new churches. We’ve seen literally millions of people find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Of course, many mission challenges remain. But that’s nothing new! When the good news about Jesus spread from Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago, it happened because the disciples came together and prayed together. Then the Holy Spirit gave power to those gathered in the upper room and they responded to God by saying, “I will go.”

Today, the Adventist church is supporting hundreds of missionaries around the world, who face many obstacles to preach the gospel. How do we even begin to reach people who don’t believe in God and have never seen a Bible? How do you begin to reach people who are rich and increased with goods and feel they have need of nothing? Or preach to people who live in refugee camps in very poor conditions?

In the face of such huge mission challenges, some see walls, but we see opportunities. Many see a lack of funds, but we see the Source of all funds. Many see our weakness, but we see His strength. God is inviting you to participate with Him in His mission of salvation here on earth.

Who is willing to support our global outreach with your special offering? Better yet, who will say, “I will go?” 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

VBS at Niles Westside Church

Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.