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.
More In This Series
“Vintage Tales—2
(Two Last Stories, One Final Truth)”
www.newperceptions.tv
» Two Last Stories
• Vintage Tale #1—Matthew 21:28-32
• The tale modified: “There was a Father who had two congregations. He went to the first congregation and said, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ ‘We will not!’ the congregation retorted, but later they changed their mind and went to work in their Father’s vineyard. Then the Father went to the other congregation and said the same thing, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ The congregation responded, ‘We will, Lord.’ But they did not go and work in their Father’s vineyard. So which of the two congregations did what their Father wanted?”
• Vintage Tale #2—Matthew 20:1-15
• “‘Or are you envious because I am generous?’”
» One Final Truth
• If we have the Father’s heart, we will work the Father’s harvest.
• Revelation 7:9-12
• Bruce Wilkinson: “God has shown us how our story ends—with countless people from every nation on earth crying out joyfully to God. What part of that throng will be there because of you? What part of God’s dream is linked to your destiny? Just think what a difference you could make in many, many lives if you were to pray passionately and faithfully for enlarged territory from God, for God [in His vineyard]. Imagine the miraculous divine partnership that will grow out of your plea, Let me accomplish more for You. With His infinite ability and your willing availability, He can literally do anything.” (Beyond the Prayer of Jabez 108)
• How can you have your Father’s heart for lost people?
#1—Kneel at the foot of the cross—in your mind’s eye.
#2—Look up into your Savior’s face—remember the truth: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
#3—Pray for the Holy Spirit: “Are you using all your powers in an effort to bring the lost sheep back to the fold? There are thousands upon thousands in ignorance who might be warned. Pray as you have never prayed before for the power of Christ. Pray for the inspiration of His Spirit, that you may be filled with a desire to save those who are perishing.” (In Heavenly Places 338 emphasis supplied)
#4—Ask the Spirit to send you to someone today and go.
#5—Stay in the vineyard and work with the Father until the harvest is finished.
If we have the Father’s heart,
we will work the Father’s harvest.
What we experienced at the MORE+ Conference was a wonderful start. Reformation/Discipleship is the indispensable follow up to any such revival experience.
Come and fan the flames of revival.
On Wednesday, April 16 we begin a 7-Session Discipleship Journey using an interactive curriculum created with Pastor Don MacLafferty, participants will experience seven principles of discipleship in fresh ways.
We invite you to join us at Pioneer for an in-person evangelism training event from Friday, April 4, to Saturday, April 5. This is open to all Seventh-day Adventist churches in the North American Division. We encourage every member—pastors, teachers, young adults, and students—to participate. The event will feature keynote speaker Mark Finley. Additionally, there will be breakout sessions available in both English and Spanish. The King's Heralds will provide music during the Friday evening service, both Sabbath worship services, Sabbath afternoon, and the evening concert. Don’t miss this opportunity to be equipped and inspired for impactful evangelistic ministry as you prepare for Pentecost 2025!
Our Pioneer Youth Missions team has just returned from Beirut, Lebanon. Come to the mission vespers at 6:00 PM on Sabbath, April 5, to hear the testimonies, see the pictures and be inspired by what God is doing in the Middle East.
Pioneer Operating Budget
Jesus shared the parable of the talents to illustrate our relationship with Him and purpose in life. The three servants were each given talents according to their abilities. In the end, two were commended for investing their talents wisely, and one was not.
The parable teaches us that we need to use the talents we’ve been given to grow God’s kingdom and for God’s glory. We shouldn’t hide or neglect them. God rewards those who act in faith by investing what He has given. He gives us the responsibility to manage our time, talents, treasures, temple, and testimony.
What belongs to God? For time, it is one-seventh of our week; for talents, we must use them and double them; for our treasures, one-tenth; for our health, we must care for our bodies because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit; and for our testimony, we must tell the story of what God has done for us and how he is transforming us.
God has committed these things to us; how we invest them reveals whether we can be entrusted with eternal riches. By using and growing these talents, they develop in us Christ-like characters and He then multiplies what He gave to us.
Why not ask God to help us manage His gifts?
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Pioneer Women's Ministries invites you to join us for 10 days of devotionals leading up to Easter (April 11-20). Together, we will consider what various individuals present at Christ's arrest, trial, and crucifixion might have thought and experienced. If you would like to receive daily text teasers and emails with the full devotional insights, please text the word "CROSS" to 269.281.2345.
We are creating a master list of all Pioneer Sabbath schools. If you are a teacher/coordinator of a Sabbath School class that meets outside the sanctuary, please email your name, class location and meeting time to Melchizedek Ponniah at melponniah@gmail.com.
The Katinas have traveled the globe with the mission of hope and love at the heart of their vision. Who you are, where you’re from, what you believe, it does not matter. The love of Jesus Christ is a gift for us all. Through their music and their actions, the Katinas strive to embody this love. Please go to howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets.
From May 11–June 8, 2025, Maranatha Volunteers International will be working at Andrews University to update the Lamson Hall residential rooms and suite bathrooms. Please consider volunteering and letting your family and friends know of this opportunity. All individuals (including local) should sign up at the Maranatha website: https://maranatha.org/volunteer-opportunities/.
Do you want to complete your Master Guide Program? If so, please consider joining the Master Guide Club that meets weekly on campus to help you complete the requirements.
For more information or to join, please visit cye.org/toolbox
