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The Instinct of Hope

Image by kodpe from FlickrEditorial by Bill Miller

In the animal kingdom, species like wallabies and aardvarks are not thought to be creatures of hope, rather creatures of instinct. National Geographic hasn’t spotted them writing New Year’s resolutions or making birthday wishes, rather “wallabying” and “aardvarking” until they die, generally living one survival moment to the next. To truly hope is to be human.

At the beginning of a new year, we look to the future with hope and optimism. “This year will be different!” we think. “This year, I resolve to ... ,” and we insert a task to accomplish or a different mindset. Coming out of a particularly tough 2020, many of us hope for a simpler, less anxiety-provoking 2021, because we don’t hope in the past—we hope in the future.

God’s grace allows us to hope and be creators of our own future. Galatians 6:7–8 reminds us that the choices we make today determine some of our outcomes for tomorrow: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (NIV).

Senior Creates Website to Help Online Students

my sweet louise pixaby

Story by Heidi Wetmore

When the coronavirus pandemic began last March, students from Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) moved to an online educational experience. Wanting to help kids who were struggling to adjust to online learning and to grasp concepts virtually, Abby Shim (’21) began tutoring them, free of charge.

“For the most part, it went well,” says Shim, “but I decided to take it a step further and make a website so that my students could upload their worksheets prior to their session and to make it easier for parents to communicate with me.” Shim’s website, powertothepupil.org, enabled her to meet the needs of those she tutored in a more helpful way.

A Mountain View Conference History Lesson

West Virginia Conference

Story by Valerie Morikone

Longtime Mountain View Conference (MVC) members may know interesting facts and statistics about the conference. Recent members who have moved here from other areas may be unaware of its early history. In either case, reviewing the past brings one face-to-face with God’s miracle-working power and what He has accomplished. As Ellen White says, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Review and Herald, October 12, 1905).

Did You Know?

Download the 2021 Columbia Union Calendar

For those wanting more copies of the 2021 Columbia Union Calendar, call (800) 447-7377, and ask for the “2021 Columbia Union Calendar.” Extra calendars are free, with just the cost of shipping.

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To help you dig deeper into God’s Holy Word this year, we’re offering:

Blue Mountain Academy Students Baptized During FOCUS Week

Pastor Sanghae Kim reads the baptismal vows to candidates Kyle Williams and Joseph Berry.

Story by Esther Hernandez

“At Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), we believe that true education focuses on academics, along with social, physical and spiritual development of our students,”
states Burney Culpepper, principal. “This year’s FOCUS (Focus On Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice) week impacted our staff and students in a powerful way, causing them to grow in their relationship with Christ and strengthen their understanding and desire for the Word of God.”

Member Joins Vineland Church After Walmart Encounter

Ever Gonzalez baptizes Nancy Viera

Story by Ever Gonzales

Nancy Viera had just learned she was dying from cancer. This news brought sadness and despair. Not knowing what to do, she walked to Walmart to clear her mind. While there, she met an elderly woman who gave her a copy of The Desire of Ages. Their conversation about Jesus’ love led to personal Bible studies, and, as they studied together, Viera learned about the Sabbath.

One day, Viera asked her Pentecostal pastor why they didn’t worship on Saturday. He couldn’t give her a biblical answer. She continued studying the Bible with her new friend, and six months later decided to begin keeping the Sabbath.

Funeral Leads to Baptism

Donald McKinnie, Hillside Pastor

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Toward the end of 2019, Minnie Redcross, one of the matriarchs of the Hillside church in Harrisburg, Pa., passed away. Among those present at her funeral was her great-great-niece, Dereasha Leaks.

At the service, Leaks felt impressed by the Holy Spirit that she needed to return for a Sabbath worship service. Shortly after, she began attending services regularly. Her husband, Kevin, also enjoyed attending, and soon they began studying with one of the church elders and his wife. Eventually, Leaks decided to fully embrace the Sabbath message and requested to be baptized.

First Church Dedicates Community Prayer Box

Vernelle Fitzgerald

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The Prayer Ministries team of First Church in Washington, D.C., recently dedicated their community prayer box. The concept for the box came about when the team, inspired by Hebrews 4:16, sought to connect with their community in a meaningful way. After a team member saw a “Free Book” sharing box, in which community members “take a book or leave a book,” they formulated an idea to start a community prayer box.

The group wanted a box that would be durable, weather-resistant and represent their care for the neighborhood. They ended up choosing a steel church barn mailbox, and a church member hand inscribed the calligraphy on the box.