Pennsylvania Conference | Seventh-day Adventist Church

Pennsylvania Conference Family ‘Prays the Mission Forward’

Story by Natalie Lilly

As part of the prayer initiative, “Praying the Mission Forward,” members, church families, schools and conference leaders accepted an exciting challenge earlier this year as they prayed daily for 30 days.

Spearheaded by assistant to the president Shawn Shives, conference leaders joined executive committee and association committee members via phone each night to pray for the eight strategic initiatives, as well as for the upcoming camp meeting and any concerns the prayer partners raised.

August 28, 2021: He’s in Control

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11, NKJV).

This verse has impacted me greatly because it reminds me that I am not alone. Whatever it is that you are going through in life, God will always be by your side. If it’s school, friends, future decisions or anything else, God will help you prosper. He wants us to succeed and to get far in life.

Now that I am a senior in high school and I will be going to college soon, I am not 100 percent sure what I want to do with my life. I have been praying constantly for God to show me what His will is and to reveal His plans for me.

August 27, 2021: God Is With Me

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isa. 43:2, NLT).

I like this verse a lot because it reminds me that, no matter what happens, God is with me. There have been times when I have struggled with things such as math or science. But I have always gotten through these classes, thanks to my parents and God.

Together for Our Kids

Editorial by Leona Bange

Seventh-day Adventists have long valued the concept of educating our young people to be the army of youth empowered to hasten the second coming of Jesus. From the earliest years of our church’s history, we have understood the importance of opening schools to educate our children for service in proclaiming the gospel message.

August 17, 2021: A Thousand Hills

“For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Ps. 50:10, NKJV).

Graduation had just ended. The tired mommy shifted an infant girl from one side to the other. “I would love to have my children at your school,” she said. “I can see from this graduation program how much your church members love their school.”

I searched her face. Our church had just finished a six-week evangelism campaign, but she hadn’t attended. Does she have enough money to pay the required tuition? I thought, then stopped myself. This is God’s school, and He sends the seekers. Just then, one of her sons came running by.