Conference Events 
October 26, 2018 

Greetings from Williams Lake! It is always a pleasure to visit this beautiful city with many friends here. So, today I will have the honour to share God’s Word with our Williams Lake Church family (morning) and to conduct a Family Seminar (afternoon). Please, pray for our church families, Williams Lake and Cariboo Central, here in Billy Pond.

I returned from the GC Annual Council in Battle Creek, MI on Thursday afternoon. It was a good experience to rub shoulders with friends and see the reports on the progress of God’s Work around the world. Then, this morning, I was touched by reading an e-mail that I received from a friend recently. I would like to share it with you.

“In The Acts of the Apostles (AA) Ellen White portrays the work of God’s people during the time of the early Christian Church. Notice the various descriptions of the church that she uses:

“The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency.” (AA, 9)

“The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to "the principalities and powers in heavenly places," the final and full display of the love of God.” Ephesians 3:10. (AA, 9)

“The church is God's fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world.” (AA, 11)

“Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.” (AA, 12)

“God's church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless.” (AA, 12)

“Christ is the fountain; the church is the channel of communication.” (AA, 122)

“The church is God's agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If she will be true to her allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her.” (AA, 600)”

Despite the challenges that the God’s Church has faced, is facing, and will face until the second coming of Jesus, we should NEVER lose faith in the One Who has, is, and will always hold it together - John 17. That’s His promise… and He has NEVER failed to fulfill any of His promises! So, let’s CONTINUE to be faithful to the mission He has called & empowered us for, in His Name & by His Grace!

Please, let’s pray for the following spiritual retreats & equipping events at Camp Hope (registration available online):

1 - Health Share Weekend – Oct 26-28, Dr. Marcus Trayer and BC Conference Health Ministry Team.
2 - Youth Retreat “Search & Rescue” – Nov 09-12, Nathan Wahl.

Happy Sabbath!

In His Service,

Wesley Torres, D.Min.
President

Greetings from Abbotsford! Today, my family and I will have the privilege to participate in the spiritual celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Richmond Church. The members are excited about this milestone in their church’s existence and are willing to recommit their lives to fulfill the mission in their community. Pastor Sima Sremac, one of their former and longest serving pastors, will be the main speaker for the occasion. Please, keep the Richmond Church family in your prayers!

We were (are) all shocked with the latest natural disasters that took place in different parts of the world. Yes, nature is groaning (Rom. 8:19-23). It is heart breaking to hear about these sad events and their consequences. Many times, the enemy tries to catch people’s attention through his ambassadors, unbelievers and mockers, during these happenings. They sow the seed of doubt by discrediting God’s creative and “controlling” power. They “whisper” that this world is out of control and all we are left with is this life -- so enjoy it to its fullest while it lasts … because tomorrow may never come.

Unfortunately, many people are led to believe that way causing them to live without any hope and spiritual expectation in their lives. Here and now is what they have -- a meaningless life, spiritually speaking. When I think about this, I am led to really appreciate what Christ did (and does) for me and the transformation He has done (still doing) in my life! I cannot even fathom the idea of what it would mean to live without the joy, hope, peace, and love that Christ brings to a life when He is enthroned in one’s heart. Then, I am reminded that soon nature will not be harmed or harm any of God’s children again. Because of sin we all suffer its consequences (Rom. 5:12). However, the enemy’s days are coming to an end and sin and unconfessed & unrepented sinners will deal with God directly. The same God Who is love is also justice. Sin needs to be eradicated for the good of nature, God’s faithful children, and of those who harbour it -- they would not be happy in a perfect place.
So, when we see what is happening in our world today, should only remember that our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). As God’s ambassadors, we should never lose sight of the commission given to us by Jesus -- we are His witnesses (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). Nature will be exuberant to its Edenic perfection again, and God’s children will enjoy His presence and Kingdom, forever! Let’s never forget this!

Please, let’s pray for the spiritual retreats & equipping events at Camp Hope:

1 - Men’s Ministries Retreat – Pastor Kevin Wilfley, this weekend.
2 - Health Share Weekend – Oct 26-28, Dr. Marcus Trayer and BC Conference Health Ministry Team.
3 - Youth Retreat “Search & Rescue” – Nov 09-12, Nathan Wahl.
4 – Also, for The Appearing Series, Shawn Boonstra – this evening and tomorrow evening. Great Messages!

Happy Sabbath!

In His Service,

Wesley Torres, D.Min.
President