Canadian Field Conference 2000

“The end is near…Redeem the time!”

Friday, August 4, 2000
We opened our annual field conference with words of welcome to all from the president of the Canadian Field, Br. Kanagarajah. We were blessed to have visitors from across Canada, the United States, El Salvador, Greece and even China.

Br. Neptali Acevedo told us a story about a wolf who wanted to become a sheep and joined in the herd. But he was different and eventually killed them and ate some. In the church we have sheep and wolves in sheep’s clothes. In John 10:14 it fays that, Jesus is the good Shepherd. The sheep of Christ know Him. The wolf does not know the voice of the shepherd. These who are in Christ have crucified the old man – the wolf, and a new man lives in him – Christ – the sheep. Sister White tells us that our inherited and cultivated tendencies must be changed and put away. We can become a living power for good. We can change and become sheep and not be wolves any more.

To open the Sabbath we were happy to have Br. Branko Cholich with us. He spoke about Revelation 13:15-17. The Sunday law will come. It has 3 stages. The first is like a beast with lamb’s horns. The second like a beast with 10 heads and a crown and the third stage – the whole world will obey the beast and the Sunday law. It will not permit us to buy with our credit cards. The last stage orders us to worship on Sunday or be punished. Many in high authority will accept the Sabbath and go against the Sunday law. Many in our church will give up the Sabbath under pressure. May we remain true and faithful.

Sabbath, August 5, 2000
After our Sabbath school lessons we entered the divine service. Br. Kanagarajah welcomed all the visiting ministers and visitors from around the world. The Scripture reading was taken from Psalm 100. After the presentation of some special songs, we had the examination of the four baptismal candidates.

Br. Henry Dering spoke to us about “A Night to Remember” and how the Titanic has made an impact on society. It was built to be the strongest and most luxurious ship of all time. The passengers trusted fV’lly in the Titanic but it went down in the icy waters of the Atlantic.

There are many “Titanics” today sailing the icy waters of life. It’s too late when we see the iceberg; it’s too late when the Sunday law comes. Each iceberg has a different name on the sea of life, pride, ego, desire for power, and many others.
When the Titanic hit the iceberg, the people were still not worried. Even when the porters were urging people to get onboard the lifeboats, some laughed, thinking it to be a joke. Some didn’t want to get their fancy clothes dirty or to leave the comforts of their warm beds.

People today have good jobs, money and all that these can provide. They say Jesus is not going to come so soon and disrupt their lifestyle. There is still room on the lifeboat of God
The church is asleep. The people are sleeping. It will be too late one day. We need to step into God’s boat of salvation. The doors are still wide open. Make sure you are on God’s boat because all “Titanics ‘ will sink. Look unto Jesus and I guarantee you will be saved. After lunch we held our Youth and Children’s meeting which was led out by Sister Rose Powell. Br. Bob Johnson read to us Psalm 150:1-6. Every year we have this special program to praise our God. Sister White tells us that the youth especially must train their minds to be intelligent and have acceptable service.

The children and youth praised the Lord in songs, memory verses and instrumentals. The Streetsville youth held a slide show presentation about Daniel and his 3 friends in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. These youths chose a healthy vegetarian diet and the results showed these youth to be the wisest hi the kingdom. All of us today need a healthy diet.

The Toronto church youth made a lively presentation about some of the early reformers and how they pursued the truth, facing threats of death, suffering martyrdom at the hands of the Catholic Church. But the word of God could not be silenced. We were encouraged by the youth’s musical songs as well.

Br. Timo Martin held the Missionary Experiences meeting. After reading Proverbs 25:25 “As water to a thirsty soul so is good news from a far away land”, Br. Cholich spoke to us how he was able to get a visa to visit China. Also in South Korea he was able to accept 32 members. We must pray for the work in these new areas. Br. Cholich believes that the greatest potential is in China. There are people who are ready to accept the message. Reformation is not dead, but is going forward to new countries.

Next Mr. Song, from China, spoke to us how happy he was to be here with us. Prior to meeting Br. Cholich he had no knowledge of God. While travelling with Br. Cholich and staying at his house, Mr. Song got accustomed to worshipping and praying. He wants to continue studying.

Following dinner we were blessed to have Dr. John Theodorou visiting us from Athens, Greece to speak to us. Soon God will close the books on history. Millions and millions will be deceived; even the elect will be deceived. We need to go to the house of the Lord to edify one another. He wants us to be able to see that white throne of God. 2 Thess. 1:8. Jesus demands a commitment from us. We just can’t give material things to Jesus; we need to give ourselves. There is no easy way into eternal life. The road to heaven gets narrower and narrower. The Lord wants us to finish the work here on this earth. There is a crown waiting for each one of us. In order to be a finisher you have to start. We can do it!

Br. Cholich then did the presentation of the new Field Officers. He requested that all members support these new officers.
Br. Lambert Hazelhoff from Virginia, brought us the Sabbath closing meeting. He said that “time flies when you’re having fun”. Coming to
Toronto was like coming home for him because he had roots here. He spoke on the three ingredients that we need in our church.
1. Troublemakers. The disciples were troublemakers. They set the world upside down.
2. Integrity. People should know us by the way we live. People do take notice. To change the world we have to get out into the world.
3. Involvement. We have to get involved. “Get off your seat, get on your feet and get on the street.” The responsibility of spreading the gospel is for all.

Sunday, August 6, 2000
Br. Abel Conde opened the Health Meeting with a few words. The Lord did not forget anything. He even gave us the food that we need for life. Nowadays people are digging their graves with their teeth. We should ask the Lord for help to count our days.
Then Dr. Theodorou spoke about many different healthful choices that we should make in our lives. Our bodies are a miracle machine. When we eat an apple it turns into blood, muscle tissue and cells. Let us look to Genesis 1:29 for the foods we should eat. We should eliminate from our diet – everything white! Let us remember to eat 7 fruits and vegetables every day. Physiologically we are vegetarians. We are reformers; let us therefore reform our diets, thinking to win poor perishing souls out there.

Br. Henry Dering conducted the baptism on a cool, windy day with dark overcast skies. But all of heaven was smiling as 4 dear souls, Lucia Flores, Alberto Romero, Mauricio Flores and Raquel Conde, took their stand for the Lord in Lake Ontario. Br. Dering spoke to us back at the church that it is the happiest day of your life \\hen you make a covenant with God through baptism. This means your name is recorded in the Book of Life. He encouraged those who hadn’t made their commitment yet to the Lord to do so and to follow Jesus.

To close the conference we had many farewell messages. Mr. Song gave heartfelt thanks to all. We have found encouragement at this conference, he said. Br. Hazelhoff said that we have to pray – for our life depends on it. John 13:34, 35. Dr. Theodorou gave us the text of Philippians 1:6, We are important. We are kings, priests and ambassadors so get rid of those little secret idols. You receive a special blessing when you work for the church in any capacity. Don’t say someone else will do it. Br. Acevedo spoke that if we have received a special blessing (Spirit) during the conference, it doesn’t have to end. You can take the Spirit to your workplace, your school, your home etc. Br. Evald Pedersen read to us Philippians 4:4. We should always be happy and satisfied in life. May the Lord help us to make the right decisions. Br. Martin compared the conference to the Lord’s Supper meeting that Jesus had with His disciples. We are all protected here in this church, outside there is a roaring lion waiting. But if Jesus is with us, we are not afraid. Enemies will fall but you will remain. The right way to leave a conference is to be happy and singing praises to God.

Next, Br. Kanagarajah spoke on how the Passover brought spiritual healing to the people of Israel, so these conferences bring spiritual healing to mend our hearts, Br. Dering mentioned that there were so many services and nice music that we heard. May we pray for each other. God loves you. Don’t forget that. Finally Br. Cholich read Hebrews 13:2. We all need brotherly love to continue. He asked for prayers for his journeys, and for all the duties that he has to perform.
With the final hymn “God be with you till we meet again” the conference closed with a final blessing by Br. Cholich.
Throughout the conference we were privileged to have many special songs of praise. Let us all
who attended this conference remain in the spirit and share our experiences with others is mv wish and prayer
AMEN