A Message that Resonates – Regional Day 2024
Naomi Janmaat
Published
Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' - John 14:6
October 26 saw Adventists from around Victoria gathered at Gilson College for the Victorian Conference's Annual Regional Day. It was a delight to see our community congregate and worship together on this special Sabbath.
Once the greetings between old friends, and introductions to new ones, subsided, Russell Bryan (Sabbath School Director) led us through a live demonstration of 'Sabbath School for Life' – a format that encourages small group discussion. For 30 minutes, Gilson's gymnasium hummed with conversation and prayer as many answered questions about the week's lesson.
For our Main Prayer segment, Tarnya Garner (Women's Ministries Director) showed us that prayer is as simple as A.C.T.S. Expanding upon the structure of the Lord's Prayer, the A.C.T.S. model is an acronym for praying through Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication - a humble guide we can rely on when we feel a bit scatterbrained during prayer.
Sashka Tikulin then shared a powerful testimony about how God provided for her in a time of financial stress and worry. Her offering message focused on Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you," as she boldly proclaimed how God "made free nappies arrive at her doorstep" because she trusted He would provide.
Throughout the service, we were blessed with special performances from Dandenong-Filipino Church, Westpoint Youth, Gilson College Community Church, and a combined choir of St Albans and Seddon. It was a glorious showcase of the musical gifts bestowed upon our churches.
Our keynote speaker, Steve Cowley, C.E.O. of Adventist Schools Victoria, gave us insight into the wonderful new developments happening in our Adventist schools, from the positive classroom atmosphere to the construction of new buildings. Then, he dove headfirst into the main message.
Drawing from his experience as a teacher, Steve effortlessly explained how "Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is claiming His identity. He is revealing who He is," and who He is can be connected to the initial "I AM" found in Exodus.
God said to Moses, "I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you. (Exodus 3:14)
By referring to Himself as "I AM", Jesus was "declaring a message about restoration and reconciliation with the God who walked with Adam and Eve" – a message that, to this day, still brings hope and encouragement to those who hear it.
The I AM statements of Jesus
- I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- I AM the Light of The World (John 8:12)
- I AM the Gate of the Sheepfold (John 10:9)
- I AM the Good Shepard (John 10:11).
- I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I AM the Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6)
- I AM the True Vine (John 15:5)
With these defining characteristics, Jesus refused to be put inside a box. Instead, He was His true self. Jesus met people where they were and told them the truths they needed to hear. He knew each statement resonated with someone. Whether you hunger for something more or need someone to guide you, Steve reminded us that Jesus is always there for us; we only need to seek Him with all our heart, and he "will be found by us" (Jer. 29:13-14).
The service ended with a picnic lunch, a fitting conclusion after receiving a bountiful helping of spiritual nourishment.
To the team, thank you to everyone involved in our Regional Day. Each of you played an integral role in creating a Sabbath that glorified God and showcased our talented community!
To our attendees, thank you for spending the Sabbath with us. We hope you were uplifted and inspired by the service, whether it was the songs, the sermon, or the whole thing!
If you missed Regional Day, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel: Victorian Adventist Communications. May God bless you all, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
