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When God Doesn’t Make Sense

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

Hackney SDA ChurchDarell J. Philip

Hackney Church was filled to capacity as it opened its doors to local people as they celebrated their Community Ministries Day on Sabbath 24th August 2019. While there were many visitors from the local community present, a few had made the trip to London from overseas – including a family from Lagos, Nigeria, a woman from New York (USA) and brothers from the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. They were all given a warm welcome from Hackney’s Community Ministries leader, Vilma Williams.

Sabbath School Superintendent, Ceceil Reid, then gave some points based on the theme of the day – Concerned about Others. She said: “There is no greater feeling than the one you have after helping someone in need. It is something God has called us to do as Disciples of Christ, and we will gain a blessing when we reach out to others and do well within our community.”

Hackney’s founder member, Ann Williams, reiterated what was said by Ceceil by reminding the church of their duty to reach out all people, especially to the poor, orphans and widows, during her presentation of the adult lesson study for the week.

Community Ministries Leader, Vilma Williams, then blessed the congregation with a special item in song which was followed by a special PowerPoint presentation by Petra Prince which updated the church on the progress of 17 young people from the church and community who had traveled to Kigali in Rwanda to do missionary work which would benefit the genocide victims, widows, orphans and young people.

Myrtle O’ Keefe then led the church into an atmosphere of worship with her rendition of the Gospel song – That name is Jesus.

Addressing the subject – When God Doesn’t Make Sense - Guest speaker Elder Christian Centsil, a Ghanaian from the Canterbury SDA Church said: “The God we serve is faithful. His ways may not always be our ways neither His timing our time. Some of us are going through the oven of life, but God will take us out at the right time. If the cake is brought out of the oven too early, it will fall apart and be no good. So wait on God. He always comes through on time.” 

During the afternoon service, Elder Centsil picked up where he left off by sharing encouragement from Ellen G. White on how to be more effective we ministers for the Lord. Then Community Services leader, Vilma Williams gave a summary of all the work the team do in the community such as a food bank and clothes distribution, which makes everyone happy.