Pr JB Blog - "DON'T MISS IT" Nov 7, 2008
From the office of James Black, Director
North American Division
Youth, Pathfinder, Adventurer & Camp Ministries
Blog – November 7, 2008
DON’T MISS IT!!!
The night of November 4, 2008, I sat before my television in awe as I witnessed America making history by electing its first African American president, Barak Obama.
Before you decide to read or not read the rest of this blog because of this statement, I beg you to please note prayerfully the rest of what I have to share regardless of your political, religious, or ethnic persuasion:
As a worker for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we were counseled early on not to use our influence or resources of the church by engaging in the earlier political battles for presidential candidates. Though I only agreed with this in part, I have respected and complied with the wishes of our church.
I just hope and pray that we as a church DON’T MISS IT!!! Here is what I mean: Jesus said “occupy until I come…” As a church, though we have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and have all faith so that we can remove mountains, and though we bestow all our goods to feed the poor, and though we give our bodies to be burned during the time of trouble, it will profit us nothing if we MISS IT!!!
Growing up in Savannah, Georgia in the fifties and sixties was tough. I remember when I was 5 years old, I participated with my parents in the “We Shall Overcome” Community March for Change. I remember holding my little sign (don’t remember what it said) as I sat on my father’s shoulders. Sitting on dad’s shoulders gave me the best view at the rally. There were speeches, music, singing, food, shouts of “We shall overcome”, etc. For years I thought everything was great until my parents shared the news that the church had had a debate about whether or not our members should attend a rally for change. It was said that those marches did not fit with the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I only mention this experience because this is part of my orientation as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, a citizen of the United States of America, of which I have always been proud, and an ordained Adventist Minister who is African American.
In the streets of downtown Washington, DC and around the world millions were celebrating and dancing in the streets while others were left in disbelief and did not feel like celebrating. Hundreds of thousands gathered in Grant Park in Chicago to hear the first words of the new President Elect for the first time. I noticed something rather interesting. Some of everybody was there. There were all races of people from all backgrounds celebrating together. I asked myself, was this America? Yes, this was America and the dream of many finally came true.
At the same time, some youth have asked “Why has my church been so silent?” About a year and a half ago, our church leaders Elders Jan Paulsen and Don Schneider met with our current president, George W. Bush at the White House and there was an immediate press release detailing the entire visit. I was pleased to know that our leaders made themselves available to let our commander and chief know that we as a church prays for his leadership.
DON’T MISS IT!!! Today and this weekend, many communities will continue celebrating. I have noticed one thing in particular, non Adventist churches have opened their doors as a “go to place” to host many of the celebrations. The pastor of one congregation made it very clear that although he did not vote for Barak Obama, his church is pleased to accommodate the community. Thousands have packed that church this week.
Today, unfortunately, many of our Adventist Youth are not clear on where we as a church stand on issues that affect our community and our country. Why, because we talk about stuff in secret or not at all. They see our church doors closed while others have invited the community in to celebrate. Maybe, we only celebrate when we think it is appropriate. Please, let us not isolate our youth from becoming well versed in community affairs. We must continue to emphasize their quest for spiritual leadership which is expected, but where do our youth stand in their local communities? Perhaps the religious beliefs of government officials would not be much of an issue if more of us as Adventist were recognized for our community contributions, then, asked to run for political leadership.
What is the relevance of this? I am afraid that while observing this entire process of a debate between democrats, republicans and independents, we missed who really won. The YOUTH of the WORLD. They stood up for what they believed and made a change. Regardless of what our church believes, whether we personally agree or disagree with the leader’s beliefs, regardless of political party affiliation, etc. The YOUTH of the WORLD have spoken. They took over. What I mean is, they not only voted, but they campaigned like their own life depended on it. They were determined and made it happen. Although John McCain fought hard and did not succeed, no one will ever question the commitment of his young people who worked tirelessly for who and what they believed.
DON’T MISS IT!!! Change came because the young people believed and acted on their belief. What do Seventh-day Adventist Youth believe? How many are acting on their belief? Many are attending a church that lives in a weak bubble that is about to burst if the church does not wake up out of its naivety and ignorance about the reality of the times and how to effectively “Occupy until Jesus comes”. People are hurting badly. The poor are still poor, the rich have lost their riches, many are still baffled that they literally lost their homes; I had to comfort a kid whose parent committed suicide because they could not handle starting all over again, etc.
The Youth in your church can tell you why the attendance for the Revelation Seminar is always weak. It’s not because people in the community are not interested in the bible. It is not because they just ignore spiritual things. It’s because many Adventist Churches have never found a good reason to celebrate with them. They see us as a people with a mission to ourselves. Most of what we do is for us. They see us as another denomination (not a movement) protecting the image of our church more than reflecting the image of God. If you don’t believe this, take your own church neighborhood survey. Once you get your results, pitch a tent on the church parking lot, invite the neighbors to free food and fun for all, CELEBRATE! They need to know that happiness and laughter is part of our teachings. Remember, the best party is a church party.
I have not MISSED IT!!! No doubt the celebration of our new historic leader will not last long. The honeymoon will be short as he inherits and wrestles with some of the toughest issues in our history. This is why we now call upon Christians everywhere to pray for our President Elect Barak Obama. Plead with God to grant him the wisdom to lead according to His will. Though we understand all prophecies, if we do not pray for our government leaders on all levels, our message will be heard by many as “sounding brass and tinkling cymbals”. We are better than this. PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY some more!!!
This Sabbath, while many of us celebrate, let our youth know that they must not let the world out shine them. Too few of them are taking the message of hope to the streets. Campaign daily for JESUS!!! He is about to make history again!!!
On a personal note: Yes, this week brought tears to my eyes as I thought about my father carrying me on his shoulders at the We Shall Overcome Rally in 1964. The victory would have been even sweeter if John Black could have witnessed what happened this week. I’ll tell him about it when I see him again soon.
I want to thank America for the freedom of speech by which I can write this blog. I thank the Seventh-day Adventist Church for trusting and allowing me the access and opportunity to lead a ministry. Finally, I thank each of you for allowing me to share my open and honest thoughts, perspectives, and convictions. Let us continue the discussions.
Blessings
Pastor JB
