First Sabbath Offering—Sabbath, December 6, 2014
The United States of America, with a population of over 317 million, is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. In a 2012 survey, 73% of adults identified themselves with Christianity, with Protestant denominations accounting for 51.3%, while Roman Catholicism, at 23.9%, was the largest individual denomination. Although the U. S. has been a bastion of religious freedom for more than two centuries, as with other Western countries, this nation is becoming less religious. Recent surveys show irreligion is growing rapidly among Americans under 30.
For many years the headquarters of the SDA Reform Movement was based in California, the most populous state. And for more than 20 years the members of the church in Rocklin have been involved in outreach programs located in the east of the Greater Sacramento area. The pioneers in this immediate vicinity have consecrated their lives for the progress of God’s work in such a manner that today there is an established membership in Rocklin that propagates the gospel through health and cooking classes as well as spiritual seminars. In recent times, these programs have attracted many visitors and regular attendees.
At present, the church in Rocklin rents a place for their regular meetings. With a view to establishing a more permanent witness in this part of California, the local church has planned its own building project. The members are very willing to support the construction or purchase a building, but due to the high cost of living in this area, the project is beyond their ability to complete.
When calls have come from our brothers and sisters around the world to help with First Sabbath Offering projects, the Lord has moved upon the Rocklin church membership to give generously. Now the time has arrived when they need your help, too.
For the sake of our dear Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, and in behalf of the Rocklin church, we appeal to our brothers and sisters around the world to please give generously for this building project.
The General Conference North American Regional Secretary