September 16, 2019—Itú, Brazil
Brother David Zic of the USA presented the morning worship on the topic “Carrying Soul." Brother Zic mentioned that when he was growing up, the General Conference officers would come and visit the church where he lived, and they would preach that the colporteur missionaries will finish the work on this earth. Another brother would come and say that the medical missionaries will finish the work. Yet another one would say that the youth will finish the work. Were any of these brethren wrong? No, they were all correct. All talents are needed to be used to finish the work. Every lay member needs to be engaged in this work. Our duty is to engage the lay membership to work so we can go to our heavenly home soon.
Brother Zic talked about the paralytic who was brought to Jesus by his friends because he could not come on his own. He mentioned that in the world there are many who are paralyzed and are not able to come to God on their own. These we must find and carry them to God. Brother Zic asked, "Who have you brought to God?" Let us think about that for a moment. We need to fulfill the Gospel commission and go find these souls who cannot come on their own.
Just before the delegation session resumed their work this morning, there was a special prayer offered on behalf of Brother Charles Balbach who is very ill in Sacramento, California. May God's will be done for Brother Charles, and may his family be encouraged and be under the care of a merciful and loving God.
The Chairman, Brother P. Lausevic, spoke about the Gospel—the power of God unto salvation. “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17, 18.
What is the Gospel? It is the cross, the death of Christ, the reason why it is so important to preach about the death of Christ. The Holy Communion reminds us of the cross of Christ. It is important to participate in the Holy Communion as we are reminded of the suffering borne by Christ for us. The only thing that will lead us to be united with one another is the cross of Christ. May He help us to be a united people.
After this short message, the GC Secretary, read the minutes of the previous day which was accepted by the delegation.
The delegates left to their respective committees.
The Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee presented the nominees for the following GC offices:
- Family Department - 1st Vice President, Brother Rolly Dumaguit
- Editorial Committee Chairman - Secretary, Brother Liviu Tudoroiu
- Education Department - Brother David Zic
- Medical Missionary Department - Brother John Baer
These names were accepted and the list was voted on by the delegates and carried with a clear majority.
The evening worship was presented by Brother Andre Devai of Brazil. He spoke on the topic "Words Are an Index.” Brother Devai expounded on how Jesus’ words affected people, and how His words changed people’s lives forever. What about us? How are our words affecting those with whom we associate? Our words can be an encouragement to others or they can be a savour of death unto death. It all depends on what we have in our heart, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34.
If we keep our eyes fixed unto Jesus, our words will show our love to God and it will be reflected in our lives. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
After the evening worship, the session resumed for another report from the Nominating Committee. More names were presented and after voting for each office, the following was the result:
- Sabbath School Department - Brother Davi P. Silva
- Publishing - RHPA - Brother Daniel Lee
- Missionary/Canvassing Departments - Brother Mario Linares
- Welfare & Stewardship Departments - Brother Andre Devai
- GC Auditor - Brother Nelson Ruiz
The session adjourned for the day with a prayer of Brother Paulo Sagday of Tanzania.