Have you heard yet about Twin Lakes Missionary Institute? I hope so! But just in case you haven’t or the report was not complete, we’d like to share what is happening in this northeast corner of the United States.

Because of the growing realization of the need to educate our young people according to the Creator’s plan, brethren from all over North America met together to pray and plan how to implement this instruction in the best way. As often is the case in God’s work, plans begin with what is available, then by His help and our diligent cooperation, gradually extend to accomplish His ultimate purpose.

Our brethren of North America have chosen representatives from each Field to compose a Board of Trustees for this educational facility of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement. This governing board then appointed a school board designated to administrate what is now known as Twin Lakes Missionary Institute. Located in the beautiful area of Shohola, Pennsylvania, an existing property has been leased by the school from local Fields. In the early spring of 2004, an on-site staff began the necessary changes and preparations for the classes which began in September 2004.

We’re excited as we think of this facility being an inspiration and help to our young people, but also of the impact this will have upon our church and our society. God wants to have “an army of youth rightly trained” for such a time as this. This training is for every part of our being, promoting the harmonious development of the physical, mental and spiritual natures. For this reason TLMI is offering not only a strong, biblically-based academic program, but a strong practical curriculum in order to follow God’s plan.

Unhindered by outside accreditation policies, this school is committed to training consecrated individuals to become more efficient missionaries for Christ and to learn how to be self-supporting in the process. With this goal in mind there are several ways to accomplish it.

As you may remember, there are ABC’s to be learned in following God’s way, and so in fulfillment of His instruction, land is already being worked for a strong agricultural program. Experienced staff will be able, by God’s help, to train others in methods of growth, harvest and care. These in turn will be able to train others. The principles involved are needed in all facets of life, and agriculture will be one of the means designated to help support this institution financially. Already there is a local store asking for produce, and nearby residents are looking for sources of bulk food. As God opens the way, these will be part of the industrial program in place to help offset tuition costs for the students.

Another viable opportunity - it’s more than a hobby when conducted properly - is beekeeping. By personal experience, the TLMI staff knows that with a fairly small investment plus patience, gentleness, and some courage, beekeeping blessed by our Creator quickly repays and can be increased to help support this project.

TLMI has also committed to having a Literature Evangelist Coordinator on site for the training, encouragement, and active participation in canvassing programs. With diligence and God’s blessings, this will accomplish many things - offsetting tuition and school costs, missionary outreach activity and church growth in those areas where the students participate. By God’s grace, we must be people of action. And God will raise up an army of youth that are developed in knowledge, character, and the practical skills to be of help to all those that enter their sphere.

Of course, this all takes time and effort. Our youth need our help. TLMI needs all of our help. Facilities are being improved and need to be expanded to set up the industrial program according to God’s design. Our youth need to be encouraged to enter into such an educational program that God’s work can be finished.

Will you help our young people, our church, our society? Will you commit yourself to prayer, to support, to whatever the Lord asks so that individuals can be trained, the work finished, and the Lord can come? With a spirit of sacrifice, commitment and consecration, this can happen quickly. I want to see Jesus, don’t you? I want suffering and sin to end, don’t you? Then let us band together and accomplish God’s plan whatever the cost. God will bless as you do.