First Sabbath Offering for a chapel in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Dear Brethren, Sisters, and Friends around the world:

As a people who are preparing for the second coming of Jesus, we owe a debt of gratitude to our forefathers who under the providence of God founded a country that affords the freedom of religion for all individuals. The United States of America is the third most populated country in the world with 324,227,000 residents. The nation’s capital is located in Washington, District of Columbia, and is connected with the states of Virginia and Maryland by a 64-mile circumferential roadway. Being home to about 650,000 residents, including the national governmental officials, foreign diplomats and their families, and a weekly population of more than one million commuters from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs, Washington, D.C. is the 24th most populous city within the United States and the 7th largest metropolitan area city. This large city with its economic, political, and cultural commerce is fertile ground for the spreading of the gospel.

The work of reformation began in Washington, D.C. area in the late 1970s with only a handful of members. In 1980 a small house was purchased in Temple Hills, Maryland (a suburb of the District) and adapted as a church. This small chapel has served as a beacon of light in this large area. Many brethren have come through Temple Hills and helped build the ministry in this area. The chapel, which is being used for many years and accommodates approximately 30 people, has become too small for us to worship. With a growing membership and the regularly attending visitors, we are in need of a larger building. After much prayer and fasting, a decision was made to purchase a larger facility, strategically located in this metropolis city, permitting us to better fulfill the commission of our Lord to “Go ye therefore, and teach ALL nations” (Matthew 28:19, emphasis supplied). The gospel proclamation must spread to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and win souls for the Lord.

We appeal to all Sabbath School students to help us with this project in raising a new beacon of light in the capital of the United States. May God reward you richly as you donate liberally to His cause. We thank you in advance for your generous contribution to this worthy plan.

Your brethren and sisters from Temple Hills