A wish of peace and goodwill to all from the Scottish Mission President
The best way I can think of wishing someone a good life is by wishing them Jesus Himself.
The Bible does this well: Luke 2: 10-12: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"
A baby in a manger is the good news that brings everyone joy. I think the world has forgotten what it means that God sent His Son to grow in a patient way as a human to understand our plight and ultimately bring us the joy God wanted for us from the start.
I wish you, Jesus.
Jimmy Botha, Scottish Mission President
New Year message from the Welsh Mission President
As Pauline and I have visited the churches and talked with the pastors and members, we have been encouraged by how God has used them to reach those in their communities. We have been even more amazed at how God is bringing people into our churches with no previous Christian background who have suddenly been inspired to read the Bible and convicted by its message.
Our members have been very faithful in returning their tithes and offerings and committing their time and talents in faithful service to our Heavenly Father. We look forward with anticipation as to how God will grow the Welsh Mission during 2024.
As we remember Jesus' birth and the reason for His appearance, I pray everyone will be filled with joy and peace. May God bless and prosper His kingdom in the year ahead.
Graham Allcock, Welsh Mission President
Established in Christ - A message from the Irish Mission President
Greetings from the Irish Mission, where we have sought to be ESTABLISHED in Christ, EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit, and ENGAGED in service this year. While doing so, many times imperfectly, we grew in understanding one another and, more importantly, God's work in our lives. We learned the following three life lessons this year:
- In life's maze of grace, God is the only one who is easy to find: "He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to him, and find him—for he is the God who is easy to discover!" – Acts 17:27 (TPT).
- To see other people's needs and their worth, we need first to see ourselves the way God sees us: "Because you are precious in my eyes and honoured, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life." – Isaiah 43:4.
- The most radical kind of 'seeing' is seeing God in other people: "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." – 1 John 4:12 (NIV).
Wishing you all a safe and blessed end of the year!
Dan Serb, Irish Mission President
A year filled with God's guidance - A message from the North England Conference President
As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on a challenging year for us as individuals and our society. We've faced global and local uncertainties, highlighting the world's fragility.
Yet, during this festive season, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy, not because we are problem-free, but because of the profound words in Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
As some in our society give thought to the reason for this season, may we, as Seventh-day Adventists, find solace in the promise of His second coming, anchoring our faith in the blessed hope of a future where peace and justice reign.
I pray that 2024 will be a year where we witness our faith's fruits in action, touching lives and bringing hope to our needy world. Here's to a year filled with God's guidance, blessings, and the joy of His promised return.
George Kumi, North England Conference President
