19 Mar 2025, 12:45Pr Wilfred Masih, edited by SM CommunicationsInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Hosts First Family Ministries Day
Celebrating All Families with God's Love
This article covers the inspiring messages and reflections from Inverness' inaugural Family Ministries Day, celebrating God's unwavering love and the sense of belonging it brings to all families.
Families today come in many different forms. The traditional nuclear family is no longer the only model of what it means to be a family. Blended families, single-parent households, foster families, and extended families—all these variations reflect the richness and diversity of human relationships in our post-modern society.
With this understanding, the Scottish Mission Family Ministries leaders, Tola and Temitayo Odewusi, led the first Family Ministries Day at the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church on 8th March, focusing on the message that God loves you, regardless of the family circumstances you find yourself in. As a growing church in Inverness, more families are joining the congregation. There was a poignant reminder throughout the day that whether you are single, married, divorced, widowed, raising children or not, part of a blended family, or living alone, God’s love remains constant for everyone.
One of the key messages of the day was that family is not just about biological connections but about love, happiness, and fulfilment. A family is formed where people support and uplift one another.
Trusting God in the Complexity of Family Life
The sermon title was “Blessed to be a Blessing” and focused on Genesis 12:2-3. Despite the complications in the life of Abraham and Sarah, God remained faithful. Sarah, much later in her life, gave birth to Isaac, showing that God’s promises prevail even when family circumstances feel uncertain, difficult, or unconventional. Their story is a powerful reminder that family life is not always straightforward and can bring unexpected life changes, yet God’s love and plans remain constant.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery by his own siblings (Genesis 37). Years later, God brought reconciliation and healing, proving that no family is beyond redemption.
King David’s family life was filled with complications that sometimes resulted in tragic consequences (2 Samuel 13-18). Despite his struggles as a father, David remained a steadfast leader of Israel as well as a man after God’s own heart, and his lineage led to Jesus.
These stories remind us that families have always taken different shapes and forms. Yet God is always present, guiding, leading, and loving unconditionally.
Encouragement for Today’s Families
The Family Ministries Day was a day filled with meaningful discussions, engaging activities, and deep reflections on the evolving concept of family in today’s world. Participants openly shared personal experiences and challenges, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and support.
One member remarked, “It’s comforting to know that even the great figures in the Bible had complicated families. It reminds me that no family is perfect, but what really matters is love and happiness.”
Kotryx Marira, leader at Inverness, expressed gratitude for the reminder of God’s love and thanked the facilitators for their guidance, dedication, and impactful contributions to the event. He emphasised that God’s presence offers comfort in any circumstance and shared appreciation for the new families joining Inverness and the encouragement received during the event.
God’s Love for Every Family
The presenters concluded the day with a message of hope and reassurance, emphasising that regardless of a family’s structure, each individual is valued and loved by God. They also highlighted that a family is not defined by its form, but by love, care, and fulfilment.
Inverness’ inaugural Family Ministries Day set a powerful precedent for the future, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their family circumstances, finds belonging and support in God’s unchanging love.
This article covers the inspiring messages and reflections from Inverness' inaugural Family Ministries Day, celebrating God's unwavering love and the sense of belonging it brings to all families.
Families today come in many different forms. The traditional nuclear family is no longer the only model of what it means to be a family. Blended families, single-parent households, foster families, and extended families—all these variations reflect the richness and diversity of human relationships in our post-modern society.
With this understanding, the Scottish Mission Family Ministries leaders, Tola and Temitayo Odewusi, led the first Family Ministries Day at the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church on 8th March, focusing on the message that God loves you, regardless of the family circumstances you find yourself in. As a growing church in Inverness, more families are joining the congregation. There was a poignant reminder throughout the day that whether you are single, married, divorced, widowed, raising children or not, part of a blended family, or living alone, God’s love remains constant for everyone.
One of the key messages of the day was that family is not just about biological connections but about love, happiness, and fulfilment. A family is formed where people support and uplift one another.
Trusting God in the Complexity of Family Life
The sermon title was “Blessed to be a Blessing” and focused on Genesis 12:2-3. Despite the complications in the life of Abraham and Sarah, God remained faithful. Sarah, much later in her life, gave birth to Isaac, showing that God’s promises prevail even when family circumstances feel uncertain, difficult, or unconventional. Their story is a powerful reminder that family life is not always straightforward and can bring unexpected life changes, yet God’s love and plans remain constant.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery by his own siblings (Genesis 37). Years later, God brought reconciliation and healing, proving that no family is beyond redemption.
King David’s family life was filled with complications that sometimes resulted in tragic consequences (2 Samuel 13-18). Despite his struggles as a father, David remained a steadfast leader of Israel as well as a man after God’s own heart, and his lineage led to Jesus.
These stories remind us that families have always taken different shapes and forms. Yet God is always present, guiding, leading, and loving unconditionally.
Encouragement for Today’s Families
The Family Ministries Day was a day filled with meaningful discussions, engaging activities, and deep reflections on the evolving concept of family in today’s world. Participants openly shared personal experiences and challenges, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and support.
One member remarked, “It’s comforting to know that even the great figures in the Bible had complicated families. It reminds me that no family is perfect, but what really matters is love and happiness.”
Kotryx Marira, leader at Inverness, expressed gratitude for the reminder of God’s love and thanked the facilitators for their guidance, dedication, and impactful contributions to the event. He emphasised that God’s presence offers comfort in any circumstance and shared appreciation for the new families joining Inverness and the encouragement received during the event.
God’s Love for Every Family
The presenters concluded the day with a message of hope and reassurance, emphasising that regardless of a family’s structure, each individual is valued and loved by God. They also highlighted that a family is not defined by its form, but by love, care, and fulfilment.
Inverness’ inaugural Family Ministries Day set a powerful precedent for the future, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their family circumstances, finds belonging and support in God’s unchanging love.
