MBA Church Newsletter
March 26, 2003

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Monterey Bay Academy Church Newsletter - March 26, 2003
A Weekly Communication for the Church Family & Friends
http://www.mbachurch.org
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Contents
1. Pastor Update
2. Evangelistic Opportunity at MBA
3. Church Budget Update
4. How Many Adventists in Iraq?

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1. Pastor Update

Namaste!

I am thankful for spring break. We have been enjoying some time with my sister and her family from Oregon. The other day we drove through the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach and a scenic drive in Carmel. I once again realized what a beautiful area we live in.

But when we came home and turned on the news about Operation Iraqi Freedom, we were quickly reminded that the world we now live in is not all that beautiful. Because of the presence of evil we must reckon with its sadistic manifestations wherever it finds a host site.

I think we all agree that ultimately force can never give birth to true and lasting peace. This is why Jesus rejected this means. In His words, "...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." Matt 26:52

Don't take me wrongly. I am just as anxious to see the dictatorship in Iraq be stopped. And if war is the path our government has chosen (as they have) then I am at least glad that it is being done in a way that comes closest to the path of goodness and fairness. I am proud of that, at least. But as one who wants to receive the teachings of Christ, I can't give this my unreserved sanction. Of course like you, I am praying for the safety of our men and women and the people of Iraq.

I encourage us all to desire for the evil in Iraq to dissipate just as much as desiring the evil in our hearts, from day to day, to dissipate through the work of the Spirit of God. For as long as evil finds an incubator - in the heart of Saddam Hussein - or mine, our earth is far from redemption.

So let us "look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." 2 Peter 3:12

Love,
Samuel

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2. Evangelistic Opportunity at MBA

This Sabbath, I will be sharing the second in a series of three sermons on the incredible evangelistic opportunity we have here at MBA. Pray that these messages will be anointed by the Spirit of God. --Samuel

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3. Church Budget Update

Offerings to Date & Goals
Church Budget Monthly Goal $ 4,004 To Date $ $3302.00
Computer & Projector Goal $10,000 To Date $ $6946.43

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4. How Many Adventists in Iraq?

The following article is from the March 24, 2003, edition of the NAD Monday Fax eNewsletter (Editor - Kermit L. Netteburg). This issue of Monday FAX is available online in HTML and PDF versions.

** HOW MANY ADVENTISTS IN IRAQ? &Mac247; The National Service Organization (NSO), part of the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, tries to keep in touch with all Adventist servicemen. Since it is up to the military members, their families, or their church, to let NSO know where they are, it is difficult to know how accurate any number is.

At the present we have about 1,200 on our mailing list, says Chaplain (COL) Dick Stenbakken, (Ret.), director of NSO. Are there others who should be on the list? Absolutely. We would love to be in touch with them, but have no way to do so.

What we do know is that we have 10 Adventist military active duty chaplains in, or headed for, the region. We have another 10 Reserve military chaplains who have been activated for the region, and several more who will stay by the staff here but who may deploy later. For security reasons, exact locations are unknown except for
a very few.

NSO would like to keep an up-to-date list of Adventists who are serving in the military in order to provide them with church publications and other supplies. Ask your churches and members to notify NSO about any Adventist servicemen who are known to be serving in the military.

Contact: www.adventistchaplains.org/national.htm; email acm@gc.adventist.org; phone 800-ACM-LIST; or fax 301-680-6783.

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© 2003 Monterey Bay Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church. All rights reserved.