Further Study: "Thus [Paul] varied his manner of labor, shaping his message to the circumstances under which he was placed."—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 118.
"There are some who will not be convinced by any presentation of the truth. The laborer for God should, nevertheless, study carefully the best method, in order that he may not arouse prejudice or stir up combativeness in his hearers."—Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, November 25, 1890.
"They [God's workmen] are not to be one-idea men, stereotyped in their manner of working, unable to see that their advocacy of truth must vary with the class of people among whom they work and the circumstances they have to meet."—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 119.
"By cheerful, patient kindness and Christian courtesy, he won the hearts of the people, quieted their prejudices, and endeavored to teach them the truth without exciting their combativeness. All this he did because he loved the souls of men, and desired to bring them to Christ that they might be saved."—Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 162.
Discussion Questions:
How would you best communicate what we as Adventists believe to an atheist university student? A person from another religion? Someone who believes the Bible but is not an Adventist? A former Adventist? someone who seems totally indifferent to the whole question of faith or God? 
No matter how different our approaches might be, what are some of the common things that must always accompany our witness to others? That is, what things should always be front and center of our witness, regardless of the circumstances? 
How mission centered is your local church? What can you do to help your church get more involved in outreach to your local community? Summary:
Communication does not take place if the listener cannot understand what is being said. Paul provides many examples of how in our witness we must translate the good news into terms that people can understand. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Jesus' Helper by OMAR REYES TORRES I wanted to be a civil engineer, but God had other plans for my life. I had studied in Adventist schools until I entered the state university in Puerto Rico. I soon discovered the difference between Adventist education and public education. Several teachers were atheists and made it a point to undermine my faith. When an exam fell on Sabbath, the teacher refused to allow me to take it another day, saying that if there was a God, He would understand why I needed to be in class that day. In this university the teachers are kings, and the classroom is their kingdom. Eventually I transferred to Antillian Adventist University to finish my studies. As I compared the teachers and the school atmosphere, I realized that the Adventist school had something that the public schools could never have—a Christian atmosphere. While not everyone on campus is an Adventist, the teachers are very committed to their students. For them it's a calling; they believe in what they are doing. I'm now teaching at this same university. It's a privilege to teach here where I can integrate Adventist beliefs into my class and no one forbids me to talk about God. I feel the atmosphere change when I invite God to come into the classroom. In this school we don't strive to make Adventists of every student; instead we strive to draw them closer to God and to understand what God wants and who He is. If I can help one student see the Lord in a different way, understand God in a more mature way, then I have done my job well. I wanted to be an engineer. But I wouldn't have had the influence I have now as a teacher in an Adventist school. One day a student came to me and said, "You had a worship that changed my life. I was having problems with drugs, but your worship helped me to quit drugs. Thanks." Another boy told me that his mother had died. A worship talk on death helped him work through his feelings of grief and meant a lot to him. I know that God was speaking through me. And it changed this boy's life. I don't think of myself as a teacher; Jesus is the Teacher, and I am His helper, preparing young people for eternity. Your mission offerings help support Adventist education around the world. It's an investment we can never take for granted. Thank you for giving so that our children can learn in a Christian environment.
OMAR REYES TORRES is a professor of mathematics and statistics at Antillian Adventist University in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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