Faithpoints: e-Newsletter from the Ohio Conference 🙏

News and information from around the Ohio Conference

Northwood Church Celebrates Community Center Grand Opening

Northwood Adventist Church Community Center Grand Opening

The Northwood Adventist church was originally organized on January 28, 1950. While the church has changed locations over the years, it has remained faithful in its service to the greater-Toledo community.

On January 28, 2020, the church not only celebrated 70 years of ministry, but the grand opening of their new Adventist Community Services center, the first in northwest Ohio. The newly completed 3,600-square-food addition will enable the church to offer multiple outreach efforts, including a larger food pantry, free blood pressure checks, free bread and clothing distributions, and more.

Three Northwood pastors were present for the festivities: present pastor, Patrick Mazani, and former pastors Yuliyan Filipov (2007-2011) and Paul LeBlanc (1992-1999). A variety of community leaders were also present, including Wood County Commissioner Dr. Ted Bowlus, who shared that he "was inspired by the role of the Adventist Church," and encouraged the church to "continue the good work in the community."

"Ever since the beginning of this project, two precious souls, who came because of this ministry, have been baptized and more are coming!" said Mazani. “We are so grateful for what the Lord is doing at Northwood. The future is more promising and exciting. The members are a fired-up team. The word is going out. The community is responsive. We feel like we are lagging behind, and much is to be accomplished. We pray that we will continue to be faithful to the mission, until the last soul is in. Glory be to God!”

Watch this short video featuring Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary, as he shares more about this important ministry of the Northwood Adventist church.

Setting a Higher Bar

Pastor Michael Stough II, Springfield First, Delaware, New Carlisle District

For 16 days this summer, the world’s eyes will be on the Olympic games in Tokyo. Athletes from across the globe will converge on one of the world’s largest cities to display their athletic abilities. Now I typically don’t get to wrapped up in sports, but I have always enjoyed watching the various Olympic events. It amazes me as to just what the human body can achieve across the various venues and events. One of the events which fascinates me is the high jump. To watch an athlete sprint down the approach to the bar and then launch themselves into the air, rolling and twisting their body over the bar as it slowly increases its distance from the ground, wow! Currently the world record is held by Cuban Javier Sotomayor, who propelled his 6’ 5” frame over a bar set at just over 8’.

Now how did Sotomayor reach a world record, and for that matter, how do any high jumpers propel their bodies to heights equal to or greater than their own. Practice, lots of practice. But, even more importantly, they keep moving the bar higher, seeing in their mind their body silently floating over it in successful conquest.

This makes me wonder though, are we doing the same in our spiritual lives. As disciples of Christ, are we moving the bar higher, or have we said, “It’s just too tough to be a Christian,” or “I’ll never understand the Bible,” or “Witness? I could never share my faith anyone,” and left the bar where it’s at or worse, lowered it.

Jesus challenges His listeners in the Sermon on the Mount with many things which certainly set a higher bar. In calling you and I to “Be perfect (that is complete), therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” ^[1] Jesus informs us that even our thoughts are to seek higher levels. Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:5 to have the mind or thoughts of Christ so we can “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” ^[2] Certainly all of this is not a lowering of the bar, or even being content in getting it to a certain point and being satisfied leaving it where it’s at. Instead, Christ’s life should be an encouragement for us as His disciples.

In setting the bar higher, we should be seeking moments of prayer which can bring the rain, Bible study which reveals the depths of God’s love and concern for His creation, a faith which moves mountains and helps us to see bigger pictures of what God is wanting to do in making us complete.

I would challenge you this Sabbath, and in the days and months ahead to stop for a moment and think about your bar. Where is it? Is it laying on the ground, have you lowered it, has it been stuck in the same place for years, or is your bar gaining height, so that one day, when you jump across it, you find yourself soaring to the heights of heaven?

Maranatha!

^[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version . (1984). (Mt 5:48). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., Php 3:14). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Women's One-Day Retreat, Men's Retreat Coming in May

Women of all ages are invited to attend the Ohio Conference Women's Ministries One-Day Retreat on Sabbath, May 2 in Dayton. Special guest is Paige Engle, a talented writer and speaker with a growing reputation for her powerful way with words. Using her experiences with loss and grief, she passionately encourages others to seek an authentic walk with Jesus Christ. She lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, Spencer, and their two collies, Cash and Brooks.

Men ages 16 and up are invited to attend the Men's Retreat weekend at Camp Mohaven, May 29-31. Special guest is Nicholas “Nico” Hill. Hill, whose given name is David, is a martial arts expert and was one of the original pioneers of cage fighting, and starred in a TV series and several action feature films. Though he lived a hard life, he heard God's voice during a time of despair. Today he is has a growing ministry and helps the homeless, addicts, at-risk teens, and others.

Posters, registration forms, and additional information will be available in the coming weeks. Please check with your local church ministry leader or pastor for details, visit www.ohioadventist.org , or call the Ohio Conference at 740.397.4665.

Coming Soon...Ohio Conference One-Day Camp Meeting

Camp Meeting Highlights:

Special guest: Dr. Philip G. Samaan, retired theology professor and author
Children & Youth Programs Available!
Complimentary Shuttle service to parking areas!

Sabbath School at 10:00 AM

Worship Service at 11:15 AM

Additional details coming soon.

Watch the Annual Geography Challenge Live on Thursday

Fans of the Ohio Conference Education Department's annual "Geography Challenge" will not want to miss watching their favorite students compete live on Thursday, February 20.

The event is being live-streamed again this year via the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Education Facebook page. Be sure to "like" their page and check back this weekend for updates.

Photo of the Week

Last weekend, Ohio Conference youth director Edward Marton presented a workshop at the Lakewood Adventist church on "Growing Young."

Growing Young is a learning journey for local churches and their leaders to help build faith communities that will not only *survive, but thrive* in the years ahead. This initiative is an intergenerational movement which nurtures relationship building and cultural transformation that embraces young people and benefits all generations in the Adventist church.

Twenty-eight members from the Lakewood church attended the two-day event.

Lakewood joins more than ten other congregations state-wide who have embarked upon this journey. Interested in learning more? Contact Marton at 740.397.4665, ext 146 or email emarton @ohioadventist.org.