By Valerie Green, in Words of Life Devotional Book

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ ” (2 Cor. 12:9 NKJV)

Some years back, I was tasked with a responsibility for which I felt ill-prepared. The only reason I took it was because I knew that God put me there in the first place, and I didn’t dare walk away!

I was scared to death to take on this task. There were important things for which I would be responsible, dealing with people that I didn’t know and systems that I didn’t understand. I felt like Moses when God told him to go back to Egypt and deal with Pharaoh to deliver the Israelites.

As I began to put this whole new journey daily at His feet, I began to throw all of my other things there as well. I’ve always trusted God, both this was in a whole new way. The more I gave Him, the more he showed me how dependent I was upon Him and how much He could do for me. As I began to acclimate to this elevated way of living, I felt wonderful as I watched God intercede for me daily. Sometimes I got comfortable and would relax a bit, then would get blindsided by something I never saw coming! In those moments, I felt I had to start all over. Me and God. But it was during these times, when I was at my worst, that He showed me how awesome He was.

When you feel you aren’t good enough, smart enough or just enough, know that this is when God is getting ready to show up big time, and you’ll be more than enough for whatever the situation.

Dear Ephesus family,

It’s been over a year since we physically worshipped together. Well, we have good news for you — both the Allegheny West Conference and the state of Ohio have given us the green light to return to in-person worship services! It’s time for us to begin to explore our “new normal.” We are delighted and excited to extend an invitation to you and your households to attend in-person services beginning on Sabbath, June 26.

We will continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines for the health and safety of you and your families as well as others. We hope that most of you have been vaccinated. But we are aware that small children are not yet able to be vaccinated.

Here’s what you need to know before you return. 

Seating will be limited. Beginning on June 15, we are asking that you go online to ephesus-sda.com to register. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 614-471-9552, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, or email announce@ephesus-sda.com.

Welcome back! We look forward to a reunion, of sorts, as together we gather in the presence of our great God and King!

Together in His service,

Pastors Keith Goodman and Ndubuisi Nwade

The fierce love of the Griffiths for each other and their passion for life are an inspiration and encouragement to all. Henry and Judy met at Oakwood, but their love blossomed in Louisville, Kentucky, which is Henry’s home and where Judy’s father, John H. Wagner, Jr., pastored the Magazine St. SDA Church. On June 19, they will celebrate 44 years of marriage. The parents of two adult sons, Henry Jr. and Michael, Judy is a retired surgical nurse, and Henry, Sr. was a teacher and school administrator for 32 years.

Both of the Griffiths come from ministerial families. Judy’s paternal grandfather was John H. Wagner, Sr., president of the Allegheny Conference, before it divided into East and West. The Jessie R. Wagner Elementary School in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania, was named after her grandmother, who was the principal there for several years. Judy is related to the Wagner, Fordham, and Brooks families, well-known families in Black Adventism. At Ephesus, she is also related to our lead pastor and CAA principal, Keith and Evelyn Fordham Goodman, as well as to Theo and Delvius Wagner-Dixon. Henry is the brother of our former pastor Buford “Buddy” Griffith, Jr., who is currently the executive secretary of the Southwestern Union Conference.

 

Henry and Judy enjoy the interaction of Sabbath School. Because of the pandemic, they have missed meeting with other people but have faithfully gone to church on YouTube. It gives them an opportunity to enjoy our services and also connect with their families around the country. They applaud our church leaders for remaining “responsible and sensitive to health protocols” during this challenging time in Earth’s history.

Judy implores our members, “If you can get your vaccine, get it, so we can return to some type of normalcy.” Sage advice also comes from Henry. “All of us have our ‘down in the valley of despair’ times. But my mind won’t let me turn from God. I know I will come through on the other side... Wherever you are in your faith walk is fine, but we have to keep our eyes on God. Keep your focus on God even when you feel your faith is low.” 

Henry’s words ministered to my soul. And Judy’s faith shone brightly through her quiet, gentle spirit. Our time together was faith-strengthening and powerful, and ended with Henry reciting the poem, “A Prayer” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar.

O LORD, the hard-won miles

Have worn my stumbling feet:

Oh, soothe me with thy smiles,

And make my life complete.

The thorns were thick and keen

Where'er I trembling trod;

The way was long between

My wounded feet and God.

Where healing waters flow

Do thou my footsteps lead.

My heart is aching so;

Thy gracious balm I need.

May God’s richest blessings be upon Judy and Henry Griffith, Sr.

3650 Sunbury Road, Columbus, OH 43219

1: Autumn Bell; 2: Ingrid Edwards; 3: Jackie Parris, Dale Patterson; 5: Nadia Jenkins, Nioma Jenkins, Samara Orr; 7: Joyce Gibson; 8: Cherlo Cherestal, Laniqua Smith-Crawford; 10: Millie Bradley, Linda Jackson; 12: Eliana Campbell; 13: Orville Williams; 14: Natasha Gregory; 16: Whitley Hawkins; 18: Sylvia Safford, LaTonya Truett; 20: Ray Gibson, Sr.; 23: Jadon Nious, Christian Stepney; 25: Brittany Cantrell, Courtney Cantrell; 28: Ryan Hall; 29: Terrence St. Lewis; 30: Jacques Moise