“How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” These words, spoken by atheist Penn Jillette of the magician duo Penn & Teller, carry a profound message about our responsibility to share the hope of everlasting life with others.
On October 2, our entire conference is embarking on a monumental mission across the state of Michigan, dedicating time, energy, and resources to 72 simultaneous campaigns. Our collective goal is to spread God’s end-time message throughout Michigan, ensuring that as many people as possible come to know of His boundless love and His plan to grant them everlasting life.
It’s now time to mobilize our Sabbath Schools or other small group ministries[1] to actively contribute to the proclamation of this life-changing message. We propose that each Sabbath School teacher and superintendent initiate a local mission emphasis. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Set Personal Invitation Goals
Challenge each Sabbath School class to set a specific goal for personally inviting a set number of individuals to Discovering Revelation meetings. Equip your class members with invitation cards to distribute among their friends, family, neighbors, or anyone they encounter in their daily lives.
2. Create a Prayer List
In each class, compile a list of names that hold special significance for class members—individuals they yearn to introduce to Christ. These could be family members, co-workers, friends, or acquaintances. Dedicate time in every Sabbath class to pray for these individuals by name, both during class sessions and in personal prayers at home.
3. Extend Personal Invitations
Encourage your class to take the extra step of personally inviting those they have been praying for. Offer to provide transportation to the meetings if needed. Make this a class mission project, an ongoing topic of discussion throughout the month, and continue to track who is planning to attend. Above all, never cease your prayers on their behalf.
Pastor Tony Cirigliano shared a story that serves as a powerful reminder of our duty. Several weeks after an evangelistic campaign, it was baptismal day, a day filled with excitement as individuals made the life-altering decision to join God’s end-time church. One lady, whom we’ll call “Betty,” stepped into the baptismal tank with a smile. However, her expression suddenly changed as she spotted a familiar face in the congregation—a co-worker she had known for years. Betty pointed and exclaimed, “You never told me! You knew all of this, and you never told me!” The lady in the congregation felt embarrassed and somewhat upset at being called out publicly. Still, upon reflection, she recognized her mistake and vowed never to let it happen again.
Let’s learn from this story and the powerful quote by Penn Jillette. Let’s be proactive in sharing the hope of everlasting life with those around us. Together, as a Sabbath School family, let’s be the bearers of this life-changing message, ensuring that no one we know remains unaware of the incredible hope found in Christ.
[1] “If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, pressing together in love and unity, encouraging one another to advance, each gaining courage and strength from the assistance of the others. Let them reveal Christlike forbearance and patience, speaking no hasty words, using the talent of speech to build one another up in the most holy faith. Let them labor in Christlike love for those outside the fold…. As they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will increase.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 22)
