One of the students graduating

As we look around our strife-filled world today, it is hard to imagine that once the entire world beat in perfect unison. Not a note of discord was sounded until sin marred the beautiful harmony. Since the sad division that took place from the entrance of sin, God has been seeking to restore that original unity with Him, in the church and in our homes. Jesus prayed for this experience: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (John 17:21) Paul speaks about this “great mystery” in our homes. (Ephesians 5:22-33) Paul prayed that the church may “with one mind and one mouth glorify God.” (Romans 15:6) Why is this oneness so important? Because God can do so much more for us as we are united with Him and with one another. “The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.” Central Advance, February 25, 1903. This unity is the secret of our power and success. “The secret of our success in the work of God will be found in the harmonious working of our people. There must be concentrated action. Every member of the body of Christ must act his part in the cause of God, according to the ability that God has given him. We must press together against obstructions and difficulties, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.” Christian Service, 75. Each one of us has a small, albeit vital part to play in this heavenly symphony. As we press together, shoulder to shoulder in the work of God our hearts become united with each other in the grand work of saving souls for His kingdom, and we discover more fully this secret of our success!

Noah's Ark Christian School visiting a local Indian village

I have been very encouraged by the work that the Lord has given the de Senna family and how He has been blessing their part of this grand, united work. Several years ago, they left life here in America to go to the Amazon to share the good news of Jesus with the people there. While Aluisio is busily engaged in giving Bible studies and sharing with the people in the church and community, their main project is teaching children by precept and example the love of Jesus. While there have been and continue to be many difficulties, the Lord has blessed “Noah’s Ark Christian School.” Because of the poor quality of the public school system, many parents choose to send their children to private schools to assure a better education. While the parents send the children to receive a high-quality education, which they do, the purpose of the school is to be able to lead the children to love Jesus, their best Friend. Currently, they are ministering to over ninety children, ages two to eight, many of which are becoming missionaries in their own homes. One five-year-old boy in kindergarten was misbehaving in class and was sent to Sandy’s office. As she tried to reason with him, he was defiant and refused to cooperate. Sandy then began talking about the great controversy and how the enemy was tempting him to be disobedient. As he grasped this, his attitude immediately changed, and he said, “I do not want to obey the enemy. He is bad and does very bad things. I want to follow God.” One of the programs of the school is to provide healthy food for the children. While this project is still getting off the ground, many are now appreciative of the healthy food and are even refusing to eat the junk food they once loved because they want to be healthy and strong. One seven-year-old went home and shared with his mother what they had been learning about the Ten Commandments—how we should not worship idols and the importance of keeping the Sabbath. The Catholic mother was very upset and came to the school seeking an explanation. The teacher opened the Bible, showed her the Ten Commandments, and there was nothing more the mother could say. The Lord is working through their efforts to plant seeds for the kingdom of God in the hearts and homes of these “little ones.” They need our prayers and help for this work to go forward. If you would like to help them to lead the “little ones” to Jesus, you can mark your donation Noah’s Ark School.

A graduating class

Yours for a united, finished work,