06 January 2010

SSD family ends New Year retreat in Cebu City

What a fitting time to start the year with a spiritual retreat! Yes, the members of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) family, takes January 4-9 its week of spiritual retreat at the SSD compound and at the headquarters of Central Philippine Union Conference in Cebu City.

Pastor James Brauer, SSD director for Adventist Mission, provided the messages which were anchored on the theme, Growing Up in Christ. His series were: God Provides, Digging to Bed Rock, God Does All the Work, Finally Growing Up, No Parking Allowed, and Help My Kids.” His introduction of the message on Monday spelled out the warning of tsunami waves catching up with the younger generation. These waves include postmodernism and technology.

The first two days of the week had been very refreshing with Pastor Brauer’s four messages at the SSD headquarters. On Wednesday morning, the workers and their families, on two flights, left for Cebu City to continue its retreat. On Thursday, a visit to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and some other places of interests was made part of the planned activities.

On Friday, at Vespers, a communion service was held making the week very memorable as each family member observed the Lord’s Supper. And a special message designed for parents and kids entitled Help My Kids, became Pastor Brauer’s final message on Sabbath.