Pulling from discussions a lot of youth are talking about in today’s world, plus some themes found in the popular movie “Fireproof,” we will seek answers to the following questions:

• How did/does God show us his unconditional love?
• Why should we love (God and others)?
• What should be the main reason/motivation for serving God and others?
• Do we obey God’s commands because of the consequences (good, e.g. rewards, or bad, e.g. we get hurt)?
• Do we serve the church/do things for others for selfish reasons?
• What sacrifices do we need to make to fully commit ourselves (or give our all) to God and his will?
• How do we learn (or what steps can we take) to love God/someone unconditionally?

On Friday night, the discussion will center on “How God showed/shows us His love, and His command on how to love,” followed by a sermon wrap-up by our guest speaker for the weekend, Pastor Edrey Santos.

For Sabbath, we continue with our theme of “Love” with Pastor Santos. As usual, potluck will be provided. The fun will continue on 2pm Sunday as we celebrate Mother’s Day, and will be filled with games, food, and fellowship. Come out… be blessed… reunite with old friends and make some new ones as well. Hope to see you guys there!

Theme: Year of Shining (Matthew 5:16)

Day 1 – Sunday March 15

Topic: What is the Light?  And how do we get it/where do we get it from?

Day 2 – Monday March 16

Topic: How do we let our Light shine?  Part 1 – community service (Matthew 25:31-40)

Day 3 – Tuesday March 17

Topic: How do we let our Light shine?  Part 2 – using our talents to bring people to God (Matthew 25:15-29)

Day 4 – Wednesday March 18

Topic: How do we let our Light shine?

Day 5 – Thursday March 19

Topic: How do we let our Light shine?

Day 6 – Friday March 20

Topic: How do we let our Light shine?

Day 7 – Saturday March 21 (Divine Worship)

Topic: How did you let your Light shine (this week/or other times)?  And did it glorify God?

by Ely Don Lagazo

This year, the Metropolitan SDA Church is participating in Operation Global Rain 360. Operation Global Rain starts today and ends on May 10, 2008.

What is “Operation Global Rain?”

Operation Global Rain began when a few churches in Central California decided to hold a 10-day prayer event after the model of the early church found in Acts 2. There were no keynote speakers or Conference-wide conventions, but rather a small group of disciples pleading for the outpouring of the Latter Rain. So every night, Bible verses and Spirit of Prophecy quotes were presented, together with prayer in groups or as a congregation.

Operation Global Rain Catches On

The participating churches all experienced revival and a true spirit of unity, repentance and mission took hold of the members. It was then presented to their Conference with the idea that all the churches within the conference could participate and petition at the same time for the outpouring of the Latter Rain.

The Vision of Operation Global Rain

The vision of Operation Global Rain was seen to be much bigger than is mere beginnings. What if all the churches not just in California but in North America praying for the same thing at the same time? Even better, imagine not only all the churches in North America but all the churches around the globe praying for the same thing at the same time. And so the global operation commenced.

The early rain was bestowed upon the early church, as the disciples prayed for the Spirit to heal the sick, preach in different tongues, and convert the first Christians. Now, about 2000 years later, what if global prayer and supplication will pour out the latter rain? Where will the rain fall? Will the Gospel be preached to all nations? How will the world be converted?

In Revelation 18, the prophecy of the third angel is near its consummation.“The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel’s message, “another angel” is to “come down from heaven, having great power” and the earth is to be “lightened with His glory.” The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously and universally bless consecrated human instrumentalities, that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and testimony, filling the earth with the knowledge of God and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea.” {2MR 21.3}

Join the Metropolitan SDA Church and Participate!

So please join us…as we pray and supplicate! We extend this invitation to people of all ages to come and experience Operation Global Rain every night at the Metropolitan SDA Church, May 1-10, 2008.

The Jewish Festival of Passover commemorates God’s delivery of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This year, it will start on April 19.

Houston International’s pastor, Pastor Bill Cork, writes:

“On Friday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m., at Houston International, we’ll join together in a Passover Seder, exploring the rich symbolism of this Biblical festival. It’s a time to read, pray, sing and talk about the wonders God has done for his people.”

This event is a potluck event – you know how much we love those! Bring a dish and share the love. Items unique to the Passover—bitter herbs, unleavened bread, haroset, grape juice, etc. will all be provided by our friends at International.

Please drop us a line or let Pastor Cork (billcork@sbcglobal.net) if you are interested in going. We hope to see you all there!

Our week of prayer will follow the topic progression from “acknowledging we’re all sinners/ recognizing our spiritual state and wanting to better ourselves,” to “God will accept us just as we are,” ending with “God will mold us into something better and beautiful.” Think of it as the progression of a piece of moldable clay (we need to recognize our sinfulness and humble ourselves so we can be moldable), and the potter takes that clay the way it is, and then molds it into a beautiful pot.

We extend a warm invitation to you, your friends and your loved ones. If you would like to join us (and we really wish you would!), please contact us via our convenient online form or give us a ring at (713) 385-1843.

PARTICIPANTS: click here to read more about topics and responsibilities.