Faith of our Fathers

Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious Word!

We cling to the sacred Hope of the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Each day we live by faith, and under His grace, with the hope that we will be caught up to meet him when He returns. But how did we arrive here? What are the significant sacrifices that have been made to preserve and spread the Truth? Did the pioneers have principles that we should adopt to ensure that we remain a faithful movement? The Church Heritage component of the curriculum, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, will certainly help you to find answers to these questions. Now, there is more information to cover, than I can feasibly address in one blog entry, so I will link to different resources than can shed more light on the topic.

Let's set the stage for the beginning of the modern advent movement. In the 1830s, during a time of spiritual searching and religious revival in New England, William Miller came upon a prophecy with end time significance. He read in Daniel 8 and 9 of the 2300 days prophecy and set about to understand what it meant. He calculated the date to be October 22, 1844, and began to spread a message of Christ's imminent return. Only to be met with utter disappointment when he and thousands of believers did not see their hopes actualized.

Looking Past the Great Disappointment

It could have ended there. But God has never left His people alone! A few faithful persons went back to study the Word, to see where they had gone wrong. Even in the midst of this time of sorrow, the Lord sent visions to a few chosen vessels, but not everyone accepted the call to become the Lord's Messenger. Out of their diligence, arose a new hope, even though their message was not yet fully formed. Read their stories at:

http://150.adventist.org/
http://www.heritagebattlecreek.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=73
http://drc.whiteestate.org/files/1228.pdf
http://www.whiteestate.org/pathways/pioneers.asp

The Gospel to All the World 

The publishing press made for the development of a literature ministry. Starting with publications of the Present Truth and The Youth Instructor, the message was spread to places that preachers could not readily reach. As the SDA church became organized, missionaries went out from the USA to spread the beautiful message across the world. Many persons sacrificed family, health and convenience to preach a gospel in whose Savior they were confident. Anna Knight, Abram LaRue and J.N. Andrews are among those who took great risks when they were called into service. Leadership can be taxing, but God has promised to equip us as He calls us (Isaiah 41:10).

Nothing Good Comes Easy

Of course, it was not all smooth sailing. There were several instances of turmoil and disharmony among the believers. The Minnesota Conference of 1888 marked the beginning of one such time of discord. A.T. Jones and E.J. Waggoner stood against some of the strongest voices in the church to proclaim the message of righteousness by faith. This controversy spread over several years, and at the end many bright stars were fallen. Even in 1901, major decisions to decentralize the work took place, and some of those were met with controversy and discord. By understanding some of these issues, we can prepare ourselves to do a mighty work in 2016. This video (by General Conference) and article (Gerry Churleigh) will also open up a discourse on what took place. 

As we move forward in earth's history and develop our leadership skills, it is essential for us to know the past and recognize the relevant principles for present day. Now fight the good fight of the faith (1 Tim 6:12).

Faith of our fathers, we will strive

To win all nations unto thee;

And through the truth that comes from God

We all shall then be truly free.

More resources on SDA church heritage can be found a the previous post, titled A Full Man

Be Alert and Stay Prepared

Then the Kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Matt 25:1

As in the story of the 10 virgins, it is important for us to make preparations for the future and be ready at all times. Camp is only a few months away! It may seem like a long time, but we know that the days already seem shortened. To be well prepared for the rigors of master guide camp, it is important to build your knowledge base, exercise frequently and stay in the Word. But that is just good life advice.
There are also a few bits of equipment that are essential to both your safety and training. I will present a few things here to help you be aware of what you need to acquire. Check out the links for a more in depth review

Internal Frame Backpack: For the gear you will carry, and the duration of the trip, I recommend a backpack that is 50-70 Liters.

Lightweight Hiking Boots: Your shoes should have great traction on the sole, support your ankles and are comfortable for hikes or all day wear. This means you need to get them early and break them in.

First Aid Kit: While there will a large first aid kit for the team, each candidate should have their own personal kit. This is also a good practice when you bring youth out on field trips. You can buy small kits or assemble your own.


Compass: There are different types of compasses out there for orienteering. For this program you will need an orienteering compass with a base plate, but a lensatic compass will also suffice.
  

Flashlight: You should have a regular flashlight and a head mounted light, but if you choose one because of weight or cost, a head mounted light is better. This will free both of your hands to work.


Mess Kit: Meals are crucial! Get something that you can cook in and possible eat from.


Sleeping bag: Your rest time will be cherished, so make sure that your gear supports a good night's rest. The sleeping bag should not be bulky, as it is best to fit it inside your backpack. Consider a good mat to cushion possible tree roots and other natural obstructions.



Knife:  The knife you choose should have a spring lock or liner lock...not a sheathed knife. Serrated edges are hard to sharpen after the blade becomes worn. Check out the video (Five Affordable EDC Knives)

Poncho: A little rain wont stop us...so make sure you have the gear to keep you dry. A good poncho can also double as a temporary shelter.


Practice makes perfect, so you may find that your newly acquired equipment does not work the way you anticipated. When making purchases, read the online reviews and seek advise from the experts. The salespersons in the major sporting good stores are often knowledgeable about the outdoors and can guide you. Camaraderie and a sharing spirit are encouraged in this program, but there is also a time for you to learn independence.

And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' Byt the wise answered saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' vs 8-9

Evangelism and Witness

Evangelism is a necessary part of being a Christian...simply put. It is what Christ asked his followers to do, while He was physically gone to prepare an eternal home. Pathfinder ministry works well when we reach in the youth of our churches, and lead them to reach out to those who are in need of knowing Christ. While we enjoy camporees and drum competitions, our primary purpose is to prepare young hearts to meet their Savior, and also to strengthen our own walk with Christ.

Evangelism begins the moment you meet with someone. It is a story of first impressions and long lasting action. How will you impact those around you?

Here are some resources that I have found useful in understanding how to share my faith in a meaningful way.

The Revival and Reformation program is a great resource to understand the call to pray, study and witness in His Name. 

This powerful message from Elder Homer Trecartin reminded me of the privilege we currently have to share our faith freely. Let us cheerfully do God's will while we are free to do so. 

Steps to Christ

...in Our Time of Crisis

It is abundantly clear that our world is in crisis: wars, rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines and earthquakes...all these are the beginning of birth pains (Matt. 24:8) Now if you keep reading you may choose to be alarmed, but I would suggest that as children of God we should be rejoicing. 
While the suffering we endure and that which we witness should not be taken slightly, it is necessary that we do not become myopic. After all the pestilences are unleashed upon this earth, verse 30 says "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven." At such a time as this, the Lord is looking for a prepared people, "men [and women] who will not be bought or sold, who in their most inmost souls are true and honest, who do not fear to call sin by its right name, whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, who will stand for the right though the heavens fall." (pp. 57)

The question that we each need to answer, is Will I be ready?

The answer is revealed only through a daily dying to self, and having a renewing personal relationship with Jesus. We must confess our sins, and surrender ourselves completely to Him who is life eternal. It takes more than outward compliance, but an obedience that embodies His love. We are required to know who God is. If we "would become acquainted with the Savior, study the Holy Scriptures" (pp.88)
As we become confident in His Love, God calls us to show His goodness and mercy to a world who needs to learn of Him. That is what we are asked to do in every aspect of our lives. As we instruct pathfinders, how are we incorporating the message of salvation in our instruction and deportment?

Resources:

As you read Steps to Christ, you might also find this sermon series by Kameron DeVasher to be helpful in stretching your understanding of God's redeeming love. 

Preparing Lesson Plans

The Lesson Plan is one of the most important components of teaching a class. It is a road map that you develop to make sure that you reach your final destination. It also helps you to ensure that your students get there with you. What is the point of teaching, if at the end, you are the only one who understands what you were talking about?
Well prepared lesson plans should provide enough information, that someone else (a substitute) can teach your class if you are unavailable. It should contain the content you will teach and how it will be executed. Make sure your activities are age appropriate and accommodate different learning styles.
Most of all the lesson plans should make learning FUN, and reinforce the gospel of Christ.

Here are a few resources to help you put your lesson plans together.

Writing the Objective

Your Objective is what you expect the pathfinders to learn or show at the end of the lesson. Bloom's Taxonomy is a great and proven method to write objectives.

Check it out here . This video might also help

Procedures for Meeting the Objective

These are the list of teaching steps and activities you will take.

For example: Sunbeam> Make a tracing of yourself. Decorate it with pictures and words which tell good things about you. 

Objective: Sunbeam will list words that depict good characteristics of people. 

Sunbeams will show draw a picture of themselves, and share with the class what makes them special.

Time: 60 minutes

Materials: Boy/Girl Stencils http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/9T4/ojM/9T4ojMaEc.svg), pencils/crayons, construction paper; old magazines, scissors, glue; poster paper or whiteboard. 

Procedure: 

Read a story about identity and good characteristics. (e.g. Uncle Arthur's The Two Carolines)

Ask students to tell what are some good things about Caroline, themselves or people they know. Write them on the board (e.g. kind, obedient, good listener etc)

Have sunbeam class repeat after teacher Gen 1:27 or Psalm 139:14. Ask for volunteers if members of the class can read.

Give each student a picture template and have them decorate it to look like themselves. Glue to a larger paper. Cut out pictures from magazines that show good character traits, glue around the portrait and write on words using the list from the board.

Evaluation: 

Each sunbeam will present their picture to the class, telling what the good things about them are. 

Here are some other samples: 

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/free-lesson-plans

http://www.discoveryeducation.com//teachers/free-k-5-teacher-resources/index.cfm?campaign=footer_teacher_k5

Have fun

Make learning meaningful and fun, by thinking outside the box

A Full Man

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man--Francis Bacon

In 2016, there are many sources of information that are readily accessible to us. The internet seems to be spilling over with conflicting content. People spout claims easily from their lips, shouting their opinions as if they are verified fact. That is, until voracious fact checkers bring about statistics that shed light on their dubious claims...at which point many hustle to issue apologies, give the "real context" for their statement, or simply back away from previous convictions. The Word of God issues a warning to us who live in the end times: "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonder to deceive, if possible, even the elect."  Matt 24:24 (NIV)

How to guard your mind against deception

1. Seek the Lord John 16:13

2. Read for yourself 2 Timothy 2:15

3. Be a responsible consumer 2 Peter 1:3-11

"We must study the truth for ourselves. No man should be relied upon to think for us. No matter who he is, or in what position he may be placed, we are not to look upon any man as a criteria for us. " Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 109

MG Literature Requirements

Bible

EGW Texts for droid for apple

Steps to Christ

Desire of Ages

Education

Child Guidance or Messages to Young People

Church History (1)

A Brief History of SDA Church (G. Knight) 2nd edition

The Pathfinder Story (R. Holbrook)

Church Heritage Manual (honor)

Tell it to the World (C M Maxwell)

Leadership (1)

Positive Church in a Negative World (J. Arrias)

Ellen White on Leadership (C Tutsh)

Help! I'm being followed (C Valley)

You may find that starting a book club among yourselves, or having a reading partner will improve your accountability. While the above list is not an exhaustive list of the literature you will need for this program, these resources will start you on your journey to becoming a more informed master guide, an equipped teacher, and a full (wo)man! 

Welcome to MGT 2016

Welcome to Master Guide Training. Your being here is symbolic of your commitment to the youth of your church. Thank you!
Master Guide is the highest level of leadership within the Adventurer/Pathfinder programs. First and foremost is a focus on your personal spiritual life and growth. During this training you will learn new and/or sharpen leadership skills that will help you to guide youth in understanding God's world of nature, outreach ministry, service to others and a lifestyle of healthful living.

 
 This course will likely take incredible personal sacrifice, and at times the task before you may seem impossible. With Gideon, God minimized an army, armed them with unlikely tools, and then sent them to win a war they were sure to lose. Likewise, be encouraged that this battle is not yours, and God has a plan for you in ministry. You may think your trumpet and empty clay pitcher are insufficient to take you through. But God has a surprise in store. Trust in HIM and don't look back.