"Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." Ephesians 6:23, 24.

The year 2000 is over. We are already in the year 2001, in the seventh millennium. For many years we have fed the great hope of spending this millennium in heaven, but unfortunately we are still here in this world of sorrow. Thus, the most important question that one should ask now is: "Why has Jesus not come yet? " From the inspired plume comes the answer:

"It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But "they could not enter in because of unbelief." [HEB. 3:19.] Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed, and his people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which he had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays his coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning, and find in him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out." GC88 458.1

"There is great necessity for a reformation among the people of God. The present state of the church leads to the inquiry, is this a correct representation of Him who gave His life for us?"--Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 474.

How merciful is our heavenly father! Jesus, in his endless mercy toward us, has delayed his coming so that we may have the opportunity to go unto Him in true repentance and confession. Then, let’s take advantage of this borrowed time to renew our covenant with Him who made a way out for us.

After having visited our churches and groups; having heard their needs and goals, after having heard many members and received their opinions and suggestions; after a lot of work of the Field Council; after many prayers and supplications for knowledge and divine guidance; we present to you the work plan for 2001. We are sure it reflects the disare and opinion of the majority of the members and also the approval of the Field Council.

We may clearly realize that our greatest need is the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit. He is the divine Agent to perform the work of reformation so needed among us. He will enable us to close the great work that was entrusted upon us – the proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel in the whole world. That is the reason of our motto for this year:

"REVIVAL AND REFORMATION UNDER THE MINISTRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT".

"A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death. Reformation signifies reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.-- Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902.

May God bless us and help us to accomplish His work with courage and faith. Working in union with Him and one with other, at the end of 2001 we’ll have a joyful service of thankfulness to God for blessing us and also in helping us not only to reach our goals, but also to surpass them.

Maranatha! Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

On behalf of your brethren of the Northwest U.S. Field Council,

Jorai Pereira da Cruz

Page developed by Nilson Jones. All rights reserved to SDARM. Copyright 2001.