Bless Us in This New Year O Lord

Goodmorning and Happy Sabbath Everyone! We are happy to welcome the new year 2018!

We began with our Sabbath School lesson entitled "The Influence of Materialism" Click the link to catch up for when you come by Hackensack Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Today, Elder Jerrmain Clarke will be giving us the first sermon for 2018 entitled "New Year, New Things" The sermon will be on our YOUTUBE page; and if you ever miss out on a sermon, it will be right here in our blog.

So in case you missed last weeks sermon:

"Fixed on You" by Courtney Morgan

HEALTH NUGGET: Pichuberries

Pichuberries are a popular delicacy in South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. They are partly sweet and partly tart, kind of like a cross between a blueberry and a tomato. It would be easy to mistake them for small yellow tomatoes if you've never seen them. This little berry is quite a nutritional powerhouse! They actually contain almost 40% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin D in a 3/4 cup serving which is very rare in fruit or veggie. They have a glycemic index of 25, even lower than blueberries making them diabetes-friendly. They also contain 1.7g of protein per serving which is more than pomegranates, blueberries and papayas combined. Pichuberries are packed with rare antioxidants called withanolides which have been shown to suppress carcinogens. 

ADVENTIST PASTOR ADMITTED TO THE JAMAICAN SUPREME COURT BAR

Photo Cred: Jon Saleen Oliphant

The father of two credits God for supplying his every need during trying time in life.

Omar Oliphant became the first ordained minister to be admitted to the Jamaican Supreme Court Bar, on December 7, 2017, in Kingston Jamaica. 

Omar Oliphant, created history in the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Jamaica by becoming the first ordained minister to become an attorney-at-law. He was admitted to the Jamaican Bar Dec.7, 2017, in a ceremony held at the Jamaican Supreme Court in Kingston. 

Oliphant, who pastors a district of five churches with a membership of over 1,000 is also the communication and youth director of the church's northern region compromising St. Ann and Trelawny. He graduated from the University of the West Indies in September, after completing the three-year LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree program in two years, and graduated in 2015 with honors before successfully completing all levels o fhis legal training at the Norman Manley Law School. His area of specialization is civil law. 

The rigors of legal studies were no match for the grit, determination and perseverance of Oliphant who despite his various professional and family responsibilities, overcame the onerous task of working in St. Ann while studying in Kingston, which is about 65 miles away. 

In describing the experience, the father of two children confessed that "this was the most trying period of my life but one which brought not only new opportunities to learn, but clearly revealed the providential love of God."

"God supplied my every need. I am truly amazed at how beautifully the Lord Himself provided and placed the pieces together....it was certainly not by might,: said Oliphant, who also serves on several denominational and civic boards. 

Unequivocally committed to his life-long call as a minister of the gospel, the now legal counsel, maintained active leadership in the church by conducting evangelistic campaigns and engaging thousands of young people in his Conference. 

During the period of his study, Oliphant was able to baptize approximately 400 individuals and was recognized by the church in Jamaica in 2015 for his outstanding evangelistic achievements. 

"My districts never once fell back; all the measurable variables were way above average and I kept an active presence among my youth, parishioners and the wider constituency, impacting each of our 15 districts in numerous ways over time ," said Oliphant. "I was then, as I am now, very committed to ensuring my ministry thrived and that my family was not unduly deprived."

The conference administration is happy that it was able to facilitate Pastor Oliphant's study in Law, said Pastor Karl Archer, president of the Adventist church in North Jamaica. 

"We know it would have been very challenging for him, but with the support of the church and his family, he has successfully completed the studies with God's help," said Archer."His success is an indication of the Church's support for the personal development of its workers, which we are sure will lead to significant benefits in the advancement of God's mission through the church. We wish him success in all his endeavors as together we continue to labor for the Master," he added. 

It was a delicate balance, but strategic planning, time management and an excellent support group were key to Oliphant's success. He credited his wife for her guidance, prayer and insight that kept him in check. 

"I commend Pastor Oliphant for what he has accomplished," said Pastor Carlington Hylton, ministerial secretary for the church in North Jamaica. 

Hylton said Oliphant is a resilient person not daunted by challenges. "During his studies, he has accomplished his goals as a youth and communication director serving two parishes. His achievement will serve as an inspiration to the young people whom he leads. I am proud of him," Hylton added. 

When the lifelong Adventist decided to pursue this new frontier, he gave long consideration, knowing the conservative position of his church, its impact on his ministry and the demands on his family. His prayerful approach helped him to recognize his church's need for legal counsel in various spheres of its operation. 

"Given the vast and varied make-up of the church, its ownership of numerous institutions; its involvement in transactions relating to the law of the land, I see my studies and training as an additional plus, on top of my personal growth," said Oliphant. "Ministry has become integrated with legal interests and the church may have challenges meeting its objectives if we don't have proper legal guidance in some of our decision-making, policy directions."

He thanked God for His mighty hand in his life, the support of his family and the Executive Committee of North Jamaica Conference, the support of the Jamaica Union leadership, church elders at the five churches he pastors as well as the many who have invested time,. effort and means in creating this historic feat. 

Kenton Matthew

Religious Liberty Leader

Hackensack Seventh-day Adventist Church

106 Euclid Avenue

Hackensack NJ, 07601

Kmatthew3074@gmail.com 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hackensack SDA Church is hosting out first Master Guide training program. Registration is open to all baptized members ages 16+. For more information please see our AY-Pathfinders Director, Sis Claudie Seide or Sis Sherrie Clarke. 

Children's Ministries Convention will be at the Conference Office on January 14, 2018 from 9:30AM-5PM. Registration is required, cost $20. Staff and Children Ministries leaders are encouraged to attend.