Thirteenth Sabbath Program

Opening Song
“Far and Near the Fields Are Teeming”
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, no. 358

Welcome
Superintendent or Sabbath School teacher

Prayer

Program

Offering

Closing Song

"In the Heart of Jesus”
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, no. 577

Closing Prayer

Participants: One narrator and two readers.

Props: Flags (or pictures of flags) from Gabon and Nigeria; large map of Arica or the world, with the countries of Gabon and Nigeria highlighted.

Narrator: This quarter our mission focus has been on the West-Central Africa Division, and specifically on the countries of Gabon and Nigeria.

Today we will hear one more story from Nigeria told by a boy named Joshua who recently learned about Jesus.

Reader 1: “Where did you learn that?” I asked my friend, Gift,* when he finished telling me the amazing story of Joseph and his brothers.

“It’s in the Bible,” he replied with a grin. “And if you’d come with me to our Adventist Youth Ministry (AYM) programs, Joshua, you could learn these stories too.”

Gift lived on the campus of Babcock University, not far from my home in town. I admired his knowledge of the Bible and wanted to learn more about it myself.

Reader 2: “We’re having Vacation Bible School (VBS) in a few days,” Gift said. “Why don’t
you come?”

I’d been playing football with some of the AYM kids at their Sunday exercise program, and I really liked them. They started each game with prayer and a short devotion, and they were kind to each other on the field.

I prayed about whether I should attend VBS, and I felt that God wanted me to go. When I went to the first meeting, I discovered that Gift was right. I not only heard a lot of stories from the Bible, I learned songs about God, did crafts, and made friends. Best of all, I learned that Jesus loves me.

Reader 1: At the end of VBS, I decided that I wanted to become a Seventh-day Adventist. I was baptized one year ago, and now I want to share my faith just like Gift shared his faith with me. I want people to know about the Sabbath and that Jesus is coming soon.

I invited my friend Favour to VBS this year, and he came to every meeting. He really enjoyed the Bible stories, crafts and games. He didn’t know much about Jesus before, but now he knows that He loves and cares for him.

Reader 2: Most of my friends criticize me because I became a Seventh-day Adventist. That really hurts. They don’t want me to talk with them about Jesus, so I try to share Him through my character and actions, like always being cheerful. But not everyone acts this way. Some of the young people I’ve shared Jesus with are thinking about coming to church, and that makes me glad.

Reader 1: Joining AYM has made a positive difference in my character. I want to help people in the community now, especially the older ones. I like to carry their bags for them, greet them kindly, and show them respect.

VBS changed my life. I felt so happy when I learned Jesus loves me! I’ve always carried my burdens alone in my own strength. But now that I know that Jesus cares for me, I’ve let go of those burdens. Jesus set me free!

Reader 2: The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help build a multipurpose center at Babcock University for the AYM members who currently have no place to attend worship or youth programs. Having the center will help the youth grow spiritually and develop their skills for reaching people for Jesus—just like they reached me.

Narrator: Thank you so much for your generous gift today that will help the young people in Nigeria and Gabon. Please be assured that your offering will make an eternal difference in the lives of many. Thank you!

[Offering]