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By Amanda Bauler
With the rest of the nation, we were shocked by the events of September 11, but as the initial shock subsided the realization that urgent action was needed took its place. In the wake of the tragedy, people were  fearful, searching for answers and security in an uncertain world. This was an opportunity to present God’s final message of mercy to souls whose minds were now more open to truth.
Our church had been planning an evangelistic effort for the Spring of 2002, but now that seemed much to far away and we worked incessantly to plan an Evangelistic Seminar to begin November 2nd. With much prayer, we moved ahead with the many arrangements, preparing advertising, renting a room, printing supplies and contacting interests. Although we did not have nearly all the funds that were needed, we trusted in faith that God would supply as we moved forward at His direction. And we praise His name for His faithfulness. We want to give a special thanks to all of you who gave to help with this effort!
 As we designed the flier advertising the meetings, we wished to reach as many as we could, so we included an offer for the books America in Prophecy and Shelter in the Storm (The Great Controversy and Steps to Christ), and invited those who could not attend the seminar to request the free books anyway. As a result we have more than fifty people who we are visiting to deliver the books. Please pray that many of these will be open to further Bible studies.
Before the seminar we spent a Sabbath, as a church, fasting and praying that the Holy Spirit would bless our humble efforts. We know that without the Spirit impressing hearts with the truth our efforts can never convert a single soul. On opening night there were more than twenty-five guests in attendance, an average of 15-20 attended each night as the thrilling prophecies of Daniel and Revelation were presented.
 As the meetings progressed, we learned more about these dear souls who are searching for truth. They came from many different backgrounds and even different countries including Mexico, Ethiopia, Siberia and Kazakhstan. All had different religious experiences as well. Several are new, former or backslidden Adventists, however the majority came from other Christian faiths. As the testing truths were presented it was encouraging to hear comments like this one from a women with an evangelical background regarding Daniel 9, “I have heard so many different theories about the rapture, but they never seemed right, now this really makes sense.”
After three weekends at the rented room, the seminar now continues two times per week at the church. Please pray for those who are making decisions of eternal consequence.
 We ask an interest in your prayers also as the messages will continue to reach souls as they are broadcast on a cable access channel in the Portland area over the coming months. Our special thanks to Bill and Peggy who are faithfully videoing each presentation.
Consider this challenge from the inspired pen, “With every age God’s plan deepens and widens to embrace the world….The churches are to be wide-awake, moving with the force of Omnipotence because they move in harmony with God’s purpose. A spirit of greater devotion must be shown by the churches. They must labor with greater zeal for the promulgation of the last message to be given to the world. They are to seize every opportunity for blessing a world in darkness.” Review and Herald, April 11, 1912.
Let us press on with faith that as we sow seeds and labor with our whole hearts that God will bring a rich harvest in souls eternally saved.
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