VOLUME 5 ISSUE 44

Pastor's Blog

Poor California and Vietnam

California and Vietnam—two very disparate regions of the earth, to be sure—but in the news this week. And both of them—if you can believe the news—are muted challenges to the notion of gradualism (uniformitarianism or incrementalism)—the idea that life on this planet pretty much ambles along at its snail-pace predictability, gradually. Read more

Video Feature

Renovation Timelapse

This summer Pioneer underwent a renovation project which included both inside and outside updates. The video above shows the inside renovation over the summer, as well as our completed new roof! Thank you for your continued support as we move toward reaching our financial goal.

Feature Announcement

First Tuesday

What do First Tuesdays have to do with autophagy?

First, Andrews University and the Pioneer Board of Elders announce a new season of First Tuesdays (a monthly Day of Prayer and Fasting). And you’re invited to share the spiritual adventure. The monthly focus this season will include both a geographical people group and a personal people group. This Tuesday (November 5) we pray for the continent of Africa and our personal families—two vital groups of people who need the outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus. The university and Board of Elders are suggesting that if you know someone from Africa, why not find a time when you can pray with them? Of course we always pray for our own families. But why not this Tuesday make it a day of fasting as you pray for your loved ones. 

But why fast? Consider a new reason. Have you heard of autophagy? 

“Autophagy is the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells, according to Priya Khorana, PhD, in nutrition education from Columbia University. . . . Autophagy is [a] . . . self-preservation mechanism through which the body can remove the dysfunctional cells and recycle parts of them toward cellular repair and cleaning, according to board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Luiza Petre. Petre explains that the purpose of autophagy is to remove debris and self-regulate back to optimal smooth function. 'It is recycling and cleaning at the same time, just like hitting a reset button to your body. Plus, it promotes survival and adaptation as a response to various stressors and toxins accumulated in our cells,’ she adds” (www.healthline.com/health/autophagy).

What’s all this have to do with First Tuesdays and fasting? “Fasting is [the] most effective way to trigger autophagy,” explains Petre. And what are the benefits of autophagy through fasting?

“The main benefits of autophagy seem to come in the form of anti-aging principles. In fact, Petre says it’s best known as the body’s way of turning the clock back and creating younger cells. Khorana points out that when our cells are stressed, autophagy is increased in order to protect us, which helps enhance your lifespan. . . . At the cellular level, Petre says the benefits of autophagy include:

• removing toxic proteins from the cells that are attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
•  recycling residual proteins
•  providing energy and building blocks for cells that could still benefit from repair
•  on a larger scale, it prompts regeneration and healthy cells” (ibid, emphasis supplied).

But fasting isn’t for everyone. “You need to consult your doctor if you’re taking any medications, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or wish to become pregnant, or have a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. Khorana cautions that you’re not encouraged to fast if you fall into any of the above categories” (ibid).

Thus fasting offers both spiritual and physiological blessings for those who seek God through prayer.

This First Tuesday, come join the spiritual adventure of interceding for Heaven’s blessings for the people of Africa and our families. Jesus promises us: “If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him daily?” (see Luke 11:13).

Feature Announcement

2020 Andrews University
Passion Play

The Andrews University Passion Play is returning to campus on April 11, 2020! Anyone interested in acting is encouraged to sign up on the website: passionplay.andrews.edu. Additionally, interested volunteers may contact the Drama Director Katharina Burghardt for more information at katharina@andrews.edu. Please join us in telling Jesus' story this Easter!

Feature Announcement

Our United Cry: Lake Union Prayer Conference

The purpose of this event is to see fulfilled in the year 2020 the following appeal made by Ellen White: "Could there be a convocation of all the churches on earth, the object of their united cry should be for the Holy Spirit. When we have that, Christ our sufficiency is ever present, we shall have every want supplied. We shall have the mind of Christ." (MR - 240, letter 114, 1894)

As church members from around the world prepare to assemble together in 2020 for the next General Conference session in Indianapolis the Lake Union is coordinating in that city a prayer conference on March 6 and 7, 2020, with the purpose to pray for an outpouring of His Holy Spirit to fall on our pastors, teachers, lay leaders, schools, hospitals, and the leadership of conferences, unions, and world divisions. 

Visit www.ourunitedcry.org to register for this event.