by Pr Eugene Carolus
The "Unlocking Bible Truth" seminar, a collaborative effort between the Cape Conference (CC), the Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU) and the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SID), held from September to December 2023 in the Western Region of the Cape Conference, was a profound exploration of the Scriptures, aimed at providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Biblical truths. Hosted by 98 local churches in the Western Cape, the seminar was presented in five different languages, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, all eager to delve into the richness of the Bible.
The central theme of the seminar was to unlock and comprehend the profound truths embedded in the Bible. The event aimed to empower attendees to engage with the Scriptures on a more profound level, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
The seminar was based on three promises: (1) The Bible will be our textbook (2) The Bible will interpret itself (3) We will see God’s love in every presentation.
The seminar featured a series of 15 engaging presentations with each presentation having a Discovery Bible Lesson as a study guide. The presentations were led by seasoned speakers, pastors and laity from the SID, SAU and CC. The topics covered a wide range of Biblical subjects, including: “Who is Jesus?” “Can We Trust the Bible?” “Why So Much Suffering?” and “What Does the Future Hold?”
The "Unlocking Bible Truth" seminar was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired, informed, and equipped with valuable tools to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures. The event not only provided intellectual insights but also allowed attendees to make eternal decisions to follow Christ through baptism. The impact of this seminar is expected to resonate within the participants' lives, churches, and communities for years to come.
As we gather our thoughts in the aftermath of the "Unlocking Bible Truth" seminar, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for the incredible journey we embarked on together. On behalf of the Cape Conference, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was part of making this event a success. A special note of appreciation goes out to our presenters from the SAU and SID, the CC Pastors, Personal Ministries Leaders and volunteers and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
May the Lord’s Name be glorified and may our efforts in 2023 usher in the soon return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Statistics
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No. of Campaigns/Churches - 98/238 (41%)
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No. of Districts Involved - 20/25 (80%)
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Non-Adventist’s Attending - 2314
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Decisions Made - 580
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Baptisms - 589
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CC Financial Contribution - R400 000
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SAU Financial Contribution - R600 000
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Total Spent - R 964 712
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Languages - English, French, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Chichewa
