Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.

Offering

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
Saturday, November 02, 2013

More In This Series

11/09/2013
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series
11/16/2013
Part 3 of a 3 Part Series

“Don’t Cry but Do”

www.pmchurch.tv

□ Bono

  •   “ Africans are dying each day of preventable, treatable diseases—

    AIDS, malaria, TB—for lack of drugs that we take for granted. This statistic alone makes a fool of the idea many of us hold on to very tightly: the idea of equality. . . . Deep down, if we really accept that their lives—African lives—are to ours, we would all be doing more to put the fire out. It’s an uncomfortable truth.”

  •   “We can be the generation that no longer accepts that an of latitude determines whether a child lives or dies—but will we be that generation? . . . We can’t say our generation didn’t know how to do it. We can’t say our generation couldn’t afford it. And we can’t say our generation didn’t have reason to do it. It’s up to us.” (In Richard Stearn’s The Hole in Our Gospel 104, 105)

□ Jesus

  •   PORTRAIT #1
    •   Luke 19:41—“As he saw the city, he over it.”
    •   The Great Controversy: “. . . the world’s Redeemer was overwhelmed with a sudden

      and mysterious sorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of Israel, whose power had conquered death and called its captives from the grave, was , not of ordinary grief, but of intense, irrepressible agony. His tears were not for Himself, though He well knew whither His feet were tending. Before Him lay Gethsemane, the scene of His approaching agony. . . . Not far distant was Calvary, the place of crucifixion. . . . Yet it was not the contemplation of these scenes that cast the shadow upon Him in this hour of gladness. No foreboding of His own superhuman anguish clouded that unselfish spirit. He wept for the doomed thousands of Jerusalem. . . .The Majesty of heaven in tears! the Son of the infinite God troubled in spirit, bowed down with anguish! The scene filled all heaven with wonder.” (18, 22)

    •   He weeps over a city and a world.
    •   We must come to the place where what the heart of God

      our hearts, too.

    •   Portrait #1—God over the lost.
  •   PORTRAIT #2
    •   Luke 15:5-7, 9-10, 22-24
    •   Henri Nouwen: “ belongs to God's Kingdom. God not only

      offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing, but wants to lift up these gifts as a source of joy for all who witness them. In all three of the parables which Jesus tells to explain why he eats with sinners, God rejoices and invites others to rejoice with him. . . . All these voices [of the shepherd, the woman, the father] are the voices of God. God does not want to keep his joy to himself. He wants everyone to share in it. God’s joy is the joy of his angels and his saints; it is the joy of all who belong to the Kingdom.” (The Return of the Prodigal Son 113, 114)

    •   Portrait #2—God over the found.
    •   We must come to the place where what the heart of God

      our hearts, too..

    •   And what is it that breaks and then elates God’s heart?
  •   Just look at Jesus—heartbroken over the and ecstatic over the !

  It’s the truth about God—because of the lost and the found, He lives with a , heart.

 Earth’s death rate—2/sec, 120/min, 7200/hr, 172,800/day
 How many of those are going to a Christless grave?

  •   “O God, please give me Your happy, broken heart.”

  John Wesley:

Do all the you can,

By all the you can,

In all the you can,

In all the you can,

At all the you can,

To all the you can,

As long as you .

Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang

Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.

Pastor Ben's Farewell Putlock

Please join us in celebrating with Pastor Ben Martin for more than 10 years of ministry at Pioneer for a farewell potluck for on Sabbath, October 25 following second service, in the church commons. His last day with Pioneer will be October 31 and will be starting as the Pastor at the Stevensville SDA church later. 
 

Pioneer Jam Session

Pioneer Jam Session will occur on the 1st Sabbath of each month at Pioneer. If you like to sing or play, just come and join in to worship. Sabbath 4:00-6:00

Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar

Did you lose something? Or someone?  Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.

Follow Me A Weekend of Discipleship

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

This weekend, we’ll explore the heart of discipleship—what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows. Through the ups and downs that define student life today—academic stress, identity questions, friendships, family tension, and digital noise—we’ll explore what following Christ really looks like. Not in theory, but in real life. In your life.

Jesus said, “Follow Me.” That’s more than a call—it’s a collision with everything else competing for your attention. It’s not about perfect performance or polished faith. It’s a radical invitation to walk with Jesus wherever He leads, no matter the cost. And it will cost you. Comfort. Control. Maybe even popularity. But what you gain is far greater—life with the King, purpose that doesn't fade, and hope that holds in every storm.

The question is not just, “Is He calling?”
The question is: How will you respond?

Please join Pioneer and GYC for a special weekend series October 24 and 25 to learn more.

Announcing Honduras mission trip

Do you love serving children? If so please prayerfully consider joining the  Pioneer Youth Mission team of college students and church members. We will be serving at the Hogar de Niños in Honduras from January 2-12, 2026. Question, contact Scott Schalk or Glenn Russell at glenn@andrews.edu

Help Pack 7,000 Bags for Christmas Behind Bars

On Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9 am in Johnson Gym, 400 people will have the opportunity to help pack 7,000 bags for our Christmas Behind Bars event. Join us for this fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly event sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Church and Andrews University. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/H9pHrvudPiex8yns5 (Your presence and invitation to others helps to support our strategic initiatives for PIONEER.) 

Howard Center Presents: Reggie & Ladye Love Smith

Reggie and Ladye Love Smith are two of the world’s most sought-after vocalists. They have been performing as part of the award-winning “Gaither Gospel Series” which airs weekly on television networks all over North America and Europe. Reggie is currently a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and Lady is touring with the band as a soloist on their nationwide tours. With unending energy, plus a wealth of talent and a genuinely sweet spirit, this couple makes beautiful music wherever they go. Join us at the Howard Performing Arts Center on November 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm and enjoy an exceptional evening of Christian music. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.

Pizza and Parables

Pizza & Parables, Where faith meets flavor! Every Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, high school students are invited for pizza, Bible study, and friends. Come hungry for both food and the Word! Meet in the Pioneer Youth Chapel.

Free 4D Ultrasound

The Lake Michigan College Sonography Program at the Benton Harbor campus is offering a free 4D Ultrasound for pregnant volunteers. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in October and November. Volunteers must be between 21 and 35 weeks at time of scan. This free opportunity helps to support the LMC sonography students.

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