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Stories in the Rearview Mirror

Why I Believe in the ‘1000 Man March’ After Ferguson

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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

In 1832, a man named Joseph Bates decided in the sight of God that he must take a stand for those who were oppressed. The world has changed much since then, but one thing remains: The oppressed are still with us. What can we learn today from the stance taken by that old sea captain so many years ago?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
I’m Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Donald Hustad
Hello
Praise
This Is Amazing Grace
From The Inside Out
Mighty To Save
Create In Me A Clean Heart
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
Children’s Story
Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love
Ghanaian Traditional / Robert Powell
Worship in Music
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?
African-American Spiritual
Sermon
"Why I Believe in the ‘1000 Man March’ After Ferguson”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Closing Hymn
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian • 319
As We Depart
March (Occasional Oratorio)
George Frideric Handel

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02/28/2015
Ellen White and Why I Believe in the Ordination of Women
In the 19th century, a young woman was called by God to a ministry that would eventually become a worldwide movement. What does her legacy mean for us today?
02/21/2015
Why I Believe There's an App and a Kiosk that Connect to Heaven
"We entered upon this work penniless, with few friends, and broken in health.” - James White. What does a God who sacrificed all for His children ask of those who wish to follow Him today?
01/31/2015
Why I Believe These 70 Small Companies Are Greater Than the Fortune 500
Deep in the heart of an unknown Asian country lives one of the most explosive spiritual growth movements on the planet. What is their secret and how can we apply it to our own lives right now?
01/24/2015
Go BIG or Go Home
On Sept. 26, 1874 the first Adventist missionary set foot on the shores of Europe. It was the first step towards building what would become a global movement. What step should we take today?
01/10/2015
Why I Believe We’re Running Out of Time
As we enter into a new year, we see a world still fraught with the troubles and turmoil of the year just ended. Yet if we dig even further into history, we find a small band of devoted Christ followers living in the United States who were willing to sacrifice all for His kingdom. What lessons can we glean from them as we begin a new chapter of our own?
All Sermons
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“Stories in the Rearview Mirror:

Why I Believe in the ‘1000 Man March’

After Ferguson”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • Joseph Bates
    • “About the close of 1831, and commencement of 1832, antislavery societies began to be organized again in the United States, advocating immediate emancipation. . . . I then began to feel the importance of taking a decided stand on the side of the oppressed. My labor in the cause of temperance had caused a pretty thorough sifting of my friends, and I felt that I had no more [friends] that I wished to part with; but duty was clear that I could not be a consistent Christian if I stood on the side of the oppressor, for God was not there. Neither could I claim his promises if I stood on neutral ground. Hence my only alternative was to plead for the slave, and thus I decided.” (Autobiography of Joseph Bates 235-236)
  • Apostle Paul
    • Philemon 8-9, 12-16
    • “I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.”
  • Ellen White
    •       “In the past, some attempts have been made to present the truth to the colored people, but those among the white people who claim to believe the truth have wanted to build a high between themselves and the colored race. We have one , who died for the black man, as well as for the white. Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have pity and love for all who know not the precious Saviour. They will labor to the utmost of their ability to wipe away the reproach of ignorance from white and black alike. . . .

“The colored people have been neglected because the vexed question of how to build a wall of between the whites and the blacks has been in agitation. Some have thought it the best way to reach the white people first, for if we should labor for the colored people we could do nothing for the white population. This is not the right position to assume. Christ’s followers are to learn all about the woes of the in their immediate vicinity and in their own country, be they white or black. The poor, friendless, untaught colored people need our assistance because they are ignorant and friendless. Those who have a dark, disagreeable life are the very ones whom we should bid to hope because Christ is their Saviour. God has jewels in the rough, and His true followers will find them. All who possess the spirit of Christ will have a tender, sympathetic heart, and an open, generous hand.

“Those who press close to the bleeding side of Christ will have the spirit of Christ, and a nature that will be quickly responsive to His  call. They will work to relieve the necessities of suffering humanity, as Christ worked, while, before the world fallen, the worlds unfallen, and all the heavenly host, He was representing the ways and works of God. In the life of Christ we see what a Christian can do in relieving the distressed, binding up their physical and spiritual wants.” (Letter 5, July 24, 1895/Manuscript Releases 4:2-4)

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963)

 

“I appeal to you on the basis of love.”

 

Offering for October 18, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

My wife and I have the privilege of conducting discipleship training for pastors and church members around the country, speaking to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

One of these encounters with the Samoan community left a lasting impression on us. What struck us most was their deep respect for pastors and elders, a reverence that is almost akin to the honor bestowed upon royalty. The younger members serve the adults first during potluck with a unique level of respect towards their pastors, treating them with reverence.

This act of respect wasn't just a duty, but a privilege and joy.

Reflecting on this cultural practice, it made us ponder upon the importance of prioritizing Christ in everything we do. We believe that when our actions and intentions demonstrate the highest respect for Him they are a form of worship that deeply touches His heart.

He is blessed when we worship Him, when we voice our praise, and when we present Him with our offerings of love.

“It is the humble, grateful, reverential heart that makes the offering as a sweet-smelling savor, acceptable to God” (Our High Calling, p.197).

It is this act of giving with love that truly counts. It is not about the monetary value of what we give but the intention of our hearts. Today, let’s put God first in our lives through our tithes and offerings.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

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.

Graduate and Young Professionals Sabbath School

 We are launching our Graduate/Young Professional Sabbath School on October 18th. The class will be held in the Student Center's leadership lab. If you have any questions contact Chaplain Jacob Gibbs.

Andrews Academy Alumni Weekend October 17 & 18

Andrews Academy invites you to ALUMNI WEEKEND, October 17-19, 2025. Come and reunite with your AA family. Remember the defining moments of your past and reconnect with old friends. We look forward to seeing all of you once again at our Alumni Reunion! (All are invited, this year’s honored classes end in 5 and 0). 

 

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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