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 2 of a 4 Part Series
Saturday, April 06, 2013

More In This Series

The Secret of the Seed: Unleashing the Divine Potential in You”—2

www.pmchurch.tv

□ One Verse

  • Ecclesiastes 11:1 NIV—“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.”

□ Three Calls

  • #1—a call from God to international students
  • #2—a call from God to all
    •   “The home missionary work [work for Christ at home] will be farther advanced in every way when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is manifested for the prosperity of foreign missions [work for Christ across the sea]; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off.” (Christian Service 170)
    •   Sabbath School Missions: www.pmchurch.org (click on to “adventist giving”)
    •   Adventist Frontier Missions: www.afmonline.org
    •   REACH International: www.reach.org
    •   Quiet Hour: www.qhministries.org
    •   Student Missions: www.andrews.edu/cm/change/missions
  •   #3—a call from God to a select group

 Hudson Taylor:
“How are we going to treat the Lord Jesus Christ with reference to this command [Mark 16:15—‘Go to every creature’]? Shall we definitely drop the title Lord as applied to Him, and take the ground that we are quite willing to recognize Him as our Savior, so far as the penalty of sin is concerned, but are not prepared to own ourselves ‘bought with a price’ (1 Cor 6:20), or Him as having any claim to our unquestioning obedience? Shall we say that we are our own masters, willing to yield something as His due, who bought us with His blood, provided He does not ask too much ? Our lives, our loved ones, our possessions are our own, not His; we will give Him what we think fit, and obey any of His requirements that do not demand too great a sacrifice? To be taken to heaven by Jesus Christ we are more than willing, but we will not have this Man to reign over us [Luke 19:14]?

“The heart of every Christian will undoubtedly reject the proposition, so formulated ; but have not countless lives in each generation been lived as though it were proper ground to take? How few of the Lord's people have practically recognized the truth that Christ is either Lord of all, or is not Lord at all! If we can judge God's Word instead of being judged by that Word, if we can give to God as much or as little as we like, then we are lords and He is the indebted one, to be grateful for our dole and obliged by our compliance with His wishes. If, on the other hand, He is Lord, let us treat Him as such. `Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?’ (Luke 6:46).” (Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor 375-376)

 Will you go?

The Secret of the Seed:
The farther away the planting, the greater by far the reaping. 

Update on Pastoral Transition at Pioneer

We at Pioneer were richly blessed by the ministry of Pastor Ben Martin. Unfortunately, due to tithe shortfalls (not at Pioneer, but in other portions of the conference), Michigan Conference administration has determined that his position will not be filled at this time. Please combine your prayers and patience with mine as we work to cover Pastor Ben’s duties with existing pastoral staff members and volunteers. - Pastor Shane

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will not be any fellowship dinner this Sabbath.

Honduras Mission Team January 2026

The Pioneer Youth Missions team is getting ready for the January 2-12 project in Honduras. The team will be conducting a camp directed by Scott Schalk for about 100 children from the Hogar de Niños and the surrounding community. Additionally there will be many worships, activities and projects at the children's home. Your financial support and prayers are requested. For more information, contact Glenn Russell (glenn@andrews.edu)

Belong: Soup for Students

 Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up

Belong: Angel Tree

This holiday season, help make Christmas special for a student/student family by selecting a card from one of the Christmas trees at church. Each card includes a family’s list of needs and wishes—simply choose a card, shop, and deliver your items by December 14th. No need to wrap—we’ll handle that for you! Let’s spread joy together with Belong Ministries this Christmas!

Spring Semester GROW Groups

Spring semester GROW Groups will begin the 1st week of February. If you would like to lead a group please text LEAD to 269-281-2345 or click the link below to submit the attached form on or before December 15. https://pmchurch.org/ministries/growgroups/register

Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025

Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11.  He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family 

Offering for November 22, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

I remember the moment when my wife and I said, “I do” on our wedding day. We made a covenant promise and pledge before God that we would love and be faithful and true to each other. We expressed this covenant of love with words, actions, and gifts to each other! The day we all accepted the Lord, we too made a covenant of love with Him. We honor Him when we take time to worship Him and share His love with others by acts of kindness. But another way we develop our relationship with God and honor and glorify Him is when we return our gifts of time, talents, and our tithes and offerings to Him. "The Lord made a special covenant with men, that if they would regularly set apart the portion designated for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, the Lord would bless them abundantly, so there would not be room to receive His gifts" (Counsels on Stewardship, p.77).

God has given us this opportunity to enter into a partnership with the Ruler of the universe who is not only interested in the orderly operation of the great galaxies of heaven but also interested in every detail of our lives. Have you set aside your gifts for Him today? Let’s support the ministries around our conference that help people learn more about our God of love.

—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Happy Health Cooking Demonstration

The Happy, Healthy Holiday 2025 Cooking demonstration will be on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM in the Youth Chapel, with samples for everyone downstairs. They are featuring vegan foods suitable for festive events. This event is being co-hosted by Pioneer Health and Wellness, Healthy Together Friends, and RMES Home and School. To register text "FOOD" to 269-281-2345. Questions: please contact Evelyn Kissinger at evelynkissinger@gmail.com.

Pioneer Women's Ministries 2025 Advent Devotionals

Pioneer Women’s Ministries’ Advent devotionals will highlight a few of the promises of Jesus. To receive the “Red Letter Promises” daily devotionals by email for the first 25 days of December, text the word “ADVENT” to 269-281-2345. You can also receive a short daily text message preview of each day's devotional by providing your cell phone number when you register. We pray you will sense the nearness of Jesus during this holy season through these devotionals.

Pages