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

OPENING MUSIC

“Wake, Awake! A Voice Is Calling”
Robert Hobby and Wayne Wold

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

“BEARERS OF LIGHT”: A HYMN CYCLE

“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” • 4
“The Lord Is My Light” • words 515, mel. 83
“We Would See Jesus” • 494, st. 1, 3
“Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” • 363, st. 1, 3

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

“Rescue the Perishing” • 367, st. 1

OFFERTORY

“Joy and Elation” • Cynthia Dobrinski

CHILDREN’S STORY

Tiago Rossendy, Andrews Univ. Graduate Student
Nathan Peña, RMES Student
Kudzani Mbaiwa, RMES Student

SCRIPTURE READING

Feno Hanitriniala Ravaoharisoa, Pioneer Member
Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Share Your Faith” • Donald Phillips

MESSAGE

“Mission: Impossible (Maybe)—Born for Battle—The Saga of a Peace-loving People”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CONNECT CARD

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” • words 609, tune 587

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Work, For the Night Is Coming” • Sharon Elery Rogers

 

OPENING MUSIC

“Wake, Awake! A Voice Is Calling” • Robert Hobby and Wayne Wold

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

PRAISE

“Ancient of Days / Days of Elijah”
“We Fall Down”

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

 

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Share Your Faith” • Donald Phillips

OFFERTORY

“Joy and Elation” • Cynthia Dobrinski

CHILDREN’S STORY

Tiago Rossendy, Andrews Univ. Graduate Student

PRAISE

“Goodness of God”
“Ancient Words”

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

MESSAGE

“Mission: Impossible (Maybe)—Born for Battle—The Saga of a Peace-loving People”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CONNECT CARD

 

CLOSING SONG“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” • words 609, tune 587

BLESSING

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Work, For the Night Is Coming” • Sharon Elery Rogers

 

Offering for April 18, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

The Bible makes this interesting analogy: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). Today, we are sitting in church because someone sharpened you and shared the gospel story. This is so true in the life of Riley. Anthony (the writer of this appeal) had driven for approximately an hour on a cold fall day to fulfill a stewardship weekend appointment he had with a small congregation. The service went well.

He preached on the topic, “It’s a matter of the heart.” After the hymn of consecration and the benediction, during the transition time before potluck, he chose to mingle and talk to people. He chose to start with brother Riley, who was sitting at the media booth. After introducing himself, he asked Riley if he was the one responsible for streaming. Anthony had brought with him a recorded instructional video on how to complete the newly designed tithe and offering envelope.

They didn’t get very far into that part of the conversation before Riley began to share with him how he started to attend the church. He identified three people who showed unwavering love and acceptance to him. He eventually got baptized.

Riley’s testimony reminds us of the words of Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness” (KJV). Let’s remember the job we have as a local church to sharpen each other. As we give to help our local church programs, may we experience and show God’s unrelenting love.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.