A Worldwide Connection

In God’s Church, we come from many different places across the USA and around the world, forming a truly international community. Though we have different backgrounds, different life stories, different friends and family, one thing unites us and binds us together: our devotion to and our faith in God and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. As Ephesians 4:4-6 reminds us, 

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” 

Although we are individuals within the Church, we are one spiritual family, helping and encouraging each other not only every Sabbath, but every day. We have a vast support network that spans the entire world through prayers, cards and letters of encouragement, connecting us in love and fellowship wherever we are.

The friendships and bonds we form at Church will be with us for the rest of our lives. God gives us the opportunity and ability to connect with such a wide range of people who will share the promises of God. As Revelation 7:9 describes: 

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” 

This amazing scripture reveals just how far-reaching God’s promises are. 

Quickly, imagine a life without attending Sabbath services every week, the Feast every year, camps every summer. How does that make you feel? For me, it is a life I could never imagine. Like you, these events and observances have been engrained in my mind from a very young age, inspiring and motivating me throughout my entire life. 

We look forward to every Sabbath not only because it gives us a chance to rest and grow closer to God, but also because it allows us to draw closer to each other. The same is true for the Feast each year. We are so lucky to have a special week where we can gather together in places God has chosen, to see friends we might not see regularly, and to catch up and strengthen our relationships with each other. 

Camp is another great example, bringing youth together from across the country and around the world, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about God and each other. We look forward to every Sabbath, Feast and summer, looking forward to seeing each other again, catching up, sharing hugs and spending time together, all while spending time with God. This excites us and is an incredible blessing from God, giving us these chances to reconnect and build close, lasting relationships. 

Our calling is not only the promise of becoming sons and daughters of God but also the privilege of having spiritual brothers and sisters around the globe. Just as it is difficult to imagine a life with no Sabbaths, feasts or camps, it is equally hard imagining a life without our best friends. Whether we have known them our entire life, or new friends we’ve made over the summer. 

Whoever they may be, imagining life without them feels impossible. If you really think about it, the best friends we have now are people we might never have met without God’s presence in our life. We must be grateful every day for the friendships we have and for the deep connection we share through the faith.

Another exciting aspect of being in God’s spiritual family is knowing we have brothers and sisters across the entire world all believing the same things we do. Anywhere we go, we can search out our fellow Christians, which is such a great privilege and blessing that enriches our life. 

Attending Feasts with international brethren, connecting with them, and then being able to visit them at a later time has been something I’ve been so privileged to experience many times throughout the past few years. While it may seem scary meeting new people from different countries or visiting those countries, God tells us that we are all the same in Christ. 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

This scripture reveals the great unifying factor that is at the heart of God’s plan for us. In a world where God’s laws have been replaced by human reasoning, we must remember we are not citizens of this world, or any earthly nation. Instead, we belong to a higher citizenship. 

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). 

We are all fellow citizens in God’s kingdom. 

Every time we go to church, the Feast, summer camp, or whenever we are with fellow brethren, we have the opportunity to appreciate the blessing of belonging to God’s spiritual family.

However, maintaining connections after Feasts or camps can be challenging even though we’ve developed close friendships. Fortunately, we live in an age of increased connection around the world, with many opportunities to stay in touch. 

We can pick up our laptop or phone and text our friends. Texting is a wonderful way to stay in touch, but it can lose the human element of conversation. Instead of just texting someone, make an effort to pick up the phone and call your friends, or organize a group call with those you met at the Feast or camp.

Hearing a close friend’s voice does wonders. It reminds us of the good times we’ve had together and helps us look forward to the times ahead when we will be together again.  

Another practical way to stay connected is to cherish the friends who are right there in your congregation or in a nearby city or state. Make plans to see each other often. Organize activities after church or outside of the Sabbath. Don’t neglect the friends who are close, and don’t forget about those who are far away. Look ahead to the future and appreciate the times you will be able to see your friends again, whether in this life or in the coming Kingdom of God. God wants us to be together as a godly family. You can do that now by staying connected, making an effort to see brethren and friends, and not letting opportunities to build friendships pass you by.

Remember, you have family in every corner of the world. Whether in your hometown or far away across Asia or Australia, there are always people who love God’s way and want to connect with you. God blesses us with friends and loved ones throughout this worldwide connection, reminding us of the support and fellowship we share on the journey.