February 2023 Column

Conversation Columns

Relationships

Betrothed!

“I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20.

It’s the most refreshing feeling to have when you are overtaken by someone’s love for you; the thought that someone chooses you to be a part of their life. It’s easy to only think of this along the lines of a husband-and-wife relationship. Yet, there is an array of relationships that nestles into this thriving space. Have you ever thought of where that type of relationship began? You guessed right, in heaven. The Godhead desired us and chose us for Him, Jesus. He came here not only as a Bridegroom but as a Son, a brother, a friend, and a teacher; addressing every relationship that we know of. What’s even fascinating in this; there is no lack in the relationships He exhibits here on earth.

We were created along the lines of relationship because our God is a relational being. Hosea 2:19-20 highlights the thriving relationship He has with us and the relationship we can have. Betroth in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, mercy, and faithfulness. Doesn’t that make you all warm and fuzzy inside? God pledges Himself for you in the form of Jesus. The word betroth in origin was “Betruth” which later changed to Betroth. In other words, the thriving relationship then and in this day and age is founded on being true to one another as Christ was to us. Are we able to mirror such a thriving relationship? What does that look like practically? Do we feel this is true for us or it is for someone else only?

Questions for Discussion

Are we able to mirror such a thriving relationship?

What does that look like practically?

Do we feel this is true for us or it is for someone else only?

“And you shall know the LORD” whose knowledge of God in Christ is eternal life. This knowledge follows as a result of loving God because God first loved us.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 depicts one out of the many examples of how we can love and the results to when we best relate in any community we find ourselves in. It is not about what we get but more so what we can offer. This is the relationship shown to us in John 15:13 which says “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.

We were chosen and there is no lack when it comes to our personal relationship with the Lord; after all, He betrothed us in His character. May we rest in the promise given in Hosea 2:19-20.

 

Contributors

Editor
Xiomara Perdomo

Xiomara Perdomo

Assistant to the President for Mission

Writer
Mechee Cherine

Mechee Cherine

Chapters Director

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Keynote Speaker

Benjamin Lundquist, host of Rise & Lead, will headline 2023 AYP Convention.

Benjamin Lundquist is a top motivational speaker and one the leading voices for leadership development and empowerment. He is passionate about helping students and professionals see their worth and value, see themselves as a leader, and see their potential to change the world. The message he shares is motivating, relatable, and highly practical. Audiences are challenged to take extreme ownership of the unique gifts and opportunities they have. He is an international speaker and host of Rise and Lead Podcast which has been downloaded in over 110 countries providing aspiring and experienced leaders of all ages with world-class content and conversation. He frequently speaks at corporate and faith events, universities, and high schools.

Identity in Christ | Breakout Track

April is currently an associate pastor for discipleship at Keene SDA church. She is enrolled in a dual graduate program for Public Health and MDIV chaplaincy. She enjoys working with different ministries that highlight service, hospitality, and life enrichment. 

Her hobbies include traveling, reading, music, and extreme sports. An introvert at heart, she enjoys moments with close friends and in the quiet. Her and her husband, Blake Snyder reside in Burleson, Texas.

Purpose & Calling | Breakout Track

Ann Roda likes to describe her life as one long adventure with God. She began her career as a registered nurse in OB then transitioned into healthcare administration. Then, God unexpectedly redirected her path to the Adventist Theological Seminary, for an MDiv, and into pastoral ministry. She spent 15 years as a church pastor in Marietta, Georgia and Fulton, Maryland. Six years ago, God had another adventure for Ann, and called her back into the health care ministry, serving with Adventist HealthCare as Vice President for Mission and Spiritual Care. 

This position is the perfect combination of both pastoral ministry and health care. Ann is married to Jose Hernandez, a licensed professional counselor. Ann and her husband enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling.

Relationships | Breakout Track

Stephen and Felecia Lee are partners in the mission. They share a mutual passion for young adult ministries and using their talents to share the Gospel online and through speaking engagements. Stephen helps individuals and businesses function more efficiently through time management and productivity techniques. Felecia is a full-time homemaker and also the founder of the New Wives Club. 

In addition to this, she runs a program teaching women of color how to learn principles of faith through natural hair care. They live in New Hampshire and speak in different places on topics related to singleness, courtship, communication, evangelism, and faith.

Spiritual Health | Breakout Track

Shawn is passionate about generations coming together! She grew up in a four-generation family business and knows, from first-hand experience, that when people of all ages work together, everyone wins!

She has a B.S. in marketing from the University of Nebraska and is an award-winning sales and marketing professional. Her professional certifications include being a member of the John Maxwell Team and DISC Behavioral Consultant. Recently she published her first book “Strategies for Generational Inclusion at Work.”

Communities | Breakout Track

Michael Gibson currently serves as the Lead Pastor at the Keene SDA Church where he most previously served for four years as Pastor for Young Adults and lead Elevate, a growing and thriving young adult community in Keene. Michael is married to Melissa and they both enjoy the outdoors, long walks, and traveling to new, unexplored places. 

Most days, when he’s not teaching, preaching or studying, you’ll find him playing disc golf or working on home renovations with Melissa. They recently welcomed their son, Micah Eden, into the world last October and ever since, life has taken on a whole new meaning. Above all, Michael and Melissa have a passion for discipleship and telling others about the incredible God they serve. For them, the gospel boils down to loving God and loving people.