East District Director Pastor Ismael Tiene last week called on church members to take the first steps in God’s mission field, saying God Himself will do the rest.
Preaching today during divine service at Sogavare Memorial SDA Church in Gerehu Stage 6, Pastor Ismael Tiene based his sermon on Exodus Chapter 14 under the theme “Move On” or “Going Forward”.
Reading from Exodus 14:15 “…Why do you cry to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” Pastor Tiene said no man has ever stopped time and that God calls people for a reason and purpose.
“There are time and reason for God to call us. God never makes mistakes,” he said.
Reflecting on the story of Moses and the Children of Israel at the Red Sea, Pastor Tiene said God chose one man to lead His people because He looks at the heart and consistency of a person.
He highlighted how the Israelites complained despite witnessing God’s power, saying they questioned whether they had been brought into the desert to die and claimed it would have been better to remain servants in Egypt.
Pastor Tiene reminded the congregation that Moses told the people not to fear because God would fight for them.
“The Lord will fight for you. Be still. Tell the Israelites to move on,” he said.
He said God’s army was already fighting on behalf of His people while they remained silent and obedient.
Pastor Tiene further reflected on the Song of Moses in Exodus 15, noting that after three days of joy and celebration, the Israelites again faced hardship when there was no water to drink.
“God’s calling is extraordinary. God is God of good times and bad times too,” he said.
“God allows challenges to come into our lives. The sweetness of God comes when we overcome temptations.”
Pastor Tiene also reflected on his eight-year tenure at the church after being posted there in 2014 before later joining Gordons SDA Church.
He spoke about social, spiritual and physical initiatives undertaken during his time at the church, including faith mission projects and baptism programs inspired by Matthew 28:18-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.”
He encouraged members to continue advancing God’s mission with faith and courage.
“We have to take the first steps, and God will take the rest,” Pastor Tiene said.