Closer To Heaven
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By Amiel Tapeceria | 27 August 2026 | NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA — Nearly a decade after walking away from a promising television singing career in the Philippines, Seventh-day Adventist singer Jeramie Sanico Heitmann found herself back under the television lights this year, this time on one of Australia’s biggest singing competitions, The Voice Australia. […] Source: https://atoday.org/faith-under-the-spotlight-jeramie-sanico-heitmann-shines-on-the-voice/
Inside Story for Friday 28th of August 2026
By Kathie Lichtenwalter
“Even though as a boy I’d read all of Eric B. Hare’s* stories, I don’t think it ever occurred to me that I could be a missionary myself,” says Myron Iseminger, a missionary serving in Lebanon.
In the late 1970s, Myron’s sister declared she was taking a year off to volunteer as an English teacher in Japan. After a year in college as a theology major, Myron proposed his own volunteer experience to the Middle East. It was a decision that would steer the rest of his life.
“I thought it would be really neat to experience the Bible lands,” Myron says. “Besides, I thought it would give me some helpful ministerial experience. But I received much more. That year, my worldview began changing. I saw another culture, another way of thinking. I went to my students’ homes and listened to their stories, saw their personal grief. I began understanding life from another person’s perspective. I realized it’s easy to judge groups of people until you meet them one-on-one and come to love them.” Myron began sensing the call to long-term service for God overseas.
At the time, cross-cultural pastors didn’t appear to be in high demand, but Myron concluded if the world church budgeted funds for mission, finance officers would be needed to manage those funds. When he returned to college, he added a second major in business. It was another critical turn that would determine the direction of his life.
The advice a church leader shared with Myron also weighed on his mind: if you want to serve in a foreign country, make sure the woman you marry shares that same vision! Myron’s wife, Candace, had never been outside the United States when they married. “But she was willing,” Myron says. Together, they waited for a job opportunity overseas.
One day, a General Conference officer told Myron there was an opening in the Middle East for a treasurer. Soon, Myron and Candace were settling into an apartment in the Egypt Field office. It was hard work but rewarding. “I enjoyed being on the frontline of mission,” Myron says. “I liked contributing where there were limited resources. I enjoyed seeing the difference I could make, even though it was challenging.”
Myron would later serve in a variety of church offices.
It all seemed impossible to a little boy captivated by Eric B. Hare’s stories, but he can testify, “If we’re open to wherever God needs us, He works out our life direction much better than we could ever plan it.”
Your generous and systematic mission offerings help support the ministry of missionaries. Please give during Sabbath School.
Daily Lesson for Friday 28th of August 2026
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “The Message Heeded,” Pages 323–334, in The Acts of the Apostles.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carry the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protecting love. Such ones are living proof of the tender care of God.”—Ellen G. White, God’s Amazing Grace, p. 122.
“A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go.”—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 122.
“The apostle Paul found it necessary to reprove wrong in the church, but he did not lose his self-control in reproving error. He anxiously explains the reason of his action. How carefully he wrought so as to leave the impression that he was a friend of the erring! He made them understand that it cost him pain to give them pain. He left the impression upon their minds that his interest was identified with theirs.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1094.
Discussion Questions
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Coffee on Sabbath morning still triggers more tension in some Adventist circles than the actual sermon. The old arguments arrive on cue: Ellen White called it a stimulant that dulls the mind and weakens the will. The health message means something. Fair enough. Those warnings were not invented for drama. Yet the same church that […] Source: https://atoday.org/should-adventist-churches-serve-coffee-on-sabbath-morning/
"I’ll Never Turn Back No More" is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. With rich harmonies and joyful conviction, Les Chanticleer bring this spirited anthem to life, celebrating the decision to follow Jesus—no matter the cost. 🎶 This energizing performance from the General Conference Session is a testimony. Press play and be inspired to stand firm in your faith, moving forward with courage and never looking back. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyb6btQCYE
In this special episode of Unlocking Bible Answers, we explore the biblical gift of prophecy with Dwain N. Esmond, a leading scholar from the Ellen G. White Estate. With decades of expertise in studying the gift of prophecy and Ellen White's ministry, Esmond brings authoritative insight to common questions about what prophecy is, how to recognize true prophets, and Ellen White's role in Adventist faith and history. If you have questions, drop them in the comments below. Our team will do their best to respond. In this video, we explore key questions like: * What is the gift of prophecy according to the Bible?
* Is prophecy only about predicting the future, or does it have other purposes?
* What biblical tests can help us determine whether someone's prophetic ministry is genuine?
* What distinguishes a true prophet from a false prophet?
* If someone's predictions do not appear to come true, does that automatically make the person a false prophet?
* What is the difference between prophecy, inspiration, and ordinary spiritual guidance?
* Who was Ellen G. White, and what role did she play in the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
* Did Ellen White describe herself as a prophet?
* How do Seventh-day Adventists understand the relationship between Ellen White's writings and the Bible?
* Why do some people question Ellen White's credibility, and how should those concerns be examined fairly?
* According to Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:17–18, should we expect God to continue using the prophetic gift today and before Christ's return? Want to go deeper? Watch these related videos: Is Ellen G. White a Modern Prophet? – https://youtu.be/qtYFjOWBL_Y Gift of Prophecy [What is It?] – https://youtu.be/xdPLmZ7K4sQ Prophecy in the End Time [Should You Be Afraid of It?] – https://youtu.be/sumixb1fIqs Unlocking Bible Prophecies (Series) – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo8tgzOLsPqMwfAHSwFHU-Xx Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7PARtXl_7U
Bible verse of the day: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." — Lamentations 3:21-22 (NIV) Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting! This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
• How can we pray for you today?
• Where are you watching from?
• What are you thankful for? How has God answered your prayers?
Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and love—one prayer at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a prayer. 🔔
Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pr Dean Carlisle The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theadventistchurch
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/adventistchurch 👉 Want more prayer moments?
Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh-day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iZbFD5WMAc
News from New York City Students from the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale recently performed on a world stage, joining participating choruses, soloists, and full orchestra in New York City for a major musical debut. The students contributed to the world premiere of Psalmos, a newly commissioned Christian choral work by composer and conductor Mark […] Source: https://atoday.org/news-briefs-from-new-york-oregon-thailand-and-kenya/
Behind Madagascar’s beauty are millions of people facing poverty and limited access to basic healthcare. So AWR came closer, not just to serve, but to listen, build relationships and remind people that they are seen. Please pray for the people of Madagascar and for every heart this mission will reach. Discover more about AWR’s evangelistic work at awr.is/evangelism. #AWR360 Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7tzJzAUf7Qo
They came from different countries with different skills, but one shared purpose: to serve the people of Madagascar and share the love of Christ. Please pray for every missionary, every patient and every conversation during this outreach. See how AWR is sharing the Gospel around the world at awr.is/evangelism. #AWR360 #MadagascarForChrist Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0mcPuAv0Eg8
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
