Happy Sabbath - The most awaited trip

 

✨ A Blessed Sabbath in Luanda ✨

On Sabbath, 22 November 2025, the Seventh-day Adventist Central Church of Luanda awakened with an unusual glow. From the early morning hours, the streets around the church filled with vibrant colors, joyful laughter, and the warm footsteps of families arriving for a long-awaited day: The Children’s Celebration — The Congress of Children, crowned by “the most awaited trip” that had filled young hearts with excitement all week.

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A Sanctuary Overflowing With Praise

By the time the divine service began, the church was overflowing. Every row, balcony, and corner held believers, visitors, families, and even special guests—pastors from other provinces had traveled long distances to attend. The atmosphere became even more solemn when the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Angola took the pulpit to preach the Word of God.

The children were radiant. They wore beautiful African costumes, colorful like a garden touched by the morning sun. Their songs rose with innocence and purity, filling the sanctuary with melodies that felt like they came straight from heaven. They recited verses, preached short messages, and lifted their voices in ways that touched even the oldest hearts in the room.

Sister Sofonie Dala Returns Among Her People

Among the congregation stood Sister Sofonie Dala, her heart overflowing with gratitude. She had not been to the Central Young Church for one full year, yet stepping inside felt like stepping home. She joined the choir of hundreds of young people—voices lifted together, praising the Lord with strength and unity.

Watching the familiar choir march down the aisle, Sofonie felt the warmth of belonging. The drums, the harmonies, the African rhythms blending with spiritual hymns—everything reminded her of God’s faithfulness throughout her journey.

A Holy Mission: Protecting God’s Little Ones

The theme of this special Sabbath was Child Rights and Child Protection. The church stood boldly in its mission, raising awareness about the duty God has given His people:

to defend children, denounce abuse, and protect them both in the home and outside of it.

Speakers reminded the congregation that the church must not remain silent in the face of suffering. Children are treasures entrusted to humanity by God, and ensuring their safety is not only a social responsibility—it is a spiritual mandate.

📖 Biblical Support for the Church’s Mission to Protect Children

1. God Values Children Deeply

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 19:14

2. God Warns Against Harming or Neglecting Them

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck…”
— Matthew 18:6

3. The Church is Called to Defend the Vulnerable

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
— Proverbs 31:8

4. Children Are a Gift From the Lord

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward.”
— Psalm 127:3

5. God’s People Must Fight Injustice

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
— Isaiah 1:17

🌿 A Sabbath to Remember

After the ceremony, Sister Sofonie Dala walked away from the Central Church feeling renewed. The songs of the children echoed in her mind, their prayers lingered in her heart, and the message of protection and love felt like a divine calling.

This was not just another Sabbath.

It was a holy reminder:

God loves His children.

God protects His children.

And the church must always stand as a shield of light for them.

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