A Blessed Sabbath With Christ at the Center

Unexpected Blessings After Church

Sabbath 29/11/2025

Sister Sofonie Dala walked through the warm morning light with a familiar peace in her heart. It was another blessed Sabbath—a day she always dedicated fully to God, keeping Christ at the center of her life. On this Sabbath, she returned once again to the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Tunga-Ngo, a place where her spirit always found rest.

She loved the simplicity of the members, their humble smiles, and the reverence of their worship. There was something pure about the way they sang and marched, united in rhythm and purpose, like one body offering praise to the Creator.

This Sabbath was even more special. The youth choir led the march with their beautiful voices—without a piano, so that everyone could hear the natural sincerity and tone of their singing. Their harmonies flowed through the church like gentle waves of blessing.

Later, with instruments accompanying them, they sang their principal song—an inspiring melody that lifted the hearts of all who listened. It set the perfect tone for the day’s message.

Theme of the Sabbath: Stewardship

The central theme preached that morning was stewardship—a reminder that human beings are not owners, but caretakers of the blessings God places in our hands. Everything belongs to Him; we are merely administrators of His gifts.

As the preacher spoke, the words of Malaquias 3:8 and 10 resounded with renewed meaning:

“Roubará o homem a Deus? Todavia vós me roubais...

Trazei todos os dízimos à casa do tesouro, para que haja mantimento na minha casa, e depois fazei prova de mim, diz o Senhor dos Exércitos…”

A call to faithfulness. A call to trust. A call to remember that stewardship is not just about possessions—it's about the heart.

Unexpected Blessings After Church

But God was not finished blessing this Sabbath.

After the morning ceremony, Sister Sofonie welcomed two young visitors into her home—Leo and Milton, teenage boys from non-Adventist families. After lunch, they felt moved to share their testimonies, and Sofonie listened with the gentleness of someone who always tries to reflect Christ.

Leo’s Story: Seeds of Faith

Leo, now seventeen, had first come to the church as a small six-year-old boy. His mother attended another denomination, but the distance often kept her from bringing him along. During that time, a kind Adventist family from São Tomé and Príncipe—living in Angola—began picking him up each Sabbath to attend the Cavalo Branco SDA Church.

They studied the Bible with him in their home, nurturing his young heart with love and patience. And his family, instead of resisting, accepted his interest and never judged him.

From 2007–2008 onward, Leo grew in the Adventist faith. Now, as a young man, he is in the baptismal class, preparing to become an official member and serve God fully. The seed planted in him as a child had grown.

Milton’s Story: Hope in the Midst of Pain

Through Leo’s testimony, the Word continued to spread.

His friend Milton, also seventeen and from a non-Adventist family, had experienced deep sorrow. In the same year, he lost both his sister and his grandfather—a double tragedy that left him wounded and searching.

He attended another church with his family, but he felt spiritually empty. He noticed materialism among its leaders and favoritism toward wealthy members. His heart longed for sincerity, but instead he felt abandoned.

Then one day, Leo invited him to attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church he loved. Milton accepted—and immediately felt something different: peace, warmth, authenticity. He stayed. Week after week, he attended regularly. Today, Milton too is in the baptismal class, preparing to “enter the water,” serve God, and sow the message of hope he found.

A Truly Blessed Sabbath

As the sun set that day, Sister Sofonie reflected on all that had happened. From worship and song, to stewardship and testimony, the Sabbath had been rich with God’s presence. She felt thankful—thankful that Christ remained the center of her life, guiding her steps and using her home as a place of comfort for others.

Indeed, it was a very blessed Sabbath—one that reminded everyone that God is always working, always calling, and always planting seeds that will one day bear fruit for His kingdom.

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