We thank Bishop Isai Granwell of La Ceiba, Honduras for provision of training for UIMM’s pastors on March 4-5, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Out of the training, well attended, the theme was on “Waking Up in End Days”. Well received presentations were made also by Pastor Bob Monette and Bishop William Nicholson. All in all the Training event with Bishop Granwell speaking and translated by Sister Fabiana created an awareness of “the day and age”, the Church is living in just before the return of Jesus Christ! In light of worldwide darkness, an atmosphere of Sodom & Gomorrah, and in effect a Church sleeping that has lost its vision, what was learned is the importance of keeping awake, studying God’s Word, and moving forward to win the lost. Part of the end day Church is the fact it will be in a spirit of stupor, which means apathy, sleepiness. And the Bible warns us against falling into a spiritual “coma”. We can look like active Christians but in reality, we have dozed off spiritually and are “about to die.” When we keep turning a deaf ear or a blind eye to the Holy Spirit and grieve Him by the way we live, God will eventually send us a spirit of slumber to put us to sleep permanently – unless we choose to repent and strengthen what little faith we have left. An affliction of spiritual slumber can also manifest physically, with symptoms such as falling asleep during sermons, frequent forgetfulness, and constantly feeling lethargic, no matter how much sleep we have had. References that support this is Revelation 3:1-3; Romans 11:7-8; and Ephesians 4:30.
Since spiritual slumber can afflict individuals as well as entire church bodies, which we can see from Paul’s reminders to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica. Another key thought from Matthew 7:21, shared by Bishop Nicholson is the importance for all to remain in the Will of God, daily. It says, “Not all they who say, Lord Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven but only they that do the will of my father is heaven” was mentioned a number of times. Believers everywhere today must not allow the cares of the world, its allure and temptations to lull us to sleep. Many scriptures were looked at showing warnings of “falling asleep”!
During the conclusion of the training, “People to be Heard” was allowed. Many felt the Love of God was shown and a great feeling of Unity was felt. Thanksgiving was offered for the food provided, especially by Nellie Kiunya, Gloria Nose, and Theresa Bowlsl.
After the training event, a special “Waking Up in End Days” singspiration event was held, nightly, at the Anchorage Moravian Church.