Crescent City SDA Church

September 12, 2025
Have you ever had someone stop and ask, “Are you alright?” Maybe you were
carrying a burden, going through a tough week, or just feeling weighed down by
discouragement. Life presses hard at times, and we all know the feeling of
wondering how much more we can take.
When those moments come, it helps to remember that others have faced struggles
far greater than our own—and yet, by God’s grace, they endured.
One such person was Paul Alexander. In 1952, at just six years old, Paul contracted
polio during a severe outbreak in Texas. Within days he was paralyzed from the
neck down and unable to breathe on his own. Doctors placed him in a massive
machine called an iron lung—a tube that pushed air in and out of his body to keep
him alive. They told his parents he likely wouldn’t survive the night.
But Paul did survive. And not just for a few weeks or months—he lived inside that
iron lung for more than seventy years.
What is most inspiring is not simply that he lived, but how he lived. With a plastic
stick held in his mouth, Paul taught himself to write. He pursued an education,
earned a law degree, and practiced as an attorney. He even wrote his memoir,
typing each word painstakingly, one keystroke at a time.
Though confined to a machine, Paul refused to let his condition define his worth.
His courage and determination inspired people around the world. His story reminds
us that even within the harshest limits, the human spirit—strengthened by
perseverance—can shine with dignity and hope.
And that brings us back to our own prayers.
Have you ever asked God for patience? We usually imagine Him pouring patience
into our hearts instantly, like water filling a glass. But more often, He answers by
giving us opportunities to practice patience—in a long line, with a restless child, or
during an unexpected delay.
The same is true for courage. When we pray for courage, God rarely just hands it
to us fully formed. Instead, He places us in situations that require courage—
standing for truth when it’s unpopular, choosing integrity when compromise looks
easier, or speaking a word for Jesus when it feels uncomfortable.
James reminds us, “The testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:3).
Growth doesn’t happen in ease or comfort. Growth comes through challenge. Just
as muscles grow stronger when they are pushed against resistance, our spiritual
character is shaped through the trials that stretch us.

Ellen White expressed it this way: “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to
remove the impurities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters” (My Life
Today, p. 92). God doesn’t simply give us virtues—He molds us into people who
embody them.
So, the next time you pray for patience, courage, or strength, don’t be surprised if
the answer comes in the form of a challenge. That is not God ignoring your request
—it is Him answering in the way that will truly transform your life.

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Our Sabbath School and the Worship services are live and viewable via Zoom. Two
Adult Sabbath School classes are presented each week. One of them is viewable
via Zoom. The Junior/Earliteen Sabbath School class meets in the Pathfinder
Room. Cradle Roll and Kindergarten classes are available for younger children. If
you are unsure where the rooms or classes are being held, please don’t hesitate to
ask one of the greeters for directions.
The Worship service is in the Sanctuary and via Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID#
and Password are listed below.
Zoom access for Crescent City SDA Church meetings:
Meeting ID #: 993 5770 413
Password: 4642738
You can join by going to Zoom.us, click on join a meeting, and then enter the
Meeting ID # and password; or by dialing 1 669 900 9128, entering the meeting
ID# and password as prompted; or accessing through the Zoom app.
September 12, 2025 – September 19, 2025
Friday 12th Sunset 7:31 pm
Sabbath 13th Sabbath School 9:30 – 10:40 am
Church Worship Leader, Wilmer Hechanova 11:00 – 12:00 pm

Sermon, Rick Finley
Sunset 7:29 pm
Tuesday Bible Study on Genesis 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Wednesday Community Services 1:00 – 3:00 pm Dorcas
Prayer Group 5:00 – 6:00 pm Church

Bible Study "Focus on Prophecy” 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Attendance via Zoom is welcomed by request.

Friday 19th Sunset 7:18 pm
September 20, 2025 – Worship Leader, Wilmer Hechanova; Sermon, Carole Bliss
September 27, 2025 – Worship Leader, Bob Phang; Sermon, Verlyn Benson

(Communion)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Fellowship Luncheons are usually on the first Sabbath of the month, but
because of special Sabbath events, please note the weekly updates for any
changes.
Tithes and offerings are being collected during the 11:00 AM Worship service each
Sabbath. Other options include the locked offering box on the rear wall of the
Sanctuary, the link to Adventist Giving on our church website:
https://crescentcityca.adventistchurch.org or you can download the Adventist
Giving app. Tithes and offerings may also be mailed to Crescent City SDA
Church, P.O. Box 1905, Crescent City, CA 95531. Please designate where the
funds are to be deposited: tithe, church budget, Little Red School House
(School), special projects, etc.
Thank you for taking the time to be part of our church family, in person or via
media. Please reply to this email (or ccadventistchurch@gmail.com) if you have
specific prayer requests. The Prayer Ministry team is active and cares about your
needs—let us know!

______________________________

God doesn’t simply give us patience or courage—He gives us opportunities to live
them out. Every challenge is His loving way of shaping us into the likeness of
Jesus. So may we embrace trials as moments of growth, trusting His hand to guide
us, and may our lives reflect His character as we wait patiently, stand
courageously, and walk faithfully each day.
May you always remember that God is there for you, whether it feels like it or not,
Verlyn