Julius R. Everett Sr., Burns Adventist Church pastor, and his wife Regina L. Spears-Everett, a physician, successfully made a powerful case for “blending” a six-week Bible prophecy Adventure in Revelation seminar with emotional healing and small group recovery classes. This approach redefined what it really means to call one’s self a Christian. It aroused those who were dead from a result of sin and emotional pain. A safe environment was created for individuals to learn the tools to undo thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors that undermine one’s peace, love, and joy in life.

Prior to the Bible prophecy seminar, we faced a distressing reality—our church was hurting. We suffered from years of excruciating emotional pain that effected our spiritual life. And so began a three-year journey to spiritual and emotional healing with family seminars, emotional recovery programs, and practical resources.

We declared 2005 to be “The Year of the Family” at the Burns Church in preparation for our Hope for the Family evangelism series in September. Our pastor spoke nightly with a free tongue! His mind was fresh! His heart was bubbling with joy as he blended the Bible prophecy messages of Revelation with emotional healing and recovery.

After only six weeks, more than 50 individuals accepted Jesus Christ as their loving Friend through baptism. They now continue their journey with Him as Healer, Lord, and Savior.

In the final analysis, evangelism is about relationships. According to Paul, the Gospel is not limited to Heaven and heavenly things; it is also vital in all areas of our life. There were valuable lessons learned in our journey! First, we had to face-up! Second, we learned God’s constant goal is to make us overcomers. Third, we learned that adding new members as laborers for Christ is primary! Fourth, we learned that when we apply Bible teachings to our personal struggles through suffering, emotional pain, and sin, while trusting in God's power, blessings do come and we are gloriously redefined.

A new model! A Gospel message of new relationships that God in Jesus Christ has inaugurated! I am one heart, still rejoicing!

Doris Gothard is a local church elder at the Burns Adventist Church in Detroit, Michigan.