Indiana—The church pews filled to overflowing as more than 30 nations were represented at Glendale Church's second annual International Day in Oct. The service began with a most impressive Parade of Nations as various members from this multi-cultural congregation marched down the center aisle carrying flags from their respective home countries. It was a beautiful sight as they gathered on stage to celebrate this year's theme: Strengthened by Our Faith—United by Our Diversity.

Miled Modad, Glendale's senior pastor, was born in Lebanon, grew up in Argentina, and came to the United States in 1984. He speaks five languages: Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and English. I felt I was in a romantic far-away foreign port as I caught snippets of assorted languages when friends greeted one another! One lady expressed to me that she found the multi-culture of their congregation to be a blessing as they learn from each other, sharing different social customs and characteristic features of everyday life in their homelands.

Paulette Taylor, International Day committee chairperson, stated she felt impressed to do something to bring the church family closer, and it is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to identify who they are and where they came from! Of the 190 countries in the world, 15 percent are represented at Glendale, and 20 percent of the United States are represented!

R. Clifford Jones, assistant dean of the Seminary at Andrews University and associate professor of Christian Ministry, was guest speaker for the worship hour. In his sermon, he asked a powerful question: Are we speaking the same language, or does God need to interrupt our communication like He did at the Tower of Babel? He went on to say we need to be melded together in brotherly love. In the afternoon, many talents were marvelously blended together at the International Day Concert with a Hispanic quartet, an African soloist, and a Lebanese soloist.

A delicious dinner followed the worship service and dishes from all over the world graced the serving tables! I felt International Day helps prepare us for Heaven and the great international feast Jesus will provide for us!

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Judith Yeoman, Indiana Conference correspondent