WITHIN THE INFLUENTIAL RANKS OF SOCIETY
(Highlights & Reflections on My Missionary Trip to Gabon)
By Samuel Koranteng-Pipim 

Of the many missionary engagements I have been privileged to embark upon during the past 6+ years, my most recent trip to Gabon, Central Africa, is by far the most impactful in influencing the influencers. I was invited as a guest speaker to an Evangelical Missionary Conference, in Port-Gentil, Gabon, from April 8-15, 2018. This brief report provides highlights of the missionary conference, and explains the urgency of reaching out to the influential ranks of society.
 
The French acronym for the conference is CEMAC (Convention Evangelique Missionaire de l'Afrique Centrale). This non-denominational conference is an annual leadership training event that brings together Christian thought leaders from the French-speaking countries of Central Africa: Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
 
The conference, which attempts to address African issues from a biblical perspective, was facilitated by the “Centre De Evangelisation Berthanie" (headquartered in Libreville, the political capital of Gabon); and was hosted by “the Revival Churches of Port-Gentil” (the venue, being the second largest city and the economic capital of Gabon).  The theme for CEMAC 2018 was “Central Africa Must Shine” (“Que l'Afrique Centrale Resplendisse”).
 
WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE?
 
Registered participants and presenters at CEMAC included some of the most educated, respected, and influential leaders of Christian organizations.  For example, one presenter/leader who I became very close with—holds 3 doctorates from Trinity Evangelical Theological Seminary in Illinios, USA. He is presently a Rector of an Academic University in the DRC, having previously served as President of the World Vision organization for that region, and a special advisor to a former Head of State in DRC. Another is a well-respected TV pastor who deals with practical lifestyle issues (such as marriage and relationship issues) and with topics on Christian sanctification and character development. And there were other invited guests from France—Europeans as well as French-speaking Africans in the Diaspora.
 
Besides the intellectual giants, there were also spiritual leaders who are recognized in their respective faith traditions as “Prophets” “Apostles,” Bishops, Evangelists, Pastors, etc.,—and whose ecclesiastical titles are sometimes combined with some splendid academic degrees. Still, others were bi-vocational pastors who combined ministry with their professions as engineers, accountants, business professionals, teachers, etc.
 
I was invited to CEMAC because our EAGLESonline’s Bible-based approach to addressing issues facing Africa is increasingly being recognized at different levels of the continent. 
 
Before answering questions about how I got invited to this non-denominational Evangelical conference, the nature of the conference itself, and some of the challenges and opportunities such conferences afford, allow me to give a little background about my unique line of work and how it is related to ministry.
 
MY CURRENT LINE OF MINISTRY
 
In the wisdom and providence of God, during the past 6+ years I have had the privilege of interacting with and addressing influential segments of society—learning from the key actors and, as opportunity had allowed, also sharing our distinctive understanding of the Gospel and biblical truth. The audiences have included: Heads of State, diplomats, highly educated professionals, corporate & religious leaders, young adults & young professionals, and students. 
 
I have engaged these influential groups in my capacity as Director of EAGLESonline, the umbrella organization for two Centers of Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). EAGLESonline is a Bible-based organization that seeks to train and empower people to become agents of positive social & spiritual change. Our goal is to add value to peoples’ lives and, ultimately, also prepare them for Heaven.
 
Think of EAGLESonline as a leadership training CONSULTANCY or an “ideas company,” which offers training programs to different entities—institutions, companies, churches, governments, etc.—and gets paid for our professional expertise. (For more, see www.EAGLESonline.org).

It’s important to emphasize that, although our programs and messages are informed by our distinctive understanding of the Bible, I do NOT attend these events as a representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, nor as a pastor (although there have been some awkward moments when I’ve been addressed as “Rev. Dr. Pipim”). EAGLESonline and its personnel offer their services solely in their professional roles as experts in the things they do, and for which they are invited by governments, schools, companies, organizations, churches etc.
 
(The personnel of EAGLESonline are invited in much the same way that lawyers, accountants, physicians, etc. get invited to different organizations to offer professional guidance or services—without the litmus test of their religious or church affiliation. When you’re sick and decide to see a doctor [a trained professional], you don’t typically ask if the doctor—or mechanic or accountant—is a Baptist, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jew, or an unbeliever. You ask if they’re competent. Their religious views, however important they may be, are secondary. Similarly, EAGLESonline gets invited because it is known to offer biblically-informed programs that are transformative.) 

But, even though we do not go as representatives of our church, our presence at these events (whether secular or religious) afford opportunity to share our faith—and to also learn from others. It is in this sense that our work is ministry—for, rightly understood, "ministry" is any work done to advance the Kingdom of God. To the extent that one is purposeful in employing their work (jobs, occupations, or careers) to share the Good News, one is doing ministry. Our work is our ministry.
 
I was invited as a special guest speaker to CEMAC 2018 in my professional role as Director of EAGLESonline. However, inasmuch as the work I do for a living affords an opportunity to advance the cause of God, I'm always a missionary for Christ. 
 
WHO INVITED ME TO CEMAC & WHY? 
 
I was invited to CEMAC by Rev. Dr. Francis-Michel Mbadinga, a seminary professor, leader of the “Center for Evangelization Bethanie,” and founder and General Overseer of the Bethanie Church, a denomination with some 30,000 members in Gabon. As President of the Ministerial Council of Gabon, he is also a special advisor to Gabon’s Head of State. He was the main facilitator for CEMAC.
 
How did we meet, and why did he invite me to CEMAC 2018?
 
He formally extended his invitation to me this past January 2018, when he heard me deliver the keynote message at the 2018 African Heads of State Summit Prayer Breakfast at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 28, 2018.  Some six months earlier (in July 2017), our paths had crossed in Kigali, Rwanda, when he heard me speak at an Africa Arise conference on the subject of Christian education, leadership training, and youth empowerment. 
 
From these two encounters (first, in Rwanda, and later in Ethiopia), Dr. Mbadinga felt that my unique way of articulating Bible truth and applying its lessons to the African context was something that would benefit not only the people of Gabon, but most especially the registered participants at CEMAC 2018, a training event where Christian thought leaders from the French-speaking countries of Central Africa would be present. 
 
Thus, upon arrival in Libreville (the capital of Gabon), even before flying to Port-Gentil (the venue of CEMAC), he had arranged for me to speak at a special Prayer Breakfast for “the Elite” of the capital city (church leaders, government and business leaders). Afterwards, we flew to Port-Gentil, where, prior to the official opening of CEMAC 2018, he had also arranged for me to speak at the Sunday morning worship service in one of his churches (the worship attendance that morning was about 4,000 members). Finally, when CEMAC was over, before I flew out of Libreville to the USA, he had also arranged for me to preach the Sunday worship service at his own church--the leading Bethanie Church in Libreville.
 
THE NATURE OF CEMAC 2018
 
CEMAC 2018, the one-week Evangelical Missionary conference, which was my main reason for being in Gabon, consisted of: (i) Daytime workshops/seminars for some 800 registered Christian leaders and professionals; and (ii) Evening worship services that were opened to the general public; the evening audience averaged about 10,000 each night.
 
As mentioned earlier, the theme for the conference was “Central Africa Must Shine.” Consistent with that theme, I gave workshop/seminar presentations on the sub-theme “Africa Must Think and Act,” which was actually my way of articulating the biblical concept of “The Transformed Mind.”
 
The Lord richly blessed my presentations. Although, prior to the event, I was told my workshop sessions would attract some 150-200 of the registered Christian leaders & professionals at CEMAC, the attendance to my first seminar was about 300, and the attendance at each subsequent session kept swelling till the very last session when over 1,000 attended. (Through divine providence, the other seminar tracks were cancelled that morning, and all the registered participants got the opportunity to listen to my last presentation.)
 
When it came to the evening evening worship services (which were designed as “revival and missionary” endeavors, and which attracted an audience of about 10,000 every night), I played no active role in those services. But, as a special guest to CEMAC, I was granted a courtesy of front-row seat, alongside the major presenters at the conference. 
 
The services each evening/night consisted of spirited singing and dancing (characteristic of African Pentecostal/Charismatic worship), two sermons by preselected preachers, appeals to accept Jesus, taking of love offerings and financial pledges, and moments of “blessing” or “anointing” with the Spirit, and “prophesyings.” As a former Pentecostal/Charismatic, I was aware of some of these things. But having a front-row seat to observe what was going on gave me an opportunity to be acquainted with the current state of “revival worship” on the continent of Africa (a subject I will be addressing in the future through my writings and presentations).
 
HOW DID I SHARE MY FAITH?
 
“Evangelism” or “proselytization” was not my primary mission. As mentioned earlier, I was invited to speak at CEMAC because of my professional expertise as a Bible-believing leadership training consultant. So, I didn’t go there as an evangelist to “preach the present truth” or “convert or win souls” Notwithstanding, my presence at CEMAC (and other such events, whether secular or religious) afforded an opportunity to share my faith. This took several forms—besides the contents of my official presentations:
 
—My presence broke down religious prejudices—especially when people of other faiths discover that our Church is a Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Spirit-led movement, but which also emphasizes certain neglected biblical distinctives;
 
—Through personal friendships and professional relationships that were developed, I’m able to share my faith and give reasons why I hold contrary biblical positions on some issues;
 
—Even my vegetarian eating lifestyle provided a unique opportunity to discuss the biblical teaching on health & healing—as well as a wide variety of biblical subjects. Similarly, going to church on the Sabbath (Saturdays) during the conference allowed me to explain why;
 
—Also, because, among other things, I was introduced at CEMAC as “a former Pentecostal, who is now an Adventist,” folks often came to me to explore the differences between Adventists and Pentecostals/Charismatics and why I chose the former;
 
—Through my books and training resources, as well as personal one-to-one ministry. (At an appropriate time, I’ll be sharing more on the impact of the 10 major books and resources I’ve published during the past 6+ years when I assumed my current role at EAGLESonline. For a list and description of some of these works, see http://store.eaglesonline.org/index.php/);
 
—In some cases, some attendees request that I mentor them and their friends, or offer coaching/mentoring services to the members and/or employees of their churches or organizations; 
 
—Above all, many attendees to my presentations sign up to receive my weekly thought-nuggets. (By the way, a lot of thought goes into these regular, one-paragraph thought-nuggets; each nugget is actually a sermon or lecture distilled into a capsule. And I write them, specifically keeping in mind people who are not of our faith—whether religious or non-religious; to access the thought-nuggets, click on: http://eaglesonline.org/weekly-nuggets/nuggets-archives/);
 
—Often, participants also invite me to present God’s Word to their respective churches and organizations. Companies invite me to give Bible-based inspirational talks to their workers. And media entities (radio and TV stations) interview me on the topics I present, further expanding the reach of the messages.
 
Through the above means, and others, I believe that I have reached audiences that we typically are unable to reach out to. 
 
OTHER ACTIVITIES I ENGAGED IN

Besides sharing my faith at events, another thing I do at such events is, I always do my best to worship with the local congregations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sometimes I share with them the same messages I’ve been sharing with my invited hosts. I also keep them updated on general trends, helping them to understand what other Christians are doing and things they could also be doing to better advance the distinct mission of the church.
 
Thus, on this particular trip to Gabon, I had the privilege of worshiping with our own local Adventist congregations—first in Libreville (during my first Sabbath) and later in Port Gentil (during my second Sabbath, where I spoke at a joint Sabbath service of the three [3] SDA churches in Port-Gentil).
 
Finally, as one of the architects/pioneers of Ghanaian churches in North America and Europe, I make it a habit of looking for and worshiping with Ghanaian congregations in those countries I visit, if available. Such visits enable me to understand the unique challenges and opportunities our immigrant communities face. (Of course, I get to eat some home-made Ghanaian food too—the best food anyone can find outside the Garden of Eden!)
 
SOME CHALLENGES
 
Those engaged in the ministry to influencers of society (whether to the higher ranks of society or to religious leaders of other faiths) face many challenges. The first is that, their outreach is often misunderstood.

There’s a certain perception that, just because some of us are ministering “out there”—in the world or in some other religious arena—perhaps we’ve compromised our faith by becoming “politicians” or have embraced some “social gospel,” unbiblical ecumenism, or religious syncretism. This perception is reinforced when some see us in settings that are not familiar territories. (It’s the same uninformed criticism I faced in my prior work on secular university campuses). I believe the Spirit of Prophecy and the fruits of my labor compellingly refutes this concern.

Perhaps it’s appropriate at this point to sound a note of caution. Though the ministry to the influential (whether civic, professional, or religious thought leaders) is a neglected field of labor that we must invest means and effort, it is NOT for everyone. In addition to being equipped by the Holy Spirit, this line of work requires specialized training, sound knowledge of the Bible, practical skills and experience, common sense, and simple Christian courtesy and tolerance. Only those with these background can be effective in this line of ministry.
 
For example, I was invited to an “Evangelical Missionary Conference” which was hosted by the “Revival Churches” of Port-Gentil. Without sound biblical, historical, and theological knowledge, one would not readily realize that the terms “Evangelical” and “Revival” mean different things to different people. Let me explain:
 
Historically, “evangelical” Christianity or “evangelical” Protestantism has been a worldwide, cross-denominational movement within PROTESTANT Christianity. Thus any historic PROTESTANT denomination that traces its teachings and history to the 16thC Reformers (Luther, Calvin, etc.) can rightfully claim to be “Evangelical.”
 
However, in the predominantly Catholic countries of Central Africa, that understanding of Evangelical is broadened to include any Christian group that is not Roman Catholic. Hence groups like traditional/classical Pentecostals, the Charismatic movement, and the “Signs and Wonders” or “Gospel of Power” movements (à la Benny Hinn, Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, Rodney Howard-Browne, Paul Cain, etc.) would refer to themselves as “Evangelicals.” That was clearly the case at CEMAC, where most of the leaders can be bracketed as belonging to the Signs & Wonders or “Gospel of Power” branch of the Pentecostal/Charismatic trajectory of contemporary African Christianity. 
 
Another illustration to show that those engaged in this line of ministry should be biblically and theologically informed is the use of the word “Revival”—(as in the posters and announcements that CEMAC was hosted by “the Revival Churches” of Port-Gentil). As a side note, in the current explosion of interest in revival, almost anything is considered a revival or the Spirit’s renewal. Quoting the apt words of a respected Evangelical scholar, “any new outburst of activity in the church, any cloud of dust raised by the stamping of excited feet, will be hailed as renewal by somebody.” 

Now, a Christian from a historically Protestant denomination (such as Lutheran/Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Adventist, etc.) may understand “revival” to mean the Holy Spirit’s transformation or renewal of a person’s life through the sound proclamation of God's inspired Word. However, in the context of the “Signs and Wonders” movement, “revival” tends to mean “the manifestations/impartations of the Spirit” (believed to consist of such things as “slain in the spirit,” “speaking in tongues,” "healings," “casting out of demons,” “prophetic revelations,” “anointing with oil,” etc.). Even Biblical terms like “Spirit of Prophecy,” “Healing,” “speaking in tongues,” etc. tend to be refracted through the lenses of Pentecostal/Charismatic & “Gospel of Power” theology and contemporary practices--instead of solely through the Word of God, as insisted upon by the sola Scriptura (“the Bible and the Bible only”) principle of historic Protestantism.

Fortunately for me, because of my background as a former Pentecostal/Charismatic, and because of my academic training in systematic theology (specializing in ecclesiology and Biblical authority & interpretation), I was able to make the distinctions. Thus, I could relate congenially with those of other faiths, without necessarily sharing their views on every point.

(Perhaps I should mention that, given the interest in the subject of “revival” and proliferation of esoteric manifestations believed to be from Holy Spirit, in the near future I hope to offer a biblical perspective on the issues).
 
WHAT WAS OBSERVED & ACCOMPLISHED AT CEMAC?
 
I believe that at both the professional and spiritual levels, my ministry at CEMAC 2018 was very impactful. Through the presentations on “Africa Must Think,” I challenged certain mindsets and attitudes we embrace. I believe lives and attitudes were changed, as attendees started thinking differently about issues that affect them as Africans—and as Christians. And they began to take ownership of their own destinies.

While I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to discuss specifics of decisions taken by some key influential leaders in society and other churches regarding certain distinctive Bible truths we hold, I can say truthfully that there are many who are genuinely searching for truth and are willing to go wherever it leads. I can even say that, in some cases, their love for the Lord and their commitment to costly discipleship far exceeds what obtains in much of our church. 
 
And I can also testify that the level of deep spirituality, professionalism, training, organization, and planning that some of our brothers and sisters of other faiths demonstrate exemplify true biblical excellence, not the mediocrity often exhibited in our church. Even when it comes to leadership, I fear that all too often within our ranks, there’s a lot more half-baked "chicken leadership" of mediocrity, incompetence, arrogance and selfishness, than the "eagle leadership" of excellence, humility, and sacrificial service—that modeled for us by our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).
 
Perhaps the best way to summarize the impact of my visit to Gabon is to quote the messages I received from Rev. Dr. Mbadinga, the one who was instrumental in inviting me to CEMAC. Unfortunately, two days after the CEMAC began, he had to leave CEMAC for an urgent meeting in Europe. He however received reports of my ministry, and sent this message. It summarizes the work I did while in Gabon:
 
“Dr. Pipim, it is an honor for me to have received you in Gabon and especially in Port-Gentil our economic capital in the framework of the CEMAC. Thank you a thousand times for the expertise and professionalism you have shown….
 
I thank you again for the work you have done and the depth of the teachings and reflections you have made, whether it be at our breakfast in Libreville, at the CEMAC and yesterday, Sunday, at one of our churches, whose reports have reached me. The relationship that our Lord has established between us and nothing in the world will deserve to be broken. Africa needs us and Christianity and Christian leadership in Africa must change to bring a new breath to our continent, its leaders and its people, for a new, prosperous Africa, which must play a major role. in the concert of nations.”
 
I also received this from a prominent leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who personally extended an invitation for me to come to the DRC:
 
“Dr Samuel 
 
I thank God for the divine opportunity to meet with you here in Gabon. I look forward to work with you. We need you. May I remind you that DRC is the biggest French country in the world—more than France. When you plant seeds in my country you surely know that you reached all French-speaking nations.
 
God granted you with his wisdom as Joseph to lift up nations and show the way of development. I thank God for you and I love your heart for Africa. I am leaving the conference with a great expectation of returned hundredfold when we sow in our land and the blessings for the continent 
 
We love you and pray for you and the family
 
PS: Thank you very much for hearing my Macedonian call for DRC. I highly appreciated it and can't wait to work with you. Best wishes in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  
 
There is also an invitation to Chad—a predominantly Muslim country, where Christians are facing persecution from the Boko Haram terrorist group. One Christian leader who had witnessed nine (9) of his colleagues buried alive for preaching the Gospel, has invited me to come teach his congregations. He sums up the impact of my teaching ministry at CEMAC:
 
“Hi Dr. Pipim, It was divine appointment to meet with you in Port-Gentil. My wife and I were really challenged, and we thank God for your life and the way God is using you to change radically the African mindset and thus the behaviour. An army of lions led by sheep will never defeat an army of sheep lead by a lion. Thanks for all.”
 
There are more testimonies. But I think these sample comments are enough to show the impact of our witness at CEMAC. To see the great work the Lord is doing through other believers not of our faith, to observe their dedication, commitment, excellence, and to have an opportunity to observe the potentials and challenges facing the Central African region, are just a few of the things I’ll forever remember.
 
(There are of course, lessons I learned about the plight of French-speaking African people still chafing under the strong influence of their past and present colonial masters; of needless violence, wars, terrorism, etc.—often inspired and encouraged by inordinate corruption by local/African leaders who are propped up by foreign governments and multinational corporations that seek only to exploit the huge natural resources in these areas. But those lessons, I will defer to another forum to be addressed by people—especially Africans—who care about issues of justice, human rights, and human dignity.)
 
REACHING THE OTHER SHEEP
 
We have a responsibility to take the Gospel to the higher ranks of society and to ministers of other faith. Jesus said:
 
“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16; NKJV).
 
There’s no doubt in my mind that the Lord has called some of us to this unique mission to God’s “other sheep.” In contrast to the Laodiceanism, hypocrisy, and mediocrity often found in our own church, these “other sheep” are genuinely zealous for the cause of God. They are the people who, in these last days, will heed the call “to come out of Babylon, my people” (Revelation 18:2).

I saw more clearly in Gabon (as in Addis Ababa, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and many other places we have been invited) the mistakes that we’ve done in the past in not reaching out to the influential classes of society and also to ministers of other faith. I’m increasingly more convicted of the urgency of this unique ministry—and the need for more people to be trained and engaged in this line of work. 
 
Here are just a few statements by EGW. For emphasis, I have bolden some sections:
 
MISTAKES HAVE BEEN MADE 
Mistakes have been made in not seeking to reach ministers and the higher classes with the truth. People not of our faith have been shunned altogether too much. While we should not associate with them to receive their mold, there are honest ones everywhere for whom we should labor cautiously, wisely, and intelligently, full of love for their souls. A fund should be raised to educate men and women to labor for these higher classes, both here and in other countries. (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 580, 581. {ChS 203.2})
 
REACHING MINISTERS OF OTHER FAITH
Our ministers should seek to come near to the ministers of other denominations. Pray for and with these men, for whom Christ is interceding. A solemn responsibility is theirs. As Christ's messengers, we should manifest a deep, earnest interest in these shepherds of the flock. (Evangelism, p. 562)
 
The wisest, firmest labor should be given to those ministers who are not of our faith. There are many who know no better than to be misled by ministers of other churches. Let faithful, God-fearing, earnest workers, their life hid with Christ in God, pray and work for honest ministers who have been educated to misinterpret the Word of Life. Our ministers are to make it their special work to labor for ministers. They are not to get into controversy with them, but, with their Bible in their hand, urge them to study the Word. If this is done, there are many ministers now preaching error, who will preach the truth for this time.  (Evangelism 562)
 
REACHING HIGHER CLASSES OF SOCIETY
“Those who belong to the higher ranks of society are to be sought out with tender affection and brotherly regard. Men in business life, in high positions of trust, men with large inventive faculties and scientific insight, men of genius, teachers of the gospel whose minds have not been called to the special truths for this time--these should be the first to hear the call. To them the invitation must be given….
 
“Those who stand high in the world for their education, wealth, or calling, are seldom addressed personally in regard to the interests of the soul. Many Christian workers hesitate to approach these classes. But this should not be.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 230).
 
There has not been the effort made that should have been made to reach the higher classes. While we are to preach the gospel to the poor, we are also to present it in its most attractive light to those who have ability and talent, and make far more wise, determined, God-fearing efforts than have hitherto been made, to win them to the truth. But in order to do this all the workers will have to keep themselves up to a high level of intelligence. They cannot do this work and sink down to a low, common level, feeling that it does not much matter how they labor or what they say, since they are working for the poor and ignorant classes. They will have to sharpen up, and be armed and equipped in order to present the truth intelligently and to reach the higher classes. Their minds must rise higher, and show greater strength and clearness. (Evangelism, pp. 555-556)
 
INFLUENCING THE INFLUENCERS
Bring your minds up to the greatness of the work. Your narrow plans, your limited ideas, are not to come into your methods of working. There must be reform on this point, and there will be more means brought in to enable the work to be brought up to the high and exalted position it should ever occupy. There will be men who have means who will discern something of the character of the work, although they have not the courage to lift the cross and to bear the reproach that attends unpopular truth. First reach the high classes if possible, but there should be no neglect of the lower classes. But it has been the case that the plans and the efforts have been so shaped in many fields that the lower classes only are the ones who can be reached. But methods may be devised to reach the higher classes who need the light of truth as well as the lower classes. These see the truth, but they are, as it were, in the slavery of poverty, and see starvation before them should they accept the truth. Plan to reach the best classes, and you will not fail to reach the lower classes. (Evangelism, p. 553; Letter 14, 1887.)
 
There are many more such statements from the pen of EGW on the need, nay the urgency, of reaching out to the upper classes of society and also ministers of other faith. The above are just a few. 
 
To a large extent, it is the burden conveyed in these words that compel those of us at EAGLESonline to continue our line of work. We’re constantly praying and thinking about how best to articulate the everlasting gospel or Three Angels’ Messages to enable God’s sheep, “who are not yet of this fold” to hear it and come home. Writes EGW:

“The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons have not had the special testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to heart and mind; therefore they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God. Many there are who have faithfully walked in the light that has shone upon their pathway. They hunger to know more of the ways and works of God. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the very verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.”  (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 70)

It is always a joy to meet "God's other sheep" who are ready and receptive. In some cases, I share a stronger biblical and spiritual bond with them than the mediocre spirit of Laodiceanism often found within our ranks. Our EAGLESonline organization will continue to work hard to make sure that those of us who have the privilege of early membership in the Remnant movement are ready to receive the ones that the Good Shepherd will continually add to His one true fold (cf. John 10:16; Revelation 18:1-4).
 
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this unique ministry.

Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, PhD
www.EAGLESonline.org
April 26, 2018

(PS: For some photos capturing my trip to Gabon for the Evangelical Missionary Conference of Central Africa, click on this Facebook link: https://tinyurl.com/yblqqwa5.)