16 Jun 2025, 16:52Dr Denias Chihwai (District Pastor)Ashford, Kent, England, United Kingdom
ACFM District Day of Fellowship: A Call to Revival and Mission
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, members of the Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Margate (ACFM) churches gathered for a spiritually enriching District Day of Fellowship. Held under the stirring theme “Revive Us Again,” the event was blessed with the presence of Dr Pastor Kirk Thomas, President of the South England Conference (SEC), who attended alongside his wife and remained with the congregation throughout the day. The gathering saw strong attendance and a warm sense of unity across the four congregations, united by a shared purpose: to be reignited for mission in their communities.
Dr Thomas delivered a sermon that was both powerful and thought-provoking, urging believers not to fall back from their calling. Using vivid biblical illustrations and storytelling, he reminded attendees of the disciples’ journey—how they once left their livelihood to follow Jesus, only to later return to it in a moment of spiritual drift. But Jesus, ever faithful, reappeared and instructed them to cast their nets again, this time on “The Right Side.” Their obedience led to an overwhelming catch, symbolising the abundant results of trusting divine direction. Dr Thomas emphasised that listening to Jesus always brings reward, and that today’s church must respond with similar obedience and boldness.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the closing story Dr Thomas shared—the real-life account of American swimmer Anita Alvarez, who lost consciousness during a competition in June 2022. While no one else noticed her sinking, her coach, Andrea Fuentes, did. She dove in and pulled Alvarez from the bottom of the pool, saving her life. Dr Thomas likened this to Jesus’ rescue mission for humanity and called on the church to be “modern-day Andreas,” saving others in their communities. His appeal was heartfelt, and the Spirit moved powerfully: one visitor stepped forward to join the SDA Church, and several others recommitted their lives to Christ.
The Day of Fellowship ended not just with inspiration, but with action—a true revival for the mission, and appreciation for the elders, deacons/deaconesses, and individuals whose contributions to the district could not be overlooked. It was a day full of blessings.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, members of the Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Margate (ACFM) churches gathered for a spiritually enriching District Day of Fellowship. Held under the stirring theme “Revive Us Again,” the event was blessed with the presence of Dr Pastor Kirk Thomas, President of the South England Conference (SEC), who attended alongside his wife and remained with the congregation throughout the day. The gathering saw strong attendance and a warm sense of unity across the four congregations, united by a shared purpose: to be reignited for mission in their communities.
Dr Thomas delivered a sermon that was both powerful and thought-provoking, urging believers not to fall back from their calling. Using vivid biblical illustrations and storytelling, he reminded attendees of the disciples’ journey—how they once left their livelihood to follow Jesus, only to later return to it in a moment of spiritual drift. But Jesus, ever faithful, reappeared and instructed them to cast their nets again, this time on “The Right Side.” Their obedience led to an overwhelming catch, symbolising the abundant results of trusting divine direction. Dr Thomas emphasised that listening to Jesus always brings reward, and that today’s church must respond with similar obedience and boldness.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the closing story Dr Thomas shared—the real-life account of American swimmer Anita Alvarez, who lost consciousness during a competition in June 2022. While no one else noticed her sinking, her coach, Andrea Fuentes, did. She dove in and pulled Alvarez from the bottom of the pool, saving her life. Dr Thomas likened this to Jesus’ rescue mission for humanity and called on the church to be “modern-day Andreas,” saving others in their communities. His appeal was heartfelt, and the Spirit moved powerfully: one visitor stepped forward to join the SDA Church, and several others recommitted their lives to Christ.
The Day of Fellowship ended not just with inspiration, but with action—a true revival for the mission, and appreciation for the elders, deacons/deaconesses, and individuals whose contributions to the district could not be overlooked. It was a day full of blessings.
