25 Sep 2025, 16:31Goodluck AjuzieSt. Austell, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
The Power of One in a Multicultural Church
On 20th September 2025, the St. Austell Seventh-day Adventist Church, in collaboration with the Bodmin and Redruth churches, hosted a vibrant International Sabbath on the theme “Proclaiming Unity In Diversity For Mission” that will be remembered for years to come. The sanctuary was alive with colour, song, and the joyful presence of believers from diverse nations and cultures, also Visitors, all gathered to worship the one true God. It was a powerful reminder that though we come from different backgrounds, we are bound together by the blood of Christ.
We were privileged to welcome our President, Pastor/Dr. Kirk Thomas, who delivered an inspiring message under the theme “Kaleidoscope Jesus.” In his sermon, Pastor Thomas emphasized that the church’s strength lies in its diversity, harmonized by the love of Christ. With passion and conviction, he reminded us that “No one is ugly, but ugliness is not a person—it is an attitude.” His words cut through the surface of human judgment and pointed us to the deeper reality that in Christ, every individual is beautifully made and called to reflect His character.
Unity in Diversity
The power of one in a multicultural church is not about uniformity, but about unity. Our differences, languages, traditions, and cultural expressions, become like the colours in a kaleidoscope: distinct, yet forming a breathtaking pattern when illuminated by the light of Christ. This was evident throughout the Sabbath program as members contributed in music, prayer, scripture, and fellowship. Each cultural expression added to the beauty of the day, reminding us that heaven will be filled with “a great multitude…from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9).
But such unity is not accidental. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Only in Christ can walls of prejudice, misunderstanding, and division be broken down. When we lift Him up, cultural differences no longer divide us, they enrich us.
The Witness of Oneness
Jesus Himself prayed for this unity: “That they may be one, as We are one…so that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:22–23). Unity in the church is not just for our comfort; it is a testimony to the world. A fractured and divided society is searching desperately for a model of love and reconciliation. The multicultural church has the privilege and responsibility of showing that in Christ, true unity is possible. When the world sees believers from different races, languages, and backgrounds worshipping side by side in joy and harmony, they see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
This is the power of one: one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4–5). It is the power that turns strangers into brothers and sisters and transforms a local congregation into a global family.
Gratitude for Dedication
The success of our International Sabbath at St. Austell would not have been possible without the nonpareil commitment of the church family. The Sabbath School Department (Cynthia and Tees), worked tirelessly to coordinate a program that celebrated cultural richness while keeping Christ at the centre. The leadership team provided guidance, organization, and vision to ensure that the day would glorify God. And every church member contributed, whether through music, food, service, or simply being present with a joyful spirit. Together, you demonstrated what it means to be the body of Christ in action.
Looking Ahead in Hope
As we reflect on this blessed day, let us not allow the spirit of unity to fade with the closing hymn. Unity must be cultivated daily, through prayer, forgiveness, patience, and love. It is easy to slip into old habits of division, but the Spirit of Christ calls us higher. The world is watching, and heaven is waiting for a church united in mission and love.
We therefore pray: May the Lord continue to bless each member, keep us in perfect peace, and unite us ever more deeply in His love until the day of His soon coming. Let us hold fast to the vision of Revelation 7:9, when we will stand together before the throne, not as scattered groups, but as one redeemed family, singing the song of victory.
In this hope we move forward, empowered by the power of one in Christ.
On 20th September 2025, the St. Austell Seventh-day Adventist Church, in collaboration with the Bodmin and Redruth churches, hosted a vibrant International Sabbath on the theme “Proclaiming Unity In Diversity For Mission” that will be remembered for years to come. The sanctuary was alive with colour, song, and the joyful presence of believers from diverse nations and cultures, also Visitors, all gathered to worship the one true God. It was a powerful reminder that though we come from different backgrounds, we are bound together by the blood of Christ.
We were privileged to welcome our President, Pastor/Dr. Kirk Thomas, who delivered an inspiring message under the theme “Kaleidoscope Jesus.” In his sermon, Pastor Thomas emphasized that the church’s strength lies in its diversity, harmonized by the love of Christ. With passion and conviction, he reminded us that “No one is ugly, but ugliness is not a person—it is an attitude.” His words cut through the surface of human judgment and pointed us to the deeper reality that in Christ, every individual is beautifully made and called to reflect His character.
Unity in Diversity
The power of one in a multicultural church is not about uniformity, but about unity. Our differences, languages, traditions, and cultural expressions, become like the colours in a kaleidoscope: distinct, yet forming a breathtaking pattern when illuminated by the light of Christ. This was evident throughout the Sabbath program as members contributed in music, prayer, scripture, and fellowship. Each cultural expression added to the beauty of the day, reminding us that heaven will be filled with “a great multitude…from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9).
But such unity is not accidental. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Only in Christ can walls of prejudice, misunderstanding, and division be broken down. When we lift Him up, cultural differences no longer divide us, they enrich us.
The Witness of Oneness
Jesus Himself prayed for this unity: “That they may be one, as We are one…so that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:22–23). Unity in the church is not just for our comfort; it is a testimony to the world. A fractured and divided society is searching desperately for a model of love and reconciliation. The multicultural church has the privilege and responsibility of showing that in Christ, true unity is possible. When the world sees believers from different races, languages, and backgrounds worshipping side by side in joy and harmony, they see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
This is the power of one: one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4–5). It is the power that turns strangers into brothers and sisters and transforms a local congregation into a global family.
Gratitude for Dedication
The success of our International Sabbath at St. Austell would not have been possible without the nonpareil commitment of the church family. The Sabbath School Department (Cynthia and Tees), worked tirelessly to coordinate a program that celebrated cultural richness while keeping Christ at the centre. The leadership team provided guidance, organization, and vision to ensure that the day would glorify God. And every church member contributed, whether through music, food, service, or simply being present with a joyful spirit. Together, you demonstrated what it means to be the body of Christ in action.
Looking Ahead in Hope
As we reflect on this blessed day, let us not allow the spirit of unity to fade with the closing hymn. Unity must be cultivated daily, through prayer, forgiveness, patience, and love. It is easy to slip into old habits of division, but the Spirit of Christ calls us higher. The world is watching, and heaven is waiting for a church united in mission and love.
We therefore pray: May the Lord continue to bless each member, keep us in perfect peace, and unite us ever more deeply in His love until the day of His soon coming. Let us hold fast to the vision of Revelation 7:9, when we will stand together before the throne, not as scattered groups, but as one redeemed family, singing the song of victory.
In this hope we move forward, empowered by the power of one in Christ.
