“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3. This Bible verse brought to us the message of the theme, “We Know Not the Hour,” of the recent Western Canadian Summer Youth Conference. This beautiful event was held on June 1–4, 2023, at Camp Kasota West, Alberta.

Brother Adones (Jessie) Abragan, opened the youth conference Thursday evening by speaking on the subject, “Blessed is He that Readeth”

Before Brother Jessie knew the Lord, his life was full of vanity. He started gambling, drinking, and smoking at a young age. It was only when he reached the age of 27 that he first encountered the Lord. His early steps in understanding more about the Bible was by reading the Spirit of Prophecy. He shared his experience of spending his time under a shade tree on the beach reading The Great Controversy. He would only go home to eat during the day and sleep during the night.

Brother Jessie’s experience encourages us to read more of God’s word. “Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3. A personal experience with the Lord begins by reading His word.

Friday morning started with beautiful sunshine and morning worship led by Brother Edward Anca. His subject was, “The Lord is My Light,” and “The Great Physician”

We need power to resist temptation and only God can give us that strength. “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18

As our Great Physician, Jesus encourages us to buy from Him “eyesalve” which is the ability to discern right from wrong. This will give us power to resist temptation. After we are healed, we are to help others find the same healing. “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. Because we know not the hour when the Lord comes, we need to hasten our work in reflecting the light of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The following topics were presented regarding the signs that tell us we are living in the end of time.

“Signs in Nature,” by Sister Jeve Lou Abragan

“And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places.” Matthew 24:7. Though we do not know the exact time of Jesus’ second coming, He gave us signs to look out for.

As Jesus warned His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem, “so He has warned the world of the day of final destruction and has given them tokens of its approach, that all who will may flee from the wrath to come.” –The Great Controversy, p. 37

Today, many changes are occurring in nature. Natural disasters are increasing, the global temperature is rising, the sea level has recently been reported to have risen one metre, more and more coral reefs are dying, and animals and insects are likely to lose almost half of their habitat. Governments have passed environmental laws and bills, scientists have invented sustainable materials, and people are protesting in the streets, calling on others to care more for the environment. A lot has been done by humans in hopes of preserving the dying planet. These events are fulfilling the warning that Jesus gave in the Bible. We must be aware of these signs to get ready. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

“Signs in Nations and Society,”  by Sister Aines Abragan

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Matthew 24:6–7. “Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations,—trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes.” –Counsels for the Church, p. 337

Regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia, the world sees this war as the highest risk of nuclear confrontation than had existed in the past 60 years. Because the leaders of these great nations love money and power, nothing can stop their greed any more, and this resulted in tragedy—war.

Then there is the increasing immorality in this world. Tattoos, abortion, divorce, co-parenting, LGBTQ community, and so on. We read, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28.  Abortion is a transgression of the sixth commandment, “Thou shall not kill.” Exodus 20:13. Divorce and co-parenting and LGBTQ are Satan’s work of deceit.

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:10. The Lord gave us this warning. The opposition might come from inside the family circle, among relatives, friends, and colleagues. But Jesus assured us that just because we are facing opposition and will soon face persecution, does not mean that we are wrong, but because Satan is earnestly and constantly working to destroy God’s people.

“Remember the word that I said unto you. The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10

 “Signs in the Religious World,” Sister Jaihanna Abragan

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4–5.  “Between His death and the siege of Jerusalem many false messiahs appeared. But this warning was given also to those who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practiced prior to the destruction of Jerusalem have been practiced through the ages, and will be practiced again.” – The Desire of Ages, p. 628

Along with the false personification of Christ, will be false dreams and prophecies, false revivals, evil angels and lying spirits. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” Satan will use every opportunity to separate men from God. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15–16, 20

Let us get to know God, making Him our only God and Saviour. We know not the hour when He comes. Therefore, now is the time to come to Him. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

Brother Makoto Matsumoto continued by leading a workshop entitled “Last Day Events”

He gave a summary of the last day events by reviewing the Three Angel’s Messages, the 144,000 and the Revelation 18 Angel (the Loud Cry).  This angel is also known as “Christ Our Righteousness.” This angel began to sound in 1888. When the Sunday Law will be implemented, then the shaking will take place. Only those who were faithful inside the church of God will remain. After this, the latter rain will be poured out. This will be the peak of the Loud Cry. Many faithful people who are still in the false churches will be called out to join the faithful in God’s church. The 144,000 will also be completed at this time. Then the close of probation will come. All the saved ones will be sealed. Together they will go through the seven plagues but will not be hurt by them physically, and they will endure Jacob’s trouble. The unfaithful ones are those who will experience the wrath of God through the seven plagues.

“The Sunday Law and The Shaking,” Brother Edward Anca

The Sunday Law is Satan’s last effort to challenge God’s authority. “During the Christian dispensation, the great enemy of man’s happiness has made the Sabbath of the fourth commandment an object of special attack. Satan says, ‘I will work at cross purposes with God. I will empower my followers to set aside God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. Thus I will show the world that the day sanctified and blessed by God has been changed. That day shall not live in the minds of the people. I will obliterate the memory of it. I will place in its stead a day that does not bear the credentials of God, a day that cannot be a sign between God and His people. I will lead those who accept this day to place upon it the sanctity that God placed upon the seventh day.’”—Prophets and Kings, p. 183

Because nations are on the verge of a financial crisis, the papacy will one day offer financial help. This will give the

papacy more power over the government. When this happens, the papacy will propose a law—a  Sunday Law that supposedly will help people be united to avoid another crisis. Then the shaking will take place in the church of God to separate the faithful from the unfaithful ones.

“The Latter Rain and The Loud Cry,” Sister Jasmine Avila

The Latter Rain and the Loud Cry are profound messages of the present time. The Loud Cry is the amplification of the third angel’s message. The latter rain is the spiritual outpouring of God’s power, with physical and spiritual blessings. The early rain happened during the time of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–6).  So, the latter rain is the final outpouring, to help the crops be ready for the harvest. The tares, which are the unfaithful people in the church, will be separated from the wheat, the faithful ones (Matthew 13:30).

The Latter Rain is a divine calling. We are to prepare because only the faithful ones will partake of this glory.

“The Great Time of Trouble,” Brother Patrick Anca

A great time of trouble as never seen before, is coming soon. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1. It is the last event before Jesus descends from heaven. As fearful as it  sounds, the Lord tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1. If we are faithful until the end, we will go through this unimaginable trouble, but our hearts should not be troubled. God assures us “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18. By God’s help we will pass through this final trouble.

Brother Misael Meji gave the Sabbath opening service, entitled “They that Hear the Words” (Revelation 1:3)

In this world full of sorrow, we do not have to be afraid because we know what will happen in the future, before Jesus returns. In order to meet Him face to face, we need to ask Him for a revival. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:12

We cannot take our youth for granted. We are not guaranteed a long life. We do not know when our time is up. The most important thing we can do right now is to make a covenant with the Lord. Therefore, we must plead with the Lord for guidance and thank Him for His blessings. There are only two destinations, salvation or perdition. Let us read our Bibles so we can be saved in the end.

Sabbath morning worship was led by Sister Aines Abragan., “Beware of the Hard Heart” –Our High Calling p. 160

“For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” Psalm 95:7–8

“The Lord sends us warning, counsel, and reproof, that we may have opportunity to correct our errors before they become second nature.” When the Egyptian king, in the time of Moses, stubbornly refused to obey the voice of God, the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from him. In our time today, there are a lot of people like Pharaoh who are constantly rejecting the truth. “By persistent rejection of the Spirit’s influence, men cut themselves off from God.” We do not know the hour nor the day when the Lord comes, let us therefore always choose to listen to His voice. As we are drawing closer to the time of the end, we need to be strong in faith. “Unbending principle will mark the course of those who sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him.”

Brother Makoto Matsumoto presented the Divine Service on Sabbath, “Keep Those Things.” Revelation 1:3

We have read the Bible, and we have heard the things that we need for our salvation and now we must keep them.

With our own human strength, we cannot become righteous, but through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, it is possible.  Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Like the wind, we cannot see it, but when it blows, we can feel it. So is the working of the Holy Spirit upon us (John 3:5–8). Jesus went on to promise, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:14–15. Just as the people of Israel who were bitten by snakes had to look at the serpent to be healed, so  we need to look to Jesus for healing. He promises to send the Holy Spirit to help us change our characters.

When we go through trials in life, we do not need to be afraid. We have an assurance from God that if we call on Him, He is, and will be, there for us. Nothing can separate us from Him if we cling to Him (Romans 8:31–39).

Sabbath afternoon, more presentations were given.

“Why Will He Come?” – Sister Melissa Avila

The return of Jesus Christ is the climax of the plan of redemption. Jesus will come again to save us. He comes to save us from sin. “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14

We all need to be saved from our sinful nature. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:23–25

Jesus will also come to recreate this sinful world. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:1, 3

“Our Hope and Desire,” Sister Hailey Curato

Is there hope in our world? The answer is yes!

Martin Luther once said, “In our sad condition, our only consolation is the expectancy of another life. Here below all is incomprehensible.” In this world full of trial, sickness, death, and sin, we can only hope for a different life which will be given to us when Jesus comes the second time.

The apostle Paul wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. We also have the same hope. We need to hold on to these thoughts and see the fulfillment of God’s promises for the faithful ones when He comes soon.

To close the Sabbath, Pastor Nicolas Anca spoke of “Things Which Are Written Therein.” Revelation 1:3

We need to keep only the things that are written in the Bible. We have prophecies, which tell us what to do to be ready. “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. If we assess our lives right now, what will be our reward? To know the answer, we must have our eyes only on Jesus, our perfect example.

Brother Adones (Jessie) Abragan, presented the Sunday morning worship, “Young to Old Age.”

Solomon wrote, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement.” Ecclesiastes 11:9

This is what we should not do: “We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 3:25

We are striving to be saved, so we need to be pure and holy in the sight of the Lord. Ezekiel wrote, “Then said I, Ah Lord God! Behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.” Ezekiel 4:14

We have the law of God as our safeguard against sin and disobedience.

In closing, Brother Makoto Matsumoto, spoke about “For the Time is at Hand: Called to be A Hero”

When Satan started the war in Heaven, he wanted to prove that God’s law was unjust and imperfect—that angels do not need the law and it is impossible for humans to keep it. So, when Adam and Eve committed sin, it seemed to prove Satan’s argument true. For God’s law to be just, Adam must die. For Adam to live, he needed mercy. Then, Jesus came down to earth to prove that it is possible for human beings to keep the law. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. With the death of Christ, justice and mercy were fulfilled.

Another reason Jesus came to this earth was to reveal the character of God. By this, “Satan saw that his disguise was torn away.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 761

Jesus won the battle once more with the devil. But Satan is not giving up. “Satan declared that mercy destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father’s law. . . . That the law which was spoken by God’s own voice is faulty, that some specification has been set aside, is the claim which Satan now puts forward. It is the last great deception that he will bring upon the world.” –Ibid., p. 204. Through the power of the Papacy, by teaching false doctrines and claiming to change the Ten Commandments, Satan is trying to prove his deception to be true.

There are, however, always people of God who will prove otherwise. In these last times, God has a peculiar people. A group of people who will prove that the law of God has not changed and that it is possible for us to keep the law. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. Dear reader, you are called to take part in this mission. To obey or to disobey, to choose between the law of God and the laws of men, are the questions that we need to decide upon. We are all called to participate in finishing this war that has been going on for 6000 years.

We know not the hour when the Saviour comes to take us home. May we be found victorious in the army of God. Amen.

Aines Abragan