AMI Open House Report: God Still Reigns!

As October 18 drew near, the forecast predicted strong winds and two inches of rain. However, this date was the only one available to AMI staff; so the decision was made to hold the event, rain or shine, and pray for God to hold back the inclement weather. About a dozen volunteers assembled on Thursday to pitch the new AMI tent, working for about four hours before returning on Friday to complete the task. It is no small feat to set up a 40’ x 80’ frame tent, especially with zero experience! However, good attitudes prevailed; and by Friday afternoon the imposing structure stood straight and firm. That Sabbath, a sunny blue sky and racing clouds graced the commencement of the Open House. Hugs, handshakes, jolly laughter, and excited chatter created an atmosphere that one attendee described as “a family reunion.” Name tags helped identify a few unfamiliar faces and helped form new friendships. Bright orange t-shirts with the AMI logo, graciously screen printed for AMI at cost, were distributed, and many donned their shirts right away. Perhaps it was this sea of bright orange that kept us from noticing gray clouds pile up. The afternoon temperature was a pleasant 71F, and with three sides of the tent on, no one seemed to mind that the sunshine had disappeared. Before long, about 350 guests formed four lines and streamed past the ten, heavy-laden serving tables set up for our “banquet,” as a non-Adventist attendee described the prodigious potluck lunch. The round tables under the tent filled quickly and at least one hundred more people took to the additional chairs arranged outside. Weather apps showed patches of rain skirting our exact location, as God protected the afternoon’s activities. Pr. Kelly shared, through the new AMI sound system, that the property we were gathered on belongs to Honor Credit Union. The tent was pitched here because soybeans on AMI property had not been harvested yet. For about 30 minutes he spoke on the mission of AMI, how God has led thus far, and the future plans of AMI – as far as God’s leading can be discerned. Everyone was then invited to walk the block and a half to the cul-de-sac and down the access road, to explore the actual AMI property. Those who preferred not to walk were offered a ride on a wagon pulled by truck to the far end of the property and back. Banners were set up on the property where buildings will one day stand, to help everyone visualize the campus plan. Around 6 o’clock, several low rumbles created a scramble as guests stowed the remaining t-shirts and chairs under the tent. The wagon had just unloaded from one of its tours when the sky opened and we experienced the rain that God had held back all afternoon. The sound of large raindrops on the tent thundered like a dump truck load of coins cascading onto the canopy every 10 seconds. It was rather exciting! The last explorers on foot were picked up by the wagon for a wet but quick return. And though guests began heading for home, it was only a short time before the event was planned to end anyway. The entire event could have been a wash out, but God still reigns in the heavens! Far exceeding the rainfall that night was the outpouring of encouragement from guests at the Open House. AMI's board of directors would like to thank everyone for coming, for bringing so much delicious food, for the many kind words, and for all the support you have given and will give. We would also like to praise our Heavenly Father for showing His favor once again, this time by holding back the rain. A generous Berrien Springs local donated his red-and-white, 1952, model 8N Ford tractor. Also a 2005 Komatsu D37E-21A bulldozer has been offered for AMI’s unlimited use. Besides being useful in the development of the property, such equipment will be helpful in teaching age-appropriate students how to run large equipment safely and effectively, growing confidence and opening opportunities for entrepreneurship.         If you haven’t received an electronic donation receipt from Advent Mission Institute or if you donated via Zelle prior to October, please fill out your donation contact information on our donor form: /zelle-tax-receipt/