Granite Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church

Contributed by Pastor Jëan Ross Francis Jane Crosby wrote some of the most popular hymns ever written. Among them are “Blessed Assurance,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Rescue the Perishing,” and “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.” For many people, the most remarkable thing about her was that she had done so in spite of her blindness. She had only been able to see for the first six weeks of her life. Born in Putnam County, New York, Crosby became ill within two months. Unfortunately, the family doctor was away, and another man—pretending to be a certified doctor—treated her by applying hot poultices to her eyes. Her illness eventually relented, but the treatment left her blind. A few months later, Crosby’s father died. Her mother was forced to find work as a maid to support the family, and Fanny was mostly raised by her Christian grandmother. Her first poem, written at age 8, echoed her l...

Contributed by Shemeka Bruton We were sitting together one evening after the young adults Friday night vespers at Pastor Q's house.  We had been reading through Steps to Christ.   After the study had ended, we were just gathered together in little clusters here and there, chatting and fellowshipping together.  There were about 19 people in attendance that night.  Mrs. Q had made some very yummy chili that went well with the chilly evening.   As we were talking and enjoying each other’s company, someone mentioned that a body had been recently found down at City Hall.  It had been reported on KFBK that a homeless person had quite literally frozen to death on the streets of Sacramento.  It was a very sobering contrast to the warmth and comfort that we were at that very moment enjoying. The more we talked about it, the more we felt like we had to try and do something to help.  Right there, by God's leading, a plan was hatched.   We would...