Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church

SASDAC Daily Devotional
June 10, 2026

Watching Ourselves, Or the World News
Gladwin Mathews

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36, NIV

‘Watch your step!’ ‘No! No!’ ‘Watch out!’ or even, ‘Watch! what you’re doing? You got to watch yourself!’ I recall these words and phrases since the time I began to talk and understand.

Those words and phrases keep coming back even when I am grown up now. I heard them at home, at school, and even at the work place. And I wonder if there will be an end to these, ‘Watch out!’ or ‘Watch yourself!’ phrases.

Yes, one thing has changed now though! Instead of telling you to ‘watch yourself,’’ now people tell you to ‘watch the world events’ or watch the world news!’

Many interpret Luke 21:36 to mean that we should be closely watching current events so we know how close we are to Christ's return. But verse 34 of Luke 21 gives us the context for Jesus' command to ‘watch’: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”

Clearly, Jesus' instruction is to watch ourselves, examining our walk and how we are seeking and imitating God; what we are allowing ourselves to do and getting involved in; who our friends are; and, to watch out for the anxieties of life. How close is our relationship with God? We must watch ourselves such that we may “stand before the Son of Man”!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Psalms 31-35

SASDACINFO - JUNE 10, 2026
PATHFINDER INVESTITURE WEEKEND

VESPERS SERVICE | Friday 7:30 PM
Samuel Benjamin, Jordan Yedla, Jaydon Sam, and Sydelle Fernando will be our speakers for the Vespers' Service this Friday.

DIVINE SERVICE | Sabbath 10:45 AM
Pastor Gerald Christo will be our speaker for the Divine Service this Sabbath.

Vespers: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m.
Children’s Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m.
Adult Lesson Study: 10:00 a.m.
Divine Service: 10:45 a.m.

WE REGRET TO ANNOUNCE the passing of Mrs. Ellen Rajarathinam, beloved wife of Pastor Rajarathinam. The funeral will take place on Sunday, June 28, at SASDAC.

WE REGRET TO ANNOUNCE the passing of Mrs. Mary Pakkianathan, the beloved mother of Perry Pakkianathan. The memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 18.

CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES Join us for our Graduation Celebration Weekend at SASDAC on June 27 as we honor your hard work, achievements, and this significant milestone in your academic journey. All graduates are invited to wear their caps and gowns and participate in a special recognition ceremony, where each graduate will be individually celebrated. If you would like to take part in the graduation walk, please complete the registration form here by June 20. Congratulations, Class of 2026! We look forward to celebrating with you!

CHURCH BOARD meeting will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Prayer Chapel. All board members are requested to be present.

NEW PARENTS' MINISTRY invites you and your family to a fun-filled Ice Cream Social! Join us for a sweet summer treat and fellowship. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon where kids can run and play in the Merriweather District (water fountains included—bring a change of clothes!). This event is specially designed for families with children under age 5. The ministry provides Ice cream.
Date: Monday, June 22
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Charmery, 6000 Merriweather Dr, Suite B185, Columbia, MD.

🎉SASDAC VBS 2026 – Illumination Station! 🌟Get ready for an unforgettable week of faith, fun, learning, and excitement at SASDAC Vacation Bible School 2026: Illumination Station!
Join us as we explore God's light, grow in our faith, make new friends, and enjoy inspiring Bible lessons, music, games, crafts, and more. Whether you're returning or attending for the first time, VBS 2026 promises a week filled with discovery, adventure, and spiritual growth.
📅 Dates: August 2–8, 2026
✨ Theme: Illumination Station
Registration is now open! You can register here or scan the QR code on the flyer below. Don't miss out—register today and let your light shine at Illumination Station!

SASDAC CHURCH POTLUCK Join us for our Church Potluck Luncheon on Saturday, August 15, as we celebrate our diverse cultures and fellowship together! Please wear your traditional attire and bring a half tray of your favorite dish to share with the congregation.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY invites all women to join the Hearts & Hands Visitation Ministry, bringing comfort, hope, and love—one visit at a time.
Join us every 2nd Sabbath of the month from 4 PM to 6 PM at local senior homes—no special experience needed, just a caring heart!
For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Jercilla Hembrom, Dr. Helina Somerville, or Mrs. Suhela Pandit.

FLOWER DONATION We invite you to celebrate God’s blessings by donating flowers for Sabbath services! You may sponsor flowers in honor of special life moments—birthdays, anniversaries, milestones—or in thanksgiving to God for His goodness. Let your dedication be a beautiful expression of gratitude and joy for our church family to share. Please get in touch with the church office for more information at 301.879.7222.

KOTTARAKARA SCHOOL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS will be held from October 29 - 31, 2026, at Kottarakara, Kerala, India. We kindly request the alumni and the families connected to this esteemed institution to join in the celebrations.

MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES 2026-2027 The SASDAC Evangelism Team is preparing for an incredible India Mission Trips for 2026 and 2027 — and we need YOU! This is more than a trip—it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve, connect, and make a lasting impact in communities in need. Whether you feel called to preach, heal, teach, or support behind the scenes, your gifts are needed! Please contact the church office to sign up.
TRIPS:
October 2026 - Kottarakara, Kerala (October 25 to October 31)
November 2026- Hapur, Uttar Pradesh (November 2 to November 7)
November 2026 - Bengaluru, Karnataka (November 9 - 14)
November 2026 - Garo Hills, Meghalaya (November 2 - 7)
- Evangelistic meeting speakers (preferred Hindi, Bengali, Tamil)
- Nurses
- Doctors
- VBS leaders & Assistant leaders
- Media & IT

DEVOTIONAL PROJECT Share Your Story for the 2026 Church Devotional Project. We invite you to share a true story of how you have seen God moving in your life — a moment of answered prayer, a blessing, or His presence in a challenge. Your testimony will inspire and encourage others as we walk together in faith. Please submit up to 250 words with a Bible verse here (https://forms.gle/nrv3TpQrQ4mLW5A68). For information, contact Biju Thomas at 301.655.3560.

DORCAS MINISTRIES is a compassionate outreach initiative focused on meeting the practical needs of individuals and families in the community.
Singing Band Ministry - Please join us for a time of praise and prayer with the nursing home residents at Fairland Center this Sabbath from 3:30–4:15 p.m. Contact Sharlin George for more information.
Clothing Ministry- Clothes are available for anyone in need from 4:00–5:00 p.m. at the back entrance lobby. Contact Naveena Mora for more information at [email protected].
Hope Basket Ministry - Groceries and fresh produce are available for anyone in need from 4:00–5:00 p.m. at the back entrance lobby.
Homeless Feeding Ministry - Our young adult team is visiting the shelter this sabbath to provide meals to the needy. Contact Jonathan Thomas for more information at [email protected].

SASDAC'S PASTORAL VISITATION SASDAC is committed to helping people grow and flourish in every area of their lives by providing care and support through our Pastoral Care ministries. And so, we want to remind you that pastoral visitation is available for anyone in need of spiritual support, prayer, or encouragement. Whether you are at home, in the hospital, or simply seeking guidance, please complete the online request here so the best possible care and support can be provided.

SASDAC DEVOTIONAL is available for purchase through the Pathfinder Club as part of their fundraising efforts. Prices for the hardcover are $20 and $15 for the softcover.

TREE OF LIFE stands as a symbol of the incredible growth of SASDAC, which continues because of its dedicated members. There are many leaves and foundation stones still open for donations. Each leaf/stone will carry a special message or dedication, creating a beautiful and meaningful display in our church. You can sign up here.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC offers piano, drums, violin, trumpet, voice lessons, and more classes! To sign up, please contact Douglas Lira at [email protected].

SASDAC HEALTH MINISTRIES reminds you to take those 10,000 steps daily to prep for the summer! Share the record of your daily steps with the health ministry for a special prize.

BAPTISMAL CLASSES are held every Friday at 6:30 p.m., immediately following vespers, in the office conference room.

SASDAC PRAYER CHAIN comes together in faith and compassion to support each other and those in need through the power of prayer. Whether it’s a request for healing, guidance, or thanksgiving, we believe every prayer is powerful and every request is heard. For more information, please contact Pastor Paulasir Abraham at (240)676.6953.

WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS
SASDAC Kids Choir Practice: is on Spring break.

SASDAC Youth Choir (Grades 7-12): The youth choir will not meet this Friday.

SASDAC Orchestra: The orchestra will meet this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

SASDAC Adult Choir Practice: The Adult Choir will meet this Friday at 8:30 p.m. in the Choir Room.

PRAYER GROUPS: Homes of Hope
Leaders: Pastor & Mrs. J. S. Navarose
Mondays, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Zoom ID: 782-332-8674
Password: SASDAC

Leaders: Dr./Pastor & Mrs. Paulasir Abraham
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Zoom ID: 782 332 8674
Password: SASDAC

Leaders: Mr. & Mrs. Daniel James
Saturdays. 6:45 p.m.
Zoom ID: 320-260-4537

SAVE THE DATE
Jun 12-13: Pathfinders Investiture Weekend
Jun 19-20: Adventurers Investiture Weekend
Jun 22: New Parents' Ministry - Ice Social
Jun 27: Graduation Weekend
Jun 27: 13th Sabbath Service
Jun 28: Men's Prayer Breakfast
Jul 4: Fasting and Prayer
Jul 4: Communion Sabbath
Aug 1: Fasting and Prayer
Aug 3-8: Vacation Bible School
Aug 15: SASDAC Potluck Luncheon
Aug 22: Women's Retreat - Mt. Aetna
Aug 22: Youth Gym Night

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UPCOMING EVENTS - JUNE 10, 2026

SASDAC Daily Devotional
June 9, 2026

Safe Through the Night
Emy Asir

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.
Psalms 91:2 KJV

I was a young mother with a few-months-old baby, traveling to another city to collect my U.S. visa so I could join my husband in the USA. Leaving my baby in my mother’s care, my heart was eager to return to him. But the journey did not unfold as planned. The bus I was traveling on met with an accident. By the time I reached the connecting town, the last bus home had gone, leaving me alone at night, with the next bus many hours away.

Fear crept in, and I turned to the only place of true safety—prayer. I asked God to protect me. Suddenly, I heard someone call my name. To my great relief, it was a friend of my older brother. Remarkably, he too had missed the same bus. He offered to help me get home, suggesting we find a taxi or auto, but none were available. With no other option, we decided to walk the distance to my town.

The path led us through dark, cobra-infested paddy fields. Fear rose, but I prayed, claiming Psalm 91:5. Step by step, God guided us safely. Just as we reached the hospital, a cobra crossed the gate, but the watchman and staff quickly took care of it, and we were unharmed. My brother finished his night shift and took me home safely.

Looking back, I can say with confidence: Truly, I did not fear the terror of the night nor the danger that stalks in the darkness (Psalm 91:5–6), because the Lord Himself goes before us, and shields us from dangers we may not even see until we are safe.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Psalms 26-30