Seventh-day Adventists are called to fulfill a prophetic ministry. If you don’t know that, or don’t know what our prophetic calling is, maybe you need to find out. We are called to submit our lives to the powerful guiding of the Holy Spirit, and to serve God, no matter what the cost. As we begin the new year, we would do well to begin on our knees, seeking a deeper repentance, a deeper dependence, and a closer walk with God.

What is God calling for prophets to do? The essential work of a prophet is to speak truth to power. Most of us feel powerless and voiceless. We can’t speak to the powers in city hall, much less in the nation. No one will listen to us. In the current political climate, the way individuals make their voices heard in the halls of power is by organizing. It takes time to build credibility, to build relationships, and to make one’s voice heard.

In 1893, the Seventh-day Adventist Church founded the American Religious Liberty Association. Its leader, A.T. Jones, opposed Sunday laws in the U.S. Senate. Today, that same organization has been renamed the North American Religious Liberty Association. It is the oldest voice for religious freedom in the nation. It has history and credibility. What else does it need? You.

NARLA, as it is known by its acronym, has been established to serve as a prophetic voice of the Church, to speak truth to power. Its executive director, James Standish, has built excellent bridges to leading political figures. He has brought an authentic Adventist message to leaders including President George Bush, Senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain, both presidential hopefuls, and many others. NARLA addresses policy issues that impact on liberty of conscience, but it does much more. Standish has had the privilege and opportunity to save lives — to advocate for Muslim converts to Christianity who face certain death if deported to their home countries. Religious liberty and the gospel are inseparable. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. When we advocate for freedom, we present the character and message of Christ. You can be part of this exciting opportunity!

NARLA needs you. One voice is not enough. The lone voice can be dramatically strengthened by the participation of many voices. It is a truism that “all politics is local.” Inside-the-beltway advocacy is only effective when the representatives are hearing from constituents. You are the constituents. You are the ones who count. You may feel as though you have no voice, no power, but you’re wrong. Each voice counts. When our voices are combined together in an organization like NARLA, they can build into a loud cry, a crescendo of prophetic power. This is just what God intends.

Do you want to be part of what God is doing in the new year? Do you want to raise a prophetic voice, and join the chorus? NARLA is on the web at www.religiousliberty.info. In the Pacific Union, we are conducting rallies and training programs in religious liberty ministry throughout the five states. You don’t need to be a religious liberty leader to attend. All that is required is to accept God’s call. Check out the schedule at www.churchstate.org or call 916-446-2552.