22 May 2025, 08:12Rosalia Peñaranda
I Have Seen an Angel Smile
What emotions could possibly be evoked if you saw the smile of an angel?
The 29th March 2025 was a tremendously exciting day for Knowsley Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was the 13th Sabbath, and as is our custom, the Children’s Ministries department led the Adult's Sabbath School program. With the support of their dedicated mothers as teachers, the children showcased their God-given talents. They sang their little hearts out and beautifully enacted the Parable of the Wedding Feast, taken from Matthew 22:1–14.
The Divine Service was led by the Early Teen's class, with Mercy Joy Rivera—the only adult in the platform party—serving as the speaker. Her message centred on Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”
Seeing our children and young people being “trained in the way they should go” was tenderly heartwarming. Yet, the true highlight of the Sabbath took place in the afternoon. Excitement filled the air as Knowsley Adventist Church, since its formal organisation just seven months ago, embarked on its very first Care Home Ministry!
The Sabbath School team, under the visionary leadership of Naomi Aggrey, dreams of producing Knowsley Adventist Church’s own Mission Stories—and the Lord certainly did not disappoint. So here it is: our very first mission story!
Amberley Court in Rainhill, Prescot, graciously accepted our offer to visit and share an afternoon of musical delight titled “Then Sings My Soul: An Afternoon of Hymns.” The children participated joyfully, singing their songs, followed by vocal renditions from the adults. Not to be left behind, the Youth Department's newly formed musical ensemble also shared a musical piece.
The songs visibly touched hearts. Some sang along, others clapped their hands, and many were moved to tears. Residents thanked us profusely for visiting. Elder Frank Oriaku concluded the programme with a prayer, asking God to help our senior citizens feel loved and valued. He reminded them that even when they feel alone, Jesus is their constant Friend and Ally—always near.
It was during this special moment that I saw my “angel.”
Seated at the back was a precious elderly lady—slouched to the side, mouth agape, eyes fixed on the ceiling. By all appearances, she seemed oblivious to everything happening around her.
For a brief moment, I hesitated. She wasn’t looking, so I couldn’t offer her a handshake. But something in me prompted action. I gently patted her shoulder, said hello, and thanked her for listening.
And then—it happened. Her face lit up with the most beautiful, angelic smile. My heart overflowed with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes. That “hollow” human being was still there. She was present. She responded. She smiled.
The next day, my mind kept returning to that single, sacred moment when my heart stood still. And then, a gentle realisation came over me—a divine truth that settled deep in my spirit:
Yes! I have seen an angel smile.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’”
What emotions could possibly be evoked if you saw the smile of an angel?
The 29th March 2025 was a tremendously exciting day for Knowsley Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was the 13th Sabbath, and as is our custom, the Children’s Ministries department led the Adult's Sabbath School program. With the support of their dedicated mothers as teachers, the children showcased their God-given talents. They sang their little hearts out and beautifully enacted the Parable of the Wedding Feast, taken from Matthew 22:1–14.
The Divine Service was led by the Early Teen's class, with Mercy Joy Rivera—the only adult in the platform party—serving as the speaker. Her message centred on Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”
Seeing our children and young people being “trained in the way they should go” was tenderly heartwarming. Yet, the true highlight of the Sabbath took place in the afternoon. Excitement filled the air as Knowsley Adventist Church, since its formal organisation just seven months ago, embarked on its very first Care Home Ministry!
The Sabbath School team, under the visionary leadership of Naomi Aggrey, dreams of producing Knowsley Adventist Church’s own Mission Stories—and the Lord certainly did not disappoint. So here it is: our very first mission story!
Amberley Court in Rainhill, Prescot, graciously accepted our offer to visit and share an afternoon of musical delight titled “Then Sings My Soul: An Afternoon of Hymns.” The children participated joyfully, singing their songs, followed by vocal renditions from the adults. Not to be left behind, the Youth Department's newly formed musical ensemble also shared a musical piece.
The songs visibly touched hearts. Some sang along, others clapped their hands, and many were moved to tears. Residents thanked us profusely for visiting. Elder Frank Oriaku concluded the programme with a prayer, asking God to help our senior citizens feel loved and valued. He reminded them that even when they feel alone, Jesus is their constant Friend and Ally—always near.
It was during this special moment that I saw my “angel.”
Seated at the back was a precious elderly lady—slouched to the side, mouth agape, eyes fixed on the ceiling. By all appearances, she seemed oblivious to everything happening around her.
For a brief moment, I hesitated. She wasn’t looking, so I couldn’t offer her a handshake. But something in me prompted action. I gently patted her shoulder, said hello, and thanked her for listening.
And then—it happened. Her face lit up with the most beautiful, angelic smile. My heart overflowed with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes. That “hollow” human being was still there. She was present. She responded. She smiled.
The next day, my mind kept returning to that single, sacred moment when my heart stood still. And then, a gentle realisation came over me—a divine truth that settled deep in my spirit:
Yes! I have seen an angel smile.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’”
