John Noel (follow-up): Episode 119

Summary

In this episode of the Upward Way podcast, John Noel shares his transformative journey of faith and service. Raised in an Anglican home, Noel discovered the power of Christ through a tract about the Sabbath truth, leading him to Seventh-day Adventism and ultimately to a life devoted to ministry. He reflects on the importance of keeping his message simple and the impact of Voice in the Wilderness Ministries, where he plays a pivotal role. With a practical approach to sharing the faith and a focus on family restoration, Noel offers insights into effective ministry and personal growth in Christ.

Highlights

• John Noel's initial encounter with Christ reshaped his life and ministry path. ✨
• The Voice in the Wilderness Ministry stands out with its straightforward, impactful message, shaking up traditional views. 📖
• Simplicity and directness in delivering the gospel can lead to broader and more profound impacts. 🚀
• Noel's dedication to restoring family ties underlines the integral role of family in spiritual well-being. 👪
• Listeners are encouraged to be joyful in their spiritual journey and trust in the ultimate triumph of truth. 💪

Key Takeaways

• John Noel's journey from Anglican roots to committed Seventh-day Adventist illustrates the transformative power of simple truth.
• Noel emphasizes the importance of simplicity in ministry to effectively reach people quickly and clearly. 🤓
• The Voice in the Wilderness Ministries extends globally, impacting lives with publications and a message of hope. 🌍
• The family's role in faith is central, echoing Christ's work of restoration. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Noel highlights the necessity of a joyful and consistent walk with Christ as a testimony to His love. 😊

Overview

John Noel, a prominent figure in the Voice in the Wilderness Ministries, recounts his profound journey from a curious seeker to a devoted servant of Christ. Starting from his West Indian Anglican roots, Noel's encounter with Adventism and the teachings of the Sabbath catalyzed a significant transformation, eventually guiding him to his current ministry role. This podcast episode revisits Noel's faith journey, highlighting his pivotal shift and ongoing commitment to serving through the platform that once introduced him to the light of God's truth.

Throughout the conversation, Noel emphasizes a crucial ministry strategy: keep it simple. He advises on the power of clear, direct communication in effectively spreading the gospel, a principle that has significantly shaped his work in the Voice in the Wilderness Ministries. The organization, known for its vibrant message and methods, reflects Noel's dedication to making the gospel accessible, engaging audiences globally while preserving core biblical truths.

Noel also underscores the importance of family in the broader context of faith and ministry. By fostering strong family units, communities can experience revival and growth, mirroring the restorative work of Christ. Noel's insights extend beyond preaching, as he advocates for a joyful, fulfilling walk with God, rooted in love and clarity—a testimony to the enduring impact of faith in overcoming life's challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction and Welcome The introduction chapter of the Upward Way podcast welcomes listeners who are seeking spiritual growth and inspiration. The host assures the audience that they have come to the right place for spiritual blessings. The podcast features guests who share their personal stories and encounters with Christ, emphasizing how their lives have been transformed by God's grace and love.
• 00:30 - 01:30: Guest Introduction: John Noel In this chapter, the host Marlon Walters welcomes John Noel, who is a repeat guest on the show Upward Wave. John Noel was previously on the show a few years ago during its early stages and is now an advisor to Upwardway ministry.
• 01:30 - 04:00: John Noel's Spiritual Journey The chapter titled "John Noel's Spiritual Journey" begins with a guest appearance on a show called Upward Way. The speaker expresses gratitude for being on the show and introduces Voice in the Wilderness Ministries, highlighting the significance of the name by referencing its Biblical roots associated with Elijah and John the Baptist.
• 04:00 - 05:00: Motivation for Ministry The chapter titled 'Motivation for Ministry' delves into the personal journey of John, occasionally referred to as Elo John, as he discusses his path as a devoted servant. He shares his story as a first-generation individual of West Indian descent, raised in an Anglican home affiliated with the Church of England. The narrative underlines the concept of ministry as a voice in the wilderness, highlighting the influences and motivations that have shaped John's commitment to his faith and service.
• 05:00 - 10:00: Voice in the Wilderness Ministry The chapter titled 'Voice in the Wilderness Ministry' revolves around the author's journey of faith. In their early years, they weren't deeply involved with the church but maintained a degree of faith. In their early 20s, during a period of searching for a deeper connection with God, they encountered evangelist Gary Harrison and Pastor Reginald Wright. They introduced the author to the concept of the Sabbath truth through a tract that made a significant impact, taking three days for the author to process and come to terms with its contents. This encounter marked their first introduction to Seventh-day Adventism.
• 10:00 - 15:00: Message Delivery and Family Unit The chapter titled 'Message Delivery and Family Unit' revolves around the narrator's personal journey of discovering faith and finding a spiritual calling. The narrator speaks about being introduced to the light of present truth within the Seventh-day Adventist church through a ministry. This same ministry becomes pivotal as it calls them to service, signifying a profound spiritual connection and purpose. The narrator expresses awe and finds it amazing how the ministry that introduced them to Christ's teachings also became their place of work, highlighting a unique blend of personal faith development and professional life.
• 15:00 - 20:00: Recent Publications and Offerings The chapter titled 'Recent Publications and Offerings' provides reflections on personal teachings learned through ministry. The key lesson is about divine choice, emphasizing that God uses people according to His will. This is coupled with a mention of two founders of the ministry who played a pivotal role in introducing the speaker to their current religious message. Notably, these founders are now deceased, having passed away some years prior, highlighting themes of legacy and remembrance within the chapter.
• 20:00 - 23:00: Where to Find More Information The chapter 'Where to Find More Information' delves into the personal experiences and lessons learned from the past years. The speaker shares a profound realization that the Lord uses people according to His will, which has been a humbling experience. This understanding has instilled a deep respect for God's servants in the speaker. The conversation hints at an exploration of motivations, suggesting personal growth and spiritual insight as key themes. The speaker is encouraged to share more about their motivations and possibly their work, indicating a transition into discussing personal dedication to a cause or mission.
• 23:00 - 27:00: Closing Remarks The chapter titled 'Closing Remarks' revolves around the author's reflection on their journey in full-time ministry. The key motivating factor for their dedication to walking with Christ and committing to ministry is the love of Christ. Furthermore, the author emphasizes the power of Christ's love experienced through the Holy Spirit as a significant influence in their spiritual journey and ministerial endeavors.

John Noel (follow-up): Episode 119 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 Thanks for tuning into Upward Way podcast. If you're looking to be spiritually blessed, moved, and inspired, there is no doubt you are in the right place. On our show, guests recount their encounter with Christ and how their lives have been transformed through the grace and love of God. And
• 00:30 - 01:00 now, please welcome our host. Hello and welcome to Upward Wave. I am your host, Marlon Walters. Today, I'm happy to have a guest coming on who I would say is a repeat guest. He was here maybe three or so years ago when we were just in the infancy of Upward way. And today, he also is one of would say advisers to Upwardway ministry. Um, John Noel, welcome to Upward Way.
• 01:00 - 01:30 Yes, thank you. Thank you. Glad to be a guest on Upward Way. Yes. And I I should also say that um he's one of the presenters, host presenters of um Voice in the Wilderness Ministries. So, I want you to ensure that you allow that that name to resonate. And if you're a student of the Bible, when you hear of the voice in the wilderness, at least two names should come to your mind. Elijah and also John the Baptist. So his
• 01:30 - 02:00 ministry is about that voice in the wilderness. So brother John or sometimes I may refer to you as Elo John. I just want you to just do a little summary of your journey as a servant of the king. Okay. Well, journey was um of I say yes of West Indian origin, first generation and um brought up in an Anglican home, Church of England
• 02:00 - 02:30 um from youth. wasn't a very serious church girl, but I had faith. And as I got older, say my early 20ies, I was searching for God. And that's where I met um evangelist Gary Harrison and Pastor Reginald Wright who gave me a tract about the Sabbath truth. And that was my first introduction to save the Adventism. And um that track stunned me and it took me three days to get over that track. And believe it or not, it
• 02:30 - 03:00 was the introduction of that track that introduced me not only to um the light of present truth to the 7 Devinist church, but to the very ministry that I'm working in now. So that's basically summarizing that the same ministry that had introduced me to Christ under the light of the third angel's message is the same ministry that God called me to. I mean, isn't isn't that amazing? Uh wow. Wow. Wow. It's really amazing as you said you know those who introduced you or the ministry
• 03:00 - 03:30 that introduced you is the very ministry you are serving today. So I mean what has that let's say taught you? It's basically taught me that God will use whom he pleases. And um the audience may not know um but they can go back to the previous podcast, but for those new to the podcast um the two founders of the ministry who introduced me to the message, they're now laying asleep in Jesus. It's been 11
• 03:30 - 04:00 years this year since they've um passed away. So that's taught me as I said that the Lord will use whom he will you know and um yeah so it's taught me humility more than anything else really and uh and respect for God's servants. Wonderful. Wonderful. So in keeping with that because I I know I will allow you to share a bit more as to you know what you do but in terms of your motivation
• 04:00 - 04:30 for ministry as you said God would use whoever he chooses you know what has been the motivating factor to keep you it's twofold to keep you walking with Christ and then to dedicate your life to full-time ministry. What has been that motivation? Quite simply the love of Christ but specifically it's the power of his love through the Holy Spirit because the power that I experienced when I was when
• 04:30 - 05:00 the message when the message was introduced to me I never experienced that power in my life before. You see that was the power of his presence. And that's that's quite simply it's the power of Christ's presence. That's that's my desire to to to desire him his presence in my life more and more. You see, so that's really it, Elder Martin. You know, it's it's God himself. Yes. What what better motivation than
• 05:00 - 05:30 God himself. I I really love that. And you know, once God is in, you know, the center, then everything will work. it will work well because you're just your life is just revolving around the most important element. So I I I can see why you have continued and I can see why you have remained youthful though you are you know going up in age as we'll say. All right. So, um yes, I'm 55 now
• 05:30 - 06:00 by God's grace. Okay. You're 5 years old. All right. I got that book though. Um ju just to walk us through now voice in the wilderness. Um a little background about this ministry. Um you mentioned the founding fathers, but I mean you can decide to start wherever you want to want you want to start whether with them or just you know what happens now. walk us through because I know there are different branches that
• 06:00 - 06:30 falls underneath that umbrella of voice in the wilderness ministry. Yes. Okay. Fine. Well, voice in the wilderness was established by God in the year 1992 by um then brother Gary Harrison and then brother Reginald Wright. They eventually became evangelist Gary Harrison. He was a famous evangelist in in London and Jamaica and past original right became
• 06:30 - 07:00 a famous international speaker. Um called this Sunday the lord's day of the mark of the beast. They just went straight to the point and that track caused um a lot of feet to shuffle I would say. um some people didn't like it but some people did and they actually left the Sunday churches to come into 7th Adventism. So that's how the ministry started. Um and um and well and through the ministry
• 07:00 - 07:30 there was a revival that happened in the United Kingdom and um our home church was the most vibrant church in the country. Even the conference president came down to find out what was going on. Yes. And um that's how so that's to give you the impact that voice in the wilderness was having initially. I came after that and I came I was baptized in 1995. Um and you could say that I came at the tail end of the initial revival. The revival started between 1992 and
• 07:30 - 08:00 1994. So the Lord knew when to call me when things were dying down a bit. And so from there, so from 1995 in 1996, Wilderness Publications was established by um evangelist Gary Harrison and past original right and that's where we started our own publishing house proper. And um we done our first professional publication in 1997. That was a naked sorry 1999 the naked truth
• 08:00 - 08:30 about cults and erroneous teachings. That was um Elder Sam Henry. He was the man that lost the wife and five children at Waco. So um so that's just and then Wilderness Publications grew from there. Uh another branch was Wilderness Digital Media which is where we started produce um videos VHS then CDs and then DVDs and then YouTube videos. So, so the ministry
• 08:30 - 09:00 branch from the ministry of the word preaching and teaching to those two subdivisions and that's what leads us down to today basically other morning. Um as simple as that really you know so that's how the ministry started and that's how it's grown to today. Yes. So I mean I'm trying to do the math. Um let's say 1992 it would have been the official. So if I were to do some calculation it would have been about say 42 43 years and sorry not not
• 09:00 - 09:30 40 40 32 33 years ago that everything started and as you said it it it created a revival in the UK. So yes, I mean this wasn't a question that I had in mind, but you know nowadays our world has become more fast-paced and people expect results overnight almost immediately. So from your experience, you know, being such a wise person, what would you say to
• 09:30 - 10:00 individuals when they engage in ministry and maybe things are just moving at a snail space, you know, what would be your motivation? Oh yeah. So, I'm glad you asked that question. Do you know that we've got the answer in the spirit of prophecy um in in the testimonies and and I'm sure it's in one of the cuz what's in the testimonies is in some of the other books. God tells us he you know when the Bible says run that they may read. You see? Um so yeah in that they're
• 10:00 - 10:30 running. So in essence because people are moving fast now they haven't got time to be reading deep and long. So my advice is keep it simple and that's where you need the wisdom of God because our message can be made simple so that people when they're on the train they can get the message when they're on the plane they can get the message when they're running. So you've got to ask the Lord to teach you how to make tracks and booklets and even
• 10:30 - 11:00 sermons simple so that when they're commuting, when they're reading, they can get the the message. And it's possible. It is, you see. So that's what it is. Keep it simple. Yes. Actually, I I don't I don't remember if it's in public speaking, if it's in business, say English, but I've come across that term several times. KS kiss, you know, keep it simple. and maybe they said sweet or something extra. So
• 11:00 - 11:30 here we have it. You know once you keep it simple then it actually works. No. Yeah. And I mean it's your interview but um also what I've experienced in my own life too um as a let's say not so experienced presenter that whenever I think I'm asked to share or I'm preparing to share that's one of the first thing I try to do start with a simple move into more compass and when
• 11:30 - 12:00 you look at Jesus's model you know that's what he did he he had an audience but he did not try to show himself to be you know the most intelligent the most intelligent of the sharpest. Yeah. Food in the shed. He used farming experiences and all of those things that that everyone could relate to and he shared a broader message. Yes. Yes. If you can I say this Elder Martin what drew me to our message was also it gets straight to the
• 12:00 - 12:30 point and that was one of the identify and that is the identifying mark of the truth because all the other um relig um denominations that I was studying with there was always long complex explanations about things but I noticed that whenever you you read like well the Bible itself and this bit of prophecy and our writers they get straight to the point you see That is a trademark of the Holy Ghost. God, you know, the axe gets laid at the root. So that's the key, you
• 12:30 - 13:00 see, is learning to lay the axe at the root. You see? Yes. So yeah, that's what I like to share as well. All right. So there are too many there are two more questions I will throw at you. Um the first one is it's obvious but at the same time it's not as obvious. So you know how can the audience benefit from your message? So you have radio as a part, you have the printed pages as a
• 13:00 - 13:30 part and then you have sermon. So how can those who tune in really benefit? Okay. Well, um we host the podcasts um through rss.com and that's where the radio station podcasts are hosted as well as through Spotify as well as well as through YouTube as well as our own website witness publications. Um it's got a download page where you can download um
• 13:30 - 14:00 like 48 messages that um the late pastor right left. So, so we make our material available freely to the people, you see, and that's the way that they can benefit from it. Well, those that are free obviously cuz the books, you know, through the bookstore, they can order the books that they need. Yes. Keeping it simple as you said. Right. But I I know there's a bit more. Yeah, I know there's a bit bit more cuz I think
• 14:00 - 14:30 recently um you had a new release and see if I can try to to find it in my own um Oh, okay. Yes. The seven. Yes. You want me to elaborate a bit more? That's fine. Yes. And and any other recent or future releases you could just talk about? Okay. Fine. Yes. Well, there's plenty to share. There's plenty to share. I've got my my information here. So from the last time um like we produced a health booklet that's called the eight laws of health
• 14:30 - 15:00 where it started as a health magazine and then you know how sisters can be oh it's too big I want something smaller. So um and so we produced that in A6 and that's proved to be very popular and we've produced thousands of those that have gone out throughout the UK and throughout the world they've gone out as well. So that's been an update. Um that's the eight laws of health booklet of it which is simply the ministry of healing but packaged in magazine form because one thing I believe is that we
• 15:00 - 15:30 don't need to reinvent the truth. So there's that. Then believe it or not we done a track called um black gods or Jesus and um that's to deal with with that's to help the bre you know many of the pe of the brethren are going into the Hebrew Israelite religion and these religions based upon kala. So it doesn't just build deal with people you know black people alone but the principle is that it helps people to realize it warns them not to go in religion based upon skin color right right but to bas
• 15:30 - 16:00 religion based upon Christ you see so and that was done under protest as well because I didn't want to really get in into any racial issue you see I stay clear of it but there was a need so there's that then there's a track called the least these my brethren which is basically the of the sheep and the goats. One, the least of these, my brethren. Okay. Yeah. Sorry, let me slow down if I'm going too fast. No, it's it's fine. There was something I'm excited. See, there's nothing that
• 16:00 - 16:30 gets me so excited and than the work. Um, okay. Yes, we don't attract the least of these my brethren and it's mainly in reach because in the church as you know and only the Lord knows I'm not putting a finger but many times the poorest and the most needy are neglected and it is just a reminder because I preached a sermon on it that to remind ourselves to always look out for those who are deployed and who have
• 16:30 - 17:00 who have who have the most need and not just to focus on your friends, your families and your circle alone because God is going to judge us not upon what we have done for him so much but we we've neglected to do for him. So, so and and and that tracks has gone well has gone down well. Um and um moving on again, there was an issue here in the UK about assisted dying where the government um basically
• 17:00 - 17:30 um are trying to pass a law which basically legalizes suicide. And so we done a track called assisted dying um murder or death with dignity. And that was to expose how the humanists are the ones that are pushing it and and they themselves say that they are against God and against his law. This is their own words, not mine. You see, so to make the people aware that there is a
• 17:30 - 18:00 specific agenda to defy the law of God and that's what's behind it. And that tracks has gone down well. um as well as um another tract was the um attitude and teaches of Mrs. ZG White against the different Bible translations because you know um that was just information from one of her relatives to help people to realize why she may use the King James version um than other translation you know that was more of just in reach more for general
• 18:00 - 18:30 information. So it's not a major publication just something again. Um and then we produced the CD which I have here. It's called the restoration of the family unit and um that was from the save the radio broadcast for say meetings and that was more to reach the community because as you know the purpose of the gospel is to restore the family unit and that's just to help cuz as you know Adam man you're a family man yourself. This is where it all starts. And there are so many
• 18:30 - 19:00 families that are fighting each other. And so that's for the church and outreach to teach us all to love one another. You see, and so that's and that's what our movement is about. And again, that's what many of us fail to realize. You know, we're talking about prophecy, dates, times, and this reform, that reform. But the purpose of the gospel is to restore family. You can be talking about all these things, but if you're kissing your teeth at your husband and your wife, what it's the
• 19:00 - 19:30 rest is nonsense, isn't it? No. And it so it's back to basics. So that's the purpose of that. And as the testimony, I gave it to a Hindu and a few weeks ago and she loves it so much. She's been sending the CDs to her friends and that's helping her to with her family. So So that was that. And the last thing is yeah the 7th day Sabbath sort out um for those who may this is the publication here
• 19:30 - 20:00 um that's been doing very well and would you believe it that the books have sold in Brazil for the first time last month we had we had our first customers from Brazil and that was good to know and um that's been going now all over the world um that that book which basically um teaches people that Our message is not a new message. We weren't the first people to say that, you know, that enforced under the keeping is the mark of the beast.
• 20:00 - 20:30 Yes. Quite um that book was it was written in 1657 and so and it's a great book to have. Yes. So the modern Yes. My internet got a bit unstable, but I I got all of what you said. Okay. Yes. So, I mean quite a quite a lot and I'm happy that Okay. Yes, I'm I'm happy to hear about those
• 20:30 - 21:00 publications and yeah, maybe I need to get a few of those. I I specifically love that one about the family because yes, I I too know that society or maybe let me not so go so far so quickly but you know that within a community if the family is intact then there is joy and u if you go into let's say a learning environment a school setting if the learners are coming from a good
• 21:00 - 21:30 home then the issues will be better resolved and if you think about the workplace the same and if you look about think about the society yes so once family unit is intact then society benefits so I guess the final thing I'll ask I know you have mentioned but you know where can people find you do you have Instagram Tik Tok Facebook all of these platforms where can people find you and then you know maybe how can they
• 21:30 - 22:00 connect and to order my Yes, they can. Yes, we are. There is a Facebook page that's for um the internet radio station. So, I just need to type in the Voice of the Wilderness Internet Radio and um you'll find our Facebook page there. Um we we on YouTube as well. We've got YouTube channels plural. Um it's just to type in um Voice in the Wilderness and you should come up with one of our channels basically. and um
• 22:00 - 22:30 and and obviously um I can send you the links afterwards. The radio station is vitwradio.org. That's to connect to the radio station. Um I said via Spotify as well. You just type in voice in the wilderness radio. And um the website is wildernesspubations.org. That's wildness.org. And those are the main um
• 22:30 - 23:00 reference points for communication as such you know um emails just um inquiries.org and the telephone number is included with all of our websites as well. So yeah so you know the people are more than free to um contact us that way and yeah so um is that enough information? Yes. And um there's
• 23:00 - 23:30 something that you haven't said and I would also encourage persons you know that if you if God is laying on your heart to support the ministry you know in volunteering um for through donations don't refuse because your your your input will help to save someone who might be searching for answers someone who is wandering in the wilderness wanting to hear a voice. So, I'll also add that caveat.
• 23:30 - 24:00 Yes. Yes. Sorry. Yes. I should have said yes. If you want to donate to support the work, you can do it through the radio station website and um go to the about us page and there's a donation button there. You see? And so, yes, that's that that's how people can support us financially that way. Yes. as well. I want to say thanks brother John Noel for taking the time out to I would say just give a little summary a little update as to what has been happening with the ministry. So to
• 24:00 - 24:30 my listening audience we have been speaking with brother John Noel one of the host presenters of boys in the wilderness ministry and he has gone through giving us his own initiation into um the faith and the ministry. He was introduced via tract. He read it over a period three days. That's how his faith journey started. Today he's serving in this very same ministry and he has outlined to you that you know if
• 24:30 - 25:00 you think about ministry keep it simple don't try to rush allow God to lead and also make sure you are direct in your approach and of course he gave his motivation for service along with so many other things. So before we go, do you have any parting words you may want to pass on to the listeners? Yes. The first thing is Jesus is coming soon and he's coming for a clean and holy people. We don't hear these words
• 25:00 - 25:30 much. Be ye clean that be the vessels of the Lord. We're all works in progress, but we've got to be determined to overcome sin because that's the reason why Jesus died. And that's why he's in the heavenly sanctuary now to to cleanse our minds from all these evil thoughts and desires that strength for the mastery and and be happy in the Lord, not you know there and not to be miserable because how can we be presenting the God of love if we're miserable? You see and and and if we are
• 25:30 - 26:00 miserable then we need to get on our knees and ask God for for power and strength and refreshment. So those are the main things you know and finally that the the truth will triumph we don't have to worry about what's going on out there. If we state our marching orders victory is already assured. So we must be confident that we're on the winning side. Amen. I love that Jesus is coming soon. is coming for persons who are clean and
• 26:00 - 26:30 don't be miserable and know that the truth will triumph in the end. You've been in tune to upward way. Do join us again next week when we'll have another interesting guest sharing his or her story of faith. Subscribe to our weekly episodes on the Apple AWR AWR Spotify or podcast guru apps. You're welcome to go to Upward way Facebook page. We are also now on YouTube, so you can also go and listen to this episode and future episodes. And
• 26:30 - 27:00 if God impresses you to donate, do not refuse to do that. Until then, I'm Martin Walter. Sing goodbye. May God bless you. You've been listening to the Upward Way podcast, the number one audio production show for people who want encouragement and reassurance in a muddled world.