The Love of God

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Roman 5:6-8,KJV

The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth, for Christ is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle with the King of the universe to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.

But “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16, KJV

O, the mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him!
(EP 31.3)

Israel Mutema is a resident chaplain at Covenant Health here in Lubbock, a role he assumed in August of 2018. As a chaplain, Israel provides intentional care to patients, families, and staff. He supports grieving families in different crises and serves on interdisciplinary care teams for patients.

Prior to his current position, Israel pastored the Niles Southside SDA Church, in the Michigan Conference, from 2016 till 2018. Before his pastoral engagement at Niles, he served as an ordained elder at Michiana African SDA Church in Berrien Springs under the Lake Region Conference from 2012 till 2016.

Israel is a graduate of Oakwood University, in Huntsville, Alabama in 2009. He graduated with a BA in Theology with a concentration in pastoral evangelistic ministry and a minor in Biblical Languages. In 2009, he entered Seminary at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He completed his studies there in the Fall of 2012.

Israel is married to Rheeta and together they are blessed with two toddler boys, Judah and Micah.