As we enter the last week of 2008 I can't help but pause and look back over the events of the past year. Certainly, it seems the events of the world become ever more dramatic. In the United States we have seen the dramatic election of the nations first African-American president. This is a significant event when we realize that we have gone in a single generation from segregation to this milestone. Sadly, I can remember in my lifetime when black SDA church members were denied access for their children to white SDA church schools. Thankfully, those days are gone. While I'm not saying that all is perfect, it never will be as long as human beings are involved, I am still heartened by the progress that has been made.
Not only in America but around the world the economy has been jolted and stunned by what many analysts call the meltdown of the financial markets. We are seeing once rock solid corporations standing with tin cup in hand as it were pleading for government help. People are losing their jobs and their homes. We see wars continuing around the world. Just today intensifying conflict is taking place in the nation of Israel on the Gaza strip. While these kinds of events could be worrisome they are actually exciting. For it tells us the coming of Jesus is just that much closer!
As we prepare to begin the year 2009 it is with a sense of expectancy. The expectancy that God is desiring to do dramatic things through His people. 2009 is being called the year of evangelism by the church in North America. It is the prayer and hope that the Gospel and the Three Angels Messages will go forth with a power greater than ever before. The faith objective for North America is 100,000 new souls for Christ. In Carolina our faith objective is 2,000 precious hearts accepting the good news of His soon coming and joining with His remnant people. I would ask that you each remember this great endeavor in your prayers. Also, I would ask that we all join together our efforts in reaching our families, neighbors, co-workers and others and boldly share with them the good news of Jesus.
As we begin this new year I want to thank each of our nearly 20,000 members in the Carolina Conference for your wonderful faithfulness in helping to finish God's work. Please know that my prayer is that God will keep all of you safe in His care and in His blessings throughout the coming year.
Your friend,
Jim
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
This past Monday the Executive Committee of the Conference met and elected Elder Haskell Williams, as the new Ministerial Secretary/Evangelism Coordinator for the Conference. He replaces Elder John Sweigart who had accepted a call to the Kansas/Nebraska Conference. Elder Williams comes from the Florida Conference where he was the senior pastor of the Apopka SDA Church. He brings a richness of pastoral experience as well as a deep spirituality that will be greatly appreciated as he serves as the pastor to the pastors. Haskell actually grew up in the Carolinas, near Asheville North Carolina, graduating from Mt. Pisgah Academy. He received his BA degree in Theology from Southern Adventist University and his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. His wife, Cindy, is a registered nurse. She too is a Carolinian growing up in Pittsboro, NC and also graduating from Mt. Pisgah Academy. We extend a warm welcome to them both as they prepare to return to the Carolinas.
The nations economic challenges are being felt within the church as well. The tithe increase across the Southern Union, including Carolina, through October was less than 1%. However, we are thankful that here in Carolina God has blessed as expenses have been closely monitored and held in check and we are within our budget. Please pray that God will provide protection for our members as jobs are lost across the country. I know our people remain faithful even in difficult times.
I look forward this Sabbath to being with our folks at the Monroe Spanish church. I know it will be a blessing to be together with them. Have a wonderful Sabbath as well!
Your friend,
Jim
The nations economic challenges are being felt within the church as well. The tithe increase across the Southern Union, including Carolina, through October was less than 1%. However, we are thankful that here in Carolina God has blessed as expenses have been closely monitored and held in check and we are within our budget. Please pray that God will provide protection for our members as jobs are lost across the country. I know our people remain faithful even in difficult times.
I look forward this Sabbath to being with our folks at the Monroe Spanish church. I know it will be a blessing to be together with them. Have a wonderful Sabbath as well!
Your friend,
Jim
Monday, November 24, 2008
I have just returned back to the office after a week traveling throughout the Carolinas. A week ago this past Friday I was at Nosoca Pines Ranch for a Community Services Workshop. I met Friday evening with a newly formed advisory committee as they began to formulate philosophy and planning in this area of the church's ministry. I enjoyed listening to the different ACS leaders as they shared what their individual churches are doing to reach out and touch their communities. There are many ministries taking place from feeding the homeless to providing food for Thanksgiving baskets to training people how to do a job interview and providing them with computer skills, etc. I appreciate Bob Self and his leadership in this area.
After the meeting on Friday night, Bonnie and I traveled to Hilton Head where I spoke on Sabbath morning. Currently the Beaufort church is renting a facility as they plan to build a new worship center and so they combined with Hilton Head for the morning worship service. It was a real treat to be able to meet with both congregations.
On Sunday we traveled to Myrtle Beach to attend the Southern Union Departmental meetings. One of the highlights of the week were the devotionals delivered by Elder Dick Tibbits. He is the author of the well-known book, "Forgive to Live". He gave messages each morning on the power of forgiveness in our lives. I am delighted that we have him scheduled to be at our Lake Junaluska campmeeting in 2010.
From Myrtle Beach we traveled to Raleigh where we enjoyed the open house for the new multi-purpose building which they have just completed. I want to congratulate the members of the Raleigh church for an absolutely beautiful structure. It houses a full size gymnasium, library, classrooms, commercial kitchen, as well as other multi-purpose rooms. Even though this was the official "open house" it has already hosted a full evangelistic meeting conducted by Elder Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, and been the site of over 60 baptisms! what a benefit to God's work this building is going to be.
As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving this Thursday each of us can pause and give sincere thanks to God for His abundant blessings. I am sure as we reflect upon the past year that all of us can easily think of blessings which God has poured out upon our lives and families. I know I am thankful for many things. I am especially thankful for each of you and your dedication to finishing God's work. My prayer is that you will have a blessed Thanksgiving with those you love.
Your friend,
Jim
After the meeting on Friday night, Bonnie and I traveled to Hilton Head where I spoke on Sabbath morning. Currently the Beaufort church is renting a facility as they plan to build a new worship center and so they combined with Hilton Head for the morning worship service. It was a real treat to be able to meet with both congregations.
On Sunday we traveled to Myrtle Beach to attend the Southern Union Departmental meetings. One of the highlights of the week were the devotionals delivered by Elder Dick Tibbits. He is the author of the well-known book, "Forgive to Live". He gave messages each morning on the power of forgiveness in our lives. I am delighted that we have him scheduled to be at our Lake Junaluska campmeeting in 2010.
From Myrtle Beach we traveled to Raleigh where we enjoyed the open house for the new multi-purpose building which they have just completed. I want to congratulate the members of the Raleigh church for an absolutely beautiful structure. It houses a full size gymnasium, library, classrooms, commercial kitchen, as well as other multi-purpose rooms. Even though this was the official "open house" it has already hosted a full evangelistic meeting conducted by Elder Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, and been the site of over 60 baptisms! what a benefit to God's work this building is going to be.
As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving this Thursday each of us can pause and give sincere thanks to God for His abundant blessings. I am sure as we reflect upon the past year that all of us can easily think of blessings which God has poured out upon our lives and families. I know I am thankful for many things. I am especially thankful for each of you and your dedication to finishing God's work. My prayer is that you will have a blessed Thanksgiving with those you love.
Your friend,
Jim
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
October 31-November 1st the Lay Advisory of the Carolina Conference convened at Nosoca Pines Ranch. During this time together we were greatly blessed by three devotional messages by Dr. Ron Smith, Southern Union Executive Secretary. During this time the delegates also received reports from various departmental directors of the Conference as well as the administration. There was also time spent in five break-out sessions where delegates got with departmental directors and discussed future plans and directions for those specific ministries. There was good discussion and many good ideas were generated during this time together. One idea that I asked the young adult/campus ministries group to discuss was the concept of having a young adult summit for a weekend of planning and strategizing with Conference administration. The purpose would be to involve our young adults in a dialogue about how they see God's work moving forward and hastening His soon coming. This concept was accepted and we are planning a young adult summit for next summer at Nosoca Pines Ranch. Our churches will be receiving more information on this at a later date.
I just returned late last night from the North American Division Year-End meeting. This is the annual meeting of the NAD Executive Committee. One of the main discussion points was next year, 2009, the year of pastoral/lay evangelism. The North American Division has accepted a faith goal of 100,000 baptisms next year. The Carolina Conference has also taken on this faith challenge and set a goal of 10% growth for our conference next year. This would mean 1,900 baptisms. At our lay advisory meeting as we discussed this goal one of our laywomen suggested the theme 10% by 2010, or 10 by 10.
Everyone at the NAD meeting acknowledged that this was a faith goal and that humanly it was impossible to reach. But we were reminded that with God all things are possible. If your church does not yet have a plan or strategy in place for 2009 begin working immediately with your pastor so that 2009 can be a year where the power of the Holy Spirit falls upon the North American Division with a power never before experienced here.
Much was also discussed relative to the state of the US economy. I can't help but think as we head towards the Thanksgiving holiday how much the Seventh-day Adventist Church has to be thankful for. Our people continue to be faithful so that God's work can continue to move forward. Please join me in praying not only for our nation and recently elected new administration, but also pray that God will put a protective hedge around our church members so that even in the midst of the storm our people will find peace. For one thing we can always be sure, God loves us very much and God is in control.
Your friend,
Jim
I just returned late last night from the North American Division Year-End meeting. This is the annual meeting of the NAD Executive Committee. One of the main discussion points was next year, 2009, the year of pastoral/lay evangelism. The North American Division has accepted a faith goal of 100,000 baptisms next year. The Carolina Conference has also taken on this faith challenge and set a goal of 10% growth for our conference next year. This would mean 1,900 baptisms. At our lay advisory meeting as we discussed this goal one of our laywomen suggested the theme 10% by 2010, or 10 by 10.
Everyone at the NAD meeting acknowledged that this was a faith goal and that humanly it was impossible to reach. But we were reminded that with God all things are possible. If your church does not yet have a plan or strategy in place for 2009 begin working immediately with your pastor so that 2009 can be a year where the power of the Holy Spirit falls upon the North American Division with a power never before experienced here.
Much was also discussed relative to the state of the US economy. I can't help but think as we head towards the Thanksgiving holiday how much the Seventh-day Adventist Church has to be thankful for. Our people continue to be faithful so that God's work can continue to move forward. Please join me in praying not only for our nation and recently elected new administration, but also pray that God will put a protective hedge around our church members so that even in the midst of the storm our people will find peace. For one thing we can always be sure, God loves us very much and God is in control.
Your friend,
Jim
Friday, October 31, 2008
This past Sabbath we had a wonderful time with the folks in the Tryon church. It is exciting to see the growth and enthusiasm they are experiencing. They are currently involved in an evangelistic meeting being conducted by their pastor, Arthur Gibbs.
In the afternoon a memorial service was held in the Arden Church for Bill Iles, a member of the congregation. But Bill was also well known throughout the Southern Union for his years of leadership and benevolence to God's cause. He is considered the founder of the committee of 100 at Southern Adventist University where you will find the gymnasium named in his honor. This committee has raised millions of dollars through the years to benefit the educational program of the university. Bill has left a wonderful legacy of service which will continue to benefit God's work.
Beginning this evening we will be meeting at Nosoca Pines Ranch with delegates to the lay advisory. The meetings will continue through tomorrow night. We will be reporting to the delegates the state of the conference and different initiatives that are being done. There will also be a breakout session and plenary session for delegates to share ideas and give input to the direction of the Lord's work here in the Carolinas. Elder Ron Smith, Southern Union Executive Secretary, will be presenting three inspiring and timely messages during our time together.
The evangelistic meetings in the Leila Patterson center continue to go well with many visitors in attendance each night.
As all Americans know next week a new president, as well as many other government officials will be elected. While no one knows the outcome of these races one thing we do know and that is God is in control. As Scripture tells us God sets up kings and God takes down kings. All things are under His jurisdiction. As one writer said, "There's no such thing as God's being almost sovereign." God is always sovereign.
As we prepare our hearts today for a Sabbath blessing let us pause to rejoice that we serve a God who is always in control, who knows the future, and who is coming back soon.
Your friend,
Jim
In the afternoon a memorial service was held in the Arden Church for Bill Iles, a member of the congregation. But Bill was also well known throughout the Southern Union for his years of leadership and benevolence to God's cause. He is considered the founder of the committee of 100 at Southern Adventist University where you will find the gymnasium named in his honor. This committee has raised millions of dollars through the years to benefit the educational program of the university. Bill has left a wonderful legacy of service which will continue to benefit God's work.
Beginning this evening we will be meeting at Nosoca Pines Ranch with delegates to the lay advisory. The meetings will continue through tomorrow night. We will be reporting to the delegates the state of the conference and different initiatives that are being done. There will also be a breakout session and plenary session for delegates to share ideas and give input to the direction of the Lord's work here in the Carolinas. Elder Ron Smith, Southern Union Executive Secretary, will be presenting three inspiring and timely messages during our time together.
The evangelistic meetings in the Leila Patterson center continue to go well with many visitors in attendance each night.
As all Americans know next week a new president, as well as many other government officials will be elected. While no one knows the outcome of these races one thing we do know and that is God is in control. As Scripture tells us God sets up kings and God takes down kings. All things are under His jurisdiction. As one writer said, "There's no such thing as God's being almost sovereign." God is always sovereign.
As we prepare our hearts today for a Sabbath blessing let us pause to rejoice that we serve a God who is always in control, who knows the future, and who is coming back soon.
Your friend,
Jim
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fear seems to be gripping the country. Investers are searching for ways to protect their money and assets. Retirees are wondering if they will have any savings left. Current American workers are wondering if their company or plant will shut down. For the first time in 80 years the word depression is being used in the press. Many Americans are simply feeling frightened.
In 1932 newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his inaugural address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." But years before this a more profound statement had been made under inspiration when Ellen White wrote, "We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."
We have nothing to fear for God is in control. The God who created this world at the sound of His voice certainly can control world events today. We are simply seeing signs of the final crisis that is to usher in the coming of Jesus. What a glorious day that will be!
Just some quick news from around the conference. We had a wonderful spiritual blessing at Eastern Carolina Campmeeting. Elder Ron Smith, Southern Union Executive Secretary, provided powerful messages from the word of God.
Coming up the end of October is the Lay Advisory weekend at NPR. If you have been selected as a delegate I look forward to seeing you there.
Also, Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, just finished a field school of evangelism for Andrews University in Raleigh, NC. At this point nearly 50 people have made decisions to give their lives to the Lord.
This past weekend, Bryan McMahon, along with the churches in the Hendersonville, Asheville NC area began a large evangelistic meeting held at the Leila Patterson center in Fletcher. Opening night found 800 people in attendance with many visitors. Let's please pray that God will pour out His Spirit in this meeting.
Certainly, we are seeing the hand of God at work throughout the Carolinas. What a tremendous sight to see hundreds of people giving their hearts to Jesus. As the closing scenes of this earths history are abundant all around us we can rest assured in the promise found in Hebrews 10:37, "Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Yes, even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Your friend,
Jim
In 1932 newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his inaugural address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." But years before this a more profound statement had been made under inspiration when Ellen White wrote, "We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."
We have nothing to fear for God is in control. The God who created this world at the sound of His voice certainly can control world events today. We are simply seeing signs of the final crisis that is to usher in the coming of Jesus. What a glorious day that will be!
Just some quick news from around the conference. We had a wonderful spiritual blessing at Eastern Carolina Campmeeting. Elder Ron Smith, Southern Union Executive Secretary, provided powerful messages from the word of God.
Coming up the end of October is the Lay Advisory weekend at NPR. If you have been selected as a delegate I look forward to seeing you there.
Also, Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, just finished a field school of evangelism for Andrews University in Raleigh, NC. At this point nearly 50 people have made decisions to give their lives to the Lord.
This past weekend, Bryan McMahon, along with the churches in the Hendersonville, Asheville NC area began a large evangelistic meeting held at the Leila Patterson center in Fletcher. Opening night found 800 people in attendance with many visitors. Let's please pray that God will pour out His Spirit in this meeting.
Certainly, we are seeing the hand of God at work throughout the Carolinas. What a tremendous sight to see hundreds of people giving their hearts to Jesus. As the closing scenes of this earths history are abundant all around us we can rest assured in the promise found in Hebrews 10:37, "Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Yes, even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Your friend,
Jim
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The United States has just concluded one of the most dramatic economic weeks in its history. From concern of an economic meltdown to news of a massive government bailout of financial and lending institutions. Where it will end economically no one seems to be sure.
But we can know where it will end! These events are simply heralding to us the news that Jesus is soon to return. The Bible predicted that there would be hard economic times just prior to His return. Events such as this should not frighten or surprise us. They only reaffirm our belief in Scripture. What an exciting day it is to be alive. We are seeing events unfold that Jesus and the prophets spoke of thousands of years ago.
Let us each encourage one another with the reminder that it won't be long now. Jesus' return is just around the corner!
Your friend,
Jim
But we can know where it will end! These events are simply heralding to us the news that Jesus is soon to return. The Bible predicted that there would be hard economic times just prior to His return. Events such as this should not frighten or surprise us. They only reaffirm our belief in Scripture. What an exciting day it is to be alive. We are seeing events unfold that Jesus and the prophets spoke of thousands of years ago.
Let us each encourage one another with the reminder that it won't be long now. Jesus' return is just around the corner!
Your friend,
Jim
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Students have returned to school, Labor Day has passed and for many life is returning to a more predictable schedule. I am happy to report that Mount Pisgah Academy has begun the school year with 170 students enrolled. Across the conference nearly 900 students have enrolled in our church schools. What a blessing as a church to have a school system where the truth of God is taught and our young people can gain a clear image of Jesus.
Also, let me report on an exciting event that has recently ended at the Concord, NC church. Elder Richard Halvorsen recently finished an Andrews University field school of evangelism here. Nightly attendance from both church members and visitors was wonderful each night as the church was filled to capacity. At the conclusion of the series 40 wonderful souls gave their hearts to the Lord and joined His church through baptism or profession of faith. We rejoice at what God has done!
The Charlotte Sharon church has also just concluded an evangelistic series conducted completely by young people. It was my privilege to attend one evening and I can tell you the young people did a terrific job of preaching, music, greeting and all the other duties of an evangelistic meeting.
This Friday evening Elder Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, will begin another Andrews Univeristy field school of evangelism in the Raleigh, NC area. A number of churches from both Carolina Conference and South Atlantic Conference are uniting their efforts in this soul winning endeavor. Please pray that God just now will send His Holy Spirit into this large metropolitan area and that many hearts will be turned to Him.
There are many other exciting things happening around the Carolina Conference. I will try to share some of them with you next time.
May God bless,
Jim
Also, let me report on an exciting event that has recently ended at the Concord, NC church. Elder Richard Halvorsen recently finished an Andrews University field school of evangelism here. Nightly attendance from both church members and visitors was wonderful each night as the church was filled to capacity. At the conclusion of the series 40 wonderful souls gave their hearts to the Lord and joined His church through baptism or profession of faith. We rejoice at what God has done!
The Charlotte Sharon church has also just concluded an evangelistic series conducted completely by young people. It was my privilege to attend one evening and I can tell you the young people did a terrific job of preaching, music, greeting and all the other duties of an evangelistic meeting.
This Friday evening Elder Ron Clouzet, North American Division Ministerial Secretary, will begin another Andrews Univeristy field school of evangelism in the Raleigh, NC area. A number of churches from both Carolina Conference and South Atlantic Conference are uniting their efforts in this soul winning endeavor. Please pray that God just now will send His Holy Spirit into this large metropolitan area and that many hearts will be turned to Him.
There are many other exciting things happening around the Carolina Conference. I will try to share some of them with you next time.
May God bless,
Jim
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Dear Friends,
Since my last post I have been to our annual summer Minister's meeting at Nosoca Pines Ranch. It is a special time when our pastors and famlies gather for a few days to worship, fellowship, and learn together. Elder Gary Moyer, our Conference Secretary, gave inspiring and challenging devotionals each morning. The continuing education time was provided by Merlin Burt, who is the director of the White Estate research facility at Andrews University. He spoke each day on reaffirming our faith in the Spirit of Prophecy as well as reminding us of the wonderful gift which God has given to this church.
It has also been my privilege to spend Sabbath with our folks at the Hickory Spanish Church as well as the Columbia 1st Church. Both of these congregations are vibrant and growing. In Hickory, in addition to church, I spent some time in the afternoon meeting with the congregation and we shared together regarding the upcoming year of pastoral/lay evangelism coming in 2009. They are strategizing now how they can double the number of people who join their church next year. In Columbia 1st they are still reaping benefits from the field school of evangelism that was conducted there earlier this past summer.
Next week across the Carolinas the church school year begins. I would like to encourage any parent who has not already made the decision to send your child to an Adventist school next week to seriously consider it. There is no better way to help keep our young people close to Jesus and in His church than enrolling them in one of our schools. In fact, the education department tells me that studies indicate that 80% of those who go through our school system remain in the church versus only 30% of those who don't. The eternity of our young people is the most important gift which we can give. Please don't hesitate to speak with your pastor if you have questions or are interested in providing this for your children.
There are so many wonderful things which God is doing which I don't have space to share. But will continue next week as God continues to pour out His blessings upon the Carolinas!
Your friend,
Jim
Since my last post I have been to our annual summer Minister's meeting at Nosoca Pines Ranch. It is a special time when our pastors and famlies gather for a few days to worship, fellowship, and learn together. Elder Gary Moyer, our Conference Secretary, gave inspiring and challenging devotionals each morning. The continuing education time was provided by Merlin Burt, who is the director of the White Estate research facility at Andrews University. He spoke each day on reaffirming our faith in the Spirit of Prophecy as well as reminding us of the wonderful gift which God has given to this church.
It has also been my privilege to spend Sabbath with our folks at the Hickory Spanish Church as well as the Columbia 1st Church. Both of these congregations are vibrant and growing. In Hickory, in addition to church, I spent some time in the afternoon meeting with the congregation and we shared together regarding the upcoming year of pastoral/lay evangelism coming in 2009. They are strategizing now how they can double the number of people who join their church next year. In Columbia 1st they are still reaping benefits from the field school of evangelism that was conducted there earlier this past summer.
Next week across the Carolinas the church school year begins. I would like to encourage any parent who has not already made the decision to send your child to an Adventist school next week to seriously consider it. There is no better way to help keep our young people close to Jesus and in His church than enrolling them in one of our schools. In fact, the education department tells me that studies indicate that 80% of those who go through our school system remain in the church versus only 30% of those who don't. The eternity of our young people is the most important gift which we can give. Please don't hesitate to speak with your pastor if you have questions or are interested in providing this for your children.
There are so many wonderful things which God is doing which I don't have space to share. But will continue next week as God continues to pour out His blessings upon the Carolinas!
Your friend,
Jim
Friday, July 25, 2008
Let me share just two exciting things God is currently doing here in Carolina. Elder Richard Halvorsen is presently conducting a field school of evangelism in the Concord, NC church. I was able to be present this past Tuesday evening and they had over 80 guests in attendance. The church was filled to capacity! There are eight students from Andrews University who are working with the meeting as well as gaining experience for their own ministry in the future.
On Wednesday night I was thrilled to attend a youth ShareHim evangelistic series in the Sharon Church in Charlotte, NC. Each night a different young person presents the message. Also, a music team from Mt. Pisgah Academy provide music each night. Let me say, these youth are doing an incredible job! On Wednesday evening David Rumsey, age 16, spoke about the millennium. His presentation was clear, articulate and well prepared. The music team from Mt. Pisgah Academy was also a great blessing as they led in congregational singing as well as special music. Several people have already asked for baptism. As one church member aptly said to me, "The future of the church is in good hands."
It is exciting to see God working and people giving their hearts and lives to Him. What a wonderful privilege we have of being co-workers with Him.
Sincerely,
Jim
On Wednesday night I was thrilled to attend a youth ShareHim evangelistic series in the Sharon Church in Charlotte, NC. Each night a different young person presents the message. Also, a music team from Mt. Pisgah Academy provide music each night. Let me say, these youth are doing an incredible job! On Wednesday evening David Rumsey, age 16, spoke about the millennium. His presentation was clear, articulate and well prepared. The music team from Mt. Pisgah Academy was also a great blessing as they led in congregational singing as well as special music. Several people have already asked for baptism. As one church member aptly said to me, "The future of the church is in good hands."
It is exciting to see God working and people giving their hearts and lives to Him. What a wonderful privilege we have of being co-workers with Him.
Sincerely,
Jim
Monday, July 7, 2008
This past Tuesday a team from the Carolina Conference returned from conducting ShareHim evangelistic meetings in Tver, Russia. As you know ShareHim, a ministry of our Conference, has sent teams of evangelists literally around the world preaching the good news of Jesus. However, the Euro-Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventists is one place where the ministry of ShareHim has never reached. At the special invitation of one of the conferences there a team of 12 made the journey and introduced this special method of evangelism to that area.
Not only were there five seperate sites that hosted meetings but at the conclusion we were able to meet with the officers of the local conference as well as some of the pastors to discuss how ShareHim can partner with them in the spreading of the Gospel. At the conclusion of that meeting they made a request to have ShareHim return this September and train the entire pastoral staff of the Conference as well as all head elders. We consider this to be a wonderful breakthrough which God has brought about. Because freedoms in Russia are becoming more restrictive, it is very difficult, and in some areas impossible, for visiting foreign evangelistis to be allowed to conduct meetings. Major public meetings are only allowed to be conducted where there is an existing SDA church building of which there are few. But the ShareHim format is perfect for the pastors and laypeople of that area to conduct small meetings in their own homes and apartments which the government does allow at this time. We are praying that this can be the beginning of a new day for soul-winning and evangelism in this part of the world. We are thankful that Carolina and the team could have a part to play in this mission.
Also, here in Carolina, Southern Adventist University has concluded a summer field school of evangelism in the Columbia SC area. A number of our area churches participated in this. At the conclusion over 30 precious people have joined God's church through baptism with more continuing to study. It is exciting to see God moving on people's hearts.
Please join in praying that God's work can continue to go forward so that we can all go home with Him.
Your friend,
Jim
Not only were there five seperate sites that hosted meetings but at the conclusion we were able to meet with the officers of the local conference as well as some of the pastors to discuss how ShareHim can partner with them in the spreading of the Gospel. At the conclusion of that meeting they made a request to have ShareHim return this September and train the entire pastoral staff of the Conference as well as all head elders. We consider this to be a wonderful breakthrough which God has brought about. Because freedoms in Russia are becoming more restrictive, it is very difficult, and in some areas impossible, for visiting foreign evangelistis to be allowed to conduct meetings. Major public meetings are only allowed to be conducted where there is an existing SDA church building of which there are few. But the ShareHim format is perfect for the pastors and laypeople of that area to conduct small meetings in their own homes and apartments which the government does allow at this time. We are praying that this can be the beginning of a new day for soul-winning and evangelism in this part of the world. We are thankful that Carolina and the team could have a part to play in this mission.
Also, here in Carolina, Southern Adventist University has concluded a summer field school of evangelism in the Columbia SC area. A number of our area churches participated in this. At the conclusion over 30 precious people have joined God's church through baptism with more continuing to study. It is exciting to see God moving on people's hearts.
Please join in praying that God's work can continue to go forward so that we can all go home with Him.
Your friend,
Jim
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Summer
What a wonderful week at Carolina Campmeeting. The Lord blessed in so many ways. The weather was perfect. The speakers each brought us inspiring and challenging messages and the music was uplifting. To God be the glory for a wonderful week together.
If you were not able to be at Campmeeting this year you may want to access the evening and Sabbath meetings at the Carolina Conference website. (carolinasda.org) For the first time this year the meetings were not only streamed on the web but they were streamed live. We plan to continue this in the coming campmeetings.
As we enter the summer season many of our churches will be conducting Vacation Bible Schools. This is a wonderful way to not only minister to our own children but also to the children and families of the community. Summer is also a time when the summer camp program is in full swing at Nosoca Pines Ranch. Each year there are hundreds of young people who indicate they are accepting Christ for the first time. If you have influence with any young person encourage them to make camp at Nosoca Pines Ranch a part of their summer.
And may you be especially blessed as well this summer. I pray that God will continue to richly bless you as you serve Him.
Your friend,
Jim
If you were not able to be at Campmeeting this year you may want to access the evening and Sabbath meetings at the Carolina Conference website. (carolinasda.org) For the first time this year the meetings were not only streamed on the web but they were streamed live. We plan to continue this in the coming campmeetings.
As we enter the summer season many of our churches will be conducting Vacation Bible Schools. This is a wonderful way to not only minister to our own children but also to the children and families of the community. Summer is also a time when the summer camp program is in full swing at Nosoca Pines Ranch. Each year there are hundreds of young people who indicate they are accepting Christ for the first time. If you have influence with any young person encourage them to make camp at Nosoca Pines Ranch a part of their summer.
And may you be especially blessed as well this summer. I pray that God will continue to richly bless you as you serve Him.
Your friend,
Jim
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A Week of Blessing
Next week is Carolina Campmeeting 2008 at Lake Junaluska. What a special time this is! It is a time of refreshing, relaxing, and spiritual renewal. It is also a time for reconnecting with friends and family who perhaps we have not seen in a long time.
But more than that I hope this will be a week of refocusing for each of us in our personal walk with Jesus. Perhaps it will be studying God's Word in the early morning as you sit on the porch of your cottage. Or a contemplative walk around the lake. Whatever form it takes I hope this can be a week in which we each reexamine our own relationship with Christ and deepen that experience even more.
I hope you are planning to be there. However, if you are unable to attend I hope you will still take extra time next week to spend with Jesus. Even if you are still at work or in school set aside that additional hour or so a day to simply refocus your life with Him. Let's make the week of May 25-31 a week of spiritual emphasis for us all.
I believe we are going to have a tremendous spiritual time. Please join me in praying that God will pour out His Spirit in such an abundant fashion that we will know we have spent time with the Savior.
Your Friend,
Jim
But more than that I hope this will be a week of refocusing for each of us in our personal walk with Jesus. Perhaps it will be studying God's Word in the early morning as you sit on the porch of your cottage. Or a contemplative walk around the lake. Whatever form it takes I hope this can be a week in which we each reexamine our own relationship with Christ and deepen that experience even more.
I hope you are planning to be there. However, if you are unable to attend I hope you will still take extra time next week to spend with Jesus. Even if you are still at work or in school set aside that additional hour or so a day to simply refocus your life with Him. Let's make the week of May 25-31 a week of spiritual emphasis for us all.
I believe we are going to have a tremendous spiritual time. Please join me in praying that God will pour out His Spirit in such an abundant fashion that we will know we have spent time with the Savior.
Your Friend,
Jim
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