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