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