This week the annual ASI convention begins in Phoenix, Arizona. As you know ASI is a laymen's organization of business owners and professionals who join together to promote the work of the Seventh-day Adventist church. They have done wonderful things for God's work down through the years. Beginning Wednesday evening thousands of devoted church members from across North America will gather to conduct business, worship and share their testimonies. If you are interested in becoming a member of this worthy organization I would welcome a call from you and will be happy to direct you as to how you can be part of this work. I look forward to sharing with you a report from these meetings once they have ended.

It hardly seems possible that in just two short weeks school will once again be starting throughout the Carolinas. If you are a parent of a school age young person or know one in your church I would like to encourage you to enroll them in this upcoming year. Whether they are elementary, academy or college age the benefit they will gain from being in an Adventist school is an eternal one. Also, as the recent ValueGenesis studies have borne out the education received in an Adventist School is superior to public school in all subjects and categories. This advantage holds true whether it is a large school with multiple teachers or a single teacher classroom. As I travel throughout the Carolinas I find that typically the majority of our churches are made up of people who attended an Adventist school as they were growing up. In fact, it has been cited that over 75% of those who attend Adventist church schools remain in the church. I know it requires a sacrifice on the part of parents but what a blessing in return!

I remember some years ago stopping in at a local grocery store. As I was checking out I recognized the gentleman who was bagging my groceries. He was one of the members of the church. I knew that he had another job and so I was somewhat surprised to see him there. I greeted him and he said, "Pastor, it's good to see you. I just took this second job because both of our children are now in church school and my one job doesn't cover the bills. So I started working evenings here so we don't get behind." As I left that store I thought to myself (and actually said to him) what a wonderful witness you are to the setting of priorities. I know that God is going to richly bless you and your family for the sacrifice you are making. That was almost 20 years ago and both of those children are now strong and active leaders in their church.

This past week the pastors from across the Conference gathered in Charlotte for a one day Minister's meeting. Elder Bill McClendon, Ministerial Secretary of the Oklahoma Conference, was the featured speaker. Elder McClendon planted a church in Tulsa a few years ago which has now grown to over 800 members. He greatly inspired our pastors with what God can do when we step out and evangelize for Him.

Across North America the church is feeling the effects of the economic recession. I am thankful that through June Carolina recorded a very slight gain in tithe compared to last year. Even though it is less than 1% I am thankful as many of our sister conferences are reporting substantial losses. Let's continue to pray that God will bless our membership with employment and that our membership will then remain faithful in their returning of tithe to the Lord.

Please know that I pray daily for the membership of this conference. I know there are many challenges that are faced each day by many of you. But we serve a God who is more powerful than any challenge Satan could hurl at us. What a wonderful comfort to know that God is in charge and that He is leading and guiding! May God richly bless.

Sincerely,

Jim