Since my last blog there have been two wonderful events that have taken place which have involved a number of our Carolina church family. As I mentioned to you last the ASI convention has taken place in Phoenix, AZ. This is always an inspirational event showcasing what lay ministries are doing around the world. There were over 2,000 people in attendance. A new president, Norman Reitz, was elected. An update on the one-day church program was presented as well as the launch of the one-day school initiative. On Sabbath a special offering was taken to help with different ministries and projects around the world. Over two million dollars was donated by this group of dedicated laypeople.

While there I had an interesting experience. A young man came up to me and said, "Elder Davidson, do you remember me?" Now, that's a disconcerting question. Especially when I couldn't bring from the recesses of my memory who he was! Well, he explained that I had baptized him while pastoring the Madison Campus church in Madison, TN. I then remembered him as a seventh grader in the church school. As I was catching up with what he was doing now that he was grown he told me of how God was leading him. He had graduated from college with a degree as a Nurse Practioner. He had married and she also was a nurse. They are now doing an independent ministry by boat on the Amazon River of South America. They sail the river taking healing both physical and spiritual to those natives who live along this great river of the world. As one incredible experience after another was shared with me I asked him if he would be willing to come to campmeeting next year and share with our Carolina family. He has accepted and I know we will be blessed by his presentations.

This past weekend I was in OshKosh Wisconsin along with over 37,000 Pathfinders from across the North American Division and the world. Over 550 of our own Pathfinders from Carolina were in attendance. What a blessing it was to see this vast throng of young people gathered united with the theme, "Courage to Stand". It was an incredible inspiration to listen to the presentations and the speakers at the evening meeting challenging our young people to stand up for the beliefs that God has given to this church. On Sabbath as I entered the huge field where the entire camporee had gathered what a sight! Over 37,000 pathfinders in full dress uniform, flags flying in the breeze filling and overflowing that parade ground. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a sight such as this that Ellen White saw when she wrote the phrase, 'An army of youth...' I believe it would have made you proud of your church to see the commitment of the young people and their leaders. I want to say a special word of gratitude to all the adults who took a week of their time to make sure that their Pathfinders could be blessed by this event.

As always there are many other things I could share but time doesn't permit. Suffice it to say that God is leading His world church and His Spirit is blessing. Thank you for allowing me to share these events with you. May God richly bless you as you continue to serve Him.

Your friend,
Jim