Let me tell you about the wonderful blessing which God provided at Eastern Carolina Campmeeting last weekend. Dr. Philip Samaan, professor of religion at Southern Adventist University, presented the messages. What a blessing as he shared from God's word as well as from his own life experiences. On Sabbath afternoon Jamie Jorge presented the musical concert. As always we were blessed not only by his music but by his personal testimony. We are grateful that in these trying economic times we are still able to provide this special campmeeting and that a good number of our people were able to attend. The fellowship at this campmeeting is always something that blesses us all.

Certainly we are in trying economic conditions. As I travel the conference I am finding hundreds of our people have lost jobs. As expected this is having an impact on conference tithe and local church offerings. I would ask for your prayers as we seek to navigate through these challenging times. Currently the tithe is down between 4 and 5% from last year at this time. We are praying that God will provide a strong fourth quarter. Please join me in praying that God will not only provide jobs for those that are seeking them but will keep all of us faithful to Him in our returning of the tithe and giving of our offerings.

Last week I reported to you on the results of an evangelistic meeting held in Clinton, SC. At that time I told you that six people had been baptized in this small church where average attendance is about 15 each Sabbath. Now, let me give you an update. The following Sabbath two more were baptized making a total of eight. What a difference this can make as it increases their attendance by over 50%! Praise God!

As we approach another Sabbath day let us ever remember that we serve an all knowing, all powerful, loving God. My prayer is that as the Sabbath hours begin we may all enter in to that Sabbath rest that God has so graciously given us. May God bless you each one.

Your friend,
Jim