Since my last visit with you it has been my privilege to worship with the Columbia SC Korean congregation. It was so good to fellowship with our church family during their delicious meal following church. They have some exciting plans for outreach during the year 2010. One of the most effective methods our Korean churches use to reach their communities is through health ministry. They have several of these already planned for this year.

The next day, Sunday, I was with the Mt. Olive Spanish congregation in North Carolina. They have just finished a new church building and were celebrating the ribbon cutting and inaugural service and open house. What a beautiful building it is! It seats 500 people in the sanctuary and also has Sabbath School rooms, a gymnasium, Pastor's office, as well as other rooms. This is a congregation that began approximately 13 years ago with only a few families and now there are over 250 in attendance each week. God has tremendously blessed their work and sacrifice.

Last Monday, we were saddened to hear the news that Pastor Merle Rouse, a longtime pastor in the our Conference and the father of our Educational Superintendent had passed away. His memorial service was held this past Sabbath at the Franklin, NC SDA church. It was inspiring to hear the many tributes that were paid to him. Pastor Rouse had completed 40 years of SDA ministry before retiring.

Also, this past Monday the Executive Committee of the conference met and discussed how to meet the budget shortfalls for 2010. As you know 2009 was a very challenging year financially. The Executive Committee voted to reduce the 2010 budget by $500,000. I will be sending a letter to each of our Conference family sharing more about this challenge in the next few days. Please continue to pray for guidance as we work through this challenging situation.

Over the next several months there are going to be special Carolina Conference Rallies held in six different locations. These are going to be a time of inspiration as you hear the miraculous stories of how God is leading His work here in the Carolinas. Special announcements will be made in the churches as your area date draws near. These are events you won't want to miss. The first rally will be held in the Raleigh church on Sabbath afternoon, February 6, at 3:00 pm. If you are in this area I hope to see you there. It will be a special time.

The work continues to go forward in Haiti following the disastrous earthquake. We have learned that some of our Carolina Haitian members have lost family members to this disaster. Please continue to lift them up in prayer. For the latest information you can log on to ADRA.org

As we see the events that are so rapidly taking place it is evident that prophecy is quickly being fulfilled. May we all ever remain faithful as we await that glorious day.

Your friend,
Jim