God is blessing in some amazing ways. Let me share just one of them with you. For a number of years, in some cases decades, there have been churches in the Carolina Conference which have struggled to remain viable. Attendance was decreasing and membership was dwindling. Some even considered closing their doors. However, in the last few years a number of them have been experiencing a rebirth. Here are the brief stories of just three.

About thirteen years ago the church in Rockingham, NC was closed due to declining attendance and membership. For a number of years there was no work in this growing community. Then a Spanish speaking church was established and it began to grow and flourish. But there was a concern among some of them Hispanic members that there was no outreach to the English speaking population of Rockingham. After consultation with the Conference church planting committee it was decided for a core group of bi-lingual members to work towards the goal of planting an English speaking church and restarting the work in this city. For the past couple of years these dedicated laypeople have diligently worked to spread the three angels message to this population. This summer Dale Pollett, our conference evangelist, held an evangelistic meeting with good results. Today, the work of God is solidly moving forward once again to both the English and Spanish speaking residents of Rockingham.

Union, SC is a small town which has been devastated by the economy. My latest information indicates that unemployment is averaging 25%. However, before the economy began its latest downturn our church there was on the verge of dying. Attendance was down and it seemed that if trends continued the demise of the church was inevitable. However, a few years ago a rebirth began in the Union SDA church. Pastor Bill Strong began reaching out to the community. Also, some mission minded members of the Spartanburg church joined with the folks at Union to see the work of God revitalized. Today, there is an average attendance of around 60 people and the church is continuing to grow.

Mocksville, NC. For nearly 30 years this church has seen little to no growth. The membership while dedicated is aging. In fact, earlier this year I met with the small group still attending and they were contemplating closing the doors. After meeting with them a couple of times it was decided to continue and to increase the efforts to reach out to the community of Mocksville. Elder Haskell Williams, Ministerial Director, taught a class on how to give Bible Studies. Pastor Mike Hill determinedly encouraged the folks to witness. This fall he held a full evangelistic series. Opening night saw a good attendance with a number of visitors. This past Sabbath I was privileged to be present as the Pastor baptized three new members into Jesus and into fellowship with the Mocksville SDA church. According to Pastor Hill this was the first time in over a decade that there had been water in the baptistery of the Mocksville church.

It is a challenge to revitalize a dying church. But with God's divine providence and dedicated pastors and members new life can spring forth in these churches and God's message can go forth in an ever stronger way.

There are other similar examples I could share. But we praise God for what He is doing across the Carolinas to keep the light burning brightly.

This Sabbath and next will be eastern Carolina campmeeting. This year, because of a change in policies at Oak Island, our usual venue, we are conducting campmeeting in two separate locations. This Sabbath we will be in Greenville, NC. Next Sabbath in Summerville, SC. Both Sabbaths are identical programs. What a powerful day they promise to be! Elder Ty Gibson, well known author and speaker will speak three times each Sabbath. Also, there will be an inspiring rendition of the apostle Matthew sharing the Sermon on the Mount. There will be inspiring music, children's programming, and after Sabbath the Adventist Christian Book Center will be available. I invite all of our church family to choose one of these venues and come and be blessed by this special day together. Lunch will be provided as well as a light sack supper. I hope to see many of you there!

Your friend,
Jim