In my last posting I told you I would tell you about a miracle that has taken place in one of our churches. On Sabbath, February 13, it was my privilege to be in the Umoja church in Raleigh. This church began as a church plant in 2006. For the last four years they have been renting a church for their worship services. During these four years they have grown from a small group to well over 100 in attendance each week. About a year ago they began to feel the need for their own place of worship. They expressed an interest in buying the church they were renting from. However, while the church was willing to consider selling they were asking over $800,000. This was an amount that was impossible for this new church to handle. So they took the matter to God in prayer asking for a miracle. As the year went by the continued to express and interest in purchasing this piece of property. In December of 2009 they offered a little over $400,000, half the asking price, and prayed that if this was God's will He would open the doors. The reply came back, "Yes, we will accept your offer." Praise God. On February 13, they had the ribbon cutting and official first Sabbath in their new facility. What a high day it was! They have plans to grow to over 200 members in the next couple of years. The name Umoja means in the Swahili language, united. Certainly this church is united in reaching out to God and sharing His good news.

It was a high Sabbath a week ago yesterday as two young men were ordained to the Gospel ministry in Carolina. The first took place during the church service in Kernersville where Scott Young was ordained. Scott first pastored the Albemarle and Monroe churches before going to Seminary for his Master of Divinity degree. Following completion of his studies he returned to Carolina and assumed the responsibility of associate pastor of the Kernersville church. He is much appreciated as he serves especially the young people of that congregation. Dr. Joseph Kidder, of Andrews University, was the speaker for this special service.


Then at 5:00 pm Ben Rueda, pastor of the Monroe Spanish and Gastonia English churches was ordained at the Charlotte Spanish church. It was my privilege to speak for his ordination service. Prior to his current duties Elder Rueda served as the associate pastor for the Charlotte Spanish church. Ben is greatly loved by both his congregations and God is greatly blessing his ministry to them. Both churches have experienced significant growth under his leadership.

On Thursday of last week I attended the full board meeting of Adventist Health Systems. It was inspiring to hear of their involvement in providing relief to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Our own Park Ridge Hospital in Asheville has sent a team of physicians and other staff to assist with the work. It is amazing how God is blessing this medical work of the church.

Today, we have all heard of the tremendous earthquake in Chile. One of the most powerful ever recorded. While we do not yet know the full extent of the devastation we know it is extensive. Surely the coming of Jesus is nearer than ever before. Let us pray for these victims and pray for the soon coming of our Lord which will put an end to these tragedies.

Your friend,
Jim