Let me tell you about some things that are happening around the conference. This past weekend I was at the Mt. Olive Spanish company to officially organize them into a church. It was a beautiful service as the packed auditorium listened to music, saw a video recounting how the church was started and then the voting in of the charter members. It was very special to meet with the first individuals to hold church office in this new church. It is a vibrant group, under the direction of Pastor Elias Sandoval, that is very serious about enlarging God's kingdom.

On Sabbath morning I was at the Greeville, NC church for worship. This congregation has tremendously grown over the last several years. When it came time for the children's story what a joy it was to see how many children are in this church.

Following a delicious fellowship meal I went to the Greenville Spanish company where they too were organized into an official church. One of the things that was so evident as I celebrated with this congregation were the smiles on all their faces. They have taken a former restaurant in need of much repair, and turned it into a beautiful new church and fellowship hall. They too are growing rapidly and desire to increase God's kingdom. It was a privilege to be part of seeing God's churches increase and these new churches begin.

Also, this past Sabbath a new group was formed into a company by Elder Gary Moyer. Several years ago a small group of people began meeting in the Clinton, NC area. This is becoming a bedroom community of Raleigh. This past Sabbath between 60 and 70 were in attendance as they were officially formed into a company. Land has already been donated to them and they are hoping to begin building a new church building soon. What a blessing to see God's church continuing to expand.

As I mentioned to you last time at the just finished GC session in Atlanta a reaffirmation of our belief in creation was voted by the delegates. At our last Carolina Conference executive committee, held this month, it was voted unanimously to endorse and express our solidarity as a conference with this core belief. It is a privilege to be part of a conference that is willing to stand up for what we believe and hold the Bible as our standard of truth.

Next week our pastors will gather at Nosoca Pines Ranch for a few days of continuing education as well as fellowship.

Also, beginning next week is the international ASI convention to be held in Orlando, FL This is a tremendously supportive and beneficial organization composed and led by the laypeople of the church. Professionals and those who operate their own businesses or ministries are eligible to join this organization. If you fall into that category I would encourage you to consider joining. I believe you will find the benefits and inspiration to be well worth it.

This coming Sabbath I will be in Kernersville, NC to celebrate with them the 100th anniversary of the establishment of their church. I know it is going to be a special Sabbath and I look forward to sharing it with them.

Continue to pray for the finances of our conference. Through June our tithe was -1.7% compared to last year. With ever increasing expenses it is a challenge to balance our budget. But we know that God is faithful and He only asks us to be faithful as well. Thank you for your prayers and continued sacrifice to see God's work move forward.

May God bless you and know you are in my prayers.

Your friend,
Jim