Since my last posting my wife, Bonnie and I, and shared some vacation time together. It was a refreshing time of being outdoors in nature and enjoying hiking and other similar activities. But let me update you on some happenings since my return.

Of course school is now well underway. We are grateful that Mount Pisgah Academy has begun the year with 136 precious young people. The girls dorm renovation has been completed with new heat and air conditioning installed. This is the first time the girls dorm has had air conditioning. It will make a much more comfortable place for the girls to live and hopefully reduce energy costs as well.

We are also grateful that our elementary school enrollment experienced an increase in students over last year. What a difference an Adventist education makes in a young persons life.

Southern Adventist University opened the school year with over 3,000 students for the first time.

Last week I attended meetings of Adventist Health System. One of the things they shared was that the 40 hospitals within the system contributed over 700 million dollars in community benefit to the communities in which they are located. This is a tremendous blessing to God's work. We are thankful that Park Ridge Health located in Fletcher, NC is located within our conference and is part of the Adventist Health System.

This past Sabbath I had the privilege to be in Westminster, SC. The church is excited about an upcoming evangelistic meeting beginning October 1. Elder Dave Dobias will be the presenter. Also, they are planning for a groundbreaking service next Tuesday for their new multi-purpose facility and gymnasium. This will make a real impact for their church and school.

This weekend the Women's Retreat will be held at Nosoca Pines Ranch. This is something that hundreds of our women enjoy and are blessed by each year.

Please continue to remember in your prayers those in our Conference who are looking for employment. Many of our church family continue to struggle in this area.

May God richly bless each one of you.

Your friend,
Jim