The President's Post
November 2017
Light a candle!
The pain in our country, with the senseless loss of life due to deranged individuals who hit soft targets where people have little chance of survival, makes me ill. I tell myself, never get used to the pain, let it rip my heart like those who have lost loved ones. I honestly ask myself, “Are you willing to light a candle or just curse the darkness?” I want to light a candle! I want those who work with me to light candles. And then together ask Jesus how we can get involved by sharing hope and love into an ever-increasing chaos. We need to be people who build up and not tear down. Listen better to others, make peace with those you may differ with, move closer to each other, and together with Jesus we can defeat the prince of darkness.
This past month has truly been my most intense month of the year. (I might have said that last month). With that behind me, I find myself again in my favorite chair on our patio enjoying quiet time with my Savior restoring my soul. I’ve had some particularly rich moments with Jesus lately. I’ve seen Jesus lead our conference through the ADCOM team which consists of Martin Fancher, Brian Danese, and Stan Hobbs by giving us a direction that we are all excited about. Next month, I’ll share with you in detail this new model of ministry. The new model of ministry will be presented to our pastors at a mandatory meeting scheduled at our office on Thursday, November 16th.
The new headquarters of the North American Division in Columbia, Maryland.
I attended the NAD Year End Meetings – several good reports that departmental leaders or Vice Presidents give. We were told that in North America, we represent only 7% of the total population of our world church. We celebrated the Grand Opening of the NAD office moving into their new building. I think it’s a good thing for our division to have their own building. Some General Conference Officers were present, and they shared their joy in the NAD choosing to relocate. They shared that this move had been discussed 107 years earlier. So, I guess it’s about time. Nothing new to report on Women’s Ordination, and I can honestly say what discussion there was appeared repetitive and very uninformative. Next update on WO issue will be next year in the fall at Annual Council in the General Conference Office.
Charles Bradford was interviewed during one morning for worship; he said: “Civil rights didn’t make me a man, God made me a man!” What a moment to share with that special man of God. He also cautioned us not to forget the little churches. He warned not to get so caught up with “big” that we forget where the real church resides. He also told us to be “Company Men,” to truly commit to our church and its mission and not let anything separate us from working to fulfill that mission.
One thought-provoking presentation asked us, “How Mission Driven Are You?” , He said we are caught between what was, what is and what’s coming. Something to think about. I love our church history beginning with William Miller, the Millerites, and Oct 22, 1844, creating a disappointment unlike any other. Everything they believed with all of their heart was based on the Second Coming of Jesus. How our ancestors stepped up during some of the hardest times this country has ever seen inspires me every day!! But we can’t go back there! Our time is now! Primarily the message remains intact. We don’t date His return, but we certainly expect it. What would a William Miller, Joseph Bates or a James and Ellen White do in our time and culture? I don’t think they would quiet their voices and expect someone else to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. They would push into the darkness and challenge it with Light! So must we.
Tonight I’m in Palm Harbor ready to begin our Southern Union Departmental meetings. These meetings are always very informative and helpful. I look forward to the three days down here. We have wonderful Southern Union officers. The best Union I’ve ever been a part of.
Upcoming Events
Elders and Deacons Retreat
Title for series: Positive Life Changes
Description: Gary Moyer is the Executive Secretary/Vice-President for Administration for the Carolina Conference. He is an ordained minister and a Ziglar Legacy Certified trainer and life coach. His personal life mission is to share the biblical truths and love of Christ that change lives for the better, and forever. In this motivational seminar of highly-practical information, he shares Bible-based, user-friendly methods of making godly, positive life changes in such areas as self-image, attitude, goals, and relationships, which all enable us to be better witnesses for Jesus. You will want to take notes, so bring a pen, notepad, an open heart and mind—and get ready to grow!
Program
Friday p.m. – “Building the Best You”
Sabbath sermon: “A Good Word”
Sabbath afternoon: “Building Winning Relationships”
Saturday p.m.: “Goal Setting and Achievement”
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-gulf-states-elders-and-deacons-retreat-registration-37244834302
Friday, Dec 1, 2017, 03:30 PM
Camp Alamisco Road, Dadeville, AL, United States
Sabbath School Training
An instructor from the Children's Ministry Department of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists will be presenting to children's Sabbath school instructors.
The cost for this event is $50.00 and includes meals and lodging at Camp Alamisco. You will need to bring your own linens and personal care items. Rooms will be assigned on a first come first serve basis in the lodge.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-sabbath-school-training-tickets-39657812585?aff=efbevent
Friday, Feb 2, 2018, 04:00 PM
Camp Alamisco Road, Dadeville, AL, United States
Office of the President
Email: admin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, United States
Phone: 334-272-7493
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gulfstatesconference/