President's Post
July 2020
Prayer Request Update
I asked last month for all of us to pray for my friend Ed Keyes, President of Arizona Conference. I am so happy to report that the second surgery on the melanoma was successful. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you so much for praying!!
Publishing
I have great news from the Publishing Department. David Sigamani has reported that the students who worked for several weeks in our conference this summer have sold over 20,100 Great Controversy’s. That is a miracle from God in a time when people are afraid to open their doors to anyone. Our students walked the streets with Jesus. He opened doors and got life-changing literature into their hands. All sales combined, they sold over $300,000 worth of literature. Do I hear a hardy AMEN out there?!
Bass Academy Update
I attended Bass Memorial Academy graduation last weekend. I can’t tell you how hard Principal Bowes and his entire staff worked to give the students something they will always cherish. I know what it took to put that weekend together, and I stand by his side, amazed at the effort. We were kept as safe as possible through temperatures being taken, wearing a mask, sanitizing our hands, and staying six feet apart from each family. The church service and commencement were awesome. The speakers spoke from their hearts, and I will say the only thing I missed was Catherine Bowes and her choir and band. She has over the last several years brought music to that campus that is absolutely professional. I pray by next spring; she again can bring her expertise to that music department that we all can enjoy.
Final Remarks
You know the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our entire conference. I want to thank all of you for remaining faithful in your giving. I know how difficult it has been for our churches, schools, and our entire membership. So, what does the future hold? It appears only God knows.
Questions I’ll leave you with:
Will you continue to support Bass by special gift offerings, building the endowment, and, most of all, sending your young people? I want to encourage you to support our academy. It is worth the risk of sending your young people to attend. The difference in that young person's life is incredible. THE FUTURE OF BASS MEMORIAL ACADEMY IS IN YOUR HANDS NOW.
Unless there are issues of health with our members, when will you return? I know our membership is older, and I understand you are taking your time to return. I am doing the same. But we have always lost so many young people in a normal year. I fear this year can be catastrophic to losing them for good. My heart breaks at the thought, but my friends it's real. They are finding other things to do, and as I've said before in a conversation with a young person after missing a month, she said, "I was amazed at how quickly it all went away." To this day, she never came back.
If this virus doesn't go away, will you? Pray about it.
Zoom church is no replacement for being in church. Your pastors prepare great messages. For them to see your face in church, being safe, of course, is an encouragement to them. Right now, our pastors need encouragement.
Church Schools begin soon. Again, long-distance learning on the computer was great when we had ¾ of the school year completed last spring. It gave us an opportunity to end the school year with the students passing on to the next grade. Will you send your kids to church school this year? I want to encourage you with all my heart that our little church schools are the best place for your kids to be. Real learning happens in those classrooms. By 3rd grade, your kids learn to read and write. Forever after 3rd grade, they read and write to learn. Our high standards for our young people are something not to be taken for granted.
Pray for our country to find a vaccine to eliminate the threat of coronavirus. I promise you my prayers.
I know I sound sober, but brothers and sisters, it's the most sobering time of my 32 years in ministry—more questions than answers for sure. But I know that God loves His church and His schools. I know He has called your pastor and teachers into His work. And God knows we are not finished yet. If we stay faithful in every way, we will see His blessing clearly in the future. And we will have learned something about ourselves that we would never have learned in any other way.
On August 31st, I will officially retire from being president of Gulf States. I have enjoyed almost every minute of this job. It's been quite a responsibility to shoulder as we have worked together in the office to keep Gulf States Conference working and working hard. I know you know most of my colleagues that make up our ADCOM team in GSC. Brian Danese, Martin Fancher, Cary Fry, and Gwen Speak gather in my office almost daily. I could not have accomplished anywhere near the things we have done on my own. They are one of the most amazing groups of spiritual leaders that I've ever had the privilege of being around. I must add Stan Hobbs, who was our VP of Education, and served on our ADCOM team for most of my tenure. Stan and I have remained good friends even after his leaving this year. He brought something special into ADCOM that we still miss.
I want to thank the Southern Union officers for their support. Our Executive committee that worked seamlessly together. It's an amazing committee when you trust each other, and you don't care who gets the credit. All of you have been such a blessing to me. Thank you for your service to GSC.
There are so many people to thank, but I can only list a few. Scott Bowes at Bass taught me so much about strategic planning and how to handle boards. He's an amazing administrator. David Crowson and Shelly Benson's contribution goes unnoticed by most people for what they have done for Bass. David and Shelly have enabled us to do somethings that would have been impossible for us to do. Not only do they employ some of the students at the nursing home, but they are always willing to help where help is needed. God has blessed Bass through Mr. Crowson and Ms. Benson. I want to acknowledge a man who passed away a few years ago, but his imprint on this conference carries on through his family. His name is Buddy McIlroy. I often think of him; he was a true Christian gentleman who impacted all of us here at GSC. He might be gone but will never be forgotten. The last couple I will mention is Ronnie and Jeannine Richardson. They express the gift of hospitality everywhere they go. Campmeeting time at Bass was always highlighted by having lunch with the Richardson's. Most of the time, 40-50 people ate all they could eat with Ronnie and Jeannine working hard and smiling all the time. Amazing couple!! I still hope to go to a car show someday with them.
God bless each one that I could not mention. I love all of you, and please know how you have positively shaped my life. May Jesus come soon and find us all faithful!!!
God bless the Gulf States Conference,
Dave
Office of the President
Email: admin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, USA
Phone: 3342727493
Facebook: facebook.com/gulfstatesconference
Twitter: @gscsda
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