President's Post
August 2019
I reported last month from our President's Council. It was, as usual, a time of great learning from all of my colleagues. Each president shared the evangelism that was and is taking place in their conference. We will certainly miss Ed Wright, president of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, as he has announced his retirement at the end of August. Ed has been a great example to me of a committed conference president. Every time Ed Wright spoke up, we all learned from him. He's one of those men who never had to say much to say a lot! May God bless the Wright family as they plow new ground in retirement.
Dr. Smith, our Southern Union Conference President, is the chairman of the President's Council (he's my boss). He always prepares a devotional time for us presidents. This year was exceptional, and the sharing by the presidents was so enlightening. I have lots to be thankful for being a president in the Southern Union. He told us he would be holding eight evangelistic series this year and next year. One such meeting had over 100 baptisms! I respect our Union President so much by leading by example. By the way, Dr. Smith will be our weekend speaker at Bass Academy Camp meeting in 2020.
After returning from vacation where Teresa and I had some really special time together, I preached up in Florence, AL. The people in that church are so nice. I always enjoy being up there. They hosted a Country Gospel weekend in their fellowship hall on Sabbath afternoon.
The thought that has come to my mind; did the same thing happen with Bible reading and study? Didn't we begin with a hunger to learn with an open mind seeking the truth that filled our empty hearts? I remember always being prepared to read; I had Bibles and books in every vehicle. Many rooms in our homes over the years have had books and periodicals in them. I never went anywhere without something to read. I'm guessing you were the same way. But today things can be different. Today our world is visual. Many people in the past had read themselves into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, today that is not said so often. Today more than ever, they need to meet someone that the truth has been written on instead of a page. YouTube, no matter how many subjects are covered, doesn't take the place of reading and pondering the Bible yourself.
So, I leave you today with this thought, think of where we could have been in our understanding of the Gospel and God Himself if we had never stopped reading. Look at that dusty old instrument up in the attic or back bedroom or that piano that is a plant holder now and think hard about why you quit and should you pick it up again. Then look at that Bible that hasn't been read regularly for years. Take it in your hand and recognize the value that it is to our lives. Read it over and over again. Apply the principles that make life transparent. Taste every Fruit of the Spirit individually and swallow it down and assimilate them into our lives. I know one thing for sure; it's never too late to begin something again.
Until next month,
Dave
Prayer Summit 2019 - He Touched Me
The annual Prayer Summit invites all those that want a closer walk with Jesus. Powerful, spirit-filled messages are preached and participants are directed to make real what they have learned through the power of the Holy Spirit and intercessory prayer. The purpose of all annual Prayer Summits is to empower congregations and church members to pray without ceasing.
Who Should Attend: All who want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and experience renewed determination to make prayer a priority in their church, family and community are invited to attend.
Featured Speaker: Michel Rodriguez, Pastor for Gulf States Conference.
To guarantee your place, please register ASAP. Register online or call AdventSource at (800) 732-7587. AdventSource will process registrations for this event through August 27, 2019. All major credit cards accepted.
Friday, Aug 30, 2019, 03:00 PM
Shocco Springs, Talladega, AL, USA
Gospel Weekend - Reflections on the Gospel with Brian Danese
"The Everlasting Gospel" - Friday Night
"The Gospel as a Center of Conflict" - Sabbath morning.
"The Pronoun Trap" - Sabbath Morning. The greatest hindrance to the gospel message.
"The Gospel" - Sabbath Afternoon. A look at Paul's understanding of the gospel message.
"Better Promises" - Sabbath Afternoon. A study of the covenants.
Friday, Sep 6, 2019, 06:30 PM
Birmingham First Church, SDA, Lorna Road, Birmingham, AL, USA
Digital Evangelism
Come and be introduced to the use of social media, photography, videography, story-telling, design, and other things digital, for outreach and evangelism.
Pastor Shane Hochstetler, Communication Director for the Gulf States Conference, holds a BA in Art and Graphic Design with over ten years of experience in design and marketing. His passion is to present the real character of God appealingly, utilizing the most effective marketing and communication tools.
Shane will present several short presentations on a variety of subjects, offering additional resources for further development.
Saturday, Sep 28, 2019, 09:30 AM
3001 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL, USA
Possibilities Ministry: Aspergers, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum
How can we best reach and teach those with Aspergers, ADHD, or are on the Autism Spectrum? Come and learn with us.
Reid Soria - "Autism Sings" - will have a spiritual concert in the afternoon, and his mother will share what it was like raising a child on the Autism Spectrum.
Saturday, Nov 2, 2019, 09:30 AM
Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mississippi 39, Meridian, MS, USA
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