elcome to this session of the Adventist Church world family!

As we commence this highly significant event on the borders of the new millennium, I am conscious of the wonderful opportunities and dramatic challenges that face us as a worldwide church. There truly is so much to say and so much to do!

I would like us as we come here to keep our focus on what binds us together as a global family of 11 million brothers and sisters. Like any family, there are tensions and differences of opinion, but we need to work at maintaining our unity in Christ while celebrating the diversity the Lord has blessed us with.

What do we need most? Surely the infilling of the Spirit, the blessings of the Father, and the assurance of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." As we recognize what God continues to do through His people, we are inspired to take up again the challenge of God's mission to a spiritually starving world. We must never forget the divine commission to go into all the world and to make disciples.

Nor can we ignore the challenge of providing spiritual support and nurture to the many new believers who have joined with us. The million?plus that have become Adventists in the past year or so must also know that the church is a place to feel at home and to be able to grow in the Lord in a culture that is friendly and welcoming.

To this end we rededicate ourselves as we begin this session, praying earnestly for the blessing of God on all our plans and actions, recognizing Him as the Lord of His church and preparing to welcome Him at His soon return.

"Almost Home." More than a theme, these words express the belief and hope of our hearts today. May it be so--that soon our mission will be completed and the journey over; that we will be home in the eternal joy of our Lord's presence.

Your brother in Christ,

Jan Paulsen