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We have so much for which we can thank our Lord. During the next 10 days we will hear reports of tremendous church growth; breakthroughs in the challenging 10/40 window; a laity energized and focused on outreach; the expanding reach of our evangelism; the growth of our wholistic ministry—through schools and hospitals, welfare programs, and the life-giving work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. We praise God for what He has been able to do through us—and, at times, perhaps even in spite of us! But lest we grow complacent, let us not forget the challenges we also face: too many brothers and sisters leaving the faith; young people who have not found a home in the church; many new believers not receiving proper spiritual care; an exploding world population causing us to ask: “Lord, how can we do this? How can we finish the mission You have given us?” Although we call our meetings a business session, let us remember that our primary business is spiritual. We will take time to worship God, to pray together, to seek divine direction not only for our church as a whole but for ourselves as individuals. Please join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully as we meet over the next few days and after we leave this place. We need God’s leading; we need to be “transformed in Christ.” Our great hope is our Lord’s return. We long for that day when our mission here on earth is complete and we see our Savior. Until then, I pray that each one of us will “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23, NIV).
As is true of the Adventist family in your host union, among the 25 million people who live in the Mid-America Union Conference territory are found people who have emigrated from every inhabited continent on earth. Some have arrived in recent years, others are descendants of the original immigrants who came to this continent during the past two centuries, so I believe you will feel at home here. In recognition of our special privilege to welcome the world church, we have coined a special commemorative medallion. It is a gift to the delegates from around the world, and we hope it will serve as a happy reminder of the time that we spend together conducting the business of the remnant church and advancing the mission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Our city, especially our religious community, is strengthened through experiencing spiritual conferences such as this, one that promotes hope, faith, and positive living. You can take great pride in your years of dedicated service, and I commend and thank each and every one of you for your many contributions. While you are here, I encourage you to explore our great city. St. Louis has a rich history and has some of the quaintest neighborhoods of every ethnic culture, a wide array of shops, galleries, outstanding restaurants, and arts and entertainment. St. Louis is a city of unsurpassed beauty—a city of natural and man-made wonders, where you will find beautiful parks, including nationally renowned Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, the Gateway Arch, and many other attractions. No matter what—St. Louis has many exciting places for everyone to enjoy. The City of St. Louis extends best wishes for a truly successful conference and an enjoyable, thoroughly exciting stay in St. Louis.
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am
delighted to welcome you to the fifty-eighth session of the General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. There are few moments in the
life of our church that display more vividly the great diversity
of our global family, with its wonderful blend of languages and
cultures. And yet, at the same time, there are few occasions that
affirm more clearly that we are one people—truly brothers
and sisters in Christ.
he warmest welcome
is extended to the world family of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
on behalf of the 60,000 members in the Mid-America Union Conference.
It is our sincere desire that your experience in Mid-America will
be a blessing to you.
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