| February 20, 2020 ◊ Issue 16 |
| | Are You a Spiritual Influencer? |
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It’s a bold request to ask, “Lord, give us this mountain.” Yet “the size of our prayers is an indicator of the size of our God,” says Pastor Richard Martin, who will be leading out in Spirit-filled devotions during ASI Columbia Union’s Spring Convention. His goal is to encourage business owners and independent ministry leaders to continue following in the Great Commission given in Matthew 28 and to do so without yielding to fear, he said. “We serve a mountain-moving and mountain-giving God,” says Martin. “With the unmatched power of God in mind, we will spend time reflecting on the promise of Christ’s soon return and the missional responsibilities we have while we are waiting.” Martin pastors the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hampton, Va. He believes “one of the greatest gifts God has given us is that of spiritual influence. We observe the faithful stewardship of spiritual influence in the lives of Joseph, Esther, Daniel, and many others who considered themselves to be vessels for the true and living God. God’s presence in their lives was made evident by their integrity, commitment to justice, and ethics.” To hear Martin and enjoy other workshops, plan to attend the spring convention April 24-25 at the Living Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in Haymarket, Va. The keynote speaker is Pastor Mark Finley. Workshops on a variety of topics will be offered. Bonita Shields, North American Division vice president for Ministries, will present strategies for whole-life management. Teenie Finley, a healthy lifestyle advocate, will offer cooking lessons to help physical health. Dr. H. Jean Wright will focus on strengthening our behavioral health.
Stay tuned for registration details. |
| | | — Michele Joseph, managing editor, ASI Columbia Union newsletter |
| | A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings, Family!
As we engage in several significant celebrations during the month of February, chief among them is a day set aside to emphasize that four-letter word used in scripture to represent the very essence of our God – love. As we reflect on the mission of ASI, that central call that unites us into a common ministry focus, I pray that it is the manifestation of Godly love in us that motivates us to serve both God and our fellow man.
With each passing day, as we contemplate what our level of service will be, I pray that our recognition of His incredible love for us, realized with every tick of the clock and every beat of our hearts, will generate a reciprocal love in us. It is this love that will lead us all to engage in self-sacrificing service, to obey His call to tasks and ministry opportunities that are not glamorous and even difficult, to choose against our own personal desires to further His cause. This is how we follow our Lord’s example. And in those moments when the call to the ASI way of life causes us pause, please know that whatever inconvenience, self-sacrifice or perceived loss we experience will be greatly outweighed by the joy, blessing, glory and unimaginable self-fulfillment that only God can give, both now and for eternity.
It is this sentiment that has us so looking forward to our spring convention. The theme, “Lord, Give Us This Mountain,” becomes even more relevant as we respond to our love-fueled desire to do more for Him. Details will continue to be provided in our newsletters and other social media venues. We are looking forward to having a life-changing experience together. So what part can you play? To be there, praying with us, hearing from the Lord, sharing our collective inspirations and positioning ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually to scale the ministry mountains God gives us to conquer.
Blessings on you all and let’s stay engaged, for we are living in exciting times!
Your fellow servant, |
| | Mark A. Brown, ASI Columbia Union President
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| | | GOD'S PROMISE
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:8-9, New International Version |
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| | PRAYER REQUESTS This month we are praying for: |
| ASI Columbia Union
executive team as we plan and prepare for the April 2020 convention.
Spring 2020 convention
and all the speakers, musicians and attendees who will participate in ASI Columbia Union's event on April 24-25.
Praying for Power Ministry's
September 2020 prayer summit, themed "Keeping It Real."
JOIN THE PRAYER LINECall 570-354-0272 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to pray with Sharon Pruitt, CUASI vice president for spiritual development, and other CUASI members. |
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| | April 24-25, 2020 — ASI Columbia Union Spring Convention, Living Hope SDA Church, Haymarket, VA. |
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| July 29-Aug. 1, 2020 — ASI International Convention, Orlando, FL. For details, visit ASI's website. |
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| Our mission is to obey the Holy Spirit’s call to encourage, empower and equip Adventist members of Columbia Union to work together to finish God’s work in these times in harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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| ASI Columbia Union Board: Mark A. Brown, president; Zubin David, vice president for membership; Sharon Pruitt, vice president for spiritual development; and Daniel Reed, vice president for projects, missions and evangelism ASI Columbia Union Staff: Nicole Labiche, administrative assistant Sponsor: Celeste Ryan Blyden, vice president, Columbia Union Conference Newsletter Managing Editor: Michele Joseph |
| | DID YOU MISS IT? Now you can read earlier editions of our newsletter by visiting the archive. Catch up on our news and learn about the variety of ministries, businesses and jobs held by our members. |
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