| | | | | | | | | ASI National's leadership team Philip Baptiste (from right), secretary-treasurer; Andi Hunsaker, general vice president; and Steve Dickman, president, speak to CUASI spring convention attendees about ASI sponsored mission work. |
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| For attendees of Columbia Union ASI's spring convention held at the North American Division headquarters April 4 to 6, occupation now has a new meaning. When asked what their occupation is, they will no longer respond with a job title, ministry name or scope of their business. Occupation now refers to the territory God has strategically placed someone in to share the love of Jesus and the promise of his soon return, said Mark Brown, CUASI's president.
Speakers brought expanded meaning to the theme "Occupy 'til I Come." Dwain Esmond (left, top), associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate, preached about having a "'til" religion — a faith that doesn't waver or shift with circumstances but remains steadfast. Dr. Gaspar Colon (left, upper middle), pastor of nurture and discipleship at the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church, reminded attendees that God's omnipotence is available for any mission He sends us on, if we partner with Christ. We have no need to fear. Dr. Subodh Pandit (left, lower middle), author and apologist offered instruction on how to effectively share the gospel. The spring convention closed April 6 with an anointing service led by Dr. Paul Anderson (top), director/endorser of Seventh-day Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. There attendees could dedicate their businesses, professions and ministries to God. |
| 2019–2021 Board Members
President: Mark Brown VP for Membership: Zubin David VP for Projects, Missions and Evangelism: Daniel Reed VP for Spiritual Development: Sharon Pruitt Finance: Columbia Union Treasury Communications: Columbia Union Communications Columbia Union Conference Sponsor: Celeste Ryan Blyden |
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| | — By Michele Joseph, managing editor, CUASI newsletter, and photos by Eduardo Gonzalez |
| SHARE YOUR STORY
We want to share how God is leading our members to business or ministry, testimonies of His faithfulness and members' tips on what they've learned along the way. Please email us at connect@columbiaunionasi.com. |
| | A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Mission Accomplished!! Since the announcement of the CUASI Spring Convention in the November issue of this newsletter, we knew that the theme God gave us would present the opportunity for all in attendance to have an encounter with Him, and praise God, He showed up. In spite of sickness among our board and family members, He enabled us to do what was needed.
On Thursday evening, representatives from the National ASI executive board led the CUASI members in conducting biennial elections. Underpinned by the acknowledgement of the stalwart service of the current executive board members, many continue to serve this chapter in a supportive role. The elections yielded a leadership path forward that we believe will continue the growth and progress this chapter is capable of achieving.
On Friday morning, as we embarked on the convention adventure, all in attendance were called upon to engage in the dissection of what “Occupy 'til I come” meant for us as God’s last-day people. And in the end, the following conclusions evolved: 1) There is a need to move people from a present-day earthly mindset to an eternal kingdom mindset through our influence; 2) We have been given more than we deserve and must use it to ‘occupy/do business’ through resourceful action; 3) Our king is soon to return and we must prepare to give an accounting of what we have been given; and 4) We want to hear ‘well done’, not called ‘wicked and lazy’, and receive our eternal reward.
As I close, I would like to thank all who supported the convention with your efforts and/or attendance, and encourage you to join us as we stay engaged in the business of God’s kingdom. Please plan to come to our next networking event on May 16 (see our calendar below). Looking forward to seeing or speaking with you soon. Blessings on you all. Your fellow servant, |
| | Mark A. Brown, CUASI president |
| | | GOD'S PROMISE
Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me."
— Isaiah 6:8, NLT
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| | CUASI PRAYER REQUESTS This month we are praying for: |
| Reginald Alexanderreceived a heart transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital and is now walking, talking and building up his strength. Please keep Reggie, his wife and their three children in prayer.
Farm Stew Founder/President Joy Kauffman's ministry has an opportunity to drill for water in three African nations. She is asking for prayer as they seek drilling rights and equipment for this endeavor.
The CUASI Communityas we grow in Christ and share His love in 2019.
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| JOIN THE PRAYER LINE
Call 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. |
| | May 16 — CUASI networking event, 22900 Shaw Road, Suite 107, Sterling, VA 20166. More details to come.
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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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| CUASI 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 CUASI 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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