| December 13, 2018 ◊ Issue 2 |
| | Winning Souls With Food
On a Sunday afternoon you might find Lawrence Rykard Jr. sharing samples of his chopped unsteak or barbecue unchicken, as well as his plant-based “Save Some” seasoning at the Living Well Adventist Book Center in Silver Spring, Md.
The Columbia Union ASI member first registered his business, Hasting His Harvest, in October 2014. The Maryland-based business mixes his passion for healthy living with his goal of “soul winning.”
"We want to help people to have better options for food,” he said. “… We believe that these things directly enhance people’s relationships with God or help lead them to a relationship with God.”
The name of his business provides an entry point to tell people about Jesus.
“Many people ask us, 'Is our family named Hasting'? Or ask us what this word is,” Rykard said. “Then I lead them right to the scriptures. 'Looking for and hasting unto the coming of God …' 2 Peter 3:12 [KJV]).”
Hasting His Harvest offers catering services and pre-packaged meals (like the ones sold at Living Well). Rykard also gives cooking demonstrations and attends health fairs, expos and conventions. Recently one of his longtime, non-Adventist customers was diagnosed with colon cancer and asked Rykard for suggestions on holistic healing options. He suggested a program at Uchee Pines, a healthy lifestyle center in Seale, Ala. The fact that he could not point the man to a local or regional center weighs heavily on Rykard.
“We hope and pray to somehow connect our business with a local lifestyle center serving the D.C. metro area,” Rykard said. “The nature of our ministry gives us direct access to many people who in turn have many health needs beyond just tasty food. Ultimately they need Jesus but when you study Jesus’s ministry he did more healing than he did preaching.”
Currently, he is searching for a partner who has an established farm or who is interested in creating a farm in Maryland to add an agricultural aspect to his business. To learn more about this CUASI member's business, visit www.hastinghisharvest.com or email Rykard at law@hastinghisharvest.com. |
| | — By Michele Joseph, managing editor, CUASI newsletter and photos provided by Lawrence Rykard Jr. |
| | | Photos: Lawrence Rykard talking to 3ABN's Yvonne Lewis-Shelton at the 2017 ASI International Convention in Houston, Texas (top); Rykard giving a cooking demonstration at Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Leonard, Md.; Rykard serving Delegate Darryl Barnes in November at the Miller Senate Office in Annapolis, Md. |
| 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
By the grace of God, we made it! Many began the year with high hopes and expectations, others with uncertainty or known challenges. Regardless of the posture in which it was begun, we are here to confirm that God has been faithful.
As we celebrate the continued presence of the Columbia Union ASI in this region, we thank God for all He has done through and for us during 2018. I am grateful for the people and organizations that supported us — those who have sustained, revived and initiated their CUASI relationships and memberships. I am grateful for a glimpse of the bright path forward that God has provided.
I would like to thank God specifically for the vision and tireless leadership of the previous CUASI President Emanuel Pelote and the executive board, Columbia Union Conference President Dave Weigley and Vice President for Strategic Communication and Public Relations Celeste Ryan Blyden, the eight local conference presidents and ASI liaisons and the North American Division ASI leadership. It is the power of our God, the ministry and support of these organizations and individuals, and the strength we draw from each other that allows us to move confidently into the new year with a heightened anticipation of great things to come.
So, please take note of upcoming CUASI events, remain engaged, and remember 2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” Let’s prepare for what God is about to do on our behalf for His glory. Your fellow servant, |
| | Mark A. Brown, CUASI president |
| | | | CUASI PRAYER REQUESTS This month we are praying for: |
| | Sion requests prayer for guidance on where to purchase a farm and begin a ministry, her mother and a couple in the midst of a divorce.
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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. |
| GOD'S PROMISE
In their hearts humans plan their courses, but the Lord establishes their steps. — Prov. 16:9 , New International Version |
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| | January 17 — CUASI Adventist Business Professionals Networking Event, 5 to 8 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Building at Veteran's Plaza, 8525 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD, 20910
January 24 — Free biblical entrepreneurship webinar: "7 Hindrances of Growth." More details to come. |
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| April 4–6 — CUASI Spring Convention, North American Division headquarters. More details to come.
April 7 — Youth Prayer Summit in Pine Forge, PA. More details to come.
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| CAN I DEDUCT THIS FROM MY TAXES? Most of us feel good about helping others and making a difference, especially during this season of giving. But did you know there are charitable contributions that are not tax deductible? Here are five contributions that won't cut your tax bill: |
| 1. The value of your time or service to a nonprofit organization.
2. Contributions made to an organization for a specific individual.
3. Contributions to a non-qualified organization or one without 501(c)(3) status.
4. Your personal expenses.
5. Any amount or portion of your charitable contribution from which you receive or expect to receive a benefit.
—Ruthven Phillip, CUASI vice president for finance © Give2Getrich, LLC 2018 (Republished with permission.) |
| 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; Andrew Baker, vice president for membership; Ruthven Phillip, vice president for finance; Eddie Gonzalez and Margaret Anderson, co-vice presidents for communication; Sharon Pruitt, vice president for spiritual development; and Subodh Pandit, vice president for evangelism CUASI Staff: Nicole Labiche, administrative assistant Sponsor: Celeste Ryan Blyden, vice president, Columbia Union Conference Newsletter Managing Editor: Michele Joseph |
| Click here to to the CUASI newsletter. |
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