Conference Recap Diversity & Mission the Focus of ACTS 2011 On October 22, 2011, members from across Ohio and beyond gathered to | Pastor Rebekah Liu | celebrate the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" in advancing God's mission in the world. The program began with Pastor Rebekah Liu, pastor in a 400 church district in the Sichuan Province of Southwest China, explaining how the Adventist church has grown from no membership between 1957-87 to more than 10,000 members in 2011 through the leading of the Holy Spirit and without the organizational structure of the denomination. Only five Adventist pastors are in the region, four of whom are ordained women. Elder Ted Wilson, General Conference President, shared a speech reminiscent of his inaugural sermon from last summer, closing the session by encouraging constituents to pray in pairs. The day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Ganoune Diop, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's newest voice at the United Nations. Diop focused on the gospel, and helpful biblical principles on a Trinitarian approach to witnessing. Three former Ohio Conference presidents shared memories of their time in Ohio. Diversity within our denomination as well as within the Ohio Conference was clearly seen throughout the day. Diversity in music ranged from Southern Gospel and Gospel Bluegrass performed by the Praise Team, to Classical Orchestral hymns and Contemporary Christian Orchestral music courtesy Kettering Praise Orchestra, to the African harmony of Sojourners (from the Columbus Ghanaian Church). Diversity in programparticipants was visible not only in gender and age, but in ethnicity - Asian, Caucasian, British-Indian, Ghanaian, Hungarian, Senegalese, and Belizean nationalities all represented. Similar diversity was reflected in the audience as well. | Sojourners | Children and youth were not left out of the day's events. Children were able to visit "Hometown Nazareth...Where Jesus was a Kid." Under leadership of Mariya Marton, kids under 12 stepped back in time to experience a food market, rabbi school, carpentry shop, and singing with Joseph the Carpenter. Youth were energized by speaker Seth Pierce (from Seattle, WA) and praise music organized by Steve Carlson, Ohio Conference Youth Director, and his musician friends from California. Kettering College facilitated team building activities; Spring Valley Academy shared their drama team; and Mount Vernon Academy provided special music. "This weekend was such a blessing...What an inspiration to see the youth of Ohio united in their worship...expressing their appreciation for the worship they had been able to enjoy. "I wish we could have this on a regular basis", was mentioned over and over again. God is good, and what a joy it was to be a part of His work!" said Carlson. Guests walked away from Acts 2011 empowered and encouraged. Within the commemorative program was a five-page history chronicling and highlighting 150 years of ministry within the Ohio Conference, courtesy Monte Sahlin, Director of Research and Special Projects. Miss the event? Visit www.ohioadventist.org in early November to see video links to the main presentations. Photos available on our Facebook page. Another conference-wide convocation is planned for Sabbath, September 22, 2012. |