When we gathered in worship last evening, we did so knowing this would be our last worship service of this Triennial Convention. There was a spirit of expectation, but it was mixed with sadness, as we wanted God to visit us but knew we would soon asunder part. As has been the case for the entire convention, the music was inspiring and focused us on the Lord Jesus. As had been requested by many, we heard an impromptu (well 10 minutes of rehearsing did take place) Gospel Quartet of Daris Shamblin, Glen Neal, Thomas Parker and Greg Tart (below) that was foot tapping good. The worship team again ministered as they provided Spirit led praise and worship.
One of the special artists was a fellow Canadian born Berkshire Christian College alum, Ruth Perkins Lucas, now from Walterboro, SC. She concluded with a song most appropriatedly titled, "The Best Is Yet To Come".
Some wonderful Advent Christian servants were recognized for their service to God and the Advent Christian Church. Mr. Jim Humbles, my former boss, and his wife were recognized as Jim will be retiring after 30+ years of ministry at the Advent Christian Village. Below they are shown with their pastor, Rev. Steve Lawson, as he offered a prayer of thanksgiving.
Part of the service included recognition of those with at least 4 years of service to the Lord and the Advent Christian Church in missions. Shown below, Russell Carle - New Zealand; Rhonda and Jeff Walsh - Philippines; Martha and Earl Wright - India;
Also recognized were Ernie Schache - India; Margaret Helms - Philippines; Musa and Floyd Powers - Japan; and David E. Dean - Philippines. (below)
Finally, Executive Director Ron Thomas recognized John Gilbert - Mexico and Francis Ssebikindu - Memphis, TN. (below)
The message of the evening was brought by Dr. Sid Bradley, Dean of the Charlotte Campus of Gordon-Conwwell Theological Seminary, who asked us to ponder why we find ourselves in the place where we are, as a church that seems to have lost its way. He offered three observations for us to consider and act upon. First, he observed we seem to have lost our love for the lost and replaced it with a love for ourselves. Of special interest was the finding of researcher Winn Arn who found that 89% of respondents, when asked why the church exists, said it existed to meet the needs of them and their families while only 11% said it existed to win the lost. As Christians our right, responsibility and the root to joy is to become like Christ and seek the lost. Secondly, the church is finding the lost are more lost than we thought. Secularlism is more pervasive than ever and even a passing knowledge of Christian principles is missing in most we meet. Finally, Dr. Bradley noted that we have shut ourselves off from those we are trying to reach. We have done this relationally and culturally. We don't just need to wear bracelets that ask what Jesus would Jesus do, we need to find out the answer, and then do it!
When the service was over, it was my privilege to receive from representatives of the Advent Christian Church in India, copies of a book written by my father, Dr. David A. Dean, entitled "Resurrection Hope" that had been translated into Tamil, a language of India. Below I am shown with Ernie Schache and M.M. Immanuel and Rani Immanuel representing the India mission field.
Now that our worship gatherings are over, it is time to let the service to our Lord begin! To God be the Glory! Amen.
Now that our worship gatherings are over, it is time to let the service to our Lord begin! To God be the Glory! Amen. 
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