Summer 2024 https://adventistregionalministries.org
GLOBAL SDA LEADERS ACCEPT NEW POSTS OU TEAM NATIONAL HONDA CHAMPIONS
CAMP MEETING: FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, WORSHIP AND SERVICE ORCM WELCOMES INTERNS
am not sure how or even why this song became a Thanksgiving favorite. But in church school, we sang it every year at Thanksgiving, especially in elementary school: “We Gather Together.”
We gather together
To ask the Lord’s blessing, He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing
Now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name
He forgets not His own.
Pkwy. Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 252-5271. www.awconf.org
ROGER BERNARD, PRESIDENT Cryston Josiah, Communications Director 3301 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66104 (913) 371-1071. www.central-states.org
LAKE REGION CONFERENCE
GARTH GABRIEL, PRESIDENT
JeNean Lendor, Communications Director 19860 South La Grange Road Chicago, IL 60619 (773) 846-2661. www.lakeregionsda.org
NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
DR. ABRAHAM JULES, PRESIDENT
Duddley Francois, Communications Director
115-50 Merrick Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 291-8006. www.northeastern.org
SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE
CALVIN B. PRESTON, PRESIDENT
James Lamb, Communications Director 3978 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org
SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Roger Wade, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
DR. MICHAEL OWUSU, PRESIDENT Benia Jennings, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org
SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
DR. CARLTON P. BYRD, PRESIDENT Leslie Soupet, Interim Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion. adventistchurchconnect.org
2021 REGIONAL DIRECTORS/COORDINATORS ROSTER
Virgil Childs, Vice President Regional Ministries Pacific Union Co nference
2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org
Cell: 909-225-6438
Jonathan Smith, Vice President
African American Dept. Arizona Conference
Cell: 775-338-0858 genx58@gmail.com
James Scarborough, Coordinator African American Ministries Central California Conference (831) 262-3838 famar@sbcglobal.net
Oneil Madden, Coordinator
African American Dept. Nevada-Utah Conference Cell 702-875-5979 pastoromadden@aol.com
Byron Dulan, Vice President North Pacific Union Conference 5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org
Dr. Andrea Trusty-King, Vice President Black Ministries Southeastern California Conference (909) 202-0147 kinggm@seccsda.org
Royal Harrison, Director G.L.A.R. Southern California Conference (503) 819-1498
If you are an old Adventist like me, you know multiple verses of songs like that. And if you are an old Adventist and from the Caribbean, you know all of the verses.
I am not entirely sure how that song came to apply entirely to Thanksgiving. But for me, it also applies to why I think Camp Meeting is still important to the life of our church: Camp Meeting allows us to “Gather Together.”
Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love Camp Meeting. When I was a conference administrator, Camp Meeting was probably the thing I enjoyed most much to the consternation of the conference treasury staff.
Understandably, they were focused on the zillions of dollars it cost to have Camp Meeting. And make no mistake about it, Camp Meetings are very expensive. I have been away from conference administration for nearly 10 years, but even in those days, a 10-day Camp Meeting could cost $300,000 to $600,000, depending on the facility and size of the staff.
Beyond what Camp Meetings cost a conference, they are very labor-intensive and taxing on the office staff. They have to pack up equipment and supplies to move their conference operations to the campground. At the end of Camp Meeting, they have to pack everything back up and send it back to the conference office, unload it and put it all back. We used to have multiple trucks making multiple trips all week between Nashville and Huntsville.
The office staff also has to move themselves and their families for 10 days, then pack up and move everything back home.
When I was a conference administrator, I went to all three of the preaching services we had. I wanted to support our pastors. Plus, that was usually the only time I got to hear them preach. These services included the daily 6:00 a.m. Sabbath School Lesson Study, taught by the spouses of our pastors (a number of them were not accustomed to being up front and were nervous, so I wanted to support them, too); daily Workers Meetings;; daily individual meetings with our younger pastors; plus group meetings with our spouses and younger pastors.
It was nonstop, for 17-18 hours every day, for 10 days. We would give our office staff the first two days after Camp Meeting off. During those times, every time I sat down, I would fall asleep.
It was exhausting, and I loved every minute of it. There are some things I don’t miss about being a conference administrator any more. But I do miss Camp Meeting.
Here’s a story that symbolizes what Camp Meeting means to me:
I used to sit on the same row for the services at Camp Meeting, when I wasn’t serving in some capacity. An older gentleman named Brother Dean also sat on that same row.
I think Brother Dean was around 90 or so. But he made the three-to-fourhour drive to Camp Meeting by himself every year. We would be joined on that row by another older lady. She was very vocal in her support of whoever was preaching. I never knew her name.
I just called her, “The Camp Meeting Lady.” Every year, I looked forward to seeing both of them at Camp Meeting.
One year, Brother Dean came a day or so late to Camp Meeting. For a little while, his seat on our row was empty. We were terrified, and asked if Brother Dean had passed away since the last Camp Meeting.
We were so relieved when Brother Dean showed up. We had a great time
reconnecting with him during that Camp Meeting session.
For me, that is what Camp Meeting is all about: It’s when we gather together for worship and for fellowship. It’s when we gather together to reconnect with people that we may not have seen since the last Camp Meeting. It’s when we gather together to meet with God.
Some of best sermons and the best music I have heard in my life, I heard at Camp Meeting.
Technology has changed Camp Meeting. Now you do not have to come in person. Your conference can bring Camp Meeting to you. When I was the conference executive secretary, one of my jobs was to find places to put the overflow crowds that would flock to Camp Meeting in those pre-livestream days and then to make sure that we had screens that could fully exhibit the Sabbath worship service.
We put people everywhere in those days. We had overflow in the auxiliary room in the church, in the Mosley Chapel, in the McKee Building Auditorium and in the cafeteria.
By the time I left South Central, we didn’t have to do that anymore.
We were live-streaming the services and people were watching from their churches or from their homes. I don’t blame anyone for doing that. Why would you drive 500 miles and sit in the overflow section, when you can watch it in your church, or even in your house?
Still, I am glad we didn’t always have live-stream. Because if we did, I would have never gotten to know Brother Dean. I would never have met “The Camp Meeting Lady.” Both Brother Dean and “The Camp Meeting Lady” are gone now. They are resting in Jesus. I went to both their funerals, where I finally learned “The Camp Meeting Lady’s” real name (which escapes me now!).
I look forward to meeting them again soon at that “Great Camp Meeting” as the old song says, “in the Promised Land.” Once again, and forever, we’ll “Gather Together.” t
Dana C. Edmond, is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), and is also publisher of Regional Voice magazine.
4
PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY
Camp Meeting: “We Gather Together” For me, this is what Camp Meeting is all about. We gather together to worship and fellowship, to reconnect with each other. We gather together to meet with God.
By Dana C. Edmond8
COVER STORY
The Dallas Project
This major endeavor, under the visionary leadership of President Carlton Byrd, encompasses evangelism,
14
IN TRANSITION
Dr. Bill Payne Named VOP Director
Dr. Payne was called to the Voice of Prophecy, where he currently serves as the first African-American director of that ministry and the Director of the Voice of Prophecy Bible School.
By Dana C. EdmondConference since October 2022, has been elected as the new president of the Columbia Union Conference.
Columbia Union Statement
18 IN TRANSITION
Vice President Byron Dulan Announces Retirement
24
INTERNSHIPS
ORCM’s Program Goes Beyond Skills
35
OU ALUMNI WEEKEND
Homecoming 2024 Recap
Denise Irankunda, a senior in accounting, Delice Umukundwa, a junior in finance, and Melaina Goodridge, a senior in graphic design, all brought fresh perspectives and left their terms with professional insights.
Alumni Homecoming 2024 at Oakwood University, March 29 to 31, celebrated graduates in years ending in fours and nines. With the theme “Much More Than Enough,” the weekend provided a beautiful tapestry of activities.
46
RCRP SERIESFINANCE
54
teams to take home the title and a $100,000 institutional grant.
By Norman J. Jones8 12 17 14 52 18
education expansion, new building construction and renewed commitment to do a great work in this city and beyond, in the Southwest Region Conference.
By Leslie Soupet
12
GC RELEASE
Dr. Pierre Omeler Elected as GC Vice President Members of the Executive Committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists voted to accept the nomination of Pierre E. Omeler as a GC general vice president on April 10. Omeler will succeed the late Maurice Valentine, who died unexpectedly in October 2023. By Alyssa Truman
16 IN TRANSITION
Elder Michael Lewis is Associate Director, NAD Evangelism Institute
At the beginning of 2024, Elder Michael Lewis became Associate Director for the North American Division Evangelism Institute, or, in the Adventist parlance, “NADEI.”
By Dana C. Edmond17 COLUMBIA UNION NEWS
Columbia Union Conference Elects New President
Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Allegheny East
Elder Byron Dulan, Vice President, North Pacific Union, has shared the news of his impending retirement. He has served our church with distinction and dedication for 52 years.
By Dana C. Edmond20
KNOW THESE REGIONAL TERRITORIES
The Southeastern and Southwest Region Conferences
Enjoy the history of these Regional Conferences. Share the experiences of new growth and development. This time we focus on the Southeastern and Southwest Region Conferences.
Data Compiled By Dana C. Edmond
Text and Photography By Gerson Pancorbo
32
ART EXHIBIT
‘Inspired Imagery’ Showcases Regional Talent
This event became the first art exhibit and fundraiser held at the Charles E. Dudley Center during the 2024 Oakwood University Alumni Weekend. It marked a significant breakthrough for the community, revealing amazing talent among the Regional Seventh-day Adventist artists.
Text and Photography By Gerson Pancorbo
Text and Photography By Gerson Pancorbo
38, 40, 42, 44
IN MEMORIAM
Pastor Gary Boles
Mrs. Marcia Allison
Mr. James Ford Sr.
Mr. James Ford Jr.
We pause to honor these leaders and their lives of service at home and abroad. They dedicated their gifts to God and their love to families and to their communities. Regional Voice magazine thanks the Boles and Allison families, and especially the Ford family who experienced two losses, for sharing these life stories with us all.
Getting a Grip on Financial Essentials
Interview with Financial
Strategist Cynthia Brame
Interview with Financial Strategist Cynthia Brame “In addition to being in alignment with God’s word, being faithful stewards or managers of our finances just makes good sense.”
Conducted By Dr. Delbert W. Baker
52 NEWS RELEASE
Oakwood University Team Wins Honda Championship
Oakwood University has emerged as the new national champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) held on April 12, 2024. The Alabama-based university defeated 31 other
54 CAMP MEETING
One Family’s Multigenerational Service
The Thomas family members not only attended the sessions in many conferences, but often offered service in various ways for many years. By Patrice T. Conwell
Photos Courtesy of the Author
58 REGIONAL CAMP MEETINGS Find All of the Schedules Here
Choose sessions near and far, and plan the ones you will visit in 2024. Compiled By ORCM
When we reflect upon the current state of our world, it is very clear that the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are being fulfilled and that the coming of Jesus is imminent. In contrast, postmodernism and secularization have taken hold of our society. Belief in God, obedience to God, and love for God are declining among many in our population, particularly in the Western world.
Furthermore, many members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church have lamented the lack of conversion growth in the North American Division, the birthplace of Adventism. In fact, without the immigration of many of our brothers and sisters from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, the active SDA membership in North America would be in serious decline.
Presently, the SDA book membership in the North American Division (NAD) numbers 1.2 million individuals in a territory of nearly 375 million people. When considering these numbers, we can surmise that North America is the “new” mission field. Demographic statistics also reveal that 80% of the population in the NAD resides in cities with more than 100,000 people. And 50% of the NAD population resides in the 25 largest metropolitan areas in this territory. Of these 25 areas, the Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW), Texas Metroplex ranks as the fourth largest metropolitan area in the NAD, with a population of nearly eight million. Yet, there are not more than 30,000 Seventh-day Adventists in the DFW Metroplex. In adherence to Christ’s commission as recorded in Matthew 28:1920, juxtaposed against the membership numbers of the SDA Church in Dallas, there is a great work to be done in this city. Ellen White said:
“ When I think of the cities in which so little has been done, in which there are so many thousands to be warned of the soon coming of the
IN ADHERENCE TO CHRIST’S COMMISSION AS RECORDED IN MATTHEW 28:19-20, JUXTAPOSED AGAINST THE MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS OF THE SDA CHURCH IN DALLAS, THERE IS A GREAT WORK TO BE DONE IN THIS CITY.
Savior, I feel an intensity of desire to see men and women going forth to the work in the power of the Spirit, filled with Christ’s love for perishing souls. We all need to be wide awake, that, as the way opens, we may advance the work in the large cities. We are far behind in following the light given to enter these cities and erect memorials for God.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 40. (1902) It is no longer enough to merely have conversations about this call to advance into large urban areas. Now is the time to actively address the need for appreciable growth and ministry in the SDA Church.
The Southwest Region Conference, under the visionary leadership of President Carlton P. Byrd, has introduced “The Dallas Project,” an aggressive, bold, innovative and creative approach to ministry with the goal of seeing men, women, boys, and girls coming into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
“The Dallas Project” seeks to immediately address three ministry areas in the city of Dallas, namely:
1) the need for a new conference office building to serve as a physical plant resource for effective 21st century ministry;
2) the need for a new church that successfully pursues evangelism with the commensurate human, economic, and physical plant resources necessary to foster excellence in worship, children, youth, adult, media, and community “felt need” ministries;
3) the need for a K-12 educational institution where all God’s children can be taught of Him, while intentionally leveraging the retention of our young people in the SDA Church. Putting word into action, on Sabbath, April 13, 2024, “The Dallas Project” was launched with three churches (City Temple, Faith Temple, and Agape) in the Southwest Region Conference, serving as the base membership for this new ministry initiative.
Recognizing that the longer any organization exists, the greater potential there is for increased bureaucracy to preserve the organization, versus intentional emphasis on its
mission, the new “Dallas Project” church is “mission” focused in every sense of the word. Hence, “The Dallas Project” has not presented an ordinary “merging” of churches, but rather the “creation” of a new church with a new mindset, new methodologies, and new operations among the consolidated memberships of these three churches.
On the inaugural Sabbath of “The Dallas Project,” more than 1,000 people were present for morning worship as President Byrd, also lead pastor, and previous interim pastor of the City Temple Church, along with staff pastors Jason North, Conference Executive Secretary and previous interim associate pastor, City Temple Church; Tyrone Boyd, Conference Church Ministries Director and previous pastor, Agape Church; and James Cox, previous pastor, Faith Temple Church, began service as pastoral team members. With this combined effect, the sum becomes greater than its individual parts. The increased numbers of pastors and church members brought
increases in church attendance and ministry participation. “The Good News Revival,” beginning April 13, was the culmination of these multiple efforts.
This public evangelistic campaign transpired each evening for two consecutive weeks, with Dr. Byrd serving as the evangelist. Prior to the revival and the launch of “The Dallas Project,” church members and Bible workers canvassed and gave Bible studies for four weeks in preparation for the revival. At the conclusion of the revival, another 90 individuals joined “The Dallas Project” and were baptized, accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and seeking to live their lives in harmony with Him!
Remember, however, that “The Dallas Project” is an all-encompassing ministry which also includes Adventist education. Plans forecast for Southwest Adventist Junior Academy (SWAJA), the current elementary school (Pre-K 3 to grade eight) that serves the city of Dallas, include a new building and expansion to a 12-grade academy. Additionally, to make Adventist education avail-
able to all, coupled with promoting evangelism and retention in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, members in “The Dallas Project” and supportive donors have made it possible for all SWAJA students to receive tangible scholarships bringing the monthly tuition cost to only $100.00 per student for the 20242025 school year!
The initial points of emphasis for “The Dallas Project” are evangelism and Adventist education. These are two of the four primary points of emphasis of the Southwest Region Conference. Plans are also being shaped for the physical plant of “The Dallas Project.” The former conference office property and two of the church properties have been liquidated, with one remaining church property currently under a sales contract. The funds from these property liquidations will assist in providing the needed financial resources to secure a permanent, consolidated home for the conference office, church, and school. “The Dallas Project” members are clear that it will be through sacrificial steward-
ship that the new ministry complex will become a reality.
We solicit your prayers and support for “The Dallas Project” as we seek to effectively share the gospel message of Jesus Christ in Dallas. Our goal is to replicate this ministry project in other major cities in the Southwest Region Conference. While the gospel message is the same, the methodologies to share this gospel must be different in our postmodern world. With increased human, economic, and physical plant resources, our prayer is that there will be increased evangelistic effectiveness in our conference territory.
For more information on “The Dallas Project,” please visit thedallasproject.org. t
Leslie
is the Communications Director for the Southwest Region Conference.
Members of the Executive Committee of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists voted to accept the nomination of Pierre E. Omeler as a GC general vice president on April 10. Omeler will succeed the late Maurice Valentine, who died unexpectedly in October 2023. The decision, effective immediately, came during the second day of the church’s Spring Meeting held at its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. Omeler, in his first words after being elected to the position, pledged to serve with “dignity and honor for the glory of God” and emphasized the unique calling of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We love this church,” he said. “We believe this is the only church with the mission to preach the three angels’ [messages] and to remind the world of the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
GC President Ted N. C. Wilson affirmed Omeler’s appointment. “Pastor Omeler is an extremely evangelistically focused individual, a very spiritual person,” Wilson noted, adding that Omeler and his wife are “an amazing team.” He further commended Omeler as “someone who brings people together and focuses on the mission of the church.”
A Dedicated Service
Omeler had been serving as president of the Atlantic Union Conference (AUC) since November 2021. AUC includes the northeastern region of the U.S. and the island nation of Ber-
muda. It comprises six conferences with around 600 churches and 133,000 baptized members.
Before his appointment as president, Omeler served as the AUC secretary (2016-2021) and vice president (2011-2016).
He also held the position of director of Haitian Ministries (2008-2011) and pastor (19912008) in the Northeastern Conference.
OMELER, IN HIS FIRST WORDS AFTER BEING ELECTED TO THE POSITION, PLEDGED TO SERVE WITH “DIGNITY AND HONOR FOR THE GLORY OF GOD” AND EMPHASIZED THE UNIQUE CALLING OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
Although he brings vast experience to the General Conference, Omeler also brings spiritual depth and a passion for cross-cultural evangelism, church leaders said. Alex Bryant, president of the North American Division, pointed to his evangelism focus. “About four months after becoming union president, Omeler convened the first-ever evangelistic conference of its kind for his union, where he called all pastors and conference administrators together and developed strategies on how to evangelize the entire union territory.”
Bryant further shared that Omeler sought to work collaboratively with his colleagues and those under his supervision, leading them forward in mission with humility and grace.
Gary Blanchard, president of the Northern New England Conference, echoed Bryant’s words. “Elder Omel-
er is a humble servant of Jesus. He will be dearly missed by all in the Atlantic Union, especially by those of us who have served under his leadership. We have been deeply inspired by his sincerity, gentleness, positivity, and dedication to mission,” Blanchard said. Omeler will work closely with the GC leadership team to support the mission and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, church leaders said. Billy Biaggi, a GC general vice president, commented, “Together,
we continue to submit our lives daily to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to encourage our worldwide family to arise and shine for Christ. We want to be used by God’s power with humbleness. We welcome Pastor Omeler to the team of GC general vice presidents.”
Omeler was born in Haiti and speaks fluent French. He moved to the United States in 1981 to pursue his education at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. He completed his bachelor’s degree in theology with a minor in biblical languages in 1986. Omeler went on to pursue a Master of Divinity de-
gree from Andrews University (1991) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary (2015). Omeler is married to Myra Norman, a registered nurse. They have been married for 39 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren. t
Dr. Bill Watson Payne was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, where he lived with his grandmother for the first 11 years of his life. He credits her for laying the foundation that led to his ministry today.
He then went to New York to live with his parents. His parents worked for IBM, which mirrored the Adventist ministry by moving them to different states. They moved from New York to Vermont to Texas.
Payne studied electronics in high school and then went to work for Motorola and later, IBM. He did very well financially and was able to buy his first home at the age of 19.
Several years into his career, however, he began to feel that God was calling him into ministry. He had first felt that calling early in his life but had not
responded. This time, he did. Payne left his position and good salary in corporate America and enrolled in Southwestern Adventist University, where he graduated in 1994. Upon graduation, he began to work for the Southwest Region Conference under the Infiltration Program. This program was first conceived by the late South Central Conference President, Elder Charles Dudley. It was later adopted in various forms by other Regional Conferences.
The idea was to plant new churches in areas where there were no Adventist churches, to “infiltrate them.” Young pastors were hired and sent to, in Elder Dudley’s words, “preach out a church.”
This was a good idea and churches were indeed “preached out.” The challenge was that the pastors hired were not paid as full-time workers. Some conferences hired pastors under what was called “Revenue Sharing.” This
meant the pastor’s salary was a percentage (a small percentage) of the tithe that was generated in the church each month.
The problem was that most of the Revenue Sharing pastors led churches that did not produce a lot of tithe; hence, there was not much revenue to share. Some months, Pastor Payne’s “salary” was $150.00 for that month. Still, the words of the song “What God ordains, He will maintain” ring true. In the providence of God, Pastor Payne’s wife, who was in the military, was transferred to Hawaii. Shortly after moving there, he was hired as a full-time pastor by the Hawaii Conference.
He served first as a pastor, and then as a departmental director, for approximately 10 years, before sensing another call, this time a call to return to school for additional preparation. He was granted a study leave in 2006 to Andrews University, where he re-
THE IDEA WAS TO PLANT NEW CHURCHES IN AREAS WHERE THERE WERE NO ADVENTIST CHURCHES, TO “INFILTRATE THEM.”
ceived his Master of Divinity degree in 2009.
He continued his studies by pursuing a Doctor of Ministry. That vision seemingly died when all of his doctoral research was lost in a house fire. But “what God ordains, He will maintain.” Elder Payne was led to a different area of study, church revitalization; led to a different school and
ultimately received his doctoral degree in that area from Liberty University in 2023.
After pastoring in the Indiana Conference for six years, Dr. Payne was called back to the Hawaii Conference, where he pastored their largest church, the Central Church. It was from there that he was called to the
Voice of Prophecy, where he currently serves as the first African-American director of that ministry and the Director of the Voice of Prophecy Bible School.
He is married to the former Audrey Binns, also of Jamaica. They have one daughter, Keanna, who is an educator. t
At the beginning of 2024, Elder Michael Lewis became Associate Director for the North American Division Evangelism Institute, or, in the Adventist parlance, “NADEI.”
He comes to this position after serving as Evangelism and Church Planting Director for the South Central Conference. In that role, he conducted evangelistic campaigns along with training sessions for pastors and laypersons in evangelism and discipleship.
The Lord blessed him to see several hundred people accept the Third Angel’s Message and become Seventh-day Adventist church members. Additionally, two new churches were planted.
It was his desire to continue as pastor of a local church while serving in the conference office. He pastored the Birmingham South Park SDA church, adding evangelism and the work of discipleship. While at South Park, he was able to achieve the goal that the conference administration set for him upon his arrival: to revitalize that church.
During his tenure at South Park, the Lord led 550 people to become members. Elder Lewis was blessed as a consistent leader in baptisms in his conference and in the Regional Con-
ference work. He also planted churches at three sites.
Elder Lewis also led his church to impact the surrounding community by forming an alliance with the Urban League to impact poverty in six Birmingham areas. This came on the heels of his ministry in his first assignment in the Selma-Thomasville, Alabama, district. The Lord blessed him to add more than 100 members in that district and to plant another new church.
At NADEI, he will add to his previous role of training pastors and laypersons in evangelism and discipleship. He will also have the responsibility of teaching evangelism to the students at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Elder Lewis has an undergraduate degree in marketing from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University Theological Seminary. He shares life away from the pulpit and
the classroom with his wife, Racquel, and their adult children. t
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), and publisher of Regional Voice magazine, coordinated these IN TRANSITION reports
Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Allegheny East Conference since October 2022, has been elected as the new president of the Columbia Union Conference.
The Columbia Union Executive Committee made the decision at a special session on Sunday, March 24. Robinson will start his new role immediately while still serving as president of the Allegheny East Conference for a period of time. t
Columbia Union News story by the Visitor staff. They will continue to update this story.
HIS PERSISTENT ADVOCACY FOR HIS CONSTITUENTS, PARTICULARLY IN HIS CURRENT ROLE AS VICE PRESIDENT IN THE NORTH PACIFIC UNION, HAS RESULTED IN CHURCHES IN THE REGIONAL WORK THERE HAVING REPRESENTATION AND FUNDING THAT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN EXTENDED.
At the end of the recent Office for Regional Conference Ministries Board Meeting, Elder Byron Dulan, Vice President, North Pacific Union, shared the news of his impending retirement. He has served our church with distinction and dedication for 52 years.
He is a native of Oakland, California, and the sixth of seven children. His parents were committed to Seventh-day Adventist Christian education, and they saw to it that he and his siblings attended Golden Gate Academy from kindergarten through grade 12.
He attended Oakwood College (now University) and California State University-Hayward, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He later received a Master of Religion degree from Loma Linda University.
He began his ministry in 1972 at Pacific Union College as the Director for Student Employment and Married Student Housing. After serving in that capacity for three years, he began his pastoral career.
That career has spanned five decades and has included stints as a pastor and departmental director in the Southern California and Washington Conferences. He has planted multiple churches, been involved in a number of ministerial initiatives and served on a number of denominational committees, including the Executive Committees of the North Pacific Union and the North American Division, as well as the Regional Conference Presidents Council.
In 2018, he was elected to his current and final denominational position of Vice President for Regional Ministries, Director of Adventist Community Services, Prison Ministry, Urban Ministry and Human Relations for the North Pacific Union.
His persistent advocacy for his constituents, particularly in his current role as vice president in the North Pacific Union, has resulted in churches in the Regional work there having representation and funding that has not always been extended.
He is married to the former Linda Boykin, a licensed psychotherapist. They have two adult daughters and six grandchildren.
Thank you, Elder Dulan, for your service. t
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), and publisher of Regional Voice magazine, coordinated this IN TRANSITION report.
Welcome once more to this series in the Regional Voice, where we share information about the nine Regional Conferences and the entities affiliated with them: the Pacific and North Pacific Unions, the Bermuda Conference and the individuals God has called to lead them.
We continue with the fifth installment of our series on Regional Conferences by looking at a study in contrasts: the Southeastern Conference, the last of the nine Regional Conferences to be established, and the Southwest Region Conference, which was a part of the original group of Regional Conferences to be established.
Actually, the Southeastern Conference was also a part of the original group of Regional Conferences established in the mid-to-late 1940s. However, its states were then part of the South Atlantic Conference.
The original South Atlantic Conference grew to the extent that it was divided in 1981 into two conferences: the original South Atlantic Conference, which consisted of Georgia (except for South Georgia), and North and South Carolina. Florida and South Georgia formed the new Southeastern Conference.
The Southeastern Conference is headquartered in Mt. Dora, Florida, outside of Orlando, Florida. Southwest Region is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas, area, and is currently involved in a historic building project called “The Dallas Project” that will give them a new conference office complex. That story is the Cover Story for this edition of The Regional Voice. t
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice magazine, compiled the data for this Special Report.
The Southeastern Conference
South Georgia and Florida (except for Northwest Florida)
Headquarters Mt. Dora, Florida (outside of Orlando)
Membership
Approximately 45,000
2023 Tithe
Approximately $33 million President
Dr. Michael Owusu
Executive Officers
Elder Pierre Francois, Executive Secretary Elder Emmanuel Charles, Treasurer
Dr. Michael OwusuPresidential Biographical and Professional Data
Birthplace Kumasi, Ghana
Years as President Four Previous Position
Executive Secretary, Southeastern Conference
Number of Years in Previous Position Four Years in Ministry 29
Married to the Former Brenda Minnis, of Freeport, Bahamas
We continue this fifth installment of our series on Regional Conferences by taking a look at the Southwest Region Conference.
Southwest Region is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas, area, and is currently involved in a historic conference endeavor called “The Dallas Project.” That is the Cover Story for this edition of The Regional Voice. Here is a partial recap:
“The Dallas Project” seeks to immediately address three ministry areas in the city of Dallas, namely: 1) the need for a new conference office building to serve as a physical plant resource for effective 21st century ministry; 2) the need for a new church that successfully pursues evangelism with the commensurate human, economic, and physical plant resources necessary to foster excellence in worship, children, youth, adult, media, and community, “felt need” ministry; and 3) the need for a K-12 educational institution where all God’s children can be taught of Him, while intentionally leveraging the retention of our young people in the SDA Church.
Putting word into action, on Sabbath, April 13, 2024, “The Dallas Project” was launched with three churches (City Temple, Faith Temple, and Agape) in the Southwest Region Conference, serving as the base membership for this new ministry initiative.
“The Dallas Project” has not presented an ordinary “merging” of churches, but rather the “creation” of a new church with a new mindset, new methodologies, and new operations among the consolidated memberships of these three churches. t
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice magazine, compiled the data for this Special Report.
In today’s fast-paced world, preparing young individuals for leadership roles goes past communicating skills; that preparation involves shaping their character, values, and sense of purpose. At the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM), we embrace this approach, drawing inspiration from biblical stories to guide our mentorship journey. Reflecting on the lives of Moses and Joshua, we see the profound impact of mentorship in nurturing leadership qualities. Just as Moses mentored Joshua by guiding him in faith and leadership, we aim to instill similar values in our interns.
Throughout this school year, ORCM had the privilege of hosting three interns from Oakwood University. This collaboration has proven to be a blessing, enriching projects while strengthening the bond between the university and ORCM. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Theodore Brown, Sr., Dean of the Business and Information Systems Department, and Dr. Rennae Elliott, Chair of the Communication Department, for their collaboration with ORCM in providing internship opportunities.
Denise Irankunda was our first intern. She brought her fresh perspective as a senior accounting student from Rwanda. Working alongside our ORCM CFO, Dr. Margaret Neckles, Denise refreshed our team, contributing to our
activities with her unique insights and dedication.
Delice Umukundwa, a finance major also from Rwanda, is set to graduate in 2025. She embarked on an enriching internship journey. Occupied in financial operations, Delice found joy in mastering essential tasks and contributing meaningfully to our projects. Her experience highlights internships’ vital role in bridging academic theory with practical skills. “I acquired a deeper understanding of financial operations, precisely what I sought as a finance major,” she shared.
And finally, Melaina Goodridge, a graduating senior in graphic design, brought her creative talent and passion for communication to our group. Through her internship, Melaina gained firsthand insight into
DELICE FOUND JOY IN MASTERING ESSENTIAL TASKS AND CONTRIBUTING MEANINGFULLY TO OUR PROJECTS.
the role of a communications director, connecting with coworkers, and leaving a lasting impact with her creative contributions.
“I found the ability to work in an organization a rewarding experience, as I was able to gain experience working in a professional environment and firsthand knowledge of what goes on in the role of a communications director and the time and effort that goes into every post and video that is created,” said Melaina.
Hosting interns from Oakwood University has reaffirmed our commitment to nurturing future leaders. From financial insights to creative contributions, each intern has left a lasting impression, exemplifying our dedication to shaping tomorrow’s leaders. t
Gerson Pancorbo is the Communications Director for the Office for Regional Conference Ministries and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan. He conducted live coverage to complete this report.
“I FOUND THE ABILITY TO WORK IN AN ORGANIZATION A REWARDING EXPERIENCE, AS I WAS ABLE TO GAIN EXPERIENCE WORKING IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT GOES ON IN THE ROLE OF A COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AND THE TIME AND EFFORT THAT GOES INTO EVERY POST AND VIDEO THAT IS CREATED.”
BY GERSON PANCORBO
Inspired Imagery” became the first art exhibit and fundraiser held at the Charles E. Dudley Center during the 2024 Oakwood University Alumni Weekend. This event marked a significant breakthrough for the community. It showcased the amazing talent within the Regional Seventh-day Adventist artists and their affiliates. Intended to be the foundation for an annual celebration, it highlighted the creative gifts among members and friends of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
The exhibit opened on Thursday, March 28, and continued Friday, March 29, with the final auction on Sunday, March 31, at noon. The events showcased the works of 21 artists, including teachers and students from Oakwood University.
Featured in the exhibit were notable artists such as Jimi Claybrooks, Raymond Wade, Johnnye Yates, Cecil Bernard, Howard Bullard, and Michael Hubbard. Each brought a unique perspective to the event, enriching the array of artistic offerings. Their vital contributions showed the diversity and
depth of talent within the church.
Benton Hampton, Director of the Regional Cultural Center said, “The main reason why we did this event is because we want culture and art and history and all that entails, the things that are the best parts of our culture. We have a lot of talented, gifted people within the church, who have gifts [but] don’t have a venue to display the gifts and talents that God has given them.”
ThThe logistical efforts required to coordinate such a comprehensive event did not go unnoticed. Elder Hampton expressed his gratitude to several key contributors for their roles in the event. He thanked Dr. William T. Cox, Executive Director of the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP), for his visionary leadership; Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM), for his assistance with the facilities; and Yvonne Collins, CFO of RCRP, along with Dr. Margaret Neckles, CFO of ORCM, for their expertise in managing the financial aspects of the event. He also extended thanks to everyone who contributed to the successful execution of the exhibit.
Michael A. Hubbard, one of the featured artists, reflected on the surprising discoveries many attendees made about the artistic talents within their community: “Some of the things that people said while they were here, that they never knew that all this art talent existed in our church, and it’s always been there. A lot of people said, ‘We never knew, that you could do X, Y, and Z.’ Well, God has gifted us with so many different talents, and art is one of those talents.”
The culmination of the art exhibit was an auction held on Sunday at noon, designed to support the growth of the Joseph W. McCoy
Regional Cultural Center. This event featured select pieces from the exhibit’s artists, including Claybrooks, and drew a crowd eager to acquire artworks while contributing to a noble cause. Proceeds from the event are allocated for enhancing the cultural center’s facilities and programming. This initiative reflects the exhibit’s broader goal of promoting an enduring appreciation and platform for the arts within the church.
Looking ahead, the organizers are planning for future events with greater ambition. The success of this inaugural exhibit has provided a template for what can be achieved and a clear mandate for growth. The 2024 art exhibit fundraiser “Inspired Imagery” was more than just a gathering—it was an intense declaration of the arts as a vital part of the church’s identity and heritage. t
Alumni Homecoming 2024 at Oakwood University, March 29 to 31, celebrated graduates in years ending in fours and nines. With the theme “Much More Than Enough,” the weekend provided a beautiful tapestry of activities showcasing the heritage and the community-oriented spirit of the university.
The Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM) began the weekend with organizational activities. On Thursday, Elder Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director, led the ORCM board in a meeting to discuss updates and financial reports that would guide the future work of the regional conferences. This meeting also served as a farewell to two key members of the board: Byron Dulan, who retired after 58 years of service, and Marcellus Robinson, who recently assumed the role of President of the Columbia Union.
Following the ORCM meeting, the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP) board convened. Here, Dr. William T. Cox, Executive Director, presented financial updates and plans. The meeting featured a special tribute to Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, President of the North American Division, honoring his leadership with a token of appreciation.
After these meetings, all the officers gathered at the Gold & Blue Scholarship Gala at the Jackson Conference
Center. This event aimed to raise funds to support scholarships, helping students improve their lives and those of their families and communities, in line with the university’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.”
The keynote speakers over the weekend added depth to the event. On Friday evening, Pastor Michelle Clarke set a reflective tone with her message. Then Pastor Debleaire Snell delivered a motivational sermon during the Divine Worship on Sabbath. Celebrating his own alumni class of 1999 and his 47th birthday, Pastor Snell discussed how God uses unexpected circumstances to position us for blessings, using the stories of biblical figures like Joseph and Paul as examples. He emphasized that gatherings like the alumni weekend should be viewed as opportunities for spiritual renewal and for embracing the Holy Spirit, not just as social events. Pastor Snell wrapped up his message with a call for unity, urging the community to create environments of communal harmony and shared spiritual goals to maximize the divine impact. Pastor Paul Graham wrapped up the speaking events with an exciting message for vespers on Sabbath evening.
The Charles E. Dudley Sr. Center featured an open house on Sunday. Hosted by ORCM, RCRP, and Breath of Life Ministries, this event provided a chance for both locals and visitors to learn more about the initiatives and impacts of these ministries, promoting a closer connection with the constituents.
The alumni festivities concluded with “Inspired Imagery,” an art exhibit and fundraiser at the Charles E. Dudley Sr. Center. This event showcased the diverse talents of artists such as Jimi Claybrooks and Raymond Wade, among others. Participants included 21 artists affiliated with the Regional Work. The exhibit not only displayed a wide array of artistic works, but also highlighted the need for platforms within the church to celebrate and nurture artistic talent. The success of
this exhibit set the stage for it to become an annual event, aiming to enhance the church’s cultural presence even further.
Overall, Alumni Homecoming 2024 was not just a celebration of past academic achievements; it was a comprehensive showcase of spiritual, cultural, and communal growth. It reinforced Oakwood University’s commitment to nurturing the mind, spirit, and community, leaving attendees inspired and eager for future gatherings. This blend of educational support, spiritual growth, and cultural celebration encapsulates the essence of the “Much More Than Enough” theme, leaving participants inspired and looking forward to future gatherings. t
Gerson Pancorbo is the Communications Director for the Office for Regional Conference Ministries and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan. He conducted live coverage to complete this report.
Gary Leon Boles was born to Lawrence Henry Boles Sr. and Beola Campbell Boles, October 14, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The family moved to San Diego, California, when hewas eight years old. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. Shortly after, he entered the United States Marine Corps at age 19 and served in the Vietnam War.
After leaving the military, he worked, played bass guitar in a jazz band (which was his passion), studied martial arts, and attended various colleges and universities. When he was about 30, some Christian friends from work witnessed to him. He later gave his heart to God and joined the St. Stephens Church of God and Christ. He continued to play bassguitar for the church.
When he went in for a doctor’s appointment at the Paradise Valley Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, he filled out a Bible study card. A Bible worker named Vera began Bible studies with him. When he learned of the seventh-day Sabbath, he asked where he could go to begin worshipping on Saturdays. The Bible worker pointed across the street from his home. Gary was then baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist at the Historic Paradise Valley Church in National City, California.
Soon after joining the SDA church, he decided to go into ministry and to attend Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. While at Oakwood, Gary loved running, working out and reading, which became a favorite pastime.
While attending Oakwood, he met the love of his life and best friend, Letetia Booth, at a Week of Prayer service at the Oakwood College Church. He prayed with her on their first date, and she later agreed to marry him.
Gary graduated from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University), with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Psychology, along with a minor in Biblical Languages, in 1984. He also completed a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Heritage Bible College in 1998.
Gary worked as a counselor at the San Diego Urban League, and later returned to Huntsville, Alabama, when he worked as the Human Resources Manager at Infinity Technology.
During this time, he and his wife produced four beautiful children, who he loved.
In August 1999, Pastor Boles was hired by South Central Conference President Joseph McCoy. He went on to pastor churches in the following cities:
The Hazelhurst/Brookhaven/McComb, Mississippi District;
The Meridian/Sylvarena, Mississippi District; The Sylacauga/Alexander City, Alabama District; and The Radcliff/Campbellsville, Kentucky District.
During his dedicated life to the Lord, he served as a faithful member of Prison Ministry at the Madison County Jail with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Inez Booth. He also served with other prison ministries in San Diego, California, and Alexander City, Alabama. He also had a radio ministry program through the Pine Hill SDA Church in Sylacauga, Alabama. Most importantly, he was a dedicated husband, father and Prayer Warrior.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 39 years, Letetia Booth Boles; son Gary L. Boles Jr.; three daughters, Parris L. Boles, India I. Boles and Asia K. Boles; brother Ricky Boles; two sisters, Shirley Chung and Carol (Eric) Watts; a sister-in-law, Iris Sutton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He would want us to remember Romans 8:28 (KJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” t
Special Thanks to the Boles family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this loving tribute to the faithful life of service dedicated to God, that of Pastor Gary Leon Boles Sr.
DURING HIS LIFE WHICH HE DEDICATED TO THE LORD, HE WAS A FAITHFUL MEMBER OF THE PRISON MINISTRY AT MADISON COUNTY JAIL WITH HIS MOTHER IN LAW, MRS. INEZ BOOTH ALONG WITH OTHER PRISON MINISTRIES IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA AND ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA
Marcia Yvonne Rogers Allison, 62, passed away on February 15, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends.
Born December 29, 1960, and raised in West Philadelphia, Marcia Yvonne Rogers lived with a family of five sisters: Bernetta, Renee, Lynn (deceased), Marcia, Jackie and Qadriyyah; and two brothers, Stanley Jr. and Kenneth all children of Stanley and Lucille Little Rogers.
A young fashionista and also rather spunky, Marcia surrounded herself with friends and fun. There are many stories about Marcia as she grew up. Asking her family and friends may produce different results, but all are sure to be entertaining. Studying through Olney High School and graduating from Penn State, (The Pennsylvania State University), with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, Marcia charged through life full of sass and spirit.
All of that took a turn one fateful day at the 1992 Alleghany East Camp meeting in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. After some courting and convincing, the magical Miss Rogers became the married Mrs. Allison. Shortly after their wedding, Marcia embarked on one of her first, and soon to be many, travels with her husband.
Moving across land and sea, the new couple arrived on the shores of South Korea expecting an adventure with plans to serve the Lord. What they didn’t expect were the many lifelong friends, and treasured memories captured in thousands of photos.
Teaching and spreading love was her strong suit and she excelled in those areas. After six years of life experiences, Marcia returned to the United States with her very own family in tow: Marvin L. Allison Jr. (deceased), Alexander T. Allison, and Autumn T. M. Allison. Any time you asked, Marcia would say that her children were her world. Marcia may have fallen in love with Marvin, but never counted on the love she felt for the two small children now before her. With the little ones nestled in her arms and her husband by her side, she moved with him as he pastored in four different states. As time passed, Marcia’s smile grew, taking in her extended family whether at her work, at church, or in a chance meeting.
She drew in anyone with her classic, radiant smile and held them with her loving embrace. Literally. Marcia probably holds the world record for the most hugs given in a lifetime and recipients reported they were one of the best things you could ever experience.
Marcia also had many hobbies – drawing, writing, history, family games, baking, coloring, knitting, puzzles, and general crafts. She valued her education most of all. After many years of hopes and consideration, Marcia finally stepped forward and pursued her master’s degree. Determined and nervous, she faced this new challenge of an advanced and accelerated course curriculum. Overcoming her hesitation, she charged forward with a newfound confidence as she learned more and more. In the midst of caring for her mother-in-law and moving to a new state, Marcia earned her Master’s degree in Human Services from Liberty University.
While starting a job in her field with her newly-earned degree, Marcia formed genuine, special connections and often returned home to share exciting stories about how her schooling applied to that day’s situation or task. Sadly, not too long after the beginning of this personal dream journey, she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
A true woman of faith, she held fast to her trust in God, knowing no matter what, all would be well in the end.
Marcia’s only lament was her well of love that was nowhere near empty and there were still loved ones she wanted to pour into. She left us on February 15, 2024. She was physically and emotionally embraced by all of those who loved her. She is survived by her immediate family, Marvin L. Allison Sr.; Alexander Allison, Elizabeth Ayala and Autumn Allison; her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and so many adopted family members who she took under her wing.
Marcia was truly a kind-spirited individual, concerned for others and not herself, even until death. Though she has had to return her gift of life, she asks that you share her gift of love in her stead. To those combating the sorrow and hurt of her loss, she leaves instructions to remember her, not with tears, but with memories. She may not be here on this earth, but let her live on in your minds.
MARCIA PROBABLY HOLDS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST HUGS GIVEN IN A LIFETIME AND RECIPIENTS REPORTED THEY WERE ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU COULD EVER EXPERIENCE.
She was the heart of this family and gave a beautiful light to others. Envision her heart-warming smile. Even now, if she could, she would smile, glad to sit here and spend time with all of you. Write your own paragraph with your best memory of her. Let her love live on inside you. Share it with others until the day you get to hug her again.
In lieu of flowers, Marcia asked that you send plants that live on to brighten dark corners. Her family asks for any donations to be sent to the American Pancreatic Cancer Organization. t
Special Thanks to the Allison family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this fitting tribute to the inspiring, vivacious Mrs. Marcia Yvonne Allison. She loved, offered service overseas and in the U.S., taught others and plunged into new areas of learning, with plans to share even more. May God comfort the hearts of all who loved her with His promise of life eternal.
Mr. James Edward Ford Sr. was born to James J. Ford and Earnestine L. Ford in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 1, 1936. He enjoyed skating, swimming and playing basketball. As a member of his high school basketball team, he chose to honor the Sabbath and not play during those sacred hours. Because he took a stand, the basketball coach decided to change the schedule to accommodate his belief in the seventh-day Sabbath.
Mr. Ford proudly served in the United States Army as a surgical orderly specialist, ranked as an E-4. After his Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Army, he would work at the United States Post Office in Louisville, Kentucky. He retired from this work after 33 years. While his main work was at the Post Office, he also loved music and had “The Voice” for radio. He used those gifts on the air and became the Program Director for radio stations WLOU and WLLV. He worked in this capacity for 54 years and was recognized by the National Association of Black Veterans Journalism for his outstanding service.
He was a faithful member of the Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sabbath School Teacher and mentor. He loved using his voice in song as well. His distinguished voice could always be heard in the bass sections of the Youth and Young Adult Choir and the Temple Choir.
Mr. Ford also loved the Magazine Church young people. He and his wife, Carolyn, would often be spotted at many youth events. He enjoyed a wide range of activities, but his greatest joys were found in reading, giving Bible studies, and spending time with his family, who he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Ford was preceded in death by three siblings, Alice Lewis, Bernice Ford, and Joseph James; two grandsons, James Edward Ford III and Jeremy Eric Ford, and two daughters-in-law, LaTonya Ford and Stephanie Ford.
Mr. James Edward Ford Sr., 87, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on March 17, 2024, at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital in New Albany, Indiana.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mrs. Carolyn L. Ford; two daughters, Kara Wheeler (Steve), and Alicia Hunt (Pierre); two sons, Ralph Ford and James Ford Jr.; one sister, Bettye Mason; two sisters-in-law, Susanne Crawford and Dr. Teni Garrett-Johnson; sixteen grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members, friends and loved ones.
The funeral was held at the Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, March 22, 2024, with Pastor Hasani Tait officiating. The burial took place at Highland Memory Gardens on March 27, 2024. Heritage Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky, was in charge of the arrangements. Please continue to keep the Ford family in your prayers. t
Special Thanks to the Ford family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this fitting tribute to their beloved husband, father, church leader and mentor, Mr. James Edward Ford Sr.
AS A MEMBER OF HIS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM, HE CHOSE TO HONOR THE SABBATH AND NOT PLAY DURING THOSE SACRED HOURS.
James (Jimmy) Edward Ford Jr., was born to parents James Edward Ford Sr., and Carolyn L. Ford on November 29, 1964, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a graduate of the New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
He worked as a masterful musician, playing for several churches throughout the Louisville Metropolitan Area. He was a member of the Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, and attended the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church. He played the piano for both churches.
Jimmy had a strong passion for music, especially jazz. Many called him a musical genius because of his composing and arranging skills. His music was not only enjoyed by his family and churches, but also through his music ministry to nursing homes and outreach programs throughout the state.
He enjoyed reading his Bible and evangelism. Jimmy loved playing chess, archaeology and spending time with his family. He loved his family very dearly.
He was preceded in death by his sons, James Ford III and Jeremy Ford; his wife Stephanie Higgs Ford and his father, James E. Ford Sr.
James (Jimmy) Edward Ford Jr., 59, a loving father of five, passed away on April 18, 2024.
Jimmy is survived by his three children, Skyler Ford, LaKayla Mitchell-Calvin (Pierre), and Taylor Ford; his mother, Mrs. Carolyn Ford; three siblings, Ralph Ford, Kara Wheeler (Steve), and Alicia Hunt (Pierre); nine grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends. It was his wish to be cremated.
A memorial service was scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2024, at the Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist-
Church, at 5:00 p.m. Heritage Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky, is in charge of the arrangements.
Please continue to keep the Ford family in your prayers.t
Special Thanks to the Ford family once again from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this tribute to their gifted father, son, brother and church musician, Mr. James (Jimmy) Edward Ford Jr.
HE WORKED AS A MASTERFUL MUSICIAN, PLAYING FOR SEVERAL CHURCHES THROUGHOUT THE LOUISVILLE METROPOLITAN AREA.
The Regional Conference Retirement Plan is developing this special four-part series for Regional Voice magazine, covering the dimensions of retirement. It will feature interviews with different experts in the areas of Retirement and 1) Financial Literacy, 2) Health and Wellness, 3) Spiritual Growth and 4) Continuous Learning .
Recently, Cynthia Brame, financial coach and strategist, and President/CEO of Legacy Strategic Partners, shared her thoughts and opinions in an interview on some critical essentials that retirees and persons preparing for retirement could profit from.
A businesswoman, entrepreneur, and daughter of a pastor, Cynthia has a desire to help people successfully prepare for and strengthen their understanding of finances, combined with good stewardship to successfully prepare for their retirement years.
This entrepreneur and graduate of Oakwood University is a financial advisor. She has been an educator, coach, and former graduate school professor of personal and church finance. She has given thousands of presentations for more than 30 years on business, retirement and church finance, as well as retirement planning. Not only is she a businesswoman and financial strategist, she is also a wife, mother and caregiver for her senior mom.
The following are excerpts from that interview. Baker: You, like many adult children today, have the opportunity to provide care for your aging parent in her re-
tirement years. What are your thoughts on this subject?
Brame: Well, it’s a privilege and honor for my husband and I to do so. He and I both witnessed our parents providing care for their parents and so it was natural for us since we are cut from the same cloth. As a registered nurse, my mother provided care for countless patients for 50 years. Now we have an opportunity to give back and help her as she deals with health challenges and mobility limitations. We are blessed to assist her. It is also a good example for our children and others who may face similar circumstances.
Baker: How important is it for retirees and pre-retirees to acquire financial literacy and to stay on top of money matters?
Brame: Very important! As Christians, we observe that the Bible admonishes us to seek first the kingdom of God. It also says we should be good stewards. A significant number of Christ’s teachings had to do with money. During our lifetimes, so much of our time is spent earning and managing money. Money, or the lack thereof, either gives us access or limits what we can do and where we can go. So, in addition to being in alignment with God’s word, being faithful stewards or managers of our finances just makes good sense.
Furthermore, the more we know about the various aspects of personal finances and how to manage them, the more successful we will be at dealing with each phase of our lives. This is especially true during the retirement phase when many retirees are no longer gainfully employed. Much of my advising time is spent discussing the type of lifestyle clients and students desire in the retirement phase. Those discussions help with crafting strategies on how to best prepare for that
phase of life. The more we know about managing our personal finances, and the sooner we execute a solid plan, the better prepared we will be for living the lifestyle we desire. Preparation is the key word.
Baker: Give us some basic financial literacy facts and skills that our readers would do well to know and practice?
Brame: Sure. About 25 years ago I developed what I call The Financial Ark Masterclass (TFAM). This is a true, deep-dive masterclass. I also cover a wide array of financial topics in my workshops and seminars – budgeting, cashflow management, debt elimination, education funding, retirement planning, investing, estate planning and more.
The foundational principles taught have been transforming lives for many years.
As important as financial literacy is, let me underscore that there is wisdom in seeking professional advice. Failing to work with experts can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. Seek professional guidance to
ensure your financial plan aligns with your goals and needs. Take advantage of objective expert advice to provide seasoned input and guidance through life’s unexpected twists and turns.
As for specific advice, first I would recommend that everyone establish a household budget. A budget is essential for retirees because, generally, retirees operate on fixed incomes.
Baker: Give us an abbreviated way to set up a budget if a person doesn’t have one.
Brame:Here are a few key steps to establish a basic budget:
1. Calculate Income: Add up all sources of money coming in (pensions, Social Security, investments, etc.).
2. List Expenses: Write down what you spend each month on essentials (housing, food, transportation, healthcare, etc.) and extras like travel, hobbies and such things.
3. Compare Expenses with Income: Make sure your income covers your expenses. If not, adjust spending or find ways to increase income.
4. Plan for Emergencies: Set aside some money for unexpected expenses.
5. Review Regularly: Check your budget often and make changes as necessary.
Baker: Thank you. Now, give us a few more financial essentials for the retirement period.
Brame: Next, avoid debt like the plague. Yes, our best plans can be de-
railed if we spend unwisely, are undisciplined and become enmeshed in debt, bills, and all the problems overspending brings. That means we avoid all unnecessary debt, before and during retirement. Spending should be built into the budget and financial plan as much as possible. Avoid impulse spending.
Then, develop and sustain a robust savings and investment plan. You can’t start too soon. Often in the Black community we may not have large generational wealth passed on, so we must be proactive if we desire to live and leave a financial legacy. In retirement, we must be strategic in how much and how soon we tap into our nest egg. And be careful to be alert as to how taxation can impact our net retirement income.
Make it your business to understand Social Security. Know what it is and how it can help you. Know why and how you’re paying for Social Security and when it is best to access it.
It’s important to know about your pension, retirement plans, and investment strategies—how they work and the best time to access them. It is your responsibility to know this information and where the documents are. Track the status of these accounts. Know the best time to start tapping these sources and what distribution strategies to employ so that you don’t outlive your nest egg.
Understand Healthcare Costs and Insurance. Since healthcare and insurance becomes increasingly important as you age, whether this is your area of expertise or not, make it your business to understand about Medicare basics, supplemental insurance, and estimated out-of-pocket healthcare costs. I encourage people to get help in this area as necessary. These are mustknow areas.
Baker: Is there anything else you want to mention as to must-do with financial literacy?
Brame: I don’t want to get too deep but remember RMDs. RMD stands for Required Minimum Distributions. It’s
a mandatory withdrawal that individuals with certain retirement accounts, like traditional IRAs, 403(b), 401(k) plans, must take each year after reaching a certain age to ensure that people withdraw a minimum amount from their retirement accounts each year. Be mindful that these mandatory distributions often have tax consequences.
Baker: You and I talked earlier about the need to be good stewards as it relates to estate planning and final directives. Talk a bit about these important areas.
Brame: Estate planning and final directives during retirement are crucial to think about and plan for in the retirement phase for several reasons.
Proper Estate Planning deals with:
1) Protecting Assets: Estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away, minimizing potential conflicts among heirs and reducing the likelihood of assets being tied up in probate.
2) Minimizing Taxes: Proper estate planning can help minimize estate taxes, allowing more of your assets to
pass on to your heirs rather than to the government.
Final Directives focus on:
1) Your healthcare wishes such as living wills and healthcare proxies and provide instructions for medical care if you become incapacitated, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected and observed.
2) Having a comprehensive estate plan and final directives in place provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes.
Baker: Now we’ve talked about what we should do. Let’s reverse it now. In your experience, what are some basic financial pitfalls retirees and pre-retirees should avoid or not do?
Brame: Well, maybe I should start with what I just mentioned.
1) Don’t be naïve and think a budget isn’t for you. Not having a budget can lead to overspending and financial stress. It’s important to track income and expenses to ensure financial stability.
2) Again, avoid debt as much as possible. Carrying debt, particularly
Helpful facts, data and statistics you should know about retirement and finances. This information can enhance your understanding of, and will provide you with, valuable insights and information to support successful retirement planning.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: According to the World Health Organization, the global average life expectancy is around 72 years. In the United States, the average life expectancy is approximately 78.8 years for the total population. The global population aged 60 and over is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, representing over 20% of the world’s population, as projected by the United Nations. The aging population trend poses opportunities and challenges for retirement planning, healthcare systems, religious and social services, and economic growth in various countries.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS: A survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, as of 2021, reveals about 40% of U.S. households headed by individuals aged 55 and older have no retirement savings. The median retirement savings for households aged 56-61 in the U.S. is $21,000, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security.
SOCIAL SECURITY: The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit for a retired worker was $1,543 as of 2021, according to the Social Security Administration. Around 64 million Americans received Social Security benefits in 2020, including retirees, workers with disabilities, and survivors.
INCOME SOURCES: According to the Social
Security Administration, Social Security benefits provide the majority of income for most elderly beneficiaries, comprising about 33% of total income for the elderly population. In addition to Social Security, other common sources of retirement income include pensions, annuities, investments, part-time work, and rental income.
SAVINGS WITHDRAWAL RATES: The “4% rule” is a common guideline for retirement withdrawals, suggesting that retirees can withdraw 4% of their initial retirement savings annually, adjusted for inflation, over a 30-year retirement period. It should be noted that in light of changing economic conditions and longer life expectancies now, various studies and financial experts have debated the effectiveness of the 4% rule.
FINANCIAL ADVISOR VALUE: According to a study by Vanguard, working with a financial advisor can potentially add about 3% in net returns for investors over time through improved financial behaviors, asset allocation, and tax efficiency. Individuals who work with a financial advisor are more likely to have a written financial plan, save more for retirement, and feel more confident about their financial future.
DIGITAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES: A growing number of digital tools and resources are available to help retirees with financial planning, budgeting, investment management, and retirement income strategies. Online platforms, retirement calculators, budgeting apps, and educational resources can empower retirees to make informed financial decisions and track their progress towards financial goals. t
high-interest debt, into retirement can become a cashflow strain and deplete savings rather quickly.
3) Prioritize paying off debts, especially large and high-interest ones. Ideally, try and pay off debt before retiring.
4) Then, make allowances for emergency savings. Failing to have an emergency fund can leave retirees vulnerable to unexpected expenses or emergencies.
5) Aim to have at least 6-12 months of living expenses saved in an interest-bearing account that is readily accessible.
Let me also mention that while Social Security provides a valuable source of income, it’s often not enough to cover all expenses in retirement. Same thing with pensions. Seek to diversify your retirement portfolio and supplement it with other types of income sources. Plan for taxes because forgetting about taxes on retirement income can lead to unexpected tax bills.
Understand the tax implications of withdrawals from retirement accounts and plan accordingly.
Then avoid taking on too much risk. As retirement approaches, it’s wise to adjust investment portfolios to reduce risk and preserve capital. Perhaps consider shifting towards more conservative investments to protect your retirement nest egg.
Baker: Do you have any closing thoughts?
Brame: Well, it’s been a pleasure to talk about this important topic and to be a part of this RCRP retirement series. There is much more that can be shared but these give a good overview of some best practices for your readers.
In closing, let me say it is a blessing to live to one’s senior years. This is something to be thankful for. So, trust God, follow good principles and enjoy your retirement years. Remember, expeditious planning and disciplined execution can lead to God’s provisions and peace. t
We express appreciation to Cynthia Timpson Brame for sharing her insights and expertise. You can read more about the services of Mrs. Brame at About (tfamonline. com) and Legacy Builders (legacystrategicpartners.com).
Delbert W. Baker, PhD, is an author, educator, administrator and pastor. He is Director of Research and Development at the Regional Conference Retirement Plan Office in the Charles Dudley, Sr. Regional Conference Ministries Center in Huntsville, Alabama. UNDERSTAND THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF WITHDRAWALS FROM RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
Oakwood University has emerged as the new national champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) held on April 12, 2024. The Alabama-based university defeated 31 other teams to take home the title and a $100,000 institutional grant. Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College finished in the top four.
HCASC is known as the nation’s premier historically Black college and university (HBCU) academic competition, and this year’s theme was “Live Your Dream.” It was Oakwood University’s 28th appearance at the HCASC and the school’s fourth win.
The 2024 winning team was coached by Steven Lai Hing and led by team captain Jonathan Gunthrope, alongside Hannah Browning, Janiah Hinds, and Grayson Mejia. The team’s dynamic performance, work ethic, drive, and sportsmanship earned them the championship title.
“Winning HCASC in one word? Unbelievable,” said Mejia. “This is my fourth year competing, and I just really can’t believe it happened.”
“Congratulations to the scholars from Oakwood University on their dynamic performance and national championship win at the 2024 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “On behalf of Honda, we applaud all the 35th-anniversary HCASC participants on their exemplary display of HBCU excellence. We also thank all the volunteers and alumni who made this year’s program possible.”
Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University, expressed his immense pride in the team’s achievement. “This victory is more than just a win in a competition; it’s a reflection of the dedication, intelligence, and spirit of our students and the supportive community at Oakwood University. We are incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishment and the positive light they have shone on the academic excellence within the HBCU community,” said Pollard.
For more information on the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, please visit https:// www.hcasc.com. Founded in 1989, HCASC
“WINNING HCASC IN ONE WORD? UNBELIEVABLE,” SAID SENIOR GRAYSON MEJIA.
“THIS IS MY FOURTH YEAR COMPETING, AND I JUST REALLY CAN’T BELIEVE IT HAPPENED.”
is based on College Bowl—the Varsity Sport of the Mind and supports the unique mission of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Approximately 150,000 HBCU students have competed in HCASC since its inception. t
Norman J. Jones is Executive Director of Integrated Marketing and Public Relations for Oakwood University.
Jocelyn B. (Reid) Thomas grew up in a ministerial family, developing a heart for service through the ministry and example of her parents, Elder D.B. and Mrs. Bernice M. Reid. Elder Reid served in many regional conferences including South Central and was an integral part of camp meetings for decades.
Jo, as she’s known by family and friends, married Claude Thomas Jr. Together they embarked on service to married couples and families, traveling across the country presenting seminars and workshops on building strong relationships. They also presented at many conference camp meetings to pastors, pastors’ wives and attending constituents. Elder Thomas was also ordained as a minister in the South Central Conference (SCC).
In 2015, family and friends celebrated the Thomas’ legacy of relationship principles lived through 50 years of marriage. These principles were captured and shared
in a book written by their daughter, Patrice Thomas Conwell, titled, Becoming a Professional Lover: A Weekly Devotional for Learning to Love God’s Way, published in 2017.
The book allowed the Thomases to continue serving couples and families when they could no longer travel consistently. Through the book, they could offer more people the benefit of their experiences and knowledge, especially through media shows like “Urban Report” hosted by their niece Yvonne Lewis Shelton, co-founder, and former general manager of 3ABN’s Dare to Dream Network.
The Thomas’ legacy of service continues through other family members. Patrice “Patti” Conwell and her husband, Alton, continue to share their parents’ relationship principles on their podcast airing on their YouTube channel The Professional Lovers. They can also be seen periodically hosting online Sabbath School for the Oakwood University Church (OUC).
Patti has served in South Central Conference (SCC) Camp Meeting activities as a former teacher in the Beginners’ Sabbath School; and a workshop presenter under Brenda Harrigan, former OUC children’s ministry leader. One year, she and her family sold cool treats to camp meeting attendees to raise funds for her son’s senior class at Oakwood Adventist Academy.
The Thomas’ great nephew, Jason Bradley, is currently the general manager of 3ABN’s Dare to Dream Network. Their grandson, Alton “Deuce” Conwell performed with the internationally renowned Oakwood
University Aeolians while a student at Oakwood University. He currently plays violin with the SCC First Seventh-day Adventist Church orchestra in Huntsville, and with Agape Praise Strings, an ensemble formed and directed by Ms. Bessie White.
Many other Thomas family, and extended family, members serve their churches, conferences, and communities through outreach activities and camp meeting involvement. Once a heart for service is demonstrated, felt, and understood, it’s easy to keep the legacy alive. t
THE THOMAS’ LEGACY OF SERVICE CONTINUES THROUGH OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. PATRICE “PATTI” CONWELL AND HER HUSBAND, ALTON, CONTINUE TO SHARE THEIR PARENTS’ PRINCIPLES ON THEIR PODCAST WHICH AIRS ON THEIR Y OUTUBE CHANNEL THE PROFESSIONAL LOVERS.
EDITOR’S NOTE: When planning this report, we needed true accounts of a family with a history of Camp Meeting attendance that included all ages. We found the accounts and then some, from our own page proofing expert, Patrice (Patti) Conwell. Her family members not only attended the sessions, but often offered service in various ways for many years.
ALLEGHENY EAST JUNE 27- JULY 7, 2024
ALLEGHENY WEST JUNE 12-15, 2024
CENTRAL STATES JUNE 5-9, 2024
LAKE REGION JUNE 27 - JUL 6, 2024
NORTHEASTERN JUNE 29 - JUL 6, 2024
NORTHEASTERN HISPANIC MAY 24-26, 2024
NORTHEASTERN HAITIAN AUGUST 19-24, 2024
SOUTH ATLANTIC JUNE 7-15, 2024
SOUTH CENTRAL JUNE 5-8, 2024
SCC HISPANIC MAY 17-19, 2024
SOUTHEASTERN JUNE 13-22, 2024
SOUTHWEST REGION JUNE 12-15, 2024
SWR HISPANIC MAY 24-26, 2024
IF YOU HAVE FINISHED A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY WITHIN ONE YEAR, OR IF YOU ARE IN YOUR LAST SEMESTER AT A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY, YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TO APPLY TO AN AUTO PURCHASE FROM KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT YOUR LOCAL KIA DEALER.