Arizona Conference
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Regional Convocation 2016 “THIS MEANS WAR!”
his Means War” was the theme that launched the 36th Arizona Conference Regional Convocation. The Convocation began on Friday evening with a charge to attendees, “I opened my mouth to the Lord and I won’t turn back, I shall go, I will go to see what the end is going to be.” A choir dressed in army fatigues marched down the center aisle of the packed Tucson Sharon SDA Church. This set the stage of what would follow as the 36th Annual Regional (African-American) Convocation weekend, Nov. 11-12, 2016 at the Tucson Convention Center. Guest speaker Dr. Gene Donaldson, senior pastor of the Ephesus SDA Church in Richmond, Va., opened an old war manual and shared a familiar story found in 1 Samuel 17:45-50. The next hour the audience was spellbound with a detailed, provocative, and insightful explanation of David’s strategic three-step battle plan to defeat Goliath: 1. David’s attitude of faith in God.
Prayer was a central theme at the Convocation. Pictured: Sherman Dockworth and Russell Lewars.
Cotton of the Tucson Sharon SDA Church. A special presentation by the regional pastors and their families was given to Elder Mike and Lynn Ortel 3. The selection of five stones which symbolized God’s victory was for their services to pastoral families of the Arizona Conference. already assured since the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. On Sabbath, Dr. Gene Donaldson told an engaged crowd, “Because Donaldson explained, “And because this means war we are well able to ‘This Means War’ and the odds are stacked against us, breakthroughs bring giants of any size and stature down.” are inevitable, based on 2 Samuel 5:18-25, which tells how God showed Pastor Ranison Kennedy of the Maranatha SDA Church delivered early David how to defeat the Philistines at the Valley of Rephaim.” morning manna at the Leo Rich Theatre. This was followed by a lively Youth and Young Adult Pastor Rahshan Wall of the Kansas Avenue and interactive Sabbath School discussion led by Lorraine Daniel-Palmer, church in Riverside, Calif., challenged the young people to understand Darrien Claxton, Cassandra Galloway, Tim Cotton, Maxine Coffy and Leticia that in any battle they must understand the rules of war. He challenged Long. The children’s division, youth and young adult classes were held in them to know how to “use the spiritual weapons you have at your the multi-purpose rooms of the convention center. disposal to make a difference wherever you are.” Special recognition and honor was given to our war veterans by Master A concert featured musical talent from area churches, including Cyiza Sergeant Jerry White (Ret.) and former Conference Executive Secretary Music Ministry and a presentation from the newly formed Beacon Light/ Mike Ortel. South Mountain drama group. The 2016 Regional Ministries Lifetime Achievement Award was The weekend concluded much the same way it had begun with a presented to Annie Florence Darby of Phoenix, AZ and Deacon Hosea powerful vesper message by Pastor Rahshan Wall, based on the story in Acts 16 where Paul and Silas ended up in prison after freeing a young girl from a demon and God sent an earthquake to set them free. He said, “In warfare when the evil one tries to interfere, it’s not what we’ve done. It’s what we are about to do that worries him because there is power and victory in the name of Jesus.”
PHOTOS BY CHAUVE NIYONIZIGIYE
2. David’s affirmation as a shepherd of past victories in God.
Men and women responded to a call for re-commitment by Elder Gene Donaldson, guest speaker.
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Kingsley Palmer
Regional Ministries Director Kingsley Palmer and his team planned an inspiring Regional Convocation.