On my first day at the General Conference session, I ate lunch with a couple from Iceland.  The second, it was with a couple from Holland. I have talked to delegates from Africa, Korea, Germany, Bermuda, and Canada. 

 

I used to think of Adventism in terms of North America. Seeing that a third of our members are from Africa is eye opening. With a church this diverse it is vital to get together and listen to each other.

 

We discussed one Church Manual issue regarding business meetings. Some areas felt they needed four meetings a year.  One delegate pointed out that in his area the people had to walk a great distance. Others said the one business meeting a year wasn’t well attended already.  We listened to each other and ended up leaving room for flexibility. I saw democracy in action when one delegate sent a list of eight departmental nominations back to the nominating committee. 

 

I felt grateful when I heard our former President Paulsen’s report for the humble, Christ-like man he is. As I listened to the reports from the world divisions I wished we could be more open about the challenges we face. 

 

It is good to celebrate blessings and victories. But it is when we see the challenges are too big for us that we are driven to pray and depend on Jesus.

 

Bill Roberts is Auburn Adventist Academy Church senior pastor and a NPUC delegate at the GC Session.

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