Volume 9, Number 2

FEBRUARY 2013

The Apison Appeal MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE APISON, TENNESSEE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Do You Have Any Heroes? Everyone needs heroes, people they admire, look up to, are inspired by. One of my heroes is Morris Venden. When I came back to God in 1974, I read his books, listened to his tapes (anybody remember cassette tapes?) and was greatly encouraged, inspired, and blessed by his message of salvation by grace, the importance of personal daily devotions, and most of all, that Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP.

and 200 times. (HMS Richards died less than three years after this was published, in 1985). He said, "For years and years every January 1, I would lay aside the Review, the Sabbath School quarterly, everything with print on it, except the Bible. I would read it straight through without stopping."

Another of my heroes is H.M.S. Richards. I remember as a child listening to "Your Story Hour" in Lansing, Michigan, about how HMS and his brother were playing with a shotgun and it went off, permanently damaging HMS' eyes. In spite of that, he became an inveterate reader. He used to tell pastors, "You don't have time to read "good" books, you only have time to read "great" books." I have, in my files, a photocopy of a cover story that the Adventist Review did on Elder Richards, dated June 3, 1982 (a good year, the year Joy and I were married!). In the interview, he recalls hearing Ellen White preach. He says "[S]he talked ... like a Christian mother talking to her bad children sometimes or to the children she loved. She talked for about 30 minutes." Her son came up to her and cautioned her against speaking too long and getting tired. She said, "No, but I want to pray before I sit down." Richards says, "she finished up right away and then she started to pray. She knelt down--I can see her now, close to me. She didn't say, 'Our Father'; she said, 'My Father.' I remember distinctly. And within two or three minutes--she didn't pray long--I was

"Oh, I am a slow reader. I'm like a California chipmunk gnawing down a redwood tree. I've got to gnaw, but steady."

"How long did this take you?" he was asked.

Pastor Jeff Brown

afraid to look up. I was afraid that I would see God right there. A mighty power came into that room. It was one of the turning points in my life. I finally did look up and saw her praying. It was a soul-searching moment for me. Just before she finished, people began to weep all over that audience.... The people were weeping over their sins.... I didn't come forward. I didn't put a hand up-nothing. But I did inwardly. And my life has been given to the Lord ever since that day. Well, I have a great respect for her." Elder Richards was then asked about his Bible-reading habit. He stated that he read the New Testament through every month, and the Old Testament about three times a year. He said he'd read the Bible through between 150

This year, 2013, I am challenging our church to read through the Bible-actually, this year and next. We have a Bible reading plan that you can get at our church website, apsionchurch.org or you can pick up a copy at the Welcome Desk at church. WHAT - We are reading through the Bible at a rate of two chapters per day, taking Sabbaths off to rest, reflect, and, if necessary, to catch up. We are reading the New American Standard Bible which is generally accepted as the most accurate, true-tothe-original language version. This will take us a little less than two years. WHY - What we need most is a relationship with Jesus. We want to read His Word, look for Him in His Book, listen to His voice. As we read and pray, we will come closer to Him and hear His Spirit speak to us telling us how we can become more like Him. Continued on the Next Page >>>

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Heroes Continued from the Front Page WHO - We want to see Jesus WHEN - Whatever time works best for you. WHERE - In a quiet place where you can be alone with God. HOW - However it works for you! You can read online at biblegateway.com (where you can compare several versions of each verse at once) or at blueletterbible.com (where you can look at the original languages). Biblegateway.com allows you to listen to the NASB (New Testament only) online, or you can purchase an MP3 of the entire audio NASB for $20 at http://www.biblebible.com/New_Ame rican_Standard_audio.asp. The ABC has ordered some copies of the NASB to support our church's plan. We are reading the Bible chronologically, so if you want to follow along (and if you want to read the passages that I will be preaching on) you need to follow our Bible Reading Plan. Some are following http://revivedbyhisword.org which is the world-wide SDA church reading ONE chapter a day until the next General Conference session in July 2015. That's great, too. But the bottom line is we want to be "in the Word" and be "People of the Book." Who's your hero? I hope your greatest hero is Jesus! And I hope you get intimately acquainted with Him in 2013. #

Overnight Backpacking Trip into the Cohutta Wilderness Area is planned for February 2 and 3. If interested, contact Brian Wilson at 423-339-8006.

THE APISON APPEAL

FEBUARY 2013

Apison Church Has Christmas Social NOBLE VINING Opening the familiar gym doors revealed a scene fit for a banquet. In subdued light the candlelit tables, with a Christmas panorama across the stage, capped with a long table of inviting party food was bound to increase one’s Christmas spirit. Two smiling young ladies handed each one a numbered ticket, blue for children and red for adults, cautioning that they were very important. After a short program, the host Tim Hart, introduced us to Santa Claus. Together they brought the importance of the numbered tickets into play. All kept an eye on their number as Tim and Santa allowed a different guest each time, to draw a number, entitling the person with that number to one of the generous presents presented by Santa in person.

Yes, Santa Claus was “real.” You will know him when you look at his legs as none other than Dalton Athey. Photo by Noble Vining

Now, for the big event involving every family who brought a Christmas present for another family. Tim gave instructions that one side would take their present to the other side and choose from their presents one to trade for. Unexpectedly the tables were turned and the reverse happened. Presents were chosen and lost in this fun time with smiling faces leaving with gifts different from the memories of those possessed temporarily. All the evening’s grandeur was transformed back to the school gym in about thirty minutes. It seemed that each one knew exactly what to do, down to a little girl, not much taller than the seat of the folding chairs she was hurriedly pushing into line to be folded. Another celebration of the Christ-child’s gift to us is added to our memory.

Tim Hart and Pastor Jeff Brown watch one of the activities. Photo by Anita McGrath

Date Change for Dinner Please mark your calendar - Church Fellowship Dinner will be on February 2 instead of February 9, 2013 to allow for preparation for the upcoming Valentine Banquet.

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THE APISON APPEAL

FEBRUARY 2013

Drug Abuse Lecture Held for LCA Students SHAWN MARAIS CLARK, LEVI TAYLOR and VICTORIA BEASON

This year we had a Collegedale police officer come to our school for DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education.) His name was Officer Hannah. He told us a drug is any substance that changes the way your body acts. Drugs aren't always bad either. Every time you get a cold or the flu, your mom buys you medicine. Medicine is a drug because it changes the way your body acts by making it fight the sickness. Some drugs aren't good for anything. Meth is one of them. Meth is a synthetic stimulant. Unlike most other drugs, it is made up of many things you probably have lying around your home like rubbing alcohol, gas, cleaners, paint thinner, and even battery acid!! Most people become addicted the very first time they try meth. Alcohol and tobacco are also drugs and are very addictive. Someone who smokes two packs a day for 45 years has spent over $300,000! I don't know about you but I have a much better use for that much money.

LCA Home and School Leader Anita McGrath and Principal Mark Sargeant are nestled among students on the school’s float in the Collegedale Christmas Parade in December.

Did you know that there are over 200 toxins in a cigarette? Many kids start taking drugs when they're in their teens because of peer pressure. Peer pressure is when you do something because all your peers want you to and you don't want to be left out or teased. Alcohol is the number one carrelated reason teens are fatally injured in the United States. Teens that use alcohol are 7.5 times more likely to use an illicit drug and 50 times more likely to use cocaine. Alcohol interferes with your central nervous system, affecting balance coordination and judgment. Alcohol commercials always show people fit and lean, but alcohol has lots of calories and no nutritional value. Every day eight young people die of alcohol related crashes. There is no reason for people to use drugs or alcohol. It's dangerous and extremely addictive. We really appreciated Officer Hannah's talk, because some adults don't care how kids turn out. Officer Hannah was very nice, even with some of our goofy questions about his job. His way of telling us how these things can hurt our bodies was very interesting and informational. We hope he can come back again next year.

Valentine Banquet Planned Come enjoy a "cruise" via SS Lester Coon, Sunday, February 10, at 4:00 pm for only $15 per person. RSVP to Anita at 423.505.6573. Babysitting will be available. This is a Valentine Banquet Fundraiser for LCA sponsored by Home & School.

The school’s annual Christmas program was presented in the school gymnasium for an appreciative audience. Photos by Anita McGrath

THANK YOU Ediee called from Gospel Outreach in College Place, Washington and she wanted to thank the church for their support and request that we remember their organization in prayer. No contact information was left in the message. Lisa Jennings

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The Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church 11421 Bates Road – Apison, TN 37302 Post Office Box 1551 – Collegedale, TN 37315 Telephone: (423) 236-4214 -oVisit Our Website: www.apisonchurch.org -oFind us on facebook: Apison SDA Church -oPastor: Jeff Brown -- 728-2480 [email protected] -oHead Elder: Glen Wintermeyer -- 443-1039 Head Deacon: Barry Becker -- 505-6415 Head Deaconess: June Paynter -- 396-3999 Clerk: Sharon Adams – 475-7017 -oLester Coon Adventist School Telephone: (423) 236-4926 -oVisit Our Website: www.apisonsdaschool.com

The Apison Appeal Monthly Newspaper for Members and Friends -oEditor: Erling Odell – 591-4779 E-mail: [email protected] Circulation / Calendar: Lisa Jennings Helpful Assistance: Amanda Thomas Photographers: Brian Wilson and Anita McGrath Printing: Modern Way Printing and Fulfillment xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Can We Help These? STEPHEN S. SPRINGER

On January 4th, I learned that a former co-worker of mine, a man struggling with addictions, one whom I had lifted up in prayer both privately and in Sabbath School, witnessed to, and who lived a scant five doors from my own motel room, took his own life. Keith had been tormented with alcoholism for a large portion of his life. An accomplished machinist, his addiction prevented him from keeping a job consistently, resulting in his living alone seemingly without hope for anything better. We as Christians, Seventh-day Adventists, and as members of the Apison church, have been closing our services with the song "We'll share this Hope" (the absence of which I lament). Unfortunately there are far too many people in the world that have no hope, some incredibly living a mere 60 feet from our door! Some perhaps in our own homes. Are we taking seriously the admonition of the song we sang with such gusto and genuine sincerity?

FEBRUARY 2013

People like my friend Keith have all too often been labeled, to use a southern phrase, "ain’t no count." Having been hired and fired as many as four times by one employer, he was eventually given up on. How much effort are we expected to expend on such as these? I, for one, am thankful that our Creator GOD was willing to come and dwell among a group of people that could only be described as "no count." Jesus came to this sinful planet in rebellion to seek and to save the lost. He offended many of the religious leaders in Israel by being a "friend of sinners", He took the risk of being misunderstood by associating with tax collectors (still hated today), sinful men and women, and non Jews. How can we as members of the relatively sterile and safe Collegedale community step out of our comfort zone and rub elbows with the "lower classes", the great ‘unwashed’ if you will? How do we instill hope into those who feel they have no hope? There have been over 40 suicides in Chattanooga alone just since Christmas, according to one local policeman! Do others see in us caring followers of Christ Jesus, or do we brusquely ignore those who are crying out for compassion and love? Even in our own pews sit those who wonder, not so much about whether or not GOD loves them, but whether or not His followers reflect that love towards them, and how they fit into their fellowship. In the great body of Christ, some feel they are not even accepted as a hair on the little toe of the foot. Let us resolve this day to find opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those who are hurting and to instill in them the certainty of GOD's promise in Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” NKJV

February 2013 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

PF= Pathfinders AD = Adventurers LCA = Lester Coon Adventist School

Seventh-day Adventist Church at Apison Tennessee

FRIDAY

1

2

Birthday: Audrey Coulter

Birthday: Madeline Grimes

11:00 Pastor Brown 12:30 pm Fellowship Sunset 6:10

3

4

Birthdays: Fallon Jimenez Ashley Wagner

10

11

Valentine Fundraiser At LCA 4:00

Birthdays: Debbie Gearhart Layton Wilson 7 pm School Board Meeting

17

18

Birthdays: Areli Rivera Christal Herthel

Birthday: Marilyn Russell

Teen Bible Conference

24

Holiday Presidents Day

SABBATH

5

6

Birthday: Virginia Holley

Birthday: Henry Hills

10:30 am Praise & Prayer Mtg.

6:30 AD 6:30 PF 7:00 pm Prayer Mtg.

7 pm Financial Peace

Sunset 6:17

11:00 am Pastor Brown 3:00 AD

13

14

15

16

Birthdays: Laura Byrd Nadine Clark Geneva Spence

Birthdays: Floyd McCasland Isabella Anderson

Birthday: Marcy Rickrode

7 pm Financial Peace 7 pm Newsletter Articles Due

Teen Bible Conference

20

21

22

23

Birthday: Rae Miller

Birthdays: Jocelyn Beason Julianna Beason

Birthday: Lloyd Draper

Birthdays: Bruce Ries Tracy Simmons Kaitlyn Williams

7 pm Financial Peace

Sunset 6:31

11:00 am Pastor Brown

12

10:30 am Praise & Prayer Mtg.

19 10:30 am Praise & Prayer Mtg.

7 pm Church Board Meeting

25

26

7 pm Elders

Birthdays: Bobby Dye Louise Eirich Daniel Paynter 10:30 am Praise & Prayer Mtg.

6:30 PF 7:00 pm Prayer Mtg.

6:30 AD 6:30 PF 7:00 pm Prayer Mtg.

27

6:30 PF 7:00 pm Prayer Mtg.

7

Lunch 3:00 Sunshine Band

28 Birthdays: Lois Gennick David Glassford Sue Brown

7 pm Financial Peace

8

9

Birthdays: Charles Coulter Clara Laneville

Birthdays: Archer Elmendorf Dylan Jones Ruben Rivera

Sunset 6:24

Teen Bible Conference 11:00 am Pastor Brown 6:30 Vespers (Saxophone Concert)

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FEBRUARY 2013

A Christmas Blessing KAITI LAUGHLIN The last stretch of the Apison loop was spread before our humble choir. House to house, we spread cheer and shared the true meaning of Christmas. Caroling veterans and newcomers alike gathered around the last house on the block. Earlier that evening we had tied tags on our cookies and goodies and sang as many carols as we could remember, and now the night was drawing to a close. We started singing as we gathered on the porch. The doors opened and a lovely couple tentatively poked their heads out. They were beaming as we finished our preliminary song. A male voice from behind me surprised me by asking if they had any requests. We had not asked that of any previous house. The woman looked at the man with shimmering eyes. He nodded and she smiled as she asked, "Do You Hear What I Hear"? I glanced over at my friend Ayarri and grinned; we had practiced that one at the church, and we had not used it yet because not everyone knew it. I, however, knew all of the lyrics in order. Everyone looked at me expectantly. Even though my voice had begun to wear from the constant use of the night, I clearly sang the song and led our choir through the beautifully written song. At least one tear dropped from the lady's eye, and I knew in my heart something was very special about that particular song for them. We had a wonderful prayer with them and asked if they would join us for church the next day. As it turned out, they were Adventist too! We gave them directions and cheerfully sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" as we descended the steps and continued on into the night. I barely woke up for church the next day. Could no one understand that I was just too tired?! However, at my mother's insistence, I got up, threw on a dress, and dragged myself out to the car. My tiredness was soon forgotten as the songs and sermon filled my heart with holiday spirit and Christian goodness.

Daniel and Jennifer Digges, right, express their appreciation to our carolers for the cheer brought to their home on a Sabbath eve.

Former Apison Family Serving the Lord in Kansas

Some of the McCurdy Family.

Several families who came to Collegedale to train for the ministry at SAU fellowshipped with our Apison church family and served in various offices. One such family is the McCurdys. They are now serving three churches in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. Pictured above are Jim and Becky and their three youngest children: Russel, Samuel and Susanna along with a visiting uncle.

Just after the sermon, I saw them sitting two rows in front of us. It was the couple from the night before. They had come to church after all! Mom and I waited until they came out of the sanctuary to talk to them. We had blessed more than we knew. We talked for a while, sharing our blessings with each other. Christmas comes in all shapes and sizes, and the blessings come when you least expect them. So, just because you do not "feel like it" or have never done something before, that does not mean you should skip. You never know when God might bring a glorious blessing. #

“Our first Sabbath at our new church was April 7!” they said in a recent letter.”Our weeks have been filled with meeting our members in their homes, giving Bible studies, making the 251 mile circuit on Tuesdays for Prayer meetings at our Norton (3:00) and St. Francis (7:15) churches, and attending prayer meeting at Goodland on Wednesday evenings. Because we live in Sherman County, we are in Mountain Time zone in Goodland, but Norton and St. Francis are in Central time zone. This made for some confusion at first, but we are getting used to it now. … In May, we had our first baptism and a baby dedication! …

SOCIAL – February 2, at 6:30. Film, Popcorn, and Fruit Smoothies.

On January 12, we will be having another high Sabbath with communion and 2-3 baptisms!” #

FEBRUARY 2013

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Women’s Ministry Prepares, Gives Hygiene Kits SUE BRUCE

Ninety hygiene kits, 75 pillowcases, and eight brand new sweaters were delivered to the Department of Family Services for use in battered women's shelters. As you can see (photo at right) by the smiles on their faces these volunteers were surprised and pleased to receive these gifts. Special thanks to Rae Miller for coordinating this project and packing many of the kits. Thank you church family for your generous support through the special offering and by bringing kits you had completed and brought to the church.

Fire Prevention Event at LCA JOHN COULTER, KYLE COX and KATIE SCOTT

The Tri-Community Fire Department came to the LCA School to teach us a bit about fire safety. We were all very excited when they came. The week before, our teachers handed out a form where we could draw our house or apartment. On this form we put the two main exits out of every bedroom to get out of your house if there was a fire. The first thing the firefighters did was talk about the things to do if you are in a fire, or if there is a fire in your house. They showed us what firefighters look like in their turnout gear and how it protected them if they went into a fire. All together the weight that they carry with all their gear is around 47 pounds. My teacher is actually a fire fighter on Tri-Community! Next, they had a skit. The skit was about a girl and her cousin who had a sleep over. While they were sleeping, there was a fire in the house! The little girl couldn't get out, so she stayed

against the wall until the fire department came to find her. When they came, she called for help. The firefighters found her and she got out safe and sound. After the skit they handed out prizes for the fire escape plans that looked the best. For the prizes we got pencils, frizbees, and more. The big prize at the end was a $100 gift card to Toys R US, and that was won by Carolina Smith. Finally, it was time for our favorite part! We all filed out of the building to see two giant fire trucks. About three at a time, we all went in and out of the both trucks. In one, there were two small benches in the back made of metal. To the left of that, there was a map of Southern and the biology trails. The front seats were so comfy. It was an amazing experience and we strongly look forward to the next time the Tri-community fire department pays another visit to the Lester Coon Adventist School. #

Calendar of Events February – May 2013 February 7 - Kids in Discipleship, Parents mentoring kids to be disciples of Jesus! Thursday, 6:30

pm, Lester Coon Adventist School Library February 23 - Love and Respect Marriage Seminar, Saturday, 3:00 pm, 7wks, $10/person, Lester Coon Adventist School Library. Registration deadline Thursday, February 14. Mail check to Apison SDA Church, P.O. Box 1551, Collegedale, TN. 37315 or place in tithe envelope and put in offering plate. March 27 - Child Internet Safety, Saturday 6:30 pm 11421 Bates Rd, Apison, TN. 37302, Apison Church Mar 31 - April 6 - Spring Week of Prayer, 7:00 pm, Apison SDA Church April 6 - Annual Homecoming, Saturday 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm lunch May 20 – August 9 - Apison Adventure Camp, (summer day-camp for ages 6-12) Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Lester Coon Adventist School Call Lisa to register 423.236.4214 www.apisonchurch.org Virginia Holley Rn, BSN

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A Pie and a Prayer Touch Hearts SHEILA STEIGERWALD

How well do we really know our neighbors? Do we take time to show them we care, to say "hello"? With this ever-changing world, where is God or Jesus? We say He's with us, but is He really? What would we feel if He wasn't? One family in our community found out we do care and so does Jesus. The story begins around Thanksgiving when the parents and students from LCA School made pies and bread to deliver to homebound church members and neighbors. Volunteers from Lester Coon Adventist School helped distribute the treats. As they were leaving one of the last homes, the family drove into the drive, distraught from the fact that they were going to Gatlinburg but forgot something and had to turn around and go back home to get it. With God's timely intervention they were able to receive a pie of their choice.. When offered a moment of prayer before returning on their journey they accepted. The man then stated that he felt the warmth and comfort of peacefulness over his body. Not knowing that this was the Holy Spirit working as God does in mysterious ways. There was a conviction in his heart and praises out of his mouth. This was truly a blessing for Thanksgiving he will always remember. #

January Board Actions: We have named a committee to formulate a vision and mission for our church. Anyone wishing to give input should contact one of the committee members: Christopher Beason, Angel Segarra, Noelle Holland, Dean Coulter, John Holley. Approved funding for furniture and renovations in Teen S.S. Room, tables and bar stools are already in

THE APISON APPEAL

place, everyone should go down and see--it's very nice! Recommended to church: Karen Glassford for Vespers Coordinator and for Gym Night Coordinator. #

Vegan Delight KATHERINE MacFARLANE

WINTER SOUP ¼ cup olive oil 2 carrots diced 1 stalk celery diced 1 onion, diced 1 turnip diced 4 cloves garlic minced 1 lb. chopped mixed greens (mustard, kale, turnip, rutabaga or other) salt ½ teaspoon minced rosemary 1 16oz can chickpeas rinsed and drained In a heavy soup pot, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add carrots, celery, onion and turnip; cover and cook until they are soft and aromatic, about 20 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 or 3 minutes. Add mixed greens, a big handful at a time, stirring and giving them time to soften and shrink before adding the next handful. When all of the greens have cooked, add 8 cups of water, ½ teaspoon salt, rosemary and chickpeas. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; cover and lower flame to maintain a simmer. Cook until broth is deeply flavored, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Women’s Retreat Set The conference retreat will be held March 15-17 at Cohutta Springs Conference Center with the theme: “God's Greatest Random Act of Kindness: LOVE.” Speaker will be Elizabeth Talbot and has been featured on many of our television programs both in English and Spanish. The teen speaker will be Camille Brace. “God in Shoes Outreach” will be concurrent with the retreat. Plan on attending now and register now for the early bird

FEBRUARY 2013

discount by mail or online at registration.gccsda.com. Sue Bruce .Additional Officers Voted The Apison church recently voted several more officers for 2013-14. They are: LCA Board chair: Eric Schoonard Junior SS Leaders: Nick and Julie Beaumonte Church Clerk: Sharon Adams Deaconesses: Debbie Ashley, Martha Dutterer, Jean Atherton, Mary Lou Pride Deacons: David Glassford, Caleb Holland, Roger Haveman Junior Deacons: John Coulter, Josh Tinkham Newsletter Editor: Erling Odell

Strings Sought for Ensemble Do you play a string orchestra instrument and would like to play in an ensemble? His Strings gives musicians that only take private lessons, the opportunity to perform with an ensemble. His Strings started out as a small group for, but not limited to, homeschool students and their families. At least 1-2 years lesson experience required. For more information call Mrs. Wilcox 892-3726. You can use this link to reply: [email protected]

Prayer Conference Coming "The Two Witnesses: Empowered by the Living Word” is the theme of the Prayer Conference which will be held at Cohutta Springs Conference Center February 15-17, 2013. This conference will be on the importance of Scripture in the spiritual life. Dr Jo Ann Davidson from Andrews University and Pastor Peter Neri, from the Paradise Church in Las Vegas, NV will be the featured presenters. Join us as we seek spiritual renewal and empowerment in our lives and churches at this inspiring weekend. More information at www.gccsda.com.