Brighten Their Corner

BURLESON, TEX. – On Feb. 16-18, 2023 the Southwestern Union Adventist Community Services (ACS) Convention was held at Lone Star Camp in Athens, Tex. We had an amazing time delving into the theme, “Brighten Their Corner.” 

Each morning and evening were spent with God through devotionals led by conference presidents, Elton DeMoraes (Texas), Lee-Roy Chacon (Texico), Rick Dye (Arkansas-Louisiana) and Carlton Byrd (Southwest Region). Southwestern Union President Carlos Craig had a special dedication prayer over all the participants and their outreach ministries. Ontario Conference President Mansfield Edwards led the spiritual side of the convention with vespers and the Sabbath service. He also had a moving seminar on the “Older Adult Ministry” he leads. On Sabbath morning, Scott and Julie Griswold, along with their team, shared with us about the blessing of working with refugees. They made us really think about what these refugees may be going through. There was an opportunity to put together 500 care packages for the homeless on Sabbath afternoon. 

We had great presenters all weekend from all over the North American Division and the attendees were blessed. Myrna Sharpe from the Fondren Seventh-day Adventist Church shared, “The ACS convention, ‘Brighten Their Corner' was spirit-filled and vision-filled. The presenters were motivating and the atmosphere was conducive to learning and networking. The venue was serene, and the hospitality was great all through the event. I was blessed. Thanks! I can’t wait for the next one.” 

Our guests even included a couple from Boston, Mass. “My friend and I have been blessed to do community outreach here in Boston, yet we were unsure of how to take the Lord’s work to the next level. This convention was a prayer answered. A memorable moment for me was learning how a simple garden could be a powerful tool to spread the Gospel,” said Nedi Rogić from the Boston Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

“The Community Service Conference was indeed worth coming to,” shared Helen Hudson from the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We came home more enthusiastic! We didn’t want to miss any seminars. Thank you, Bo and Deb, for encouraging us to be more in love with Jesus to go out and help our fellowman!” 

“Two of our favorite speakers were examples on how to get the youth motivated to help each other and how to properly do fundraising,” said Terry Spradlin of the Alvarado Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“The Southwestern Union ACS Convention was a truly wonderful event,” shared Southwestern Union Vice President for Church Ministries Tony Anobile. “All of the attendees were energized by every meeting, and we are so fortunate to have such committed ACS leaders all throughout the union. I can’t wait for the next one.”

By Deborah Gendke
Associate ACS/DR Coordinator