Nearly 65 members of Adventist–Laymen’s Services and Industries gathered April 27-30 in Denver, Colorado to make and renew connections, be inspired, strengthen their business and network. The theme for this year’s annual convention was Before It’s Too Late.
ASI began 70 years ago as a means of connecting various self-supporting institutions with each other and with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since the early 1970s, the organization has grown substantially to include a wide variety of Adventist business people and professionals who share the mission of reaching the world with the good news of God’s love through their motto of Sharing Christ in the Marketplace.
Barbara Taylor, who is serving another term as president of the Mid-America chapter of ASI and is assisted by six vice presidents, welcomed attendees and introduced the representatives from National ASI. Steve Dickman, president of National ASI, which includes all of North America, is president of Harbert Hills Academy in Savannah, Tennessee. During his remarks Dickman said, “If we could engage the majority of our Adventist business people in the work of the SDA Church we could turn this work upside down.”
Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union, presented the morning devotional thoughts. He explored the lives of Enoch and Jesus, who lived by four main principles: 1) know who you are in Christ, 2) allow the Father to replenish your spirit, 3) understand the significance of what you’re doing, and 4) celebrate the victories God is giving you.
In his Sabbath morning sermon, attended by over 300 guests from area churches, It Is Written director/speaker John Bradshaw said, “We don’t know when Jesus Christ is coming back—and that’s OK. What matters is Jesus is coming ‘soon’…And while Jesus waits we have the opportunity to do something in that tarrying time.”
Musical selections during the weekend were presented by Karen Phillips, Anabel Albuja, Clayton Nunes, Rhonda Vigilance, Brendon McNally, George Swanson, Frank Reste, the Graybill family and others including the members of the Denver South Royal Oak Instrumental Ensemble. “I really loved the music,” said one attendee. “I grew up on the old hymns and they still carry meaning.”
Another attendee said she comes to ASI to hear the great preaching, while a third member cited the inspiration received from fellowship as a drawing card.
Plans are currently underway for next year’s Mid-America ASI convention, with various locations under consideration.
For more information visit www.asimidamerica.org
