It is with great delight and pleasure that I present to you the Ninth Regular Quinquennium Session report of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
This report reflects the stellar work of the immediate past MAUC executive secretary, Elder Gil Webb.
Since assuming this position as your new union executive secretary in January, I have had the unique privilege of seeing the indelible mark and solid foundation that Elder Webb laid in this office.
Today I stand on Elder Webb’s shoulders, as I take up the mantle of leadership to serve you in humility of spirit. These past five years have not been without their challenges. However, I am grateful to God for the blessings and achievements we have experienced together as a union.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the country—yea the world—to a standstill. For a moment, it appeared that ministry also experienced a shortfall. However, ministry, though slow, still made an impact in the Mid-America Union territory. Our theme “Yes, Lord!” gives us the undergirding to continue in spite of the challenges. The mission given to us by Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago speaks to that theme and is still relevant to these times amid the various challenges we face.
The office of secretariat has a unique and distinctive responsibility to gather and chronicle with accuracy the figures and data that emphasize the successes and gains, as well as the failings and inadequacies, of the conferences during this past quinquennium, thereby making this office a vital component to the effectiveness and growth of the union.
In this report, I will attempt to give you a snapshot of the progression of the union based on the reports received from the conferences. The account will show both gains and losses. You will notice that in spite of the challenges, pitfalls of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic, we can still offer our praises to God. He has been good to Mid-America.
During this quinquennium 16,265 persons were added to the union
and 5,981 were baptized, while 1,719 joined by profession of faith and 8,565 transferred in by letter.
However, member transfers out by letter, deaths, dropped and missing totaled 14,939. That reflects a 92% loss of the gain; hence an increase of 1,326 members.
These facts and figures reflect the commitment and dedication of our pastors, teachers, Bible instructors, church officers and members filled with the Spirit of God. Through various mechanisms such as evangelism, reclaiming strategies and other ministries, these individuals took to heart the mission of Jesus Christ, went out and did battle with the enemy of God and grew the kingdom of God in the process. They have courageously made an impact upon their church, community, conference and certainly the Mid-America Union Conference.
Words of appreciation
To my fellow Mid-America Union Conference officers, Elder Gary Thurber and Elder Troy Peoples, I express my deep and sincere appreciation for having afforded me the privilege of working with you these past few months.
The efficiency of the day-to-day operation of my office is largely due to the coordinated services of my executive assistant, Raylene Jones. I thank her for her commitment and dedication to making the office of secretariat run with top-notch performance. And I would be remiss if I did not say a word of appreciation to Pennie Yesilcimen who served as the executive assistant to Elder Gil Webb and who also assisted me with information for the preparation of this report.
To my wife Raquel, I express heartfelt appreciation for the support, encouragement, patience, understanding, and honesty you have shared with me regarding my work in this office. I am eternally grateful to you.
Finally, to you, the constituents of the Mid-America Union Conference; I thank you from the depth of my heart for the privilege and opportunity you have afforded me to serve you in this capacity. Again, I say thank you.
In Luke 19:13, we are reminded to occupy till He returns. My prayer and hope is that when He does return, He will say to each one of us, “Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matt. 25:21).
May we say “Yes, Lord!” as we continue to grow in the grace of God and keep our minds and hearts focused on Jesus Christ and His soon return. Maranatha!
Hubert J. Morel, Jr. is vp of administration for the Mid-America Union.
