Dr. James L. Stevens, President	Sue Hinkle Administrative Assistant

The work of the gospel is moving forward rapidly in this part of God's vineyard. We praise God for each precious soul who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, looking forward to His Second Coming.  The current membership throughout the Conference is approximately 11,000! 

I am also excited to share with you what is now taking place in 2009. The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) has set aside the year 2009 as a year of evangelism. They have coined the initiative "Share the Hope - One year, one hope, 100,000 souls."

Over the past several years, the NAD has seen approximately 35,000-37,000 baptisms per year, but this year they praying for God to work a miracle throughout our Division. This seems like an impossibility, but we know, "that with God all things are possible." We are all praying for God to use us in ways that He has not used us before. Pastors have been asked to do two evangelistic meetings this year and the lay people are being asked to become involved with soul winning, as well. We want everyone to become involved with evangelism this year. Imagine all of us leading someone to Christ in 2009! This is not a matter of business as usual. It's not a matter of working harder. It's a matter of surrendering everything that we are and everything that we have to God. It's a matter of churches coming together in prayer and asking God to baptize us anew so God can do what He wants to do through us. Let's pray that everyone in North America will know that Jesus is coming soon!

Our Conference is participating in this initiative and we are excited as we anticipate the miracles that Jesus will perform through us. Each member of every church has been given a gift from God that can be used in His service to lead others to Him. Let's unite together and use these gifts for Christ this year. As we share Jesus with others, we will be drawn closer to Him, as well. One year, one goal, 100,000 members! I believe by working together and by God's grace, we can do it!

Here in Texico we praise God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us over that past few years.  We have seen God use this church to spread the Three Angel's Messages to a spiritually starved and dusty land.

Dr. James L. Stevens,
President