My wife, Tamala, attended the very first North Pacific Union Regional Ministries Convocation in the spring of 1976 as a high school senior. Returning for this year's 50th anniversary celebration made the experience especially meaningful for both of us.
That first convocation, led by Elder Ed White, the first NPUC regional ministries director, brought members from just three churches to Sunset Lake Camp in Washington. Today, NPUC regional ministries encompasses 12 churches across the Pacific Northwest serving more than 3,300 members. What God hath wrought!
The theme, "Rooted and Reaching," reflected a legacy that has continued to grow through faithful leadership and generations committed to Christ's mission.
As part of the anniversary celebration, we acknowledged the faithful leadership of elders Ed White, E. Wayne Shepperd, Roscoe Howard, Alphonso McCarthy, Byron Dulan and our current leader, EuGene Lewis, whose collective service has helped regional ministries flourish.
Throughout the weekend, Corey Johnson, keynote speaker, reminded attendees that miracles still happen, encouraging us to recognize God's power at work today while remembering His faithfulness throughout history. One thought stayed with me: "Some of us are so concerned with 'next' that we cannot appreciate 'now.'"
Throughout the weekend, worship music and messages reminded us of God's faithfulness and His abiding presence in every season of life. As we left convocation, I found myself reflecting on an evangelism chorus that has stayed with me for decades:
"Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me. And may I humbly do my part, to win that soul for Thee."
As we remain rooted in Christ and keep reaching others with His love, may we continue the work He has entrusted to us until the day He returns.
Karl Newsome
Sharon Church member