Formed in 1964 with a fledgling attendance of 35 meeting in Gladstone, Oregon, the Northwest chapter of Adventist-laymen's Services and Industries (ASI–NW) now boasts 132 members from many different walks of life and places. Roland and Beverly Moody own a marina business in Alaska, Irwin Rogers an insurance company in southern Idaho. Jerry Eller operates a tree-planting business in Montana, while Merlin Fjarli runs a construction business in southern Oregon. What do all these people have in common? An intent to see the gospel proclaimed globally.
ASI members are often referred to as "the movers and shakers" in the church. Not content to sit idle in the pews, these lay people from all seven conferences of North Pacific Union Conference use whatever unique ability they have to share Christ.
ASI–NW members gather at their annual Spring Fellowship for a time of spiritual refreshment in beautiful locations like Newport, Oregon, and Leavenworth, Washington. Guest speakers willingly share the insight and experiences through which God has led them. David Gates inspired members and visitors this year in Chelan, Washington, with incredible stories of his faith ministry to South America. What began as an outreach to a little village has grown to impact many countries through television ministry. After hearing his exciting stories, there was no doubt in the listeners' minds and hearts that God is real. When attendees leave an ASI Spring Fellowship, they are ready to challenge God with a personal partnership.
Each year at the Spring Fellowship, an opportunity is given to help fund special mission projects. This year $46,000 was pledged to help in three areas. Bangladesh Christian Schools were given help in the purchase of school desks, raising the children off dirt floors with respect. Gospel Outreach received help in their India ministry, especially in aiding the hearing impaired. ASI also began a fund to help sponsor individuals and youth in the field of evangelism. The intention is to encourage many lay people in the Northwest to use their undiscovered talents in soul-winning. Already Rick Claridge and Mike Tillay sponsor a youth group in Walla Walla Valley and go door to door preparing the way for Walla Walla Valley Academy youth evangelism this October.
The ASI–NW Spring Fellowship next year will be in Sun Valley, Idaho, and you are welcome to come and share this experience of hope in Jesus.
Christy Reich is the ASI Northwest Chapter vice president for communication and recruitment and writes from St. Maries, Idaho.
Young Michael, son of Myron Iseminger, Montana Conference treasurer, makes a friend of Norman Klam, North Pacific Union Conference treasurer and ASI executive secretary. Don Schneider, North American Division president, joins in on the fun.
The newly elected officers of the Northwest chapter of ASI are, from left: Christy Reich, vice president for communication and recruitment; Ted Evert, vice president for evangelism; Dan Ross, president; and Mark Black, general vice president. Not shown: Ron Oliver, treasurer, April Hardinge, secretary, and Bob Nehler, past president.
At the ASI Spring Fellowship in May, Dan Ross, a residential architect in Eagle, Idaho, shown with his wife Dene Sue, was elected president of the Northwest chapter.
During the Sabbath morning worship service at the ASI Spring Fellowship weekend, Don Schneider, North American Division president, urged the members to be faithful in their witness for Jesus.
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