The Blog of Gordon Pifher

As your Conference president, I believe this year’s Camp Meeting has been created to highlight a critical, crucial and current topic. What we now term a “hot topic” in historical Adventism would be referred to as “present truth”. Why is Camp Meeting 2007 so crucial and current?

“And Worship Him” will focus on the last-day message in Revelation “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Revelation 14.

“And Worship Him” is the message the Adventist Church was created to convey. • Darwin’s Origin of Species hits the market Nov 22, 1859 • Fastest growing philosophy emphasizes evolution • Seventh-day Adventist Church founded in 1860 • Fastest growing movement emphasizes creation

“And Worship Him” is the “hot topic” for this generation! • Evolution has become universally accepted as fact

• The concept of a 7-day creation is questioned even in Christian publications • “Worship” is a current topic in all religious circles but the command to worship the Creator is all but forgotten.

“And Worship Him” is the reason for the Sabbath message • The Sabbath message isn’t about a day. It’s about the Creator •Remember the Sabbath = Remember the Creator • Our focus is not on just a day of creation but the Creator.

Camp Meeting 2007 has been created to spotlight the Creator. Every guest speaker will focus on Creation/Creator issues.

Steve Cassimy –(senior pastor of the Grand Concourse Seventh-day Adventist Temple, Elmont, New York) will present dynamic presentations on God’s creative ability to recreate our world and our hearts.

Stan Hudson (pastor and creation specialist) will provide clear scientific and historical validation of the dynamic role the Adventist church will play spotlighting creation.

Tim Standish (research scientist of the Adventist Geoscience

Research Institute) will present scientific validation for the creation concept.

Clifford Goldstein – (Adult Quarterly editor) will challenge our thinking on our unique theological position on Creator worship.

Ty Gibson (international speaker and prolific author) will demonstrate the power and love of the Creator God.

Bill Knott (new editor of the Review) will highlight the critical role of the Revelation message in defining the last day events on planet earth.

Fred Kinsey (Communication Director for the North American Division) will inspire us to focus on God’s creative power.

Camp Meeting 2007 is a must attend event • If you want to pinpoint our reason for existence • If you want to build your faith in Scripture and Revelation. • If you want to understand the third Angel’s message • If you want a clearer picture of our Creator God • If you want to inspire a friend to study “present truth” Register now for Camp Meeting 2007 “And Worship Him”.

I just received “a new ministry tool”. In a recent visit to the Kamloops Church, I heard this inspiring story from Lois Beasley.

“I opened the front door of my Kelowna home to greet this ‘sweet little lady’. It was 15 years ago, but I remember she was collecting Christmas money. After I gave a donation, I asked the obvious question, ‘Which church is sponsoring this?’ When she said it was Seventh-day Adventist, I gave a normal response. Something like ‘that’s nice’ or ‘oh’”. That would have been the time for the sweet lady, Mrs. Duncan, to say ‘goodbye’ or ‘thank-you’ but, instead, she asked a simple question, ‘WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?’

I said, ‘Sure’, never expecting that a few days later a pastor, Pastor Spenst, would knock on my door. His visit was one of the best things that ever happened in my life.”

Lois Beasley received Bible studies that have helped her stay close to Jesus and because of her witness several of her family members now attend an Adventist Church.

Lois told me that years later she visited that sweet little lady just one day before she died. Someday when Mrs. Duncan awakes from her “sleep in Jesus” she will understand the power of one question.

Practice the question a few times. Expect a “yes” answer and then be ready to choose 2 or 3 of the following options: 1. Give a ministries business card (name, phone number, church website and email address) 2. Send a Bible lesson 3. Make a visit or phone call 4. Tell your pastor 5. Spend eternity with a new friend

Would you like to know more? Don’t underestimate the power of that one question!

And the evening and the morning of the 9 days were good”.

Camp Meeting Report - Card Comments: • “Love the change of speakers each day” • “A most incredible Camp Meeting” • “I had a blessed time” • “Great Watermelon Feed” • “Love the Jesus Christ only emphasis” • “Appreciate the meaningful seminars – especially Corwins” • “Wish it was 2 weeks long” • “2006 excellent 2007 - WONDERFUL” • “Don’t want to change anything” • “Excellent meals – Thanks Donna” • One major change suggested for next year – “relocate to Heaven”

Camp Meeting 2007 Breaks Recent Records • Campsite bookings close to capacity • Lodge rooms full • Children’s divisions attendance up • The Wave – many nights standing room only • Cafeteria meals up by 50 • ABC – More sales = More ministry

Evangelism Offering Excellent • $98,000.00 Praise the Lord • This will mean more baptisms in 2008

Dear Lord

Thank you for providing dedicated Camp & Conference staff, excellant speakers and attendees seeking a blesseing. I praise you for uplifting the hands and hearts of the pastors and children’s division leaders. Send your Spirit to the hundreds that made decisions for recommitment and baptism. Continue to create in each of us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. Perform the miracle in us that will allow you to say….“it is very good”.