On Sun., Oct. 2, 2005, delegates to a special constituency session of the Lake Region Conference (LRC) gathered at the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chicago, Ill., to vote on recommendations from the constitution and by-laws committee. The meeting began with music, prayer, and a thought-provoking, faith-inspiring message by Roscoe Howard, North American Division secretary. He ended his talk with a call for delegates to pray for and bless one another.

As prescribed by the constitution and by-laws, Jerome Davis was duly elected president of the Lake Region Conference at a scheduled meeting of the special committee to elect a president on Sun., Sept. 25, 2005, at Camp Wagner. Walter Wright, Lake Union president, introduced Davis and gave him an opportunity to address the delegates.

Many prayers had ascended asking God to fill the leadership vacancy with the person we needed. The answer to our prayers stood before us to share his background.

A native of Baltimore, Md., Davis was the first and only Seventh-day Adventist in his family, baptized at age 16. Passionate about the message of salvation, he began giving Bible studies and was privileged to see 17 family members follow his example.

After graduating from Columbia Union College, Davis began his ministry in the Allegheny West Conference in 1970. Six years later he was called to our conference by the late Jesse Wagner, husband of Eloise Wagner, secretary to each of the LRC presidents since Charles Bradford. He recounted fond memories of his experience as pastor in Ill., Ind., and Wis. churches. For the past two years he has served the Independence Boulevard church in Chicago, Ill.

Davis comes to office with experience in caring for the business of the church, serving six years as a Lake Region executive committee member, five years on the Lake Union executive committee, ten years on the North American Division executive committee, and five years as a member of the Black Regional Caucus. For the past five years, Davis also served as ministerial director for the conference.

Inviting his wife Dorothy to join him at the podium, Davis announced they are soon to celebrate 36 years of marriage. The Davises have two daughters, Jenelle and Joyce, and four grandchildren, ages five to 13 years—the youngest being fraternal twins. Davis himself has a twin brother.

At the end of his biographical sketch, Davis announced, “They say the Lake Region Conference is in a mess, but the God I serve knows how to bless a mess.” He went on to say that his ministry has been blessed with the gifts of reconciliation and healing. Recognizing that filling the office of president between regular sessions was by a special committee as provided by the constitution and by-laws, Davis called for a vote of confidence from those attending the special session. “If you are willing to work with me over the next 18 months [until the next triennium session in 2007] to bring the elements of this conference together in unity and love,” he said, “I would like you to stand or raise your voting card.” By observation, it seemed nearly all stood to their feet and waved their cards. This vote of confidence sent a positive signal that we were about to embark on a new and exciting adventure in the LRC.

Davis then introduced Theodore "Ted" Brown, the newly-appointed conference treasurer. Brown is also a first generation Adventist, born in Lake Region territory in Hamtramck, Mich. One of 11 children, he was baptized in 1979 at the Burns Seventh-day Adventist Church in Detroit, Mich. A graduate of Oakwood College with a degree in business administration and a minor in theology. Brown first interned in New Orleans, La., in 1984. He joined the Southwest Region Conference as auditor in 1985. After performing auditing responsibilities in the accounting office, Brown became conference treasurer in 1989.

Brown leaves an impressive legacy of treasury performance. In addition, he holds two masters degrees and just completed his doctorate at Andrews University. His wife Vickie is a registered nurse and they have three children: Theodore, 17; Victoria, 15; and Vanitra, 10.

As the meeting progressed, it was noted upon roll call that only 406 of the 512 delegates needed for a quorum were present and the business for which the meeting was called could not be accomplished. While there was a sense of disappointment, many comments from delegates and attendees confirmed that the time together was productive, encouraging, and unifying. There was a sense that “God’s Spirit ruled over the day.” Many appreciated the opportunity to meet and get to know the new officers of the Lake Region Conference.

In addition, I especially appreciated the thoughtful recognition extended by Davis to George Bryant, acting president during the vacancy and current conference executive secretary, for his faithful service during probably the most difficult months in the history of the LRC.

The administrative team is now complete. Thousands of people have prayed diligently for God to put in place a leadership team to meet the unique, and yes, desperate needs of this conference. It was apparent God blessed us with His presence, and that our prayers had been answered. Hope has been rekindled in our hearts and we continue to pray as we prepare to face the challenges yet before us.