It is session time again. The only way to approach a constituency meeting is to come assuming nothing. I was granted the privilege to lead this union on July 10, 2003, and the time since then has been spent restoring my physical health and restoring the spiritual and financial health of one of our local conferences, while maintaining the economic and spiritual well-being of the Lake Union Conference. It is a relief to know the Lord brought victory in each case.

My personal health is nothing short of a miracle from God. The Lake Region Conference, under its new leadership, is moving steadily toward full recovery, and the Lake Union Conference is meeting the goals and objectives set for it. Praise God for His mighty, keeping power!

That being the case, I would like to devote this column to thanksgiving for all who allowed God to use them over the past two and a half years. First, I wish to thank my two predecessors, Don Schneider and Gordon Retzer. Thanks to Don for calling me to the Lake Union Conference in the first place, and thanks to Gordon for the sharing and tutoring that have forged a wonderful, lasting friendship.

I am grateful for the administrative officers and the association we have enjoyed together. Carmelo, Glynn, Rodney, and their associates have done yeomen duties. They have often worked in difficult circumstances, yet they never flagged nor wavered. It has been a true joy to work with them. They have been loyal to this church, always espousing the principles she has set forth while living out the same.

Our departmental directors and support staff have done outstanding work, often in the absence of the administrative officers when we were preoccupied with other grave concerns. They are a valuable, classy group of people, and I thank each one for keeping focused, and for the many innovations implemented.

The Lake Union Conference Executive Committee and the Association met each challenge and opportunity to advance this territory with prayer and earnestly sought the will of God. They made our union a strong, tight ship able to aid and support local conferences in fulfilling their missions.

Without the support and dedication of our local conference presidents, not much could have been accomplished. And so my heartfelt thanks go out to Don, Gary, Jay, and Ken. These Christian gentlemen now welcome Jerome Davis into their fellowship as the new president of the Lake Region Conference. Each is to be commended for having the work of spreading the gospel as the top priority of their administrations.

And a special thank you to each constituent member for your faithfulness, generosity, and warm fellowship. You have given of your means and your personal time to share the good news about Jesus, both in our territory and in foreign fields. Jackie and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in your churches while preaching and delivering seminars. You have been gracious and accepting, and delivered some very sumptuous potluck dinners.

May God’s grace and inspiration abound as we seek for leadership to direct the great Lake Union Conference for the next five years. Maranatha.