To the delegates and constituent members present:

I believe the true joy of a quinquennial session is to recount the blessings of God, and to envision a God-inspired future. I am privileged to make an attempt at both during this meeting. It is not a difficult task because God’s blessings have been bountiful in the Lake Union, and the future is bright as long as we continue to trust Him and seek His counsel at every turn.

In accepting the mantle as president on July 10, 2003, it was without fear or trepidation; however, it was with eagerness to see just what God had in mind and which way He desired to lead this great territory. In His mercy, God does not reveal all His plans up front nor the pathways He will choose for us to accomplish His plans. But little by little, step by step, He points the direction and opens the way before us.

I am happy to proclaim that the Lake Union is on solid ground, both financially and in the fulfillment of its mandate to The Great Commission. The faithfulness of our members in returning tithes and offerings has provided economic stability in the midst of the economic downturn nationwide. Because of your faithfulness, we have been able to stand with our conferences in the building and buying of churches, and in the support of the elementary and secondary schools throughout the Lake Union.

We have continued to train and equip our clergy and laity for evangelism as the Lake Union census edges ever closer to 80,000 members. Each of the 548 churches and companies that make up this union were encouraged to participate in some form of evangelistic outreach, and your response has been heartening. Of particular note is the involvement of the youth from the grade schools and academies.

The various ministries have done an outstanding job nurturing our people. Women’s ministry has continued to thrive, and the ladies have displayed extraordinary divine gifts as they serve. We have seen innovations in health and fitness programs to encourage us all toward better health. Our youth continue to amaze us as they involve themselves in mission trips and local evangelism. This union is blessed with many qualified family ministry practitioners to fight the enemy of our homes and relationships. My wife, Jackie, and I are privileged to support these dedicated leaders. The singles are not forgotten, nor are those with challenging disabilities. We are fortunate to have good leadership in all these ministries, and I commend them for a job well-done.

I am grateful to God for the expansive growth of Adventist Midwest Health in this field. They continue to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through hospitals, nursing homes, and home health. A brand new 138-bed hospital is being built in Bolingbrook, a Chicago suburb. And then there is the always-inspiring, ever-supportive work of the Lake Union Chapter of Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries. Thank you for partnering with us.

Have we completed our mission? Are we ready for the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?” No, my brothers and sisters; we are far from it. We still have the challenges of the large cities in this field. Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-St Paul continue to cry out: “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

We must devise ways to shore up lagging enrollments in our elementary and secondary schools. That means preaching Christian education as never before. We must embolden ourselves in outreach and evangelism to reach not only the large metropolises, but also every village and hamlet that is unwarned of the soon-coming Savior of the world. We must do more to reach and nurture the various ethnic groups in this field. We are blessed with cultural diversity. Let us exploit it for the Kingdom of Heaven.

There are still churches to plant and ministries to develop. There exists a huge opportunity to reclaim the vast numbers of former members who have fallen away. Warmer, friendlier congregations will facilitate that effort. While we continue to build and strengthen the home front, we must not neglect to involve ourselves in relief and suffering around the world through various mission projects.

How will we accomplish the daunting task ahead of us? We continue to call on Him for direction. We continue to pull together as one big family, loving and uplifting each other. We continue in faithful stewardship, and I mean time, talent, treasure, and temple.

I am thankful to God for the officers and staff He has placed with me. You will hear their own stirring reports, but let me just make quick recognition of each leader. The secretary, Rodney Grove, in addition to his normal duties in Secretariat, has handled ministerial and evangelism with tireless energy. The treasurer, Glynn Scott, has done a yeoman’s job keeping the finances on track, and thus enabling many positive accomplishments. The vice president, Carmelo Mercado, has proved himself to be a spiritual giant as he has been forced to lead through trying circumstances. Education is well on track under the able leadership of Gary Randolph. Harvey Kilsbey continues to develop the very best church software program in North America, LUCIS. Gary Burns has developed the Herald into the best union magazine in the North American Division. And then there is Myrna Earles, Gina Vander Veen, Ron Whitehead, and the awesome support staff who make us all look good. Last but not least, I must acknowledge the tireless, efficient, spiritual commitment of my executive assistant and partner, Kathy Cameron. During times of stress and crisis, as well as the calmer times, she has rendered invaluable service to the Office of the President.

I would also like to thank the Lake Union Conference presidents—Don Corkum, Jerome Davis, Ken Denslow, Jay Gallimore, and Gary Thurber—for their loyal support and valued counsel.

It is still true: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196).

Thank you, one and all, and thank you, the constituents of the Lake Union, for the privilege you have granted me to serve for the past two and a half years. Victory in Jesus!

Walter L. Wright is the Lake Union Conference president.