Michigan Conference churches and schools held one of the largest coordinated evangelistic efforts in years, with more than 100 public prophecy seminars launched in October.
“What a privilege we have as a conference to collectively engage in the ministry of harvesting in this conference-wide year of public evangelism,” said Cody Francis, ministerial director for the Michigan Conference.
Most meetings began Friday, October 3, under the theme Keys to Revelation. Yard signs, banners, billboards, and social media ads appeared across the state, with hundreds of thousands of invitations distributed.
Francis emphasized that public evangelism goes beyond baptisms. “Seeds of truth are sown, Bible study interests are cultivated, and those who have already accepted Jesus are preserved in their faith,” he said, citing Ellen White’s counsel that public proclamation is “the greatest and most efficient mode of witnessing to the truth and making it impressive.”
This spring and summer, 30-40 meetings took place statewide, drawing hundreds. In Brighton, an AMEN free dental clinic paved the way for meetings that led to baptisms. In Marion, a small central Michigan church more than doubled its attendance when community guests packed the fellowship hall. In Port Sanilac and Bad Axe, dozens of non-Adventists attended.
Schools and Spanish churches have been active as well. Students shared the message, and Spanish congregations held small groups that culminated in weeklong evangelistic series. Francis noted, “God is on the move throughout Michigan!”
Cody Francis with Herald staff
