2010 ASI Convention inspires families, emphasizes personal spiritual growth
Nearly 2,000 people gathered for the 2010 ASI International Convention, held August 4-7 in Orlando, Florida. A diverse mix of church and lay leaders spoke, including David Asscherick, James Rafferty, Jeffrey Rosario, Tony Moore, Mark Finley and Adventist Review editor Bill Knott. The official theme was “Inspired to Finish Strong,” with many presenters addressing issues of personal commitment and readiness for Christ’s second coming.
On Friday evening, Jeffrey Rosario challenged the church to recognize the capabilities and responsibilities of youth at earlier ages than is typical in today’s society. On Sabbath morning, Mark Finley examined the parable of the ten virgins. “We’ve talked about outreach. We’ve talked about soul winning. We’ve talked about evangelism…. But Lord, there’s a work to be done in the church, a work to be done in our hearts, a work to be done deep within us,” he prayed.
Each session included energetic testimonies and interviews from ASI members who work on the frontlines of lay evangelism. Five seminar tracks were presented on evangelism, health, spiritual growth, business leadership and ministry fundraising. Seminar presenters included Neil Nedley, Ed Reid, Mark Finley, Louis Torres and ASI Missions Inc. president Harold Lance.
“Attending an ASI convention not only feeds you spiritually, but enriches every aspect of your life, your business and your work,” says Barbara Taylor, president of the Mid-America ASI Chapter and convention seminar presenter. “It allows you to fellowship together with others who are in similar fields or vocations and who share your same vision for outreach.”
ASI hosted a New Member and First-Time Attendee Breakfast on Thursday morning that was attended by more than 200 people. The purpose was to inform new members about how they could gain more from the convention experience and better understand the ASI organization, as well as how to take advantage of ASI membership, says Steve Dickman, ASI vice president for membership and recruitment. Reports were given about what ASI is doing overseas, and each of the attending ASI national and chapter officers were introduced.
New ASI member Ruby Barnes of Burleson, Texas, attended the convention with her husband, David, and sons, Dylan and Jacob. The family especially enjoyed meeting new people during mealtimes. “At every meal, we met somebody who shared their story with us and told about the ministry they were involved in,” said Barnes. “They encouraged us to join them or start outreach efforts of our own. It was very inspiring and made us reflect on how we can be active and involved at home.”
Barnes also enjoyed the Members in Action testimonies. “I could have sat there for hours and hours and not gotten tired of hearing how God is working in all of those people’s lives—how God is using them and coming through for them. We don’t just want to have that warm fuzzy feeling here [at the convention],” she said. “We want to take it home and do something about it. We want to be proactive.”
Dylan and Jacob Barnes enjoyed the children’s division programming so much that, when given the choice, they decided to attend the programs rather than go swimming. “We plan to make this a yearly event for our family,” says Barnes. “It’s something we feel will help us in our spiritual growth as well as in extending ourselves to others and in allowing God to use us to bring others to Him.”
This year’s special projects offering goal was set at $1.2 million to support 39 projects around the world. The offering collected far exceeded the goal, with approximately $1.8 million given or pledged over the coming year.
Special addresses were given by Dan Jackson, the new North American Division president, and Nancy Wilson, wife of new world church president Ted Wilson. President Wilson also spoke to the ASI crowd via video address, revealing personal ties with ASI that go back to its formation in 1947.
All of this year's general sessions and seminars can be watched or downloaded from the ASI Convention web page. Descriptions of the 2010 Special Projects are also posted on the website.
Next year's ASI Convention will be held August 3-6, 2011, at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, California. Mark your calendars now!