"It is a delight to welcome you to the 60th session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in San Antonio, Texas, United States. Much planning and preparation has gone into this session, and we are thankful to the many people who have made this important gathering a reality.
Our theme, “Arise! Shine! Jesus Is Coming!” points to our hope and calling as Seventh-day Adventists. What a wonderful message to share with a world desperately in need of a Savior. Although our countries, cultures, and languages may differ, we are all part of the same family of Christ, with one mission.
During this session, not only do we have the joy of worshipping together as a worldwide family, renewing past friendships, and building new ones; we have the opportunity to focus clearly on accomplishing God’s mission for His church of proclaiming the three angels’ messages. This special work must involve everyone—women, men, children, youth. All are needed to reach the world for Christ through the Holy Spirit’s power.
As you have been doing during the “100 Days of Prayer,” continue to pray earnestly for the outpouring of the latter rain of the Holy Spirit at this session. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide each word spoken and that Christian respect is extended to each other as we conduct the business of the church. I pray that every decision made during this session will further God’s plans and strengthen His church for the prophetic mission He has entrusted to us.
As we see disaster, chaos, and uneasiness all around, the signs tell us we are indeed living in the very last days. It is my desire that each of us feel anew the assurance of God’s grace, the urgency of our task, and the power of His promises: “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry’ ” (Heb. 10:35-37).*
Arise! Shine! Jesus Is Coming!"