| | Leaving a God-Led Legacy When Sharon Pruitt felt God leading her to open her own business, she was sure Spiritual Legacy Planning would replace her six-figure corporate salary in no time. It didn’t. “God is not leading you to an easy chair, he has invited you to an electric chair,” she heard a speaker say in the midst of her struggle. “If it was easy we wouldn’t depend on God. We are required to depend on God.” Depending on God has been a key part of Pruitt’s journey. It led her to the Sabbath in the midst of her grief over the loss of her husband, which had come three years after the death of their son. This same dependence allowed her to quit her job and start a business in January 2013. She realized God had been preparing her for years to do this business. It combines 30 years as a professional in the banking, death care and estate planning industries with painful personal experience. From her lost battle performing her father’s wishes for her mother after he died to the deaths of her son, husband and nephew, she understands loss and now encourages people to have a plan in place. “God made sure that no matter what platform I’m on, no one can look at me and tell me I don’t understand,” Pruitt says. Through her company, she teaches others the practical information they need to make sure the government does not have the final say on their loved ones’ assets. For example, if you become incapacitated and do not have the right paperwork then your loved ones do not have final say. It is left to social workers, doctors and the courts, Pruitt says. Allegheny East Conference contracted with her company, and she has shared her testimony during worship services and her knowledge through classes. She also refers clients to attorneys to obtain legal documents like revocable trusts. From the struggles in the early days, her company has grown in the past six years and now offers services in 11 states from New Jersey to Georgia. |
| | — Michele Joseph, managing editor, ASI Columbia Union newsletter; photo by Eugene Simonov for ASI Columbia Union |
| Pruitt's Personal Testimony
To hear Sharon Pruitt's testimony in her own words, watch her speak at Southwest Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church Part 1 and Part 2.
Editor's Note: There was no way we could share this amazing, powerful testimony in the space provided here. We hope you will be inspired by how Pruitt has allowed God to work through tragedies in her life to create a blessing for so many others. |
|
| Praying for Your Business
Sharon Pruitt believes in the necessity of prayer.
"If we are not intentional about inviting the Holy Spirit to have a seat at our table, then the devil will take the chair," she says.
So join her on the ASI Columbia Union prayer line 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 570-354-0272. |
|
|
| | A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Well, summer is finally here — longer days, warm, lazy nights, meals out in nature and fun family trips. Having grown up in the rural south, I think of meals consisting of a harvest with sometimes only minutes between its presence on the vine to a savory dish on the table. And because of the various growing season, certain things were harvested from mid-summer until the first frost fell in the fall.
As I consider the ASI Columbia Union experience, it’s beginning to feel like harvest time. Seeds previously planted are still bearing fruit. And because recent activities are already beginning to yield fruit — our winter networking event, the launching of this newsletter, the Spring ASI CU Convention, visits to two Columbia Union camp meetings, the ongoing contacts with former and perspective members — the continued harvest looks promising.
As the family of God recognizes the times in which we are living, the ASI mission and message is resonating with those who desire to answer God’s call to spread the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. And like the fresh summer harvest, we as God’s marketplace ambassadors are being given ready-to-eat, relevant spiritual food to satisfy the hunger of those around us that are looking to fill that God-sized space in their hearts. This is the ASI experience we are inviting you all to be a part of.
We also encourage you to save the date — April 3-4, 2020 — for the ASI CU Spring Convention. The theme will be “Lord, Give Us This Mountain.” Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks.
As we continue to enjoy the summer season, I pray that you will experience the perfect picnic, find the relaxation that rejuvenates you fully, and know the deep joy that comes from loving and being loved by a God who gives us the desires of our hearts.
Looking forward to seeing or speaking with you soon. Blessings to you all.
Your fellow servant, |
| | Mark A. Brown, CUASI President
|
| | | GOD'S PROMISE
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9 King James Version
|
|
| | PRAYER REQUESTS This month we are praying for: |
| Reginald Alexanderreceived a heart transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital and is now walking, talking and building up his strength. Please keep Reggie, his wife and their three children in prayer.
ASI East-Central Africa Division Remember former ASI CU president Emanuel Pelote and his team as they seek to establish the ASI ministry in the East-Central Africa Division, along with his family as they minister in Nairobi, Kenya.
ASI Columbia Unionas we grow in Christ and share His love in 2019.
|
|
|
| JOIN THE PRAYER LINE
Call 570-354-0272 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to pray with Sharon Pruitt, CUASI vice president for spiritual development, and other CUASI members. |
| | | Our mission is to obey the Holy Spirit’s call to encourage, empower and equip Adventist members of Columbia Union to work together to finish God’s work in these times in harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
|
| ASI Columbia Union Board: Mark A. Brown, president; Zubin David, vice president for membership; Sharon Pruitt, vice president for spiritual development; and Daniel Reed, vice president for projects, missions and evangelism ASI Columbia Union Staff: Nicole Labiche, administrative assistant Sponsor: Celeste Ryan Blyden, vice president, Columbia Union Conference Newsletter Managing Editor: Michele Joseph |
| | DID YOU MISS IT? Now you can read earlier editions of our newsletter by visiting the archive. Catch up on our news and learn about the variety of ministries, businesses and jobs held by our members. |
|
|
