Subject: Meeting Together to Encourage Each Other

May/June 2020 ◊ Issue 19
Meeting Together 
to Encourage Each Other
It’s not business as usual for many of ASI Columbia Union’s members but when they gathered virtually on April 27, they shared how God is using them in the midst of the pandemic. Some are using their skills to answer tax questions for people confused by the many changes happening, as well as offering Bible studies and praying with clients to encourage them.
 
“Everyone is having a different experience and we’re finding out that God is giving us the opportunity to do things that we’ve never done before and especially in a way that we have never done before,” said ASI Columbia Union President Mark Brown during the meeting. 
 
The gathering allowed members to share their experiences and receive words of encouragement from Pastor Richard Martin of the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hampton, Va.
 
He reminded the members that though they are all carrying burdens, there is One who can handle every single one. In Psalm 68:19, God offers himself as a “daily burden bearer,” Martin said. 
 
“He’s got the wheel, so you and I can rest,” Martin said.
 
ASI Columbia Union plans to continue offering events like this, allowing business owners and ministry leaders to share with each other. 
 
“Generally it is great to be able to just connect and share the blessings and the challenges we face as Adventist business owners and ministry leaders,” said Sharon Pruitt, ASI Columbia Union’s vice president for spiritual development. “We are leaders in a world that is not designed for our spiritual ideals. Having the opportunity to join together virtually during this time of being ‘safe at home’ allows us to keep the issues we are facing real. As business owners, it is not just our income or livelihood that we are concerned over. We have a responsibility to those who work for us. We are able to listen to each other, offer hope and ideas and most importantly pray with each other, intentionally seeking the Holy Spirit to intercede over our specific needs.”
 
Stay tuned for upcoming meetings, both virtual and in person, by connecting to the ASI Columbia Union Facebook page and website.
— Michele Joseph, managing editor, ASI Columbia Union newsletter
WHAT TOPICS SHOULD WE TACKLE?
Tell us what topics would help you in your business or ministry. We may feature one in an upcoming ASI Columbia Union meetup. Share your ideas by joining us on Facebook or contacting us at connect@columbiaunionasi.com.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
Find encouragement, fellowship and news about ASI Columbia Union on our Facebook page. Follow us today!
GOD'S PROMISE
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
— 2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV
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, ASI Columbia Union vice president for spiritual development, and other ASI Columbia Union members.
A CALL FOR FAITH
Our church buildings have been closed now for two months. Many on our ministry teams, and those who work for us may miss direct Christian leadership. They may be struggling with their faith and fear, looking to us for leadership. As Christian leaders in both business and ministries we need to be set apart to have a Godly strength, wisdom and discernment that only the presence of the Holy Spirit can provide. (Galatians 2:20)  We must remain steadfast in our relationship with God, through our independent and collective study, prayer and intentionally seeking God’s face. Not one of us could have predicted the events and circumstances during the first half of 2020, but our God knew. The best news is we do not have to be alone. Seek Him, invite Him, and He will guide our paths and protect us in all things at all times!

 — Sharon Pruitt, ASI Columbia Union vice president for spiritual development

To share a prayer request, email us at connect@columbiaunionasi.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 21-23, 2020  — ASI International is hosting a virtual Spring Conference. Visit ASI's website for more details.
July 29-Aug. 1, 2020 — ASI International Convention, Orlando, FL. For details, visit ASI's website.
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?
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Columbia Union ASI, 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, Maryland, 21045, United States
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