FOCUS ON THE VISION
DENISE WALTON
How often do we take a moment to stop and acknowledge all that God is doing among us? I recently invited the Office of Connectional Ministries to consider the ways in which God is working within their areas of ministry. Here are a few responses:
I see God at work all around the South Georgia Conference. He’s working through faithful congregations, individuals, and pastors who hear His call and respond by saying, “Here I am. Send me.” Through backpack food ministries, after-school programs, health ministries, and so much more, the hope and unconditional love of Christ are being shared in meaningful, life-changing ways. Kara Witherow, Advocate Editor/Communications Associate
I am fortunate to have many invitations to be in local churches across the South Georgia Conference where I experience the heartbeat of mission and ministry and our connection in an incredible way! I am in ministry alongside both clergy and laity who are passionate about serving and making disciples for Jesus Christ. Churches of all shapes and sizes having impact leading to transformed lives! Another powerful reminder for me is also seen through the children and youth that gather for our life span events such as Kidzquest, Encounter, Camp Connect and Confirmation each year! God is truly at work through ALL ages! Allison Lindsey, Associate Director
I love seeing how God is working throughout our Annual Conference and moving people to be more Christlike. I see it through the 500 children screaming at the top of their lungs and how much they love Jesus during the KidzQuest retreat. I see it in the faithful work of our district administrative assistants as they build new websites and launch new forms. I see it in my co-workers in ministry as each person diligently does Kingdom work. I see it as stories unfold of God's goodness as I follow our churches and pastors on social media. Praising God for the great things God has done and continues to do! Kelly Roberson, Director of Communications
I see the narrative changing in my area of ministry (Ethnic Local Churches and Advocacy) among the clergy and the laity. The gap between what God has called us to do and our present reality is changing. We have employed an infrastructure that offers a discipleship-focused approach along with the hope of revitalization. In addition to the crucial conversations, the gap is an indication of our faith and the grace that enables us to carry on. Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, Associate Director
Having the opportunity to see over 500 children representing nearly 40 churches in the South Georgia Conference gather together in one weekend at KidzQuest to worship and learn more about their faith in Christ was just one of many ways I am seeing God at work around us. Our staff takes care of the logistics and planning of these children and youth events, but that does not always prepare us for the life-changing encounters God allows us to be a part of. Building relationships, praying together, sharing meals and laughter, and having those “divine” conversations move us into the presence of God together. I am grateful to continue this throughout the year - in November at Encounter youth weekend, in March with our confirmands and all summer long with campers from all around the conference. Suzanne Akins, Event Coordinator
I see God at work through new opportunities and visions for the future. God is masterfully at work in the hands and minds of our conference team, as we join together in claiming a bold, new future. God is at work in the seemingly small details of everyday tasks that are refined and molded into the vision of what can be for the South Georgia Conference. Meredyth Earnest, Data Specialist
Where do you see God at work?
It’s so easy for us to focus on our individual efforts within ministry and not remember the larger focus of vision and mission. So as we move forward to make disciples of Jesus Christ, where do you see God working and moving in your local church, in the district, and in our annual conference?
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).
Rev. Denise Walton serves as the Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries. Contact her at denise@sgaumc.org.