A Message from the President

June 11, 2013

Welcome!

Welcome to beautiful Tampa, Florida! Be renewed and encouraged this week as we make important decisions about Alliance direction and leadership—steeping everything in prayer—the primary work of God’s people. I am honored to serve you during my last Council as president.
-Gary Benedict, President

Welcome to Florida!

The churches, ministries, and workers of the Southeastern District welcome you to Florida for General Council 2013. Our district, which includes Florida (in the eastern time zone) and the Bahamas, worships Jesus Christ in 12 different languages on any given Sunday; our sister districts in the state add three more. Florida has a population of more than 19 million people, most of whom have come from other states or countries. We recognize that, in many ways, the mission field has come to us. As we gather in Tampa this week, our prayer is that the Lord Jesus Christ will call us afresh to engage with Him in His mission. May we come away with a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and an increased urgency of spreading His gospel here and around the world.
We trust you will find your stay in Florida both spiritually refreshing and physically renewing. Enjoy the sunshine and go to the beach before you leave. Wear a hat, use sun screen, and drink plenty of water. Most importantly, enjoy real warmth in the fellowship of His people as we gather in His name.
—Chuck Hughes, district superintendent

Do You Shine the Light of the Lamb?

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the featured speaker for Council 2013, is positive that Christianity in America is a strong and active force—if believers remain committed to shining the light of Christ. Rev. Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, is convinced that there is hope for our ailing nation through Christ-centered, Bible-believing churches whose light is unblocked, focused and reflecting out into the community and the world. Hear Rev. Rodriguez speak tonight, Wednesday and Thursday at the 7 p.m. service.