GCC Evangelism Stories

It was getting dark as my wife and I were getting closer to the Seventh Day Adventist church in Valdosta, GA, which is almost on the border with Florida. Devastation after two recent hurricanes was evident even in the dusk. Lots of broken trees on each side of the road and damaged roofs covered with a blue tarp. When we pulled up to the church parking lot, we noticed many people standing at the church's front door. This was the final night of the Bible seminar with Dr. Roger Hernandez, Southern Union Ministerial and Evangelism director, preaching.  Pastor Day Fernandez was taking care of the final details before the doors were opened so that the visitors could come in for dinner prepared by the members of the Valdosta church. The church ladies at the registration desk were super friendly. It was easy to identify volunteers as they were all wearing the same T-shirts. Everyone knew their role: welcoming visitors, scanning their tickets, guiding them to the kitchen, serving food, etc....

I believe in doing proclamation meetings because our Lord has specially called us to preach the “Everlasting Gospel” of the “Three Angels’ Messages,” firmly centered and grounded in Jesus Christ. God sends these messages through His messengers with a “loud voice.” But how can that prophetic loud voice be fulfilled? The answer is that we, God’s Seventh-day Adventist people, are to be those messengers. Together, we are to be the fulfillment of that prophetic loud voice. But, unless more of us can patiently and perseveringly unite together to share why and how we “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12), the fulfillment of that prophetic loud voice will be severely muted. Therefore, I believe in our need for Total Member Involvement (TMI). The two, preaching and TMI, must go together for our message to be heard. Thus, there is a great need for other works and events in concert with proclamation events, where all members can and should have some part to play...

Hi friends, this is a personal invitation for you to join us for an exciting Atlanta city-wide event about Jesus on November 15-16, 2024 at the Atlanta Belvedere Church in Decatur, GA. Video credits: produced and edited by Deedré Cousins. All assets used (music, footage, and VoiceOver), with the exception of the sound effects, are granted to Stone Mountain SDA by Artist Ltd. through a non-exclusive, worldwide and perpetual license. Please DO NOT copy or use any assets without proper licensing through Artlist Ltd.

Karen Keaton is one of the Bible Trainers on the LEADS team. In a recent phone conversation, she shared the following exciting story. With her permission, I'm posting it on our Evangelism blog.  "Several months ago, I started an e-mail conversation with a lady in Nashville, GA.   I sent her the booklet, "The Faith of Jesus." Just yesterday, she sent me an e-mail saying that she enjoyed learning about what happens when you die because she had been talking with her dead sister and would often see things move in her room. It was very enlightening after she studied the Lesson on Death to know that her sister did not know anything and that she had been communicating with demons.   She asked if I would call her and explain to her more about death.    Unfortunately, she had to cancel her appointment, but in God's timing, I know that HE will reveal more truth to her, and prayerfully I can connect with her very shortly."

Kenyon Memorial SDA Church in Thomasville, GA, is hosting a ten-day Bible Prophecy seminar. Pastor Day Fernandez, from a church in Valdosta, GA, has been invited as the speaker for the meetings. Although he has to drive an hour each way to speak in Thomasville, this is not a hindrance for him. Some nights, he brings along his wife and their two-year-old son, reflecting the family's passion for evangelism. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Thomasville may have a small congregation, but they are actively engaged in ministry. Local Pastor David Mason inspires his congregation to share the Gospel with their friends and families. Thomasville is a charming town in southern Georgia, known for its historical landmarks and beautiful rose gardens. I invite you to pray for those who need to find hope in the soon coming of the Lord in this picturesque corner of Georgia. ------------ Peter K

Pastor Nestor Amparo is actively building strong relationships within the communities of Leesburg, GA, and Albany, GA. When you enter his church, you are warmly welcomed with a spirit of hospitality, surrounded by smiles and hugs. I had the privilege of visiting on a special day when the church celebrated the International Sabbath. It felt like I had joined a United Nations General Assembly, as church members donned colorful national outfits and decorated the platform with banners representing over twenty countries. It was heartwarming to feel like a part of God’s family, where everyone is welcomed and appreciated. This year, the Albany/Leesburg Seventh-day Adventist Church is participating in the Revitalization Program under the guidance of Pastor Richie Halversen, the Southern Union Church Growth and Revitalization Director. Each week, they hold various seminars aimed at helping the church grow spiritually, building relationships within the community, and sharing the Gospel with frie...

A few days ago, I had a special couple in my office. They've been working together for decades in the ministry of sharing the Gospel of Jesus with thousands across the United States, but their particular emphasis is in Georgia and Tennessee. They are E.W. Dempsey and his wife, Beth Ray. E.W. has served the GCC for many years, and Beth Ray has been his greatest supporter, volunteering her time for hands-on evangelism. They offer online Bible study videos and lessons, which they mail to hundreds of people monthly. They shared many fascinating experiences about people finding Jesus as their Savior. Here is just one about Jimmy, whose life was changed through the Bible studies with E.W.  Jimmy, a resident of Aiken, South Carolina, had lived a rewarding life, including ten years as a  dedicated paramedic. For two decades, Jimmy had been part of a study group led by the late  Dr. Charles Stanley, a well-known Baptist minister. Those years deepened his faith and gave him  a...