In his 1892 New Year’s sermon, Charles Spurgeon said, “We hope that God has been in some measure glorified in some of us during the past year, but we trust he will be glorified by us far more in the year which now begins.”

These words echo in my mind as I begin my time as Executive Director. I believe God was glorified in some measure by the work of Advent Christians and Advent Christian churches in 2023. Worldwide, hundreds of people were baptized into new life in Christ because of Advent Christian ministries. We rejoiced as we saw continued spiritual growth and development among the Hadzabe tribe in Tanzania even in the face of opposition. Church planting efforts moved forward as potential planters and sites were identified and assessed. The Ministry Training Institute (MTI) graduated more students from its Ministry Endorsement Certificate program. One MTI student was called to pastor a small Advent Christian church that had been without a pastor for a number of years. And in August we were able to gather for our Triennial Convention in Black Mountain, N.C. This was the first time we had been able to meet in six years, and it was a great blessing to worship together, discuss denominational business, hear the Word of God taught, reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

We should all be encouraged about the year ahead as our opportunities to glorify God expand. Seven new students enrolled in MTI to begin the new year. This year will also see the first graduates from MTI’s flagship program, the Leadership in Ministry Certificate. International mission work continues to expand among unreached people groups in Tanzania and India. Northside Community Church in Knightdale, N.C. is replanting a church in Eastern N.C. by sending pastor Daniel Karl, resources and people. This is an effort that is also supported and resourced by the Eastern North Carolina Conference, the Southern Advent Christian Association and ACGC. The replanted church will begin its new life in the spring of 2024!

There is much to be thankful for in 2023. The Lord used Advent Christians for his glory and the expansion of his kingdom last year. There is much hope that he will be glorified by Advent Christians far more in 2024. All of this is work that we do together. Through prayer, hard work and generous giving the Lord allowed Advent Christians to make an eternal contribution to Christ and his kingdom. By his grace, through his power and for his glory may he allow us to do so in this year to come.