The first constituency session I ever attended was when I entered ministry in 1984 as a pastoral intern in the Washington Conference. I remember sitting in awe as I watched church leaders prayerfully conduct the business of God’s work. Now, more than 40 years later, I still believe these meetings matter because they remind us that we are accountable to one another, and united in mission.
That is why the theme for this constituency session, United in Service—Living the Gospel, resonates so deeply with me.
Being united in service is essential if we want to accomplish the work God has called us to do in Mid-America.
We will not always agree on every issue, but that should never keep us from loving one another or working together for His mission.
The apostle Paul reminds us, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit…regard one another as more important than yourselves…do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3–4, NASB).
In the Mid-America Union, we have sought to live out that biblical principle through our core values of collaboration, responsibility and diversity. Together, these values help guide our desire to spread hope and wholeness to every person who lives within our territory.
One exciting opportunity to do that is through the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s OneVoice2027 initiative. As churches around the world unite in evangelistic outreach over the coming year, I look forward to seeing how God will work through His people.
A FOCUS ON FAITHFULNESS
As you read the reports in this publication, you will see evidence of God’s blessings on the tremendous ministries taking place across Mid-America during the past five years.
Our territory had the privilege of hosting two General Conference Sessions and the International Pathfinder Camporee, but the ongoing story is found in the faithful ministry happening every day throughout our churches, schools, healthcare ministries, camps and local conferences.
Our deeply committed educators shape young lives both academically and spiritually. Equally committed Community Services and Disaster Response volunteers bring hope during times of crisis. Camps create places where lifelong friendships are formed and young people encounter their Savior. AdventHealth continues Christ’s healing ministry, while Union Adventist University prepares students for lives of faithful service.
Perhaps what encourages me most is what happens every Sabbath in our local churches led by our devoted pastors. Members gather to worship, study God’s Word, encourage one another, and share Christ with their communities. Those quiet acts of faithfulness are the foundation of everything we do.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Looking back on my years as president, one lesson stands above the rest: ministry is always stronger when we work together. No single office or individual can accomplish God’s mission alone.
Some of the accomplishments I am most grateful for are not buildings completed or events hosted, but partnerships strengthened, leaders encouraged, and ministries supported across our nine-state territory.
Having served as a teacher, pastor and youth ministries leader, I have always believed that investing in people is one of the church’s greatest responsibilities. It has been a joy to watch God raise up faithful leaders across Mid-America who serve with humility, compassion and a heart for mission.
BLESSING UPON BLESSING
Looking back, I am most thankful not for milestones reached but for lives changed. Every baptism, every student who chose to follow Christ, every family that found hope reminds us why we do this work. Changed lives are the true measure of success.
Time and again, I have watched the Lord provide exactly what His church needed.
He has opened doors, raised up leaders, and blessed ministries beyond what we could have imagined.
One of my greatest blessings has been serving alongside an exceptional group of conference presidents. I would not trade our leadership team for any other in the North American Division. I am equally grateful for Dr. Yami Bazan, the dedicated faculty and staff at Union Adventist University, and the remarkable employees of the Mid-America Union office. Their servant hearts, professionalism and commitment to God’s mission have blessed me beyond measure.
I would also be remiss if I did not thank my wife, Diane. Her faithful partnership, encouragement, and unwavering support have strengthened me throughout our years in ministry. Whatever good has been accomplished during my service has been possible because we have served together.
OUR ETERNAL HOPE
This session is especially meaningful because it will be my last as president.
At its close, a new leader will be chosen for the Mid-America Union. While I will miss serving in this role, I believe God blesses His church through new leadership and fresh perspectives. My heartfelt request is simple: pray for and support the person He calls to serve.
I cannot express how thankful I am for the privilege of serving the wonderful people of Mid-America. Your faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to God’s mission have been a constant encouragement to me and gives me great hope for Mid-America’s future.
If we truly embrace the call to be United in Service—Living the Gospel, while remaining grounded in our values of collaboration, responsibility, and diversity, I believe the years ahead will be among the most fruitful in the history of the Mid-America Union. May God continue to use us to provide something good and eternal in a very broken world as we spread hope and wholeness throughout our territory until the day we are all united in His eternal kingdom.
Gary Thurber is president of the Mid-America Union.
