The Kerusso – March | 2024 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
A Report From Arizona Max Edwards What a truly glorious time we had in Arizona as we gathered from around the region, and the country for Journey Arizona on February 22-23. In the first place, the Sonoran Desert displays some AMAZING sunrises and vistas. I couldn’t resist taking a couple of morning sightseeing excursions, and … wow! … I was not disappointed. God is an amazing artist!! The Journey meeting began on Thursday afternoon, hosted by our Arizona City Church (Pastor Chet Kwiat) and a wonderful team of volunteers. People from nearby Estrella Community Church (Pastor Debra Miller) and Toltec EMC (Pastor Jeff Bishop) pitched in to make it a sweet time of fellowship, music, worship, and instruction. The attendance was strong, with 61 registered participants from ten different states. The theme of our Journey meetings this year is Leadership, and the flow of the sessions follows the leadership axioms of the Apostle Paul communicated to Timothy in his second letter (2 Timothy 4:5) to Be Watchful, Steady, Winsome, and Ready. We heard from a variety of speakers and presenters, as we learned about living lives of strength, faithfulness, integrity, holiness, and patience. Throughout the event, folks enjoyed both the timely admonitions from the WORD, and the connections between friends, churches, clergy, laity, denominational leadership, missionaries, church planters, youth leadership participants, and ministerial candidates. We heard from several folks who felt this was the very best District Journey meeting they had ever attended. Judy and I had the delightful pleasure of closing out the weekend in Avondale, Arizona with the people of Hamblen Chapel, EMC, and long-time Pastor Tony Wiley. He has shepherded this congregation for 57 years. Yes, you read that right - - 57 years! I always feel humbled to be in his presence. The EMC is richer for faithful leaders like Pastor Tony, and the many other incredible pastors and lay people who made this Arizona Journey so special. Your presence in Oregon, North Carolina, or Texas in the coming weeks will help make those meetings just as special. Hope to see you there!