GCSA2015 Reflections“So..many..Adventists..” The thought crossed the mind as I inched my way forward in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in St.Antonio, Texas. As a kid growing up in Sri Lanka and Oman – two countries where Adventists are a mere handful compared to the rest of the population – I was used to being the only Adventist in a large group of people. I was used to being the minority most of the time: the religious loner. But not today. Not here. The blessings came from all sides. Nostalgia kicked in full swing as I bumped into people I hadn’t seen in years! It was wonderful to hear how God has been working in their lives up until this point. Another highlight of the trip was experiencing the hundreds of ministry booths occupying the lower levels of the convention center. I wish I had the time to interact with each booth. I would have loved to hear the stories of how God has blessed and leveraged their ministry for His kingdom. As I recall, I was particularly inspired by the zeal and determination of Pastor Samuel from south India who is training young men and women in his village for medical mission work. The most beautiful moment of my GC experience, however, was at the Alamodome. On the first Thursday, General Secretary
Elder Ng recognized long-term and short-term missionaries by inviting them to stand. A few seconds elapsed as I stood there, when the unexpected happened: the people who were within a 10-seat radius worked their way towards me and affirmed me with hugs and handshakes. I didn’t know any of these people. But in that moment they became family – different first names but the same last name: “Adventist.” I have more to say, but in all essence, the General Conference was a reset button for me. I felt my system upgraded, my spirituality renewed, and my zeal revived. Looking forward to Indianapolis in 2020, but prayerfully hoping for a location change: #GCHeaven2020. by Kevin Wilson, Andrews University seminary student
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