Last Countdown

By Josh Davies, 1st Lay Delegate: As impossible as it seems, tomorrow is the beginning of the 2008 General Conference. Months of preparation, reading, study, connection, and prayer come down to 10 intense days in Ft. Worth. Over the past two weeks, you have heard reports from different members of our delegation about their thoughts, opinions, and hopes for this important event. Some of the voices are anxious, some concerned, and all are hopeful. I am hopeful as well, and know that we will accomplish great things  even if some of the work isnt as quantifiable and easily measured as we would like. Our delegation is too inspired, too wise, and too focused. I know we will have a positive impact on the event and the church as a whole. I have gotten the unique opportunity as first elected lay delegate to assist Rev. Janet Forbes in not only helping to lead our delegation, but also to help provide leadership to the entire Western Jurisdiction. This unique perspective has allowed me to get a better understanding of the bigger picture and how by working together we can achieve greater results than as individuals. A reminder of the power of our church working collectively was given to me this Sunday by the Rev. Paul Dirdak. Rev. Dirdak is an ordained minister and served in California for a number of years, but most recently served as CEO for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), where he helped more than double their resources in helping needy people around the world. He delivered the message at Trinity UMC in Denver this past week for Mission Sunday. The theme of his sermon revolved around Henry David Thoreaus words, Be not simply good. Be good for something. One of the ways I plan on doing this is by helping us focus around the four Mission Initiatives. The initiatives will radically change the general church budget, and channel it to be good for something. Those four areas are: Leadership development; Building new congregations and revitalizing existing ones; Ministry with the poor, particularly children; and Combating the preventable diseases of poverty, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. In order to help move our denomination back to prominence, we need to focus on John Wesleys vision of doing good, and focusing on how the church can make society a better place. These four Mission Initiatives will help us be drive home that vision, both here at home and around the world. And as the world comes to Forth Worth tomorrow, please keep us in your prayers, and know that as a delegation we are going to be good for something.